16 Best Indie Games to Play in 2023

Nowadays, playing video games is becoming more prevalent among youngsters and all ages. Do you also love playing games? Read further to explore some worthy games.

Independent video games are known as indie games designed within a slimmer budget. The reason behind the popularity of indie video games is their thrilling experience. Playing video games can sharpen the mind and can calm it too. 

In this piece of content, we will discuss indie games intensely, what they are, why they are getting popular these days, and a list of games you should try out your hands on. These are the games that you are going to want to play. So, without further delay, let’s enter the world of Indie games.

What are Indie Games?

Indie games are independent video games. “Indie,” as the name suggests, means Independent of a publisher. The Indie game developers seamlessly focus on unique innovation and experimental gameplay with creative storylines. These games are generally free of significant updates.

Moreover, these Indie games are created by a team of 2-10 people from scratch with a low financial budget and technology support. After facing many challenges, they finally create games that catch players’ attention and quickly rule their minds. However, designing Indie games have exciting advantages such as:

• Freedom to be more creative – As an indie dev (individual developer), you can try every possible idea you encounter while designing the game. 

• Free from crunch culture – An indie developer can work without pressure on their project. 

• Highlighted credit and recognition – Developing Indie games allow your game’s success to be your success. You’ll get all the credit after publishing your designed game. 

The reason behind the increasing popularity of Indie Games

Since the mid-2000s, Indie games have been on the tip of a massive part of the population. These are getting popular because of their unique storyline and gameplay. They tend to be more original and innovative. However, these games are mainly small, readily available, and easily accessible.

This is why these games are getting more famous than the mainstream games that big organizations create. 

Furthermore, due to the user-friendly and pocket-friendly interface, these games quickly get players’ attention even if the player is a novice and gets spread like a forest fire.

Additionally, unlike most games, Indie games gain popularity through word-of-mouth. Lastly, Indie games are best suitable for players looking for new creative and story-driven experiences. 

Indie Games vs. Games from Large Corporations

A significant difference between an Indie game company and a large corporation is the financial advantages that Indie games don’t get. Enormously established companies have more resources than indie game companies.

However, large corporations have more skilled developers and programmers than Indie game companies. But Indie game companies have the flexibility to work on their own without any pressure. 

Moreover, the size of development teams matters too. Large corporations can easily cover all the needed requirements while designing due to the availability of team members.

Lastly, the significant difference between Indie games and games from more giant corporations is their publicity among the audience. Indie games have created a special place in every gamer’s life due to their availability and accessibility. 

Undertale

Undertale is a role-playing adventure video game designed with Gamemaker. The launching year of Undertale was 15th September 2015. American indie developer Toby Fox published it for platforms like OS X, Windows, Linux, PlayStation4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox one. 

Moreover, this indie game takes place under the surface of the Earth, known as ‘Monster’s World,’ and to go back, the player has to defeat the monsters across its path. In addition, this game’s narration changes according to the player’s decision or choice. Hence, the Undertale Indie game has a unique battle style in which the player can spare the Monster’s life by negotiating. 

Celeste

One of the most successful indie games is Celeste. The launching date of Celeste was 25th January 2018. The developer and publisher of Celeste are Matt Makes Games. You can play these games on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and Google Stadia.

However, this indie game is about a young girl named Madeline who is dealing with anxiety and depression. She aims to climb a mountain called “Celeste.” 

During this journey, she comes up against several characters, including a personification of her self-doubt. Who stops her from climbing that mountain? The mountain’s mystery keeps the players curious and engaged.

Valhein

Another name among the row of highly successful indie games is Valhein, launched on 2nd February 2021. Its developer Iron Gate Studio and publisher, Coffee Stain Studios especially designed for Linux, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It is a Survival and Sandbox video game that Viking Culture inspires. 

Furthermore, the game has a unique combat style, boss battles, and a neat building system for crafting things. The game’s primary mission is to find and defeat Odin’s enemies and bring order to the realm. The Game Valhein can be challenging with the elevation of the level. Hence, a perfect game for those who love action and simulation.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a simulation role-playing video game that came into existence on 26th February 2016. The developers and publishers are Eric “ConcernedApe” and Barone. However, the game runs seamlessly on platforms like Microsoft Windows. Additionally, hundreds of characters and decoration options mesmerize your farm. 

Furthermore, this game is about adventure, exploring mysterious caves, building houses, crafting, collecting treasures, etc. However, the dating feature keeps the game stand out.

Stardew Valley encourages the players to take on activities such as cooking, fishing, growing crops, foraging, raising livestock, and interacting between the villagers and the townspeople.

Spelunky World

Another game designed by Gamemaker is Spelunky World. The primary goal of this game is to grab a tremendous amount of treasure from the cave. Spelunky World was released on 21st December 2008. It was created by Mossmouth, LLC and designed by indie developer Derek Yu for platforms like Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, ChromeOS, and Nintendo Switch. 

However, the game is freeware for Microsoft Windows. The unique 2D platform and roguelike game are about exploring caves and tunnels and gathering treasures by avoiding traps and enemies. Moreover, Spelunky World allows players to use bombs and ropes to overcome challenges.

Hades

Hades is one of the best roguelike simulation games, released on 17th September 2020. It was developed and published by Supergiant Games for platforms like macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox series X/S. However, this game is stimulated by Greek mythology about the Immortal son of Hades named Zagreus. 

