The end of the year is approaching, and is there a better way to wrap it up than by reviewing the 25 best indie games that defined this year? Regardless of genre and order, with one key condition – the game must have exceptionally positive reviews on Steam – we have compiled a list that celebrates the creativity and innovation of the indie scene. We can confidently say that 2024 has been one of the best years for indie games.
Balatro
- Developer: LocalThunk
- Platforms: PC, Android, iOS
How better to start than with the Indie Game of the Year, the best mobile title, and an outstanding debut indie achievement? Balatro has shone as one of the most remarkable creations of this year, not only for its simplicity but also for the exceptionally addictive replayability it offers. If you haven't tried this game yet and have at least a basic understanding of poker, the addition of roguelite elements makes it a must-play for all fans of quality indie titles.
Why Play?
- It makes you think more than the average roguelike.
- Pulls you into addictive gameplay.
- Offers excellent replayability.
Animal Well
- Developer: Billy Basso
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
The unofficial Indie Game of the Year, Animal Well, has captivated many with its unique pixel art graphics and engaging Metroidvania gameplay. Animal Well brings a fresh perspective to the familiar genre formula, offering precise platforming and thoughtful puzzles that make each expedition through diverse regions unforgettable. While the retro-inspired visual style and unconventional presentation may not appeal to everyone, the originality and charm that permeate this game make it a must-experience for fans of Metroidvania titles.
Why Play?
- Unique pixel art and atmosphere.
- Innovative Metroidvania gameplay.
- Engaging and subtle storytelling.
Nine Sols
- Developer: RedCandleGames
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Nine Sols is an ambitious and visually striking 2D action platformer from the creators of the game Detention. This title offers a mix of precise combat style reminiscent of Sekiro and classic Metroidvania exploration. Combat revolves around accurate precision and parrying, while you can also uncover hidden secrets, navigate intricate environments, and solve puzzles that reveal layers of mythology. The game also tackles themes of revenge, redemption, and ambition, featuring an emotionally engaging story that unfolds through exploration and interaction.
Why Play?
- Unique fusion of Sekiro-inspired combat and Taiwanese mythology.
- Intricate 2D hand-drawn art with atmospheric storytelling.
- Engaging blend of exploration and challenging, precision-based gameplay.
Another Crab’s Treasure
- Developer: Aggro Crab
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Another Crab’s Treasure is a unique Soulslike game from the studio Aggro Crab that follows Kril, a lovable crab on a mission to find his stolen shell. Set in a colorful underwater world filled with vibrant landscapes and challenges, players will explore ocean expanses, face hostile sea creatures, and solve ecology-related puzzles. A distinctive feature of the game is the use of everyday items, such as soda cans, as makeshift shells for protection. With its blend of humor and emotional depth, the game subtly addresses serious ecological issues like ocean pollution while delivering an entertaining and thoughtful experience.
Why Play?
- Adorable crab protagonist with a unique undersea world.
- Soulslike mechanics with a playful, accessible twist.
- Creative combat using everyday items as makeshift armor.
Hades II
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Platforms: PC
Hades II, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Hades by Supergiant Games, introduces a new protagonist, Melinoë, the princess of the underworld and sister of Zagreus. Her mission is to combat Chronos, the god of time, who threatens cosmic balance. The game retains the signature roguelike mechanics of its predecessor while adding new weapons, abilities, and Olympian gods who offer unique boons, all designed to ensure dynamic, fast-paced combat that rewards skill and experimentation.
Why Play?
- Follow-up to the critically acclaimed Hades with new mythological figures.
- Evolving roguelike gameplay with deeper storylines and character interactions.
- Gorgeous visuals and dynamic voice acting.
Pacific Drive
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Platforms: PC
Pacific Drive is an innovative roguelike survival game with a focus on driving, set in a surreal, post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest known as the "Olympic Exclusion Zone." Players take on the role of an explorer navigating this dangerous zone using a modified RV, which becomes both a crucial ally and a means of survival. The core of the game lies in managing and upgrading the vehicle—searching for resources, conducting repairs, and making modifications to withstand unpredictable challenges. Among the dangers of the zone are toxic storms, shifting terrains, and mysterious supernatural anomalies, and uncovering its secrets offers an intense experience.
Why Play?
- A rogue-like driving survival game with a hauntingly atmospheric setting.
- Intense customization and management of your car in a world gone wild.
- Unique mix of exploration, tension, and vehicular strategy.
