While many people stick to tried-and-true AAA franchises like Assassin’s Creed or Call of Duty, indie games are home to some of the best titles out there.
They offer impactful stories and unique gameplay you won’t find anywhere else. All, usually with the caveat of small budgets, tiny teams, and a focus on passion-led design above all else.
I love exploring new indie games and seeing what brand-new ideas are being brought to market to freshen things up. But the question remains, which games over the years can be crowned the cream of the crop?
56
Among Us
Whodunit?
Among Us is a gem of a game. Not only did it introduce gaming to the masses, but it was also a particularly helpful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even if there are other iterations and party games that do it better than Among Us, this game was a pioneer during that time, and helped me make new friends, solidify bonds with pre-existing friends, and help dull down the overwhelming loneliness of having to self-isolate.
It’s helped unite friendships, and sometimes end them, if you just so happen to be an Impostor teamed up with a friend who decides to turn their back on you and snitch to keep themselves alive.
55
Journey
Ride the sands
Journey is such a beautiful game. It’s a game that I truly believe everyone should play at least once just to experience it. The music is phenomenal, and the atmosphere is so rich.
Even if you are someone who struggles with puzzles, give Journey a go. I promise you won’t regret it. Riding the sands and speeding through the dunes is one of the most breathtaking and liberating experiences you can have in a game like this.
For a long time, Journey was a PlayStation 4 exclusive, but we are very lucky to have access to this game on PC and iOS now.
54
Vampire Survivors
The Vampire is in another coffin!
Vampire Survivors has me in a chokehold. I have been playing it since it was first released, and I never tire of having as many wacky combos as possible to survive as long as I can.
There are so many awesome collaborations in this game, allowing you to play characters from Castlevania, Contra, and Among Us.
I am in the process of unlocking everything and getting every achievement. I have hundreds of hours in the game, and I’m still not bored yet!
If you like your games with a touch of RNG and chaos, Vampire Survivors is the game for you.
53
Celeste
Platforming has never looked so good
Celeste is such a heartwarming game that touches on some very important topics. At the forefront is a girl who must navigate challenging levels featuring highly technical jumps and platforming. Under the surface is a tale of mental health struggles and figuring out your identity.
If you want to play Celeste, make sure to bring some patience into it. Otherwise, you’re going to find yourself very angry at some of the jumps and slides you have to do in this game. Luckily, you’ll be soothed by the beautiful soundtrack and visuals that accompany the experience.
Think of it like Hollow Knight platforming, but on steroids. Enjoy!
52
Her Story
Is she telling the truth?
Her Story is one of my favorite games that I’ve ever played. If you are a fan of Nancy Drew and being a detective, this is the perfect game for you. Searching through video files on a PC, you have to piece together a story and figure out what the truth is and what is a lie.
This game has some phenomenal plot twists that will blow your mind and make you question everything as you blow the case wide open.
It’s such a well-thought-out game, and it deserves more eyes on it, especially as crime-solving and detective games are becoming more popular.
51
Papers, Please
Dystopian organization
Papers, Please is the first game I made sure to replay to get all the achievements. To this day, it is one of my favorite games. If you’re a fan of dystopian settings that hit a bit too close to home, you’ll definitely want to check out Papers, Please.
Working as Border Control at Grestin Checkpoint, you are in control of allowing people across the border into your country, Arstotzka. As you progress, more and more rules are put into place, and you have to scrounge every coin to make a living and support your family.
It’s very dystopian and dark, but maybe that’s why I love it.
50
Slay the Spire
Just one more run
I’ve spent a disgusting amount of time playing Slay the Spire. It’s such a fun deck builder and has paved the way for many that followed. The art style is great, and I would love to give Neow a cuddle.
Starting with just three characters, there are multiple paths to take, relics to discover, and RNG to either bless or curse your run. Compared to some other deck-builders, Slay the Spire offers a lot more choice and versatility in the builds that you can use to succeed.
Some of the secrets added into the game are hilarious, and make completing the game that extra bit special.
