Discover the Best Indie Games on Steam

<> Indie games have carved out a special niche in the world of gaming, offering unique and innovative experiences that often outshine their mainstream counterparts. Steam, a premier digital distribution platform, hosts a plethora of these gems. This blog post explores the crème de la crème of indie games on Steam, categorized by genre to help you find your next favorite game. From exploration to adventure, to RPGs and roguelikes, we’ll introduce you to top-rated indie games that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a visually stunning world to get lost in, an engaging story to unravel, or a challenging puzzler to flex your brain, this guide has got you covered.

The best indie exploration games

A Short Hike

When it comes to indie exploration games, “A Short Hike” is an absolute must-play. Developed by Adam Robinson-Yu, this charming adventure game lets you explore the picturesque Hawk Peak Provincial Park. The simple premise of hiking to the summit quickly unfolds into an enchanting journey filled with serene landscapes, endearing characters, and delightful mini-games. The intuitive gameplay and loving attention to detail make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The freedom to explore at your own pace, combined with a soothing soundtrack, offers a respite that is both meditative and fulfilling. Whether you’re soaring above the treetops with your trusty glider or finding hidden treasures, “A Short Hike” makes every moment of gameplay feel rewarding and magical.

Umurangi Generation

“Umurangi Generation” by Origame Digital is more than just a game; it’s a captivating photojournalism experience set in a bleak, cyberpunk future. Players take on the role of a young photographer, capturing the essence of this dystopian world through their lens. The game brilliantly combines exploration with creative freedom, allowing you to photograph stunning urban landscapes and intriguing scenarios. The evocative soundtrack and striking visual style further enrich the experience, drawing you deeper into its narrative. “Umurangi Generation” doesn’t just offer exploration; it serves as a poignant commentary on society, making it a deeply impactful experience for anyone who engages with it.

Proteus

“Proteus” by Ed Key and David Kanaga stands out as a tranquil, atmospheric exploration game where the world is your canvas. With its unique art style, “Proteus” offers an ever-changing island full of vivid colors, dynamic seasons, and a mesmerizing soundtrack that reacts to your movements. This game isn’t about accomplishing tasks or defeating enemies; it’s about experiencing the beauty of an evolving, magical world. The lack of structured gameplay allows for pure exploration, granting players the freedom to interact with its vibrant, ever-changing environment in their own way. “Proteus” encapsulates the idea that sometimes the true joy of gaming lies in the journey, not the destination.

The best indie adventure games

The Forgotten City

“The Forgotten City” began life as a mod for Skyrim before evolving into a full-fledged game. This time-loop adventure developed by Modern Storyteller thrusts players into an ancient Roman city where the inhabitants are cursed to live out the same day repeatedly. The game excels at weaving a compelling narrative, full of intricate puzzles and moral quandaries that truly test your decision-making skills. Each character in the city adds depth to the story, making every interaction feel meaningful. The beautifully rendered environment and well-crafted plot ensure that “The Forgotten City” keeps you hooked from beginning to end, combining mystery and historical intrigue seamlessly.

Spider and Web

“Spider and Web,” created by Andrew Plotkin, is a text-based interactive fiction game that invites players into a web of espionage and deception. Unlike traditional adventure games, “Spider and Web” utilizes the power of text to create a tense, thrilling narrative that keeps you guessing. The game’s strength lies in its ability to tell a deeply compelling story through simple yet effective interactive mechanics. Perfect for fans of classic adventure storytelling, this game challenges your wit and cunning. “Spider and Web” demonstrates that sometimes all you need is a good story and smart writing to create an unforgettable experience.

The Red Strings Club

Developed by Deconstructeam, “The Red Strings Club” is a cyberpunk narrative game that dives deep into themes of identity, free will, and existentialism. Set in a futuristic world, you play as a bartender and hacker who mix cocktails to extract secrets from patrons, using your skills to uncover a sinister corporate conspiracy. The game’s pixel art and jazzy soundtrack perfectly complement its mature and thought-provoking narrative. Choices matter in “The Red Strings Club,” and every dialogue tree can lead to drastically different outcomes, making multiple playthroughs just as engaging.

