Yeah, I said it!
Look, we know there are a lot of incredible indie games out there — probably more than we could ever play in one lifetime (especially if we keep replaying the same comfort games). This isn’t some definitive, mathematically-ranked list. These are just the indie games I have played, loved, and that hit harder than most $70 AAA blockbusters with zillion-dollar budgets and 400-person dev teams. No rankings, no gatekeeping — just 20 bangers that prove indie games are where the real magic happens.
NOTE: Still haven’t played Hades, Spiritfarer, Disco Elysium, Return of the Obra Dinn or Subnautica (I’m sure they’re great) Also haven’t finished Bugsnax, and while “BUNGER!” is still one of my favorite things ever, I overall didn’t care too much for the game.
Stray
If you’re a cat person like me, Stray hits different — not just because the main character is basically a digital version of my own Chadwick, with all the curious head tilts and sleek fur. But it’s the way the game perfectly captures that feline blend of independence, mischief, and straight-up charm that makes it so captivating. Wandering through neon-lit alleys and futuristic ruins as a little cat feels fresh and surprisingly emotional — like you’re exploring a whole world from a new, smaller perspective. Plus, those tiny meows and the way your cat avatar interacts with the environment make it impossible not to smile. Stray isn’t just a game; it’s a love letter to cats and curiosity wrapped up in a slick cyberpunk bow.
Chadwick says: “10/10 — they really respected my culture: knocking things off tables and ignoring humans like a pro.”
Neon White
I couldn’t be bothered with all the anime storyline tropes and spent most of the dialogue fast-forwarding through it. But the gameplay in Neon White is absolutely fantastic. It’s fast, snappy, intense, and a perfect mix of parkour, card strategy, and speed-running. Plus, it’s super addictive — you always want to do better, beat your best time, and nail that perfect run. If you’re after exciting gameplay without the story fluff, this game delivers. This is one I will definitely revisit in the future.
Superliminal
At first, Superliminal might not grab you — those early puzzles feel like you’re just moving boxes around, and you’re probably thinking, “Okay, what’s the point here?” But stick with it, because once you get past that initial lull, it turns into a full-on 3 a.m. Adult Swim madness kind of trip. It’s like reality itself starts folding in on itself, and suddenly, you’re questioning everything you thought you knew about perspective, space, and even logic. Weird, tricky, and totally addictive — it’s the kind of game that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Give it a whirl.
Little Nightmares 2
If you haven’t played Little Nightmares yet, do yourself a favor and start there — the first game sets the stage perfectly. Once you’re in, Little Nightmares 2 takes everything that made the original eerie and cranks it up a notch. It’s a must-play for horror fans who crave that creeping, unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after you put the controller down. The world feels alive with twisted, haunting details that scratch that itch for something genuinely spooky without relying on cheap jump scares. It’s less about gore and more about mood, mystery, and those moments where you catch your breath, realizing something dark is lurking just out of sight.
Rocket League
If I were to guess, most of you reading this have already played Rocket League at least once in your lives. Rocket League is one of those games I just keep coming back to — there’s something endlessly satisfying about scoring a ridiculous goal with a rocket-powered car doing flips in mid-air. It’s fast, chaotic, competitive, and somehow always feels fresh, even years later. But I’ve also realized it’s kind of like Candy Corn: people either absolutely love it, or they just don’t get the appeal at all. Some folks bounce off the learning curve or the sweaty lobbies, but for the rest of us, it’s a glorious mix of soccer, stunt driving, and pure dopamine. And when you’re in the zone, nothing beats that feeling of pulling off the perfect aerial shot like you actually know what you’re doing.
Inside
Limbo was good. Inside was better. I’ve played through Inside about three times now, and each run still manages to get under my skin. It’s minimal, quiet, and doesn’t explain a thing — and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The atmosphere is thick with tension, every moment feels deliberately unsettling, and the world it drops you into is bleak in the most fascinating way. Even when you think you know what’s coming, there’s this constant sense of unease that makes it hard to look away. It’s one of those games that sticks with you long after the credits roll — and somehow, each replay just makes it weirder, darker, and better. Also has one of my favorite final segments to a game.