The Thaumaturge
- Developer: Fool’s Theory
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
The Thaumaturge is a dark, narrative-driven RPG set in an alternate 20th-century Warsaw. The game immerses you in a world where mystical beings known as Salutori exist, and those who can summon and command them are called thaumaturges. The story explores themes of power, morality, and human nature as you navigate a city rife with political intrigue, social tension, and supernatural forces. Gameplay combines turn-based combat with a unique summoning mechanic, where each Salutor possesses special abilities, encouraging strategic play and experimentation.
Why Play?
- Dark, morally complex RPG set in an alternate 20th-century Warsaw.
- Unique focus on summoning mystical beings to influence combat and decisions.
- Deeply engaging narrative shaped by choices and powers.
Backpack Battles
- Developer: PlayWithFurcifer
- Platforms: PC
Backpack Battles delivers a fresh and innovative approach to the strategy genre, placing inventory management at the heart of the gameplay. This game transforms what seems like a routine task into a dynamic and competitive experience. The key challenge lies in organizing items within a grid-based inventory, where each space plays a crucial role. Each item has unique effects and occupies varying amounts of space, forcing players to carefully balance power, utility, and optimal arrangement.
Why Play?
- Inventive turn-based battles based on efficient backpack organization.
- Strategy meets creativity in a unique inventory-focused mechanic.
- Competitive gameplay that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Buckshot Roulette
- Developer: Mike Klubnika
- Platforms: PC
Buckshot Roulette is a multiplayer and single-player hit that has captivated players around the world this year. The game has drawn attention not only for its affordable price but also for its fun, unpredictable gameplay. Four players sit at a table in a tense game of Russian roulette with a shotgun. Set in a creepy nightclub, the game exudes a dark, pixelated atmosphere that heightens the tension. The objective is simple – eliminate opponents by firing shots before they can do the same.
Why Play?
- Wildly unpredictable gunplay.
- Fast-paced, chaotic matches perfect for couch or online multiplayer.
- Hilarious and absurd visual and gameplay design.
Thronefall
- Developer: GrizzlyGames
- Platforms: PC
Thronefall is a minimalist game that merges kingdom management and defense into a perfect balance of strategy and action. As a monarch, your task is to build and defend your kingdom from continuous enemy attacks. The game is divided into two phases: construction and defense. During the construction phase, you have limited resources to raise key buildings such as farms, barracks, and defensive walls. The defense phase brings action, where you must fend off waves of enemies by combining strategic placement of defenses with active combat, making each round challenging and rewarding.
Why Play?
- Minimalist yet strategic kingdom defense with evolving gameplay.
- Blends city-building and combat in an engaging loop.
- Perfect for short yet satisfying gameplay sessions.
The Plucky Squire
- Developer: All Possible Futures
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Seris X/S, Nintendo Switch
The Plucky Squire is a creative and visually stunning action-adventure game that seamlessly combines 2D and 3D gameplay. In the game, you take on the role of Jot, whose storybook world turns chaotic when a villain leaps out of the pages into the real world. During the 2D segments, you explore a classic storybook realm, solve puzzles, and battle charmingly hand-drawn characters. The true magic occurs when Jot steps into the 3D world, where the perspective dramatically shifts, and gameplay transitions into a modern action-adventure, providing an unforgettable experience and innovative dynamics.
Why Play?
- A delightful mix of 2D and 3D adventure puzzles.
- Heartwarming story and whimsical art style.
- Constantly surprising transitions between visual styles and mechanics.
Thank Goodness You’re Here
- Developer: Coal Supper
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Thank Goodness You’re Here is a unique, hand-drawn adventure with a comedic emphasis on absurdity and charm. Set in a picturesque small town, the game invites you to explore and interact with its eccentric inhabitants. Each encounter brings laughter, unexpected moments, and absurdities. The game relies on exploration and problem-solving mechanics, encouraging you to engage with the vibrant environment and meet its colorful characters. Whether you're chasing runaway chickens for a farmer or unraveling peculiar local mysteries, each task delivers humor and lighthearted fun.
Why Play?
- Absurd humor and charming hand-drawn animations.
- Quirky, unpredictable interactions with a colorful cast of characters.
- A playful, lighthearted experience in a unique small-town setting.
Mechabellum
- Developer: All Possible Futures
- Platforms: PC
Mechabellum is a grand auto-battle game that emphasizes tactical decision-making and spectacular battles of mechanized units. Set in a futuristic world dominated by powerful robots, the game challenges players to strategically organize an army of customizable units to outsmart their opponents. The key to success lies in careful preparation before battle and thoughtful troop placement. The game offers a rich selection of mechs, each bringing unique abilities, advantages, and weaknesses, providing depth and variety in crafting winning strategies.