49
Blasphemous
Spanish Metroidvania
Blasphemous is one of the most unique Metroidvanias out there, in my opinion. It has such rich lore, atmosphere, and a beautiful art style to boot. If you’re a fan of soulslikes, this is the one to check out.
For a full, authentic experience in Cvstodia, you can also use the full Spanish dub translation that was added in a free update to Blasphemous.
If you find yourself wanting more of the stunning world of Blasphemous, there are also the DLCs to play through, and the sequel for more delightfully punishing content.
48
Soma
So many plot twists
Soma is a wild experience, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoyed Amnesia or Penumbra.
Some of the elements feel similar to what was provided in Frictional Games’ previous work, but Soma is a gem of a game if you like horrors that toy with your mind.
It combines stealth, puzzle-solving, and plenty of information to gather along the journey so that you can figure out who you are, what your role is, and what comes next for you.
Nothing will prepare you for the plot twists this game has to offer, though.
47
Strange Horticulture
Be a Botanist
Strange Horticulture is Bad Viking’s debut game, and what a debut it was! It has such a great, cozy, eerie vibe to it that would be perfect for those who are fans of puzzle-solving and detective work.
For the Agatha Christies and the Sherlocks of the world, this is the game that you need to check out.
Not only do you have a pet to keep you company, but you get to discover new plants, use them to either aid or ail the townsfolk, and also follow along with your own personal story that can lead you to a variety of endings.
Your decisions matter, even if you don’t know it yet.
46
Unpacking
Furniture Tells a Story
Unpacking is such a heartwarming experience, and one that many players can relate to. Simply telling the story of a person who is moving house at various stages of their life, you get to see them grow and flourish into an adult just by the different houses you are laying your roots.
You see the character go through childhood, adolescence, university, love, and more, without a story ever being told. It’s the small details and observation skills that will go a long way in this game.
I recommend everyone play it at least once. Even if you don’t care for the story, it’s a very peaceful experience.
45
Oxenfree
Find the Frequency
Oxenfree is such an eerie and unique horror experience. The art style really makes it stand out from the crowd, and it will come as no surprise to some readers that it is on this indie games list.
You are with your friends when a ghostly rift is opened, and now you have to try to traverse and communicate using radio frequencies to reunite with your friends and uncover the story. The game has received updates since, adding new storylines and endings for you to discover.
It combines whimsy, 80s aesthetic, music, and scares all in one masterfully created game. Plus, it has a sequel!
44
Night In The Woods
Beautifully Quirky
Night In The Woods feels like a very heartfelt coming-of-age story that many players can relate to in some way or another.
Whether it’s the cheesy, awkward charm of some of the characters, the feeling of existential dread, or the friendship dynamics that play out, the game has a little something for everyone.
It is a lot of reading, but Night In The Woods will take you by surprise with some of the antics you get up to in this game.
There are dad jokes, heartfelt moments about friendship, worthiness, and stability, mixed with the whimsy of friendship and mini-games.
43
Before Your Eyes
Uniquely Heartbreaking
Before Your Eyes is a game that you really need to be in a good headspace for to be able to play. Whether you need a good cry or you just want to have your heart ripped out of your chest, Before Your Eyes is the perfect game to do that with.
It uses eye tracking to progress the story as and when you blink, which can make you miss out on certain parts of the story depending on your blinking. That being said, you still get the full story and heart-wrenching experience.
Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.
42
Spiritfarer
Comfortable Grieving
Spiritfarer was an incredibly healing game for me, and it found me when I needed it most. Struggling with grief for many years, this game helped provide a sense of calm and reassurance that I couldn’t find elsewhere.
The game is full of Ghibli-esque whimsy, combined with stories and tales of tragic endings, fractured relationships, and health struggles aplenty.
That being said, the sadness and tears that come along with this game are so cathartic and feel so healing all at the same time.
41
Undertale
Comic Sans or Papyrus?
Onto a more light-hearted note, Undertale is one of the best indie games of all time. Yes, it’s a game that has made its way into meme culture a fair few times, but once you push all that aside, there is a fantastic story to be told.