The best indie RPGs

Disco Elysium

“Disco Elysium,” developed by ZA/UM, revolutionizes the RPG genre with its deeply immersive narrative and complex character development. You play as a detective solving a murder under less-than-ideal conditions, dealing with your own internal demons and a society on the brink. The game features an incredibly detailed world full of richly crafted lore and a unique dialogue system that gives players unprecedented control over their character’s personality. With no combat system, “Disco Elysium” focuses entirely on narrative choices and skill checks, emphasizing storytelling and role-playing. Every decision you make carries weight, making for an intellectually engaging experience that’s hard to put down.

Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale

Ever wondered what it would be like to run your own item shop in a fantasy world? “Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale” by EasyGameStation lets you do just that. Balancing between dungeon crawling and shop management, this indie RPG offers a refreshing twist on the genre. The gameplay is an addictive blend of buying low, selling high, and venturing into dungeons to stock your shelves with newfound treasures. “Recettear” stands out for its whimsical art style and charming characters, making the grind feel enjoyable and rewarding. It’s a unique RPG that adds a new dimension to typical role-playing mechanics, ensuring you’re always engaged.

West of Loathing

“West of Loathing” takes the traditional RPG formula and injects it with a hefty dose of humor and charm. Developed by Asymmetric, this comedic RPG set in the Wild West offers stick-figure graphics and a laugh-out-loud narrative. The game’s humor is its strongest asset, filled with witty dialogue, hilarious quests, and absurd characters. But don’t let the simplicity fool you; “West of Loathing” features deep role-playing mechanics, challenging puzzles, and engaging turn-based combat. It’s a game that proves you don’t need elaborate visuals or high drama to create a memorable RPG experience.

The best indie puzzle games

Strange Horticulture

“Strange Horticulture” by Bad Viking invites players into a curious botany shop filled with enigmatic plants and hidden mysteries. The game’s mechanics revolve around identifying and utilizing various plants to solve puzzles and assist your customers. Boasting a dark and intriguing atmosphere, “Strange Horticulture” mixes elements of horticultural science with compelling narrative threads. The cozy shop setting and detailed, hand-drawn art style make for a visually pleasing experience. This indie puzzler stands out for its depth of content and immersive storytelling, blending the soothing art of plant care with the excitement of solving age-old mysteries.

Hidden Folks

“Hidden Folks” by Adriaan de Jongh and Sylvain Tegroeg is a charming, hand-drawn search-and-find game that offers hours of engaging gameplay. Each level is a sprawling, interactive illustration brimming with tiny, animated characters and objects. Your task is to find specific items or people, with each level becoming progressively more intricate and challenging. What sets “Hidden Folks” apart is its whimsical sound effects and delightful art style. The game exudes a sense of joy and wonder, making it easy to lose yourself in its intricately designed worlds. It’s a puzzle game that’s equally satisfying and fun, suitable for all ages.

Wilmot’s Warehouse

“Wilmot’s Warehouse” is a unique puzzler from Hollow Ponds that tasks players with organizing and managing a warehouse full of diverse items. The minimalist art style combined with its strategic gameplay mechanics makes for a surprisingly addictive experience. Whether you’re a neat freak or an organizational wizard, “Wilmot’s Warehouse” will scratch that itch to sort and categorize. The game’s simplicity is its greatest strength, offering a relaxing yet challenging experience that requires players to think on their feet. With each new influx of items, you’ll find yourself strategizing the most efficient way to keep your warehouse running smoothly.

Papers, Please

Lucas Pope’s “Papers, Please” turns the mundane job of a border checkpoint officer into a compelling puzzle game. Set in the fictional dystopian country of Arstotzka, your job is to review the documents of immigrants and visitors. Every decision you make has consequences, adding layers of moral complexity as you grapple with conflicting priorities and ethical dilemmas. “Papers, Please” excels at creating tension and urgency, making even the simplest tasks feel like high stakes. The game’s pixel art style and immersive storytelling will keep you hooked as you strive to balance your personal life with the demands of a totalitarian regime.

