Alexis Kestler
Over the past decade and a half, indie games have steadily grown to become a major part of the gaming landscape. Platforms like Steam have enabled smaller independent developers to reach large audiences globally with their creations. Freed from the constraints of big studio game design and publishing, indie developers are able to take creative risks and explore new ideas in their games. The result is that many of the most innovative, unique, and just plain fun games now come from indie studios.
In this article, we‘ll highlight some of the best indie games available on Steam. These run the gamut of genres and styles, showing the diversity of experiences indie developers can craft. While indie games may not boast the lavish budgets and technical prowess of AAA blockbuster games, they make up for it with oodles of creativity, charm, and fun. Let‘s jump in!
What are Indie Games?
The term "indie game" arose in the mid-2000s to describe games created independently from the system of big studio game development and publishing. Indie games are generally developed by small teams or solo developers without major publisher funding. This independence allows indie devs to take the creative risks and experimentation that often leads to fresh game ideas and innovations.
Indie games come in all shapes and sizes these days. Visually, they may have retro pixel art aesthetics or hand drawn looks. But many indie games now boast stunning 3D graphics and visuals that rival AAA games. Indie hits have spanned genres like platformers, RPGs, roguelikes, simulation and building games, point-and-click adventures, and more. Let‘s look at some of the diverse and amazing indie games available on Steam!
For the King
For the King is a strategic RPG with roguelike elements and turn-based combat. The art style blends retro pixel art with more modern techniques. Players will traverse harsh environments, battle monsters, sail the seas, and delve into shadowy underworlds on a quest to defeat evil and restore order to the kingdom.
Developer: IronOak Games
Release Date: April 19, 2018
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (91% positive from 15K+ reviews)
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beloved indie games of all time. This farm simulation RPG seemingly came out of nowhere to capture the hearts of millions with its charming retro graphics, addicting gameplay loop, and fun characters. Players inherit a dilapidated farm and set out to restore it to prosperity while also building relationships with the quirky residents of Pelican Town. With fishing, mining, foraging, and dungeon raiding, the variety of activities ensures endless fun.
Developer: ConcernedApe / Eric Barone
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% positive from 370K+ reviews)
Stray
One of the biggest indie hits of 2022 is the long-awaited Stray starring an adorable ginger cat. The premise of exploring a mysterious cybercity as a lost feline struck a chord with gamers. Stray spent considerable time atop Steam‘s best-sellers chart. Gameplay involves light platforming and puzzle solving. But the photorealistic cat animations are the star of the show here. Reviews praised the immersive world-building of the city as you uncover clues about this dystopian future where humans seem to have gone extinct.
Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% positive from 30K+ reviews)
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire masterfully combines roguelike and deckbuilding genres into a winning formula. With hundreds of cards to discover, players construct unique decks and strategies to climb ever higher up the Spire. No two runs play the same as you respond to randomized enemies, events, relics and card rewards. Slay the Spire keeps you coming back thanks to nearly endless combinations for creating synergistic decks to mow down foes.
Developer: MegaCrit
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% positive from 100K+ reviews)
Geometry Dash
This rhythm-based action platformer is simple in concept but maddeningly difficult to master. Players guide a cube through spikey obstacle courses that perfectly sync jumps and dashes to the background music. With practice, you‘ll be flying through stages moving and jumping in perfect rhythm. Geometry Dash dominated mobile before coming to Steam with user-created levels enabling endless replayability.
Developer: RobTop Games
Release Date: December 22, 2014
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% positive from over 300K reviews)
Kerbal Space Program
This wacky physics-based space flight simulator lets you build fully functional rockets to launch the cute Kerbal astronauts into space and beyond. With challenging but realistic orbital physics, getting into orbit and beyond takes thoughtful spacecraft construction. But successfully pulling off harrowing manned missions to other planets and moons provides immense satisfaction. The vibrant mod community expands gameplay possibilities exponentially.
Developer: Squad
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (90% positive from 60K+ reviews)
Core Keeper
Core Keeper combines sandbox, survival, and procedural generation into an addictive multiplayer experience. Players dig deep underground while crafting, building, farming, and battling monsters. Core progression and challenging bosses push players to keep exploring the depths. Charming voxel art paired with fun action combat has made Core Keeper a breakout indie hit that captured the magic of blockbuster Terraria.
Developer: Pugstorm
Release Date: March 8, 2022
Platforms: Windows
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% positive from 35K+ reviews)
Overcooked
Frantic cooking action fuels the chaotic fun in this indie co-op hit. Players must cook and deliver orders under a time limit across zany stages set in kitchens, restaurants, and other locations. Coordination and communication are vital as you juggle tasks like cutting, cooking, plating, serving, and cleaning to satisfy customers. With tons of recipes, obstacles that can throw your kitchen into turmoil, and up to four player local and online co-op, Overcooked is a recipe for uproarious culinary mayhem.
