Xbox has launched its Indie Selects January 2026 collection, highlighting a diverse range of independent games available through the ID@Xbox program. Led by the Holiday Recovery Squad - Raymond Estrada, Deron Mann, Steven Allen, and Jessica Ronnell - the initiative aims to give visibility to indie releases that may have gone unnoticed during late November and early December. The Indie Select Hub, accessible on the Xbox Store and Xbox.com/IndieSelects, features rotating weekly collections alongside four themed spotlights, offering players a consistent way to discover new indie titles.
Tactical Depth and Campus Life in Demonschool
Demonschool, developed by Ysbryd Games, is a tactics-focused RPG that follows demon hunter Faye as she navigates a mysterious island and university life. The game combines turn-based combat with a two-phase action system, requiring careful positioning and sequence planning to maximize effectiveness. Beyond combat, the game emphasizes exploration and interaction with its environment. Players can engage with non-playable characters, participate in minigames, and discover hidden easter eggs throughout the campus. Its modern-retro visual design and engaging soundtrack complement a story filled with humor and character-driven moments, making it a strong addition to Xbox’s tactical RPG offerings.
Adaptability at the Core of Morsels
Morsels, developed by Furcula and published by Annapurna Interactive, takes a top-down roguelite approach centered on flexibility. Players control a group of creatures called Morsels, each with unique abilities, and must adapt their strategies based on the challenges of procedurally generated rooms. The game emphasizes experimentation over reliance on a single character, rewarding players who switch tactics and learn from failure. Its unsettling visual style and card-based progression system set it apart from more conventional roguelites, offering a memorable experience for players who enjoy trial-and-error gameplay combined with strategic decision-making.
Puzzle and Combat in Gigasword
Gigasword from Studio Hybrid is an action-puzzle Metroidvania that challenges players to manage the weight of a massive sword while navigating environmental puzzles and combat scenarios. Swinging the sword requires deliberate timing, and its heft influences both attacks and interactions with the world, such as triggering switches or moving platforms. The game blends retro NES-inspired aesthetics with modern save mechanics, offering a methodical approach to exploration and combat. It encourages players to plan carefully rather than rush, providing a unique take on the classic Metroidvania format.
Narrative Perspective in Goodnight Universe
Goodnight Universe, developed by the creators of Before Your Eyes and published by Skybound Games, casts players as Isaac, a six-month-old baby with emerging psychic abilities. The first-person perspective emphasizes story over conventional gameplay, with interactions and environmental manipulation tied to narrative progression. As powers develop, players can move objects or explore the thoughts of other characters, adding depth to the narrative. While the console version omits certain eye-tracking features from the PC version, the core experience remains intact, offering an emotional and story-driven adventure that takes roughly four to five hours to complete.
Political Decision-Making in Suzerain Expanded Edition
Suzerain Expanded Edition from Torpor Games is a text-based political simulation that allows players to lead a fictional nation as President Rayne, or in the included DLC, King Romus Toras. The game revolves around making policy decisions, navigating scandals, managing economic and military challenges, and shaping the future of the nation. Dialogue choices, cabinet interactions, and complex narrative branches provide meaningful consequences for player actions. Its multiple playthroughs offer strong replay value, appealing to fans of story-driven strategy and governance simulations.
Mystery and Time Loops in Rue Valley
Rue Valley, published by Owlcat Games, combines narrative adventure and light life-sim elements within a small-town mystery set inside a repeating 47-minute time loop. Players explore the town, interact with residents, and uncover secrets while experimenting with different dialogue choices and actions. Character personalities and the unfolding narrative create an immersive atmosphere, encouraging careful observation and engagement. The game emphasizes slow exploration and narrative discovery over fast-paced action, providing a reflective and methodical gameplay experience.
Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration
Xbox has announced the Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration for January 28, 2026. The event will feature discounts, giveaways, and additional surprises, highlighting the ongoing support for indie developers through the Indie Selects program. January’s collection demonstrates Xbox’s commitment to offering a consistent platform for indie games across genres, from tactical RPGs and roguelites to narrative-driven simulations and puzzle adventures.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Indie Selects on Xbox?
Indie Selects is a curated collection of independent games featured on Xbox every month, designed to highlight unique titles across genres and give visibility to smaller developers.
How can I access the Indie Select Hub?
The Indie Select Hub is available on the Xbox Store and at Xbox.com/IndieSelects. It updates weekly with new curated games and themed spotlights.
Which games are included in Indie Selects January 2026?
January’s lineup includes Demonschool, Morsels, Gigasword, Goodnight Universe, Suzerain Expanded Edition, and Rue Valley.
Are Indie Selects games available on Game Pass?
Not all Indie Selects titles are on Xbox Game Pass, but some may be included depending on agreements with developers and publishers.
When is the Indie Selects Anniversary event?
The Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for January 28, 2026, featuring giveaways, discounts, and special announcements.
Do Indie Selects games support Xbox Play Anywhere?
Some games, such as Morsels, support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing play across console and PC with shared progress and achievements.