The best indie roguelikes

Hades

Developed by Supergiant Games, “Hades” has set a new standard for modern roguelikes. Playing as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, you attempt to escape the underworld, facing hordes of mythological foes along the way. The game captures the essence of Greek mythology while incorporating fast-paced, fluid combat mechanics. What sets “Hades” apart is its rich narrative that evolves with each run. The dynamic dialogue and deep character development make every attempt at escape feel fresh and engaging. Coupled with stunning art and a rousing soundtrack, “Hades” is a masterclass in roguelike design.

Cult of the Lamb

“Cult of the Lamb,” developed by Massive Monster, mixes roguelike mechanics with base-building elements, offering a unique gameplay experience. As a possessed lamb saved from sacrifice, you must build and manage a cult in the name of mysterious gods. The game combines dungeon crawling with the management of your cult’s followers, creating a blend of action and strategy. The game’s darkly adorable art style and narrative depth add layers of complexity and charm. “Cult of the Lamb” is perfect for fans looking for a roguelike with a twist, seamlessly merging two distinct genres into one cohesive experience.

Enter the Gungeon

“Enter the Gungeon” by Dodge Roll is a bullet-hell roguelike that offers intense action and endless replayability. Players choose from various characters, each with unique abilities, and navigate their way through procedurally generated dungeons teeming with enemies, traps, and secrets. The game’s focus on dodging and shooting creates a satisfying and challenging experience. The quirky narrative and retro-inspired graphics add to its charm, and each playthrough offers new challenges and rewards. “Enter the Gungeon” is a standout title for anyone looking for fast-paced, heart-pounding roguelike action.

Dungeons of Dredmor

“Dungeons of Dredmor,” developed by Gaslamp Games, is a tongue-in-cheek roguelike dungeon crawler that delivers both depth and humor. The game’s procedurally generated dungeons are packed with monsters, traps, and loot, providing endless replayability. “Dungeons of Dredmor” shines with its quirky humor, engaging gameplay mechanics, and extensive customization options. The pixel art style and amusing writing make every encounter enjoyable, even as you inevitably meet your untimely demise. For fans of traditional roguelikes with a modern twist, “Dungeons of Dredmor” is a must-play.

The best indie story games

Butterfly Soup / Butterfly Soup 2

Created by Brianna Lei, “Butterfly Soup” and its sequel “Butterfly Soup 2” are visual novels that explore themes of friendship, identity, and love through the eyes of a group of Asian-American teens. Set against the backdrop of a baseball team, the story delves into the lives and relationships of its diverse cast of characters. The games stand out for their heartfelt storytelling, rich with wit and emotional depth. The hand-drawn art style and authentic dialogue make “Butterfly Soup” an endearing experience that resonates deeply with anyone who plays it.

To Be or Not To Be

“To Be or Not To Be,” developed by Tin Man Games, is a quirky, choose-your-own-adventure game based on Ryan North’s book of the same name. It allows you to explore alternative versions of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The game’s humor and myriad branching paths ensure a fresh and entertaining experience each time you play. Offering choices from playing as Hamlet, Ophelia, or even King Hamlet (as a ghost), the game invites you to rewrite literary history with hilarious results. The interactive storytelling and engaging narrative make “To Be or Not To Be” a standout in the indie story game genre.

Her Story

“Her Story,” developed by Sam Barlow, is a gripping narrative game that blends live-action video with investigative gameplay. You delve into a series of police interview tapes, using search terms to piece together the story of a woman implicated in a crime. The nonlinear storytelling and unique format make “Her Story” an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. The game’s minimalist design and unforgettable storyline keep you engaged as you sift through the evidence, trying to uncover the truth. “Her Story” is a masterclass in interactive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

Night in the Woods

“Night in the Woods,” developed by Infinite Fall, follows the life of Mae Borowski, a college dropout who returns to her small hometown only to discover that things have drastically changed. The game blends exploration with narrative, creating a poignant story about friendship, mental health, and the changing nature of home. The game’s hand-drawn art style and evocative soundtrack work beautifully with its character-driven story. The nuanced dialogue and emotional depth of “Night in the Woods” make it a standout in the indie gaming scene, offering a narrative experience that is memorable and meaningful.