Why Play?
- Massive-scale auto-battler with a focus on tactical unit placement.
- Constantly evolving strategies with customizable mechs and upgrades.
- Visually striking battles filled with explosive chaos.
Peglin
- Developer: Red Nexus Games Inc.
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
Peglin is an innovative roguelike that combines Pachinko-style gameplay with turn-based combat. You take on the role of a mischievous goblin seeking revenge against the adventurers who wronged them. The core mechanics revolve around launching balls onto a board filled with pegs. Each peg hit increases the damage dealt to enemies, creating a satisfying cycle of planning and execution. The variety of balls, ranging from explosive bombs to health-restoring pegs, adds layers of strategy and ensures that no two plays are the same.
Why Play?
- Innovative blend of Peggle-style mechanics and roguelike progression.
- Simple to pick up, but with deep strategic decision-making.
- Adorably quirky art style and satisfying gameplay loop.
Caves of Qud
- Developer: Freehold Games
- Platforms: PC
Caves of Qud is an expansive roguelike RPG set in a rich, post-apocalyptic world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and endless possibilities. Renowned for its depth and complexity, the game offers a unique blend of procedural generation and handcrafted storytelling that keeps players coming back for more. The character creation system is exceptionally detailed, allowing players to customize their abilities, mutations, and statistics to suit their own playstyle.
Why Play?
- Deeply complex and open-ended roguelike RPG.
- Fascinating retro-futuristic world with limitless roleplaying options.
- Highly replayable with procedurally generated environments.
Mullet Mad Jack
- Developer: HAMMER95
- Platforms: PC
Mullet Mad Jack is a retro-inspired action game that captures the spirit of 1980s arcade classics. Players take on the role of Jack, an action hero with a hilarious mullet hairstyle, who is both entertaining and intimidating. With fast-paced gameplay, a heavy metal soundtrack, and incredible enemies, the game provides nonstop adrenaline-fueled excitement. It combines platforming with chaotic combat as Jack uses a diverse arsenal of weapons to take on waves of foes. The game is challenging yet fair, rewarding quick reflexes and creative use of Jack's abilities.
Why Play?
- Retro-inspired action with a comically over-the-top protagonist.
- Frenetic gameplay with a heavy-metal soundtrack.
- Wildly entertaining levels full of ridiculous enemies and challenges.
Drova – Forsaken Kin
- Developer: Just2D
- Platforms: PC
Drova – Forsaken Kin is a dark and atmospheric open-world RPG that combines storytelling with a unique alchemical magic system. Set in a grim fantasy world where the boundaries between life and death are blurred, the game explores themes of morality, survival, and the consequences of power. The story unfolds in a land rife with turmoil, where ancient forces and human factions vie for control. You are drawn into the heart of this conflict, where every decision holds weight and shapes the world around you. The narrative is rich and branching, offering multiple paths and endings based on player choices.
Why Play?
- Dark, gritty open-world RPG with moral complexities.
- Unique alchemical magic system blending creativity and strategy.
- Immersive, mysterious atmosphere with branching narrative paths.
Tactical Breach Wizards
- Developer: Suspicious Developments
- Platforms: PC
Tactical Breach Wizards is a strategic game that pushes the boundaries of the genre by combining modern police tactics with fantastical sorcery. The game offers a unique approach to turn-based strategy, where players manage a team of wizards equipped with modern gear like tactical armor and flashbangs. The focus of the game is on positioning, planning, and synergy among team members. Each character possesses special abilities, such as manipulating gravity, summoning shields, or teleporting across the battlefield.
Why Play?
- Tactical combat with creative spells and modern police tactics.
- Deep, strategic gameplay with a humorous narrative twist.
- Unique mashup of urban warfare and magical mayhem.
Last Epoch
- Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
- Platforms: PC
Last Epoch is an incredibly customizable action RPG that combines classic hack-and-slash gameplay with modern innovations. Set in the rich fantasy world of Eterre, it offers players the adventure of time travel. You can choose from five primary classes: Sentinel, Mage, Rogue, Acolyte, and Primalist, and evolve them into over 15 specialized subclasses, such as Void Knight, Necromancer, or Marksman. Each class comes with a detailed skill tree, allowing for endless experimentation and tailored builds. For fans of ARPGs like Diablo and Path of Exile, Last Epoch provides a deeply rewarding gaming experience.