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is pure mayhem in the best way — fast, brutal, and absolutely addicting. You will die a lot, like hundreds of times, but the game is so snappy and responsive that you’ll just keep hitting “retry” without even thinking. Every level feels like a test of your reflexes and patience, but when you finally nail that perfect run through spinning saws and collapsing platforms, it’s pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of game that’ll frustrate you to no end and then have you saying, “Okay, one more try,” for the next two hours. And honestly, one of the best parts is watching all your little Meat Boy clones explode in unison at the end — a beautiful, gory ballet of failure.
Cuphead
Sometimes things are popular for a reason, and Cuphead is a perfect example. The game’s gained a massive following — even landing a Netflix show — and it absolutely deserves the spotlight. It’s tough, no doubt about it, with boss fights that’ll test your reflexes and your patience. But it’s also one of the most visually and sonically engaging games out there. The hand-drawn 1930s cartoon art style is packed with charm, and the jazzy, high-energy soundtrack pulls you straight into its chaotic world. It’s a beautiful, brutal game that feels even better when you’re suffering through it with a friend. Every frame and sound feels crafted with love — and pain. Mostly pain. But good pain.
Journey
Journey is one of those rare games that manages to feel truly magical in a way that sticks with you long after you finish. It’s short, sure, but every step feels meaningful — like you’re part of something bigger, something quietly beautiful. The way it uses simple sounds and wordless communication to connect you with strangers on the same path is surprisingly powerful. You don’t need words to feel that shared sense of wonder and companionship as you travel together through the shifting sands and glowing ruins. It’s less a game and more an experience — a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable journeys are the ones you don’t take alone.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Not only one of my favorite indie games – this game is one of my favorites of all time. What Remains of Edith Finch was exactly the kind of game I didn’t know I needed until I played it. Everything it set out to do — to tell stories that are intimate, haunting, and deeply human — landed perfectly with me. It hit every nail on the head, weaving together moments that felt both personal and universal in a way that resonated heavy in my chest. Each story pulled me deeper, making me feel connected not just to the characters, but to the fragile beauty of life and memory itself. It’s rare for a game to stick with you like that, but Edith Finch did, leaving an emotional mark that’s stayed long after the credits rolled.
Doki Doki Literature Club
If you haven’t heard of this game by now and are judging solely off the cover – don’t. This game is CRAZY. There’s honestly nothing else quite like Doki Doki Literature Club in gaming. On the surface, it looks like a cute, harmless visual novel — but beneath that sweet exterior lies one of the biggest shock reveals in the medium. It flips expectations on their head in ways you won’t see coming, turning what feels like a simple dating sim into something deeply unsettling and unforgettable. The best way to experience it? Go in completely blind. Trust me, the less you know going into it, the harder it hits. There’s so much more to this game than you would anticipate…
Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is basically a masterclass in being a little terror — your objective? Just go around annoying and inconveniencing everyone you meet. Steal someone’s keys? Check. Ruin a perfectly good picnic? Absolutely. Make people honk in frustration and chase after you? All in a day’s work. It’s like being that one goose nobody trusts, and honestly, it’s incredibly satisfying. Sometimes, all you need in a game is a chance to be delightfully annoying — and this one nails it. People already find Geese to be irritating and unlikeable, and this game decides to embrace that fact and own it!
Pizza Tower
Pizza Tower is pure ridiculous energy wrapped up in a platformer that doesn’t care about playing it safe. It’s fast as hell, weird as heck, and somehow nails that perfect balance between “what did I just play?” and “let me do it again.” The art style is wild, the soundtrack bangs, and the whole thing just feels like a turbo-charged trip through a pizza-fueled fever dream. It’s not trying to be polished or fancy — it’s just having a blast, and that’s exactly why it’s so damn fun. If you want a game that’s equal parts crazy and catchy, this one’s your jam.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is perfect for Soulsborne fans looking to dive into that same intense gameplay loop but in a 2D Metroidvania package. It nails the dark, gothic atmosphere with eerie environments and haunting music that pull you deep into its world. The combat is tight and challenging, rewarding patience and precision just like the best Souls games. Whether you’re exploring twisted caverns or battling brutal bosses, Hollow Knight delivers that satisfying mix of mystery, danger, and discovery that keeps you coming back for more.