On top of that, Undertale has a fantastic soundtrack that never misses (thank you, Toby Fox), and the combat system stands out from the crowd, making it one of the best turn-based combat games I’ve ever played.
No two playthroughs are the same, and Undertale has so much to offer. Give it a go.
40
Death’s Door
Be the Crow
Working as a Crow, it is your responsibility to go collect souls, as you are a reaper. However, things soon go awry as one of the souls you have been designated to collect has gone missing.
This gives way to a beautiful isometric souls-like with cutesy cartoon characters that you have to fight off as you try to find your way to obtain the assigned soul. There are discoveries to be made as you wander into a realm like no other. A realm where death can’t get in.
You’re going to have your work cut out for you, little crow.
39
Little Nightmares II
Tim Burton Style Horror
All three of the Little Nightmares games have the same art style, so you’ll get to experience the Tim Burton-esque style across all three. However, in my opinion, Little Nightmares II is the best game out of the three.
The story is more coherent and offers some unique mechanics to be able to traverse around the rooms that you explore. The enemies are downright scary, especially the main foe that you find yourself facing off against.
Just make sure to look out for any TVs on your journey.
38
Bastion
Little Guy in the Sky
If you’re a fan of Hades or Transistor, use that love for those games to check out Supergiant Games’ debut title, Bastion. There is so much love poured into this game, and you can feel the care and consideration that went into making this title.
This is one of the first games I ever played on PC, and it will remain in my mind forever. The art style is stunning (as always), the music is so complementary to the combat, and you get to die, rinse, and repeat.
I’ll never not be a sucker for the roguelike cycle.
37
Subnautica
Lovecraftian Drowning
For those with thalassophobia, you might want to give this one a miss. Anyone else, I would strongly recommend checking this game out.
On the surface is a survival simulator, where you get to explore the ocean, harvest materials, forage for food, and try to survive out in the open waters.
Once you go deeper, you see what is truly lurking in the shadows, and see what horrors await you down in the depths once you have successfully built a strong enough oxygen tank.
Subnautica is the perfect mix of coziness and horror.
36
Against The Storm
Roguelike Strategy
Against the Storm has been a favorite of mine since it was in Early Access. Compared to other strategy games, I feel that this one particularly stands out from the crowd. It’s perfectly apocalyptic, and the music oozes atmosphere as the feeling of existential dread overwhelms you while you play.
Fighting against the elements to try and survive, there are many other factors at play that you have to keep in mind. You have to have different species living together, while balancing food costs and favors to the Queen, as you are the Viceroy.
It’s a tricky game, but easy to get sucked in and play for hours.
35
Dredge
Fishing meets Horror
Dredge is such a unique game that combines the typical sleepy vibes of a fishing game with Lovecraftian horrors and the fight for survival in a town that just isn’t quite right. Exploration and conversations with the inhabitants of the small islands that you sail around have many tales and requests.
These requests will unearth secrets that perhaps never should have been uncovered in the first place, and will have moments where you wish you could unsee the horrors that you found in the depths below.
It’s a beautifully haunting game, carefully balancing relaxation and atmosphere to lean into an experience that will have you white-knuckle gripping the controller.
34
Routine
Robotic Nightmares
If you’re a fan of Alien Isolation, Routine is the perfect game to chase it with. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a survival horror that had left me so uneasy and on edge.
There are strong moments of silence, moments where you feel you are safe and secure. Only for an enemy to wake up and immediately chase after you.
On top of this, you have to problem solve, investigate, and read information, all while trying to avoid rousing the attention of the nearby hostiles.
Routine is an intense experience, but one so immaculately made.
33
Beacon Pines
A Heartfelt Tale
Beacon Pines has a lot of love poured into it, and for those who are fans of branching narratives or games like Night in the Woods, Beacon Pines has a very similar vibe.
There are so many wholesome, touching moments that have you audibly ‘awwing’, with other moments making you feel angry to your core.
The best part is, Beacon Pines has a lot of replayability, allowing you to choose the ending of the story, and for it to conclude when you are ready for it to conclude.