Why Play?
- Endless customization with deep skill trees and crafting systems.
- Rich lore and an intriguing time-traveling storyline.
- Perfect for fans of ARPGs seeking a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Core Keeper
- Developer: Pugstorm
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Core Keeper is a cooperative sandbox adventure that combines elements of survival, crafting, and exploration. Set in a mysterious underground world, the game challenges players to discover ancient cores while defending against dangers and building a successful base. The gameplay revolves around resource gathering, crafting tools, and expanding your base. Players can explore procedurally generated caves filled with treasures, puzzles, and enemies. The cooperative multiplayer mode also allows up to eight players to team up, making it a fantastic choice for larger groups.
Why Play?
- Cooperative sandbox adventure in a mysterious underground world.
- Resource gathering, crafting, and combat with RPG elements.
- Addictive progression loop with charming pixel art.
UFO 50
- Developer: Mossmouth
- Platforms: PC
UFO 50 is a unique compilation featuring 50 retro-inspired games developed by a team of indie creators led by Derek Yu, the creator of Spelunky. Each game in this collection is designed to reflect the charm of classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles while incorporating modern elements. The collection encompasses a variety of genres, including platformers, shooters, puzzles, sports simulations, and RPGs. Each title is standalone, with its own unique mechanics, levels, and challenges.
Why Play?
- A collection of 50 retro-inspired games with modern twists.
- Unique variety spanning genres, offering endless fun.
- Nostalgic appeal with cohesive storytelling tying the games together.
Neva
- Developer: Nomada Studio
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Neva is an emotional and visually striking adventure game from the creators of Grisa. The story follows a young woman and her wolf as they confront dark forces threatening their world. Focusing on themes of love, loss, and resilience, Neva delivers a profoundly emotional experience that resonates deeply. The game blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration, making it more than just a game; it's a true work of art. Aimed at players who appreciate rich storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning visuals, it offers an unforgettable journey through a world filled with beauty and sorrow.
Why Play?
- Emotional adventure from the creators of Gris.
- Stunning visuals paired with a touching story of connection and loss.
- Atmospheric gameplay exploring themes of resilience and growth.
Crow Country
- Developer: SFB Games
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Dive into a horror adventure with a rich atmosphere that offers a strong, grounded sense of place in the game Crow Country. Encounter a small yet unforgettable cast of characters as you explore meaningfully designed puzzles, and experience an unusual blend of tension and tranquility in the game. Set in 1990, the story follows a mysterious girl named Mara Forest, who arrives in Crow Country, an abandoned amusement park located in rural Atlanta, to uncover what happened to the park's owner, Edward Crow, who mysteriously vanished two years earlier.
Why Play?
- Unique narrative-driven exploration of folklore and nature.
- Beautifully atmospheric visuals with a haunting soundtrack.
- Intriguing puzzles and immersive storytelling.
Witchfire
- Developer: The Astronauts
- Platforms: PC
Witchfire is a dark fantasy first-person shooter that combines roguelike mechanics with fast-paced, action-filled combat. This game offers an experience that challenges players to use their skill and strategy to fight against powerful witches and other supernatural enemies. It focuses on fluid movement, precise shooting, and the use of magical abilities. Players can utilize an arsenal of firearms and spells, creating a dynamic combat system that rewards quick reactions and creative thinking. Witchfire is a must-play for fans of titles like DOOM and Dark Souls.
Why Play?
- Dark fantasy first-person shooter with roguelike elements.
- Challenging, intense combat powered by gorgeous Unreal Engine visuals.
- Magic-infused arsenal for creative, satisfying gameplay.
Mouthwashing
- Developer: Wrong Organ
- Platforms: PC
Mouthwashing is a surreal and experimental game that transcends traditional genres, blending psychological horror with absurd comedy. Set in an unusual, dreamlike world, the game invites participants to explore disturbing environments, interact with bizarre characters, and follow a storyline that is both thought-provoking and exceptionally strange. Players must decipher mysterious messages, solve unconventional puzzles, and piece together fragmented parts of the narrative. The surreal nature of the world means that logic doesn't always apply, creating moments of frustration and surprise.
Why Play?
- Surreal gameplay concept with unpredictable mechanics.
- Intriguing blend of psychological horror and absurd comedy.
- Memorable, quirky art style that’s both eerie and amusing.
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