In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed a seismic shift. No longer dominated solely by AAA titles with multi-million-dollar budgets, the landscape has been enriched by the rise of indie games. These smaller, often self-published projects have carved out a significant niche, offering unique experiences that prioritize creativity, innovation, and emotional depth over flashy graphics and mass-market appeal. Indie games have become a breeding ground for experimentation, storytelling, and artistic expression, and they’ve proven that you don’t need a blockbuster budget to create a masterpiece.
This article shines a spotlight on some of the best indie games of recent years—hidden gems that deserve more attention. These titles showcase the diversity, creativity, and passion of indie developers, and they’re proof that some of the most memorable gaming experiences come from the most unexpected places.
- Hollow Knight (2017)
Developer: Team Cherry
Genre: Metroidvania
Hollow Knight is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and tight gameplay. Set in the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, players take on the role of a silent, bug-like knight exploring a vast, interconnected underground kingdom. The game’s hand-drawn art style, haunting soundtrack, and challenging combat have earned it a place among the best Metroidvania games of all time.
What sets Hollow Knight apart is its ability to immerse players in its world. The lore is deep and mysterious, revealed through environmental storytelling and cryptic NPC interactions. The gameplay is equally rewarding, with precise controls, a variety of abilities to unlock, and tough but fair boss battles. Despite its modest origins, Hollow Knight has become a benchmark for indie excellence, and its upcoming sequel, Silksong, is one of the most anticipated games in recent memory.
- Celeste (2018)
Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Genre: Platformer
Celeste is more than just a platformer—it’s a heartfelt story about overcoming personal struggles and finding inner strength. Players control Madeline, a young woman determined to climb the titular Celeste Mountain, facing both physical and emotional challenges along the way. The game’s tight controls, clever level design, and poignant narrative have made it a critical darling.
What makes Celeste special is its accessibility. While the game is notoriously difficult, it includes an assist mode that allows players to tailor the experience to their skill level without judgment. This inclusivity, combined with its touching story and stellar soundtrack by Lena Raine, has cemented Celeste as a modern classic.
- Hades (2020)
Developer: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike Action
Hades is a game that needs no introduction at this point, but it’s worth reiterating just how groundbreaking it is. As Zagreus, the son of Hades, players attempt to escape the underworld, battling through hordes of enemies and uncovering the secrets of their dysfunctional family. The game’s fast-paced combat, stunning art style, and innovative narrative structure have earned it widespread acclaim.
What sets Hades apart is its seamless integration of story and gameplay. Unlike most roguelikes, where death resets progress, each run in Hades advances the story, with new dialogue and character interactions that keep players invested. The game’s voice acting, writing, and music are all top-notch, making it a standout title in the indie scene.
- Disco Elysium (2019)
Developer: ZA/UM
Genre: RPG
Disco Elysium is a narrative-driven RPG that redefines what the genre can achieve. Players take on the role of a detective with a fractured psyche, navigating a complex web of politics, morality, and personal demons in the fictional city of Revachol. The game’s unique skill system, which allows players to internalize traits like Logic, Empathy, and Inland Empire (intuition), creates a deeply personal and immersive experience.
What makes Disco Elysium so special is its writing. The game is a literary masterpiece, filled with sharp wit, philosophical musings, and emotional depth. Every choice matters, and the game’s branching dialogue system ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. It’s a game that challenges players to think, reflect, and engage with its world on a profound level.
- Outer Wilds (2019)
Developer: Mobius Digital
Genre: Exploration Puzzle
Outer Wilds is a game about curiosity, discovery, and the fragility of existence. Players explore a small solar system trapped in a 22-minute time loop, uncovering the mysteries of an ancient alien civilization and the impending doom of a supernova. The game’s non-linear structure encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players with a sense of wonder and awe.
What sets Outer Wilds apart is its sense of scale and intimacy. The solar system feels vast and mysterious, yet every planet is meticulously designed, with its own unique challenges and secrets. The game’s narrative is deeply emotional, exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time. It’s a game that stays with you long after the credits roll.
