The indie game sector has blossomed into a vibrant and widely appreciated part of the gaming world, showcasing creativity and innovation.
However, defining what constitutes an indie game can spark lively debate.
Often created by small studios or even solo developers, indie titles typically operate without the financial support of large publishers.
As these creators grow, they may transition into larger studios, producing games that leave the indie label behind.
While there are no rigid criteria for indie classification—given the vast array of genres and styles—the defining characteristic lies in the creators’ independence and funding methods.
With this complexity in mind, we present a curated list of remarkable indie games to explore in 2025.
This list isn’t intended to rank the definitive “best indie games of all time,” but rather to showcase a variety of noteworthy indie experiences that you can enjoy across a broad spectrum of genres.
Below are 25 indie games, listed without a specific order or ranking.
If you’re on the hunt for specific genres, feel free to explore our recommendations for top racing, horror, or strategy games available now.
- Stardew Valley
Created By: Eric Barone
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: RPG/Simulation
A cornerstone of indie gaming, Stardew Valley emerged from the imagination of Eric Barone in 2016.
This farming simulator, enriched with RPG elements, has become an enduring favorite, racking up millions of downloads.
Though development has slowed as Barone focuses on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, Stardew Valley remains a beloved classic.
Players get to inherit a farm from their grandfather, embarking on a journey filled with engaging NPCs, exploration of new locales, and opportunities for expanding their farming skills while forming romantic bonds along the way.
- Undertale
Created By: Toby Fox
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: RPG/Adventure
Undertale holds a place as one of the most iconic indie titles, crafted by Toby Fox and released to rave reviews in 2015.
With a distinctive art style and groundbreaking gameplay, players venture into a whimsical underground world inhabited by quirky monsters, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters—both allies and adversaries.
- Hollow Knight
Created By: Team Cherry
Release Date: February 24, 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Metroidvania
From Team Cherry comes Hollow Knight, a brilliant entry in the metroidvania genre.
This gripping title, launched in 2017, immerses players in the role of the “Knight,” exploring the haunting kingdom of Hallownest, ravaged by an enigmatic plague.
- Tactical Breach Wizards
Created By: Suspicious Developments
Release Date: August 22, 2024
Platforms: PC
Genres: Turn-Based Strategy
The latest addition to our list, Tactical Breach Wizards, fuses turn-based tactics with a cleverly woven narrative sprinkled with witty dialogue and a vibrant cast of characters.
- Cuphead
Created By: Studio MDHR
Release Date: September 29, 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Platformer
When Cuphead was unveiled in 2017, its unique art style and formidable gameplay captivated gamers from all walks of life.
- Celeste
Created By: Maddy Makes Games
Release Date: January 5, 2018
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Platformer
Set out on a breathtaking adventure with Madeline in Celeste, where players tackle numerous challenges woven into a touching narrative.
- Subnautica
Created By: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release Date: December 16, 2014
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Survival
Renowned as one of the more successful indie titles, Subnautica offers a captivating underwater exploration experience.
- Dead Cells
Created By: Motion Twin and Evil Empire
Release Date: May 10, 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Metroidvania Roguelike
Players will face the challenge of permadeath in this roguelike adventure, as each defeat sends them back to the starting point.
- Hades
Created By: Supergiant Games
Release Date: December 6, 2018
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS
Genres: Roguelike
A remarkable indie triumph, Hades captivates players with its exhilarating gameplay and an engaging narrative structure.
- Outer Wilds
Created By: Mobius Digital
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Puzzle/Adventure
Additional Noteworthy Titles
- Tunic
Created By: Isometricorp Games
Release Date: March 16, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: RPG/Adventure - Vampire Survivors
Created By: Luca Galante
Release Date: December 17, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Roguelike/Survivors-like - Cult of the Lamb
Created By: Massive Monster
Release Date: June 10, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Roguelike/Action - Rime
Created By: Tequila Works
Release Date: May 26, 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Puzzle/Adventure - Disco Elysium
Created By: ZA/UM
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: RPG - Balatro
Created By: LocalThunk
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Roguelike/Card Game - Katana Zero
Created By: Justin Stander
Release Date: April 18, 2019
Platforms: Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Platformer/Adventure - Pacific Drive
Created By: Ironwood Studios
Release Date: February 22, 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC
Genres: Survival/Driving - Valheim
Created By: Iron Gate Studios
Release Date: February 2, 2021
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Genres: Survival/RPG - Spiritfarer
Created By: Thunder Lotus Games
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Simulation/Management
Closing Highlights
- Dave the Diver
Created By: Mintrocket
Release Date: October 27, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: RPG/Simulator - Minishoot Adventures
Created By: SoulGame Studio
Release Date: February 21, 2022
Platforms: PC
Genres: RPG/Adventure - Inscryption
Created By: Daniel Mullins Games
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Genres: Roguelike/Card Game - Into the Breach
Created By: Subset Games
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Genres: Turn-Based Strategy/Tactics - UFO 50
Created By: Mossmouth
Release Date: September 18, 2024
Platforms: PC
Genres: Strategy/Puzzle/RPG/Shooter
Wrapping up our list is UFO 50, an extraordinary collection that brings together 50 standalone games across a multitude of genres, from platformers to puzzles, strategy, and shooters.
This incredible compilation showcases the immense creativity and diversity of the indie gaming scene, ensuring players have a feast of experiences to explore.
Source: GameSpot