Dive into Beacon Pines, adore the characters, and have your heart ripped out in the process. What’s not to love?
32
V Rising
Out for Blood
V Rising fulfilled my lifelong wish of being a vampire and looking cute while doing it. You get to customize your character and have them look however you wish, and then set out upon the land to found your castle and begin to dominate the landscape around you.
There are bosses to kill that help provide power and allow you to have servants and access stronger vampiric powers that will aid you in battle, while also unlocking new resources that can help you build your castle from the ground up.
31
Rain World
Slugcat
For those who are fans of Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong, Rain World is a game that you’re going to want to check out.
Exploring a devastated ecosystem, you play as a Slugcat who serves as both predator and prey. You’ll have to fight for survival, complete quests, meet interesting characters along the way, and make sure that you don’t get eaten by the larger creatures that dominate the world you’re living in.
If you find it a bit of a challenge on your own, Rain World has the option for co-op, allowing you to bring a friend on your adventure!
30
Risk of Rain 2
Frequent Teleporter
Risk of Rain 2 has a rich cel-shaded aesthetic that I’m absolutely in love with. The colors are vibrant, balancing a mixture of overwhelming and calmness across the different environments that you teleport to.
There are a bunch of characters to play as, all with their own unique abilities that help them survive the hellish landscapes and fight off enemies.
You can also pick up a variety of items that can help boost your stats and make you more powerful for taking down bosses.
Plus, you can play with up to three of your friends for a more hectic experience!
29
Graveyard Keeper
Corpse Farming
Graveyard Keeper is much like Stardew Valley, Sun Haven, and Fields of Mistria. Just… on a darker level. The game is quite charming, and I love how it takes the farming simulator genre and turns it on its head.
Rather than spending your time tilling fields, you’re preparing to bury bodies. You also have the option to harvest organs, steal essentials from the body for other objectives, while also interacting with the townsfolk, building relationships, and completing quests for them.
It can take a while to get into the swing of things, but it’s a great game and full of hilarious moments, with some of the conversations to be had.
28
To The Moon
Grab the Tissues
To the Moon is a game that has never left me since I played it. Released in 2011, I remember every moment of this indie title. It’s a heartwarming experience about giving an old man his dying wish, which is to send him to the moon.
In doing so, you get to experience his memories, watch his life flash before his eyes as he embarks on his final journey.
It’s an emotionally poignant game, and it will leave you in floods of tears by the end, but it’s worth every second of the heartbreak.
27
Fields of Mistria
A Unique Farming Sim
Fields of Mistria is one of the more unique farming simulators that are currently available on the market.
If you like Stardew Valley, this is certainly one to try out or keep your eyes on. Fields of Mistria features a more 90s anime-esque art style, making the animation, conversations, and character designs really pop against the farming backgrounds.
The colors are a lot more vibrant, and there are more features on offer than the typical sim. You get to find your life partner (of course), farm, raise animals, sell your goods, but you also get to use magic! There will be quests for you to complete, characters to get to know, and ancient ruins to explore and uncover.
The best part is, it’s still in Early Access, with plenty more on the way.
26
Limbo
Black and White
Limbo is a unique horror game that doesn’t rely on jumpscares to be terrifying. The atmosphere of this game is so precise and purposeful that it makes Limbo an enticing experience.
You play as a small boy trying to find his sister in a black-and-white environment. It’s also a side scroller, meaning you don’t have to worry about plenty of secrets in nooks and crannies.
The sound design, atmosphere, and the feeling of being small and fragile are what make this game such a great one to play through, even if you aren’t a fan of horror games.
25
Detention
Taiwan’s History
Detention uses its horror elements to combine the history of Taiwan with folklore and religious context. It’s incredibly atmospheric and downright haunting at times.
It gives you insight into Taiwan’s martial law in the 1960s and how terrifying it was to live in that society under government pressure.
There are moments that are horrifying and shocking, but make so much sense when you play the full game. It’s a controversial game to say the least, but in my opinion, it’s an important one.