- Spiritfarer (2020)
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
Genre: Management Sim
Spiritfarer is a game about saying goodbye. Players take on the role of Stella, a ferrymaster tasked with guiding spirits to the afterlife. Along the way, they build relationships, manage resources, and explore a beautifully hand-drawn world. The game’s themes of loss, acceptance, and compassion resonate deeply, making it a profoundly moving experience.
What makes Spiritfarer special is its ability to balance melancholy with warmth. While the game deals with heavy themes, it’s also filled with moments of joy, humor, and connection. The art style is stunning, the soundtrack is soothing, and the characters are unforgettable. It’s a game that reminds us of the beauty and impermanence of life.
- Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
Developer: Lucas Pope
Genre: Mystery Puzzle
Return of the Obra Dinn is a detective game like no other. Players take on the role of an insurance investigator tasked with uncovering the fate of the crew of the Obra Dinn, a ship that mysteriously reappears after being lost at sea. Using a magical pocket watch, players can glimpse the final moments of each crew member, piecing together the events that led to their demise.
What sets Return of the Obra Dinn apart is its unique visual style and gameplay. The game’s monochromatic, 1-bit graphics evoke the look of an old Macintosh computer, creating a distinct and immersive atmosphere. The puzzle-solving is challenging but rewarding, requiring players to pay close attention to details and think critically. It’s a game that demands your full attention and rewards it with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
- A Short Hike (2019)
Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu
Genre: Adventure
A Short Hike is a small game with a big heart. Players control Claire, a young bird who sets out to climb a mountain in order to get cell phone reception. Along the way, they explore a charming open world, meet quirky characters, and engage in various activities like fishing, racing, and treasure hunting. The game’s relaxed pace and wholesome tone make it a perfect antidote to the stress of everyday life.
What makes A Short Hike special is its simplicity. The game doesn’t overstay its welcome, offering a concise and heartfelt experience that can be completed in a few hours. Yet, within that short timeframe, it manages to create a world that feels alive and full of personality. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest games can leave the biggest impact.
- Inscryption (2021)
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Genre: Card Battler/Horror
Inscryption is a game that defies expectations. On the surface, it’s a card-battling roguelike, but as players progress, they uncover a dark and twisted narrative that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The game’s unsettling atmosphere, clever puzzles, and meta storytelling make it a truly unique experience.
What sets Inscryption apart is its willingness to take risks. The game constantly subverts player expectations, introducing new mechanics and narrative twists that keep you on your toes. It’s a game that revels in its own weirdness, and that’s what makes it so memorable.
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale (2021)
Developer: Greg Lobanov
Genre: Adventure Puzzle
Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a game about creativity, self-doubt, and the power of art. Players take on the role of a dog who inherits a magical brush, using it to restore color to a world that has been drained of it. The game’s painting mechanics are intuitive and satisfying, allowing players to express themselves in unique ways.
What makes Chicory special is its emotional depth. The game explores themes of imposter syndrome, mental health, and the pressure to live up to expectations, all wrapped in a charming and colorful package. It’s a game that encourages players to embrace their imperfections and find joy in the act of creation.
Why Indie Games Matter
The indie games listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. The indie scene is bursting with creativity, offering experiences that range from the whimsical to the profound. These games matter because they push the boundaries of what games can be. They tell stories that resonate on a deeply personal level, explore themes that are often overlooked by mainstream titles, and experiment with gameplay mechanics in ways that challenge and inspire.
Indie games also provide a platform for underrepresented voices. Many indie developers come from diverse backgrounds, and their games reflect their unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity enriches the medium, making it more inclusive and representative of the world we live in.
Finally, indie games remind us that gaming is an art form. They prove that games can be more than just entertainment—they can be a means of self-expression, a tool for empathy, and a way to connect with others. In a world where AAA games often prioritize profit over creativity, indie games are a breath of fresh air, reminding us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place.
Conclusion
The rise of indie games is a testament to the power of creativity and passion. These hidden gems may not have the marketing budgets or brand recognition of AAA titles, but they more than make up for it with their heart, innovation, and artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the medium, there’s an indie game out there for you—one that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after you’ve put down the controller.
So, the next time you’re looking for something to play, consider diving into the world of indie games. You might just discover your new favorite game.