Developer: Ghost Town Games
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (86% positive from 15K+ reviews)
Terraria
This 2D sandbox adventure game condenses the expansive crafting, exploration, and combat of Minecraft into a retro pixelated style. Procedurally generated worlds ensure boundless opportunities for discovery and building. A staggering variety of enemies to battle, resources to unearth, items to craft, and secrets to uncover fuels the addictive loop underlying Terraria‘s charm. Online co-op takes the fun to another level.
Developer: Re-Logic
Release Date: May 16, 2011
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, consoles, mobiles
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (91% positive from 630K+ reviews)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
This story-driven action-adventure stands out for its incredible visuals and animation. As young spirit guide Kena, players explore a forgotten village and use magical abilities to combat corrupted spirits. The adorable companion spirits called Rot that aid Kena became one of the game‘s most beloved features. Kena shows indie games can deliver compelling stories and adventures on par with the best AAA single player narrative experiences.
Developer: Ember Lab
Release Date: September 21, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (89% positive from 5K+ reviews)
Amid Evil
Amid Evil‘s retro FPS action harkens back to classics like Quake and Hexen. Seven distinct worlds filled with horrible monsters and deadly traps put players‘ combat skills to the test. players battle through ancient ruins and dark citadels wielding mystical weapons powered by harvested souls. Non-linear levels encourage thorough exploration to find secrets and power-ups for confronting the intense boss enemies.
Developer: Indefatigable
Release Date: June 20, 2019
Platforms: Windows
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (93% positive from 3.5K+ reviews)
A Robot Named Fight
This indie hit combines two popular genres – Metroidvania and roguelike. The premise has our robot hero repeatedly delving into procedurally generated caverns to destroy the source of evil monsters plaguing humanity. Armed with an arsenal of weapons, abilities, and power-ups, Fight must adapt to randomized map layouts and enemy placements each run. Fast-paced combat and clever procedural generation give A Robot Named Fight high replay value.
Developer: Matt Bitner
Release Date: September 7, 2017
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (93% positive from 1.3K+ reviews)
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
The Momodora series demonstrates how indie games can pack plenty of charm into tight 2D action-platforming experiences. In Reverie Under the Moonlight, priestess Kaho must travel cursed lands to petition the queen and save her village from impending doom. Slick combat and enjoyable platforming combined with lovely pixel art and a moody soundtrack make this a standout Metroidvania.
Developer: Bombservice
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (92% positive from 2K+ reviews)
What the Golf?
A perfect example of how indie devs take existing genres and twist them into something totally unique. On paper, What the Golf is a golf game. In practice, it‘s a hilarious mashup of golf, physics puzzles, platforming, and more. Ridiculous objects get whacked around imaginative golf courses filled with obstacles, holes, portals, and surprises. Bringing friends along exponentially increases the absurd hijinks. What the Golf shows why indie creators have some of the wildest and most creative ideas in gaming.
Developer: Triband
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Platforms: iOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% positive from 5K+ reviews)
Primal Light
This Nintendo Switch gem made a successful leap over to Steam. Players control a caveman warrior exploring a network of caves, facing menacing enemies and lethal traps along the way. Primal Light‘s tight platforming and combat mechanics are greatly satisfying. Cool perks like throwing your weapon and having to retrieve it keep players on their toes during the fast-paced action. Challenging gameplay is balanced with charming voxel visuals.
Developer: Fat Gem
Release Date: July 9, 2018
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows
Steam User Reviews: Very Positive (89% positive from 150+ reviews)
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight epitomizes indie games‘ retro resurgence with its 8-bit inspired graphics and gameplay. As the eponymous Shovel Knight, players wield a trusty shovel blade against the evil Order of No Quarter. Tight platforming, epic boss fights, and fun power-ups capture the best parts of classic 2D action games. Treasure Trove bundles the base game with several expansions for a beefy retro- flavored experience.
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Release Date: December 13, 2018
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
Steam User Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% positive from 15K+ reviews)
Conclusion
This selection shows why indie games have become such a vital creative force in the gaming world. Unbound by mainstream conventions, indie developers are free to experiment with fresh ideas, game mechanics, and themes. Their passion shines through in the loving detail and creativity packed into many indie titles.
While indie games may not boast massive marketing budgets and technical showpieces, they make up for it through sheer fun, charm, and innovation. The low barriers provided by digital platforms like Steam have allowed indie devs to find huge audiences hungry for their unique brand of gaming.
Indie games will no doubt continue pushing video games in bold new directions in the years to come. For anyone bored of same old big studio franchises and sequels, indie games provide an endless wellspring of creativity in interactive entertainment. Supporting indie developers helps foster innovation and diversity in the industry. So next time you‘re browsing Steam for your next game to play, be sure to check out the thriving world of indie games. You‘re bound to discover some hidden gems.