24
Stray
Become the Cat
Stray is one of the most visually stunning games I’ve ever played. Taking place in a cybercity, you play as a small ginger stray cat.
You are small in a very large, overwhelming world, and you have to fight for survival to try to get back to your home.
There are adorable robots that you get to speak to and do quests for, as well as a dystopian story lurking underneath.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most importantly, you get to become the cat.
23
The Plucky Squire
A Change of Perspective
The Plucky Squire is a sweet, wholesome adventure that is fitting for players of all ages. Not only does it have a fun use of perspective and dimensions, but there are lovable characters, silly villains, and puzzles aplenty.
Getting to transition between a two-dimensional world and a three-dimensional world is trippy, but it makes for interesting navigation mechanics and new methodologies for solving the puzzles laid out in front of you!
The story is also heartwarming and brought me childlike joy. It’s a great game for exploring your childish side and being a kid again.
22
Cult of the Lamb
All Hail the Lamb!
Cult of the Lamb is not quite as child-friendly, since you play as a cult leader trying to recruit as many members as possible. That, and siphoning their strength, making them eat poop, and all that normal cultish stuff.
In all seriousness, this game is a lot of fun, and combines the elements of a farming simulator with those of a roguelike through the different bosses you have to beat.
There are still consistent updates being released, with the latest DLC being released on 22 January!
21
Coffee Talk
Spill the Tea
Coffee Talk is such a cozy, relaxing game. There are no stakes involved, and it really is just like having a gossip session with friends over a drink. You are the bartender at a coffee shop, meeting new and familiar faces regularly and making drinks for them.
You get to learn new drink combinations, help people with their love lives, and cheer on your friend while they are working to write a novel.
If you find yourself enjoying Coffee Talk, there is also a sequel and another game called Coffee Talk: Tokyo, set to release in May this year.
20
Moonlighter
Hoard and Sell
Moonlighter is another game that combines the difficulty of a roguelike’s combat with the cozy life of owning a shop and selling to customers.
You have to go into dungeons, fight for survival, and come out unscathed with materials that you can use to help build up the city as well as sell to your customers to make a living.
It’s a really fun title, with a lot to discover and a lot of fun bosses to fight. For more from this adventurer, there is also Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault.
19
Doki Doki Literature Club
Just Monika
Doki Doki Literature Club took the world by storm upon its release, and I was certainly one of the people caught up in the hubbub of it all.
This game is so deviously crafted, lulling you into a very false sense of security, making you believe it’s all just a cute visual novel.
Except, it’s not. Instead, you have a game that disorients you so much it may as well give you whiplash, horrifying scenes playing out in front of you, and a looping story with changes. Did I mention it makes changes to your files if you play on PC?
It’s all worth it in the end, for Monika. Just. Monika.
18
South of Midnight
Deep Southern Love Letter
South of Midnight is a beautiful action-adventure game that takes you through a fictional version of the American Deep South. Along the way, you meet characters and explore environments that are a love letter to the real Deep South, as well as creatures from folklore.
It’s a beautiful art style, and a game that stands out from the crowd for its unique storytelling and the encounters you get to have with some of the most well-known myths and legends from the Southern states of America.
If you’re a fan of Southern Gothic settings with the combination of fantasy and magic, South of Midnight is the indie game for you.
17
Ori and the Blind Forest
Heal the Trees
Ori and the Blind Forest is an overwhelmingly beautiful, poignant, and whimsical experience that will knock you off your feet. It tugs at your heartstrings and will have you crying, laughing, raging, and more.
The story of trying to heal the forest is relatable in some aspects, and you can feel the strain and pressure that Ori feels in his journey to do just that.
The music in Ori and the Blind Forest is phenomenal and will uplift you and motivate you through some of the hardest combats and platforming.
This game will get your heart racing, that’s for sure. If you loved this game, there is also the sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
16
Project Zomboid
Can You Survive?
Most zombie games revolve around being as bloody and as grotesque as possible, to give players the most realistic and visceral experience possible.
Project Zomboid does the complete opposite of that. Instead, you have a hardcore survival experience where death is permanent, and you have to plan carefully to be able to survive.