Papers, Please
Papers, Please totally worked for me because I’m a huge fan of dystopian stories — you know, those bleak, oppressive worlds that make you think about morality and survival. Some of the greatest pieces of literature have focused heavily of dystopian themes. This game puts you right in the middle of that, as a border checkpoint officer in a totalitarian state, where every decision feels heavy and meaningful. It’s simple on the surface but incredibly deep, forcing you to balance rules, humanity, and your own survival. If you’re into dystopian literature, this game hits that same vibe perfectly — grim, thought-provoking, and oddly addictive.
Outer Wilds
This is the PERFECT example of one that I can’t really explain to you — you just have to experience it yourself. Outer Wilds throws you into a beautifully mysterious solar system trapped in a time loop, and from there, it’s pure exploration and discovery. Every planet feels alive, full of secrets, dangers, and mind-blowing moments that hit you out of nowhere. The way it pieces together its story through environmental clues and player curiosity is nothing short of brilliant. It’s one of those games that hooks you with its sense of wonder and then never lets go, leaving you itching to unravel just one more mystery before the loop resets. If you love games that reward patience, observation, and a sense of awe, Outer Wilds is an absolute must-play.
Hotline Miami
Another one of my personal favorites (see my previous review) – Hotline Miami is an absolute mind-melter — a brutal, fast-paced blitz of violence and adrenaline that hooks you from the first pixel. The gameplay is all about trial and error, pushing you to learn enemy patterns and perfect your split-second decisions, and once you get into the flow, it’s insanely addictive. Every level feels like a chaotic puzzle that rewards precision and speed, but don’t expect it to go easy on you. And then there’s the soundtrack — easily one of the greatest game soundtracks ever, packed with pulsing synth beats that perfectly match the game’s wild, neon-soaked chaos. It’s an experience that assaults your senses in the best way possible and leaves you craving just one more run. If you haven’t played it yet, do yourself a favor and dive in — it’s a rush like no other.
A Hat in Time
If you’re a fan of 3D platformers, A Hat in Time is pure joy from start to finish. It’s adorable, charming, and packed with personality and a vibe of its own that’ll have you smiling through every jump, climb, and hat toss. The levels are vibrant and varied, filled with clever challenges that hit that perfect balance between fun and rewarding. Whether you’re collecting Time Pieces or just soaking in the quirky characters and witty dialogue, this game nails everything you want from a classic platformer with a fresh, modern twist. It’s one of those rare titles that’s as delightful to play as it is to watch unfold.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a deeply emotional journey that stands out for its unique storytelling and gameplay. You control two brothers simultaneously, each with their own stick, creating an intimate connection between the characters and the player. The game doesn’t rely on dialogue to tell its story — instead, it uses visuals, music, and the brothers’ actions to pull at your heartstrings. It’s a beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking adventure about family, loss, and hope that stays with you long after you’ve finished playing. While Brothers isn’t a co-op game, you can see the early blueprints of cooperative storytelling and design that ultimately led to the creation of Hazelight Studios, known for their incredible co-op titles like A Way Out, It Takes Two and more recently Split Fiction. Simple but incredibly powerful, Brothers is a must-play for anyone who appreciates games that tell stories in fresh, moving ways.
Superhot
Superhot is cool, sleek, and unlike any shooter you’ve played before. Its time moves only when you move mechanic turns every moment into a strategic puzzle, making every fight feel intense and deliberate. The minimalist design and sharp visuals keep things clean but stylish, delivering a unique experience that’s both mind-bending and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of game that rewires how you think about action and timing — and once you start, it’s tough to put down – I completed it in one sitting.
Abzû
If you REALLY liked Journey, you’ll probably enjoy Abzu too. It’s not quite as impactful or emotional, but it’s a beautiful spiritual successor that takes you on a totally different kind of trip — this time underwater instead of across deserts. The game’s all about peaceful exploration, swimming through vibrant ocean worlds filled with life and mystery. It’s calming and visually stunning, offering a slower, meditative experience that still manages to capture some of that same magic. Not quite Journey, but definitely worth the dive.
There are still plenty of incredible indie games out there on my backlog that I’ll probably never fully catch up on — such is the life of a gamer. But the ones on this list have left a lasting mark, showing just how powerful and memorable indie games can be. Whether it’s through unforgettable stories, mind-bending gameplay, or pure, unfiltered fun, these titles prove that you don’t need a massive budget to create something truly special. So dive in, explore, and get ready to discover some of the most unique gaming experiences out there — because the indie scene isn’t just alive, it’s thriving!
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