Everyone loves a good underdog story; to see a newcomer make it to the top amidst more experienced competition is proof that anyone can make it big with enough dedication and passion. That may very well be whyindie gamesendear players so much. Despite the odds of making it big in the video game industry, small-time developers manage to create something that matches (or even outshines) the expectations set by AAA titles.
Though most only see a modest amount of success, somepopular indie gameshave etched their way into video game history by becoming must-have titles in any player’s library.
Updated July 30, 2025, by Ashely Claudino:The world of indie gaming grows every year. Fans continue to gravitate towards this genre and explore what has started to feel like indie-classics. Despite not being around for as long as many of the entries listed below, Balatro has definitely secured its place on this list by being nominated for Game of the Year in 2024. On top of that, we’ve also added Rust, an online survival with servers that are periodically wiped out.
Cooperative multiplayer horror games have become all the rage in the gaming community. Titles likeLethal Companyshow just how engaging these video games can be when the execution is sublime.
Players must scavenge for scrap in hostile alien worlds, while avoiding everything from extraterrestrial death traps to unknown monsters. The sheer chaos and hilarity that ensues when players hear one of their teammates screaming for their lives is entertaining every single time.
Some people have rightfully criticizedPalworldfor emulatingPokemon’s monster designs to a fault. However, there’s a lot of original work put into this game as well. It helps that the survival gameplay coupled with shooting elements make for a novel experience.
The game has gone on to sell millions of copies, and many people have found this title to be an escape from the mediocrity of the Pokemon series. Only time will tell ifPalworldwill maintain this level of relevance, but there’s no denying that this game is one of the biggest indie titles of 2024.
When playing a survival game, players usually get to a point where they have the most powerful weapons and can take down just about anything without having to fear seeing a Game Over screen. Well, that is not the case inRust- ever.
This online survival game resets every week, biweekly, or monthly, so players can set up the best base ever but they will have to accept that it will eventually be destroyed - if not by other players, then it’ll be the server itself. On top of this, the game happens in real-time as well, so if the player goes to sleep, they might return to a dead character or a destroyed base. Therefore, inRust, gamers can lose everything they worked for within a second.
There are tons of roguelike indie games, butCrypt of the NecroDanceris not only due to its adorable graphics but also due to its unique rhythm mechanic. Even though the rhythm feature can be turned off by selecting Bard as a character, it’s crucial to understanding the game.
The originalCrypt of the NecroDancerwas such great fun that the developers, Brace Yourself Games, teamed up with Nintendo to deliverCadence of Hyrule, a unique spin-off Zelda game.
It’s a shame that Playdead’s founders have split up since they are responsible for creating two of the greatest indie platformers ever made.Limbowas their first breakout hit, and this trend of excellence was continued with the release ofInside.
This game is an atmospheric romp through a mysterious world that is rife with dangers. Players assume that they’re just controlling a lone boy and protecting him from the horrors of the world, only for certain revelations later on revealing the truth of what really happened.
Braidis cited as one of the games that kickstarted the indie game revolution. The game’s unique time manipulation mechanics, ingenious puzzles, unique art style, and thought-provoking narrative captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
The best part ofBraidwas its ingenious plot twist at the end, questioning the role of gamers always being a hero in their respective titles. Even now, after all these years,Braidis still one of the most important indie video games of all time that has aged like a fine wine.
Limbo, developed by Playdead,quickly became a critical and commercial success upon its release. It’s a shame that the co-founders of the company ended up parting ways after some creative differences since it was clear that their collaborations had spawned some of the greatest video games ever made.
The game’s haunting, monochromatic art style, combined with its atmospheric sound design and clever puzzle mechanics, created an unforgettable gaming experience.Limbowas a game that didn’t shy away from showing just how brutal it could really be, and fans still theorize about the title’s story to this day.
Super Meat Boyis achallenging platformerthat has become a beloved indie classic. The game’s precise controls, difficult platforming sections, and charming art style have made it a favorite among gamers.
For how cute the game looked, it was quite hilarious to see the main character be ground into a pulp or chopped to bits over and over again whenever players failed to accomplish a particularly hard platforming challenge. Players who want to test their platforming skills will be more than happy with whatSuper Meat Boyhas to offer.
Releasing in 2021, indie gemUnpackingtoogamesgames' industry by surprise, thanks to its insurgence of popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.Unpackingwas instantly a commercial success, becoming one of thebest-selling indie games of all timeby selling 100k units in its first ten days across all platforms.
Witch Beam’s dream is azen puzzle game where players essentially unpack a lifeas they undergo the familiar process of taking possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Players experience a sense of intimacy with a character they never met and a story never told.
TheSteamWorlduniverse started in 2013 with the release ofSteamWorld Digfor the 3DS. As the years went by, it eventually made it way to other gaming platforms, and it can now be played on any computer or console.
Gamers fell in love with the world ofSteamWorld, and it was so well-received among the gaming community that not only did it lead to a sequel but also several other spin-off games, such asSteamWorld HeistandSteamWorldBuild. It will certainly be interesting to see just how muchSteamWorldcan continue to grow.