As well, it is a pixelated game, meaning you don’t have that same level of visceral blood and guts. That being said, it still makes for an incredibly intense atmosphere, especially if you play on servers with other people, as you aren’t just fighting against zombies. You’re fighting against them, too.
15
Disco Elysium
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Disco Elysium is a politically poignant game, and one that is of utmost importance in a time like this. It’s another branching narrative game, and you get to decide the kind of detective you want to be in this dystopian landscape.
Whether that means interrogating people harshly, finding evidence through nefarious means, or taking bribes to give the perpetrator a better outcome, the choice is entirely up to you.
Can you live with the consequences?
14
Hades
To Kill a God
Hades is one of the best and most original roguelikes available on the market. Made by the developers of Bastion, Hades is a beautiful, rich game revolving around Greek Mythology. Not only is the soundtrack amazing, but the art is phenomenal.
While it may seem like a game that has a linear story, focused on Zagreus’ journey, there is so much more to it than that. There are multiple branching narratives that you can follow throughout, completing them as you go.
Overall, Hades is such a beautifully crafted game, with hours of replayability and lovable characters. If you find yourself needing more, Hades 2 is now available, too.
13
Tunic
Isometric Nostalgia
Tunic is such a heartfelt, crafted game, and is another one for the Souls-like fans. In this adorable isometric adventure, you play as a little fox who is stranded in unknown territory, and you have to rely on your wits to explore. Slaying foes, completing puzzles, and uncovering secrets, this game has a lot to offer.
There is so much to love and so much to uncover in this game, and the boss fights are incredibly challenging but very rewarding.
The best part is putting together the manual, which is reminiscent of the game manuals you’d receive with games. It brought back many memories of my childhood playing games on the PlayStation One, and I thought it was one of the coolest parts of Tunic.
12
Inscryption
Haunting Card Battler
There are plenty of card battlers and deck builders out there. Yet, Inscryption remains one of the most unique card battlers that I have ever played. It’s haunting and confusing, and rewarding all at once.
Something about Inscryption is beautifully hypnotic. It seems like just a card battler on the surface, but as you experience both winning and losing, you begin to uncover more and more secrets that will blow your mind.
It’s not scary enough to be a full-blown horror, but it’s scary enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
11
Cuphead
Slapstick Stresses
Cuphead is an absolute masterpiece. With every single frame of the game being hand-drawn, and the music being totally fitting, it’s one of the best indie games out there, and quite possibly one of the best games ever made.
Love and dedication were poured into this game. Despite the game being incredibly frustrating at times, it was never too hard.
Sure, it took me tens, maybe hundreds of attempts on some bosses, but it still felt fair. Especially seeing how far I got into a boss fight with the progress bar at the end. For added fun (and stress), you can even play it in co-op and have a helping (or hindering) hand.
I adore Cuphead, and it is one of the most charming and unique games out there.
10
Fez
Whimsical Platformer
Fez is an adorable game. You play as Gomez, who is a little 2D creature in a 2D world, but has mixed-perspective elements. This can make for quite a trippy experience, especially when you are exploring the world of Fez.
There are plenty of pixel exploration platformers out there, but Fez feels unique and stands out from the crowd.
It’s absolutely adorable and full of heart. It’s a perfect game for gamers of any age, and even good for those who want to get into gaming for the first time.
9
Super Meat Boy
Infuriating Gore
In a lot of ways, Super Meat Boy walked so that The Binding of Isaac could run. While they are not both platformers, Super Meat Boy and a lot of the characters from that franchise appear in The Binding of Isaac in items or references.
Super Meat Boy is an incredibly challenging platformer. So much so that some could even argue whether you ever feel rewarded when you complete the levels. This game is incredibly brutal, and remains one of the first PC games I ever played.
Now is a perfect time to replay it, especially with Super Meat Boy 3D being announced and planned for release later in 2026.
8
Terraria
Side-scroller Minecraft
I’ll admit, Terraria is a game that I struggle with immensely. While I am great at Minecraft, I cannot get to grips with Terraria.