The best indie sim games and survival games

Stardew Valley

“Stardew Valley,” created by Eric Barone, is a farming simulation game that has captured the hearts of millions. Players inherit a run-down farm and set about restoring it to its former glory. The game offers a wide range of activities, from crop cultivation to animal husbandry, fishing, mining, and even forming relationships with the townsfolk. What makes “Stardew Valley” so compelling is its open-ended gameplay and the freedom to create your ideal farm life. The pixel art style and relaxing soundtrack elevate the experience, making it a perfect escape from the stresses of real life.

Don’t Starve / Don’t Starve Together

Klei Entertainment’s “Don’t Starve” and its multiplayer counterpart “Don’t Starve Together” are survival games that thrust players into a dark, Tim Burton-esque world. You must gather resources, craft items, and fend off supernatural creatures to survive as long as possible. The game’s permadeath feature adds to the tension and urgency, making every playthrough a riveting challenge. The unique art style and atmospheric soundtrack create a hauntingly immersive experience. “Don’t Starve Together” allows you to share the survival experience with friends, adding a cooperative twist to the game’s challenging mechanics.

Subnautica

“Subnautica” by Unknown Worlds Entertainment is an underwater survival game that combines exploration with resource management. Stranded on an alien ocean planet, players must explore the depths to gather resources and build equipment, all while unraveling the mystery of their surroundings. The game’s stunning visuals and immersive underwater world make every dive an adventure. With its engrossing story, customizable base building, and diverse marine ecosystems, “Subnautica” offers a rich and rewarding experience that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a standout title for fans of survival games looking for something truly unique.

Frostpunk

11 bit studios’ “Frostpunk” is a survival strategy game set in a frozen post-apocalyptic world. Players take on the role of the leader of a last-ditch city, balancing resources, managing citizens, and making difficult moral decisions to ensure survival. The game’s brutal conditions and intricate management systems create a tense and engaging experience. The steampunk aesthetic and hauntingly beautiful visuals complement the game’s dark themes. “Frostpunk” challenges you to think strategically and ethically, making it a gripping experience from start to finish.

The best indie strategy games

Songs of Conquest

“Songs of Conquest” by Lavapotion is a turn-based strategy game that harkens back to classics like “Heroes of Might and Magic.” Players build their kingdoms, amass armies, and engage in tactical battles to expand their empires. The game’s richly detailed world and nostalgic yet modernized mechanics offer a fantastic strategy experience. The pixel art style and enchanting soundtrack add to its charm, making “Songs of Conquest” a visual and auditory delight. With multiple campaigns and scenarios, the game provides endless strategic opportunities and challenges.

Into the Breach

From the creators of “FTL: Faster Than Light,” Subset Games’ “Into the Breach” is a tactical, turn-based strategy game that pits players against giant alien monsters. Each mission takes place on a small, grid-based map where players must use their mechs to outmaneuver and defeat the enemy. The game’s focus on positioning and strategy ensures that every move counts. What makes “Into the Breach” stand out is its minimalist design and deep complexity. The procedurally generated scenarios and permadeath features add to its replayability, making each playthrough a unique challenge.

Chaos Reborn

Julian Gollop’s “Chaos Reborn” is a tactical turn-based strategy game that draws inspiration from classic titles like “X-COM.” Players take on the role of wizards, summoning creatures and casting spells to defeat their opponents in a battle of strategic wits. The game’s blend of tactical depth and fantasy elements creates an engaging and challenging experience. Its vibrant art style and dynamic gameplay mechanics make it a standout title for fans of strategy games. “Chaos Reborn” offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, ensuring that there’s always a new challenge to tackle.

Invisible, Inc.

Klei Entertainment’s “Invisible, Inc.” is a turn-based stealth strategy game that puts players in control of a team of spies infiltrating high-security facilities. Each mission requires careful planning and strategic thinking, as players navigate through procedurally generated levels, avoiding detection and overcoming obstacles. The game’s sleek, cyberpunk aesthetic and tense, tactical gameplay make for a thrilling experience. With its deep customization options and challenging scenarios, “Invisible, Inc.” keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.