10 New Xbox Indie Games That Should Be On Your Radar In January 2026
Image: Pathologic 3

We're halfway into January already, but with the new releases starting to ramp up on Xbox over the final few weeks, we thought we'd bring back our monthly indie games feature and highlight some of the most intriguing new titles!

There's plenty of interesting stuff here, including the day one release of MIO: Memories in Orbit on Xbox Game Pass, along with the likes of Escape from Ever After and Cassette Boy that have been getting a fair bit of hype.

As we always say, please don't limit yourself to just these 10 games — we've got a list of all the latest new game release dates for Xbox in 2026 elsewhere on Pure Xbox, so have a root through that list and see what you can find.

Here are 10 Xbox indie games that we think should be on your radar in January 2026:

I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival (January 8) (Free Trial)

I Am Future is a relaxing single-player survival game about building a cozy rooftop camp amid a flooded post-apocalyptic city. Set up a farm, go fishing, tinker with gadgets, craft new tools, manage a team of cute robots to automate and expand your base, explore the mysterious world, and chill out!

Loan Shark (January 13)

You are an angler haunted by huge debts. In the midst of yet another night working at sea, you catch something different: a fish which talks, and promises to make you rich... but at what cost?

Tavern Manager Simulator (January 13)

Restore your fantasy tavern to its full glory. Repair, improve and expand the establishment. Cook delicious food and keep an eye on the mood of the visitors. Create a unique atmosphere for unforgettable adventures!

The Last Case of John Morley (January 14)

Step into the mind of John Morley, a 1940s detective on his final case. Explore shadowed places long forgotten by time, and piece together crime scenes in a narrative adventure steeped in mystery, unexpected twists, and a truth buried for decades.

Cassette Boy (January 15) (Free Demo)

CASSETTE BOY is a multi-award-winning and nominated RPG based on puzzles inspired by the rules of quantum physics, where the world around us vanishes when it is out of sight. The game was recognized at BitSummit Drift 2024, where, in addition to being nominated for the Visual Excellence Award, Cassette Boy won the Grand Jury Vermillion Gate Award.

MIO: Memories in Orbit (January 20) (Xbox Game Pass)

Venture through a massive spaceship, face ruthless machines, and uncover the secrets of the Vessel while reclaiming your lost memories.

MAVRIX By Matt Jones (January 22)

The ultimate multiplayer open world designed by Pro riders. Discover mountains and trails with limitless control and build your own career. Pull huge tricks or race through the global rankings! Nail challenges to secure sponsorship deals with real world brands. Are you ready?!

Escape From Ever After (January 23) (Free Demo)

A genre-bending RPG inspired by the classic Paper Mario games! When a greedy megacorp from the real world starts taking over fairytales for their cheap labor, a newly-hired storybook hero must climb the corporate ladder, rally together other disgruntled employees, and fight back!

Pathologic 3 (January 23)

In this psychological horror game, you are a doctor with only 12 days to save a town from a mysterious plague. Make ruthless decisions and diagnose with precision. Shape the town's future and rewrite the past. Hold yourself together while it all falls apart.

I Hate This Place (January 29)

A craft-based, isometric survival horror game with twisted monsters and warped reality. Scavenge and build to survive terrifying days and nights while using stealth and noise to fight enemies that stalk by sound. All styled with bold comic art and an '80s horror vibe.

Which Xbox indie games do you want to shout out for January 2026? Tell us down below.