Neither of these is a combat game, a reflex test, or a story about winning. Both are quiet, side-scrolling puzzle-platformers built entirely around one physical trick, applied and re-applied across an entire game, rather than a growing arsenal of abilities.
Unravel, $12
You play as Yarny, a tiny creature made entirely of a single strand of yarn, navigating a series of Scandinavian-inspired landscapes to repair fading memories. The core mechanic is genuinely simple: yarn trails behind you as you move, and it is finite, so every swing, bridge, and tether you build has to be planned rather than spent freely. The whole game is quiet and melancholic rather than tense, built for a slower, more reflective pace than most platformers.
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, $10
A boy named Max, armed with a magic marker, drawing vines, spikes, and other environmental elements directly into the world to solve each puzzle. Where Unravel's mechanic is about scarcity, yarn is limited and must be conserved, Max's is about creation, the marker lets you actively reshape a level rather than just navigate around what is already there. Lighter and more playful in tone than Unravel, closer to a fairy-tale adventure than a melancholic one.
Same idea, different feel
| Unravel | Max: The Curse of Brotherhood | |
|---|---|---|
| Core mechanic | Finite yarn trail, used for swinging and bridging | Magic marker, draws vines and hazards into the world |
| Mechanic philosophy | Scarcity, plan carefully, don't waste it | Creation, actively reshape the level |
| Tone | Quiet, melancholic, reflective | Light, playful, fairy-tale |
| Price | $12 | $10 |
If a slower, more emotionally quiet experience appeals, Unravel is the better fit. If the appeal is actively solving puzzles by creating your own tools rather than conserving a limited resource, Max leans lighter and more playful.
Get either key
Both are genuine global Xbox digital keys, delivered by email. New to redeeming a digital Xbox code, our redemption guide covers console, phone and browser methods.
More to explore
See the rest of the game key catalogue, or our other roundups: Portal-like puzzle games, six more indie picks, and hidden gem indies under $15.
Frequently asked questions
Is Unravel a co-op game?
No, the original Unravel is single-player only. Its sequel, Unravel Two, is the one built around co-op.
Is there combat in either game?
No, both are built entirely around puzzle-solving and platforming, with no combat system in either.
Which is harder, Unravel or Max?
Unravel's difficulty comes from managing a limited resource carefully. Max's comes from figuring out how and where to draw the right shape to solve each puzzle. Neither is especially punishing, both lean toward relaxed rather than challenging.
How long are these games?
Both are moderate-length single-player campaigns, shorter than a typical AAA adventure but longer than a quick indie title.
Are these genuine Xbox keys?
Yes, both are genuine global, region-free Microsoft codes, delivered by email and redeemable on any Xbox account regardless of country.