During his journey, he must fight with angry, lost souls and deal with the challenges of escaping the underworld. The story further includes that he returns to Hades’ Palace whenever he dies and tries again. He has boons from other Gods of Olympus and Finds treasures that help him escape. The game’s turning point is at the end; you must defy the god of the dead for your survival. 

Enter The Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is a Bullet Hell roguelike video game. This is a challenging indie game launched on 5th April 2016. The developer Dodge Roll designed the game to look easy to play in the beginning. Publisher and Developer digitally published the game on the platforms such as Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and Amazon Luna.

Furthermore, Enter the Gungeon is set in a fire-armed theme. The gameplay follows four player characters called Gungeoneers as they play the game to find a gun that has a magical ability to “kill the past.” Hence, a perfect game for thriller lovers. 

Death’s Door

Death’s Door is a 3D isometric action-adventure video game launched on 28th March 2017. Acid Nerve is the developer of this great game. Devolver Digital is the game’s publisher for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Moreover, in the game, the player explores the World of Ghosts to survive.

Furthermore, the player plays the role of a crow who is a soul reaper in this ghostly realm. In the game, the player has to solve puzzles by fighting with the demigods and the monsters using weapons like arrows, swords, and magic. Players can experience amazing effects like slow motion effects, blood splatter effects, and good impact of sounds during battles.

Rain World

Rain World is a survival platform game with a simulated ecosystem. Its launching date is 28th March 2017. Developer Video cult has kept the game simple and aesthetic. Moreover, Rain World is published by Adult Swim Games and Akupara Games for platforms like PlayStation4, Microsoft Windows, and Switch. 

Furthermore, the player of this game takes on the role of Slugcat, who lives with his family. One day, he gets lost in an unknown world and is forced to find his family. The gaming world is post-apocalyptic and dangerous. The goal of this game is to survive and hibernate during the rain. Most importantly, its limited resources test the player’s patience. 

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania Game in which players must use their skills and reflexes to survive. This indie game was released on 24th February 2017. The developer and publisher are Team Cherry. It is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Moreover, it is a challenging, adventurous, horrifying game in an underground kingdom of bugs plagued by supernatural diseases. 

Moreover, the player plays the role of a bug with sword-like nails as weapons. The players tend to fight with tainted creatures and solve an ancient hidden mystery in the survival game. Wide ranges of interconnected worlds keep the players interested throughout the game. 

Pyre

Pyre is an action role-playing party-based video game launched on 25th July 2017. It was developed and published by Supergiant Games for platforms like Linux, Microsoft Windows, PS4, and macOS. However, Pyre is an arcade sports game. The game’s battle system is a team-based game related to soccer.

Moreover, the main goal is to guide a character to the ball and try to get it to the enemy’s Pyre. Different strategies can change the outcome or the playstyle of the game. Lastly, every character existing in Pyre has a different survival story. 

Soma

Here is another awesome indie game, Soma. It is a survival horror video game released on 22nd September 2015. It was developed and published by Frictional Games for Linux, OS X, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox One.

Soma takes place in a remote underwater research facility where food is running out, the world is in chaos, and the mechanisms claim to be alive. This game is an existential nightmare about personal identity. However, there is no fighting back; you must douche your enemies for survival. 

Into The Breach

Into The Breach is a turn-based strategy video game. Its launching date is 27th February 2018. Further, this game was developed and published by Subset Games for the platforms – Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Linux, Stadia, iOS, and Android.

The whole game is tactical, where giant alien bug-like creatures threaten human civilization by expanding their species. Moreover, the player can control mechs and canons in battles to fight against aliens. Failure isn’t an option. Hence, the game provides another chance to start the game from the beginning. 

Stray

Stray is among the quickest-spreading indie games. Its cat-based performing adventure makes the game stand out. Moreover, Stray was released on 19th July 2022. It was developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive for platforms like PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows. 

An adventure game follows a storyline of a stray cat who falls into a city surrounded by machines, robots, and mutant bacteria. Plus, the game takes place in the seedy underbelly of a decaying cybercity.

However, the player needs to climb platforms, overcome challenges, and interact with the environment to unlock new paths. Hence, the novelty of playing as a cat in an adventurous world gives gamers a thrilling experience. 

Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a role-playing video game launched on 15th October 2019. It was developed and published by ZA/UM for Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Infinity Engine heavily inspires the game.

It is a murder mystery where the player takes the role of a detective. However, the story starts with a body hanging from a tree in the backyard.

Furthermore, the main goal of this game is to investigate the murder case and find the culprit. Disco Elysium game doesn’t have any combat system, and the player has to resolve the case by using skills via a system of 24 skills. Lastly, with the availability of countless tools, players can develop their characters quickly. 

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is a space flight simulation video game launched on 27th April 2015. The developer of this game is Mexican Developer Squad, whose elegant design allows the players to manage and create their space program.

Moreover, Kerbal Space Program was published by Private Division for Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox series X/S. 

Furthermore, by managing and creating your space program and spaceship, you can use it to fly within the game. However, the game is about a nascent space program crewed and staffed by aliens named ‘Kerbals.’ The player tries to help these Kerbals fulfill their ultimate missions: reaching a certain altitude, reaching a stable orbit, and escaping the atmosphere.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, indie games have occupied a special place in every gamer’s heart. For your ease, we have listed some of the best indie games you should try playing in 2023. You can select the one which will be exciting for you to play. Moreover, the accessibility and utmost gaming experience of these games make gamers interested.

Most importantly, ensure that the game you choose doesn’t result in addiction. Now, you have a good idea about these games’ features. You can try the one that suits you the best.

You may also explore some best Cross-Platform Games.