That being said, it’s one of those games that I love watching other people play. It’s so fascinating to see all the different layers of Terraria and how involved a game it is.
It’s simple in terms of aesthetics, but the game design and processes are so much more complex than you could imagine. There is a lot to unlock and uncover, and some truly haunting enemies to fight off.
7
Hollow Knight
A Bug’s Life
I only played Hollow Knight for the first time last year, but I loved every single second of it. Even with minimal dialogue, so much emotion is shared in the game.
The boss fights are challenging but incredibly rewarding. I did feel like I pulled a muscle from being so tense when I was in some of the fights, though.
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, and the wait between Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong was absolutely worth it. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long because I joined in rather late, but I stand by my point of it being worth waiting for.
Hollow Knight and Silksong are both labors of love, and games made with such care and dedication.
6
Slime Rancher
So much Slime
Slime Rancher is perfect for those who want a farming simulation game, but with a twist. While growing crops is still part of the experience, your experience revolves heavily around discovering different types of Slimes, raising them, and combining them with other Slimes to see what you get.
It’s an incredibly peaceful game and is very kid-friendly if you’ve been wanting to get your child into gaming. While ranching is the main focus of Slime Rancher, there is also a lot of exploration to do, mini-puzzles to solve, and some really fun mini-games and conversations to be had!
Slime Rancher 2 is also out now!
5
Balatro
NaneInf
Balatro has taken the world by storm, and it isn’t surprising! A game that allows you to gamble, without any real-life repercussions.
Plus, it combines deck-building with the roguelike genre, and it works incredibly well. I have sunk a disgusting amount of time into this game, often finding myself saying “just one more round” and then the next thing I know, it’s 5 AM.
The aesthetic is great, combining a retro feel with psychedelic trance-like music that almost hypnotizes you into playing more Balatro. Even if math is your mortal enemy, you’ll find yourself enjoying Balatro.
4
Stardew Valley
One more Night
Stardew Valley is one of the most popular indie games on the market, getting its claws into people who wouldn’t usually entertain a farming simulator. If you’ve been looking for a game where you can turn off your brain, this is the perfect game for that.
Playing as a farmer, you get to grow and tend to your own crops, but you also get to go mining, slay monsters, go fishing, and befriend people in the village. Not only that, but a lot of the characters are romanceable and have great conversations when you interact with them.
There has been endless love poured into this game, and you can tell even within the first hour of playing it. To top it off, there have been consistent updates since its release, adding new content, locations, and quests to complete.
3
What Remains of Edith Finch
The Whole Story
What Remains of Edith Finch is such a unique and poignant story. You play as Edith, and you explore the Finch house, where there are stories in every room, bringing back floods of memories. It’s a lot like reading a book and it coming to life in front of you.
Parts of it are incredibly haunting, others are joyful and full of whimsy, while others are downright heartbreaking. It’s a magnificent game, and one that will remain with you long after you’ve played it.
Even if walking simulators or narrative-driven games aren’t your thing, I’d always recommend playing this at least once.
2
Blue Prince
Where to Next?
Blue Prince is such a unique game, and nothing could have prepared me for the amount of note-taking I would be doing. I was warned by my friends to take notes as I go, but it really is a case of observing every little thing, as you never know when you’ll need the information.
Blue Prince is reminiscent of flash games where you’d have to complete an escape room, except on a much grander scale. There are a lot of puzzles to solve, a lot of rooms to explore, and paths to plan.
It’s a magnificent indie, and will leave you scratching your head and wondering where you went wrong when solving some of these tricky puzzles.
1
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
Down with Mother
The Binding of Isaac is probably my absolute favorite indie game. Not only does it tackle very delicate topics in unique ways, but it also has an immense amount of replayability. I admit, I’m someone who loves hunting achievements, but even without that, this game has an endless realm of possibilities for the kind of builds you can have and the paths you can take.
There are many characters to try out, and Repentance, the latest DLC, added so much to the game that it swept me off my feet. I have well over 1000 hours in this game, and I’m still finding so much to unlock and discover.
