With big expos of the year such as SGF and Gamescom fast approaching, we have been busy trying to get ahead of ourselves and check out some of the freshest and finest indie games coming up in 2026.
This meant heading out to Las Vegas and enduring the Nevada heat to attend LVL UP Expo 2026. Something that my pasty skin hopes you really appreciate. But the trade-off is that I got hands-on with some killer little hidden gems.
So, if you’re wondering what upcoming indies are worth your time, allow me to give you the rundown on the best games we played at LVL UP Expo in Las Vegas.
7.
Kick!
First, we have a game that has a very simple arcade setup and premise. Yet, it’s also one that I found myself glued to for the short duration of the demo.
Kick! Is an anime style side-scrolling platformer that has the player navigate stages with a soccer ball at their feet, avoiding all the hazards that come their way.
The dribbling mechanics, the art style, and the short-but-sweet levels all make for a pretty chill but engaging experience. It’s not a worldbeater, but if you long for those days kicking a ball around your local neighborhood, this could scratch that itch.
6.
Croak
When I stepped up to play Croak! I was a little worried that the game’s actual gameplay wouldn’t be able to match the Majesty of the animated visuals on offer. A worry I was right to have, as Croak! looks the part, but perhaps doesn’t always feel like it.
That isn’t to say that this is a bad platfomer, because it isn’t. The level design is solid, and the platforming is unique enough to stand out with the tongue-based grappling mechanics.
However, there’s just something a little finicky and unsatisfying about the controls and overall setup of the game that makes it feel like a rather basic platfomer at times, albeit a very pretty one. This game has potential, but it wasn’t quite as impressive as we had hoped.
5.
Dark Scrolls
When I see any game that is backed by Devolver Digital, I jump at any opportunity to play, as I know that what I get will be uncompromisingly unique and weird.
Dark Scrolls is in that category for sure, offering a co-op arcade experience which sees you and up to 3 other pals battling through side-scrolling adventures in a bid to survive. Think Sonic side-scrolling levels, but with classic 2D beat-em-up vibes.
It’s simple, honest fun and offers just enough of a unique slant on the pre-established 2D Platformers out there to make it worth trying.
4.
Grave Seasons
Having seen the first section of gameplay for Grave Seasons at SGF last year, I was very excited to see what else was on offer for us this time around. Which, as it turns out, is a huge farming sim world to explore.
Last time, a lot of the world was blocked off, but this time we were given the freedom to explore, and the world is surprisingly big, with loads of NPCs to chat to, and plenty of odd jobs to do to improve your cursed farmstead.
But, as is custom in Grave Seasons. The day naturally ended with a brutal murder. Brining into focus again, that this is a farming sim with a dark twist. One that we are still very excited to jump in to properly.
3.
Truckful
I’m a sucker for a cozy game, and Truckful is very much a game within that category, for better or worse.
I say that because the coziness and laid-back nature of the game is both the best and worst part of the experience. On the positive side, the lack of maps for navigation, the forgiving delivery stipulations, and the isometric camera that makes you feel like you’re in control of a micro machine all works great.
But, the game’s core mechanic is stacking items for deliveries, and the issue is that, even if you do it badly, or crash and lose your cargo. You can simply pick it all up with no penalty and go again. The lack of stakes is a bummer in my opinion. But overall, a game that makes for a nice second screen experience if nothing else.
2.
The Dungeon Experience
I’ve already spoken about Devolver’s weird ways, and The Dungeon Experience is the epitome of their ability to curate gaming curiosities. This game basically has you partake in a bootleg LARP of sorts, which also happens to be a business and life coaching seminar all rolled into one. Oh, and it’s also run by a wisecracking, shady crab. Odd enough for you?
The game’s focus is purely built around surreal humor, with light puzzle elements and action to push things along. Shooting for laughs and gasps rather than gameplay excellence. Something that truly works for this kooky little indie.
It feels like stepping into a bootleg Rick and Morty cartoon in many ways. With genuine laugh a minute writing that makes this one very hard to put down. It won’t be for everyone, but for those that like irreverent, silly comedy, this game nails that tone.
1.
Neo Titan
I usually know which game has the best chance of wowing me at an Expo, but on this occasion, I was caught completely off guard by Neo Titan. A phenomenal top-down twin-stick Metroidvania adventure that could be the indie sleeper-hit of this year.
The mix of hack and slash and twin-stick shooter mechanics make this game feel like a very welcome blend of games like Minishoot Adventures and Enter the Gunegon. With addictive, punishing level design to hold your attention.
This one feels for all the world like the next big challenging Metroidvania, and it’s well worth a wishlist.
