Xbox Game Pass cosy hidden gem is a chill indie I keep sliding back to

One of Xbox Game Pass’ most-adorable additions in recent years is one I keep going back to, and so should you.

Ever since Grand Theft Auto VI’s price was announced, I’ve taken a greater interest in the Xbox Rewards Hub, which nets you points for playing games, completing punch cards and other activities.

Now I don’t actually plan on buying GTA VI on my Xbox Series X/S because as Rockstar and Sony continue to tell us, it’ll play best on the PlayStation 5.

However, since writing a guide on how to either get the game for free, or at a hefty discount, with just Xbox reward points, it’s made me realise just how helpful this untapped well of free store credit truly is.

This has led me to trying more Xbox Game Pass titles than I have in months as I build up my points balance, and Sledding Game has oddly been one that’s stuck with me.

READ MORE: How Xbox Users Can Grab GTA 6 Ultimate Edition For Free, Or Heavily Discounted

Sledding Game is a cutesy Xbox Game Pass addition, perfect for a crisp Sunday evening

Developed and published by The Sledding Corporation, would you believe it, Sledding Game is exactly what it says on the tin.

After either hosting or joining an online server, you can select one of several adorable critters as your character, like the frog from the cover art or a penguin for a more festive feel.

The main ‘objective’, if you will, is to simply start sledding. You’re basically dropped into a massive ski resort with mountains to scale then slide down, and side activities scattered throughout the map.

You can catch a ski-lift to some of the highest peaks or waddle up them manually, though you’ll probably need to do a bit of climbing anyway to get to the highest points in the game.

The Sledding Corporation

You’ll rack up your score as you play, with more points awarded for doing tricks, big jumps and sticking the landing on the way down. There’s even an area with half-pipes and ramps.

When you’ve accumulated enough points, you’ll start to unlock some goodies like new sleds and costume options for your character, so you can stand out from your fellow sledders and skiers.

It’s a very simple and casual game, yet I’m totally enamoured by it. I’ll hop on in the evening when I want to add to one of my Xbox Rewards punchcards or when I’ve got another game downloading in the background.

There’s something oddly relaxing about watching a pudgy penguin sliding down a hill, and it quickly becomes comical when you crash into a tree and watch them go tumbling down a mountain.

As I alluded to before, there are also some side activities to find and participate in. There’s a curling rink set up near the game’s spawn area, and targets littered throughout the alps to throw snowballs at. You can even build snowmen.

I’d unironically recommend this game for anyone looking to play a game that’s just pleasant. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with AAAs these days and I bet when you do eventually find time to play the latest release, you’re already thinking about what you want to play next, or more specifically what you need to play next. Gaming isn’t a second-job folks, it’s meant to be an enjoyable pastime.

Sledding Game can be that cosy time-killer you’ll keep coming back to if you’re currently subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. If not you can pick the game up for less than $10/£10, and there’s a free trial as well.