The end of the year is approaching, and what better way to finish it than by reviewing the 25 best indie games that defined this year? Regardless of genre or order, with one key condition, the game must have overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, we’ve compiled a list that celebrates the creativity and innovation of the indie scene. It’s safe to say that 2024 was one of the best years for indie games.
Balatro
- Developer: LocalThunk
- Platforms: PC, Android, iOS
What better way to start than with the indie game of the year, the best mobile title, and an outstanding debut indie achievement. Balatro shone as one of the most striking creations 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 you have at least a basic knowledge of poker, the addition of roguelite elements makes it a must-play for all fans of quality indie titles.
Why play it?
- It makes you think more than the average roguelike.
- It draws you into addictive gameplay.
- 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. It brings a fresh twist to the genre’s familiar formula, offering precise platforming and thoughtful puzzles that make every expedition through its diverse regions memorable. While the retro-inspired visual style and unusual presentation may not appeal to everyone, the originality and charm that permeate this game make it a must-play experience for fans of Metroidvania titles.
Why play it?
- Unique pixel graphics and atmosphere.
- Innovative Metroidvania gameplay.
- Interesting 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 Detention. This title blends a precise, Sekiro-like combat style with classic Metroidvania exploration. The combat revolves around pinpoint accuracy and parrying, and you can also uncover hidden secrets, navigate complex environments, and solve puzzles that reveal layers of its mythology. The game also delves into themes of revenge, redemption, and ambition, with an emotionally engaging story that unfolds through exploration and interaction.
Why play it?
- A unique combination of Sekiro-inspired combat and Taiwanese mythology.
- A complex, hand-drawn 2D world with engaging storytelling.
- An appealing mix of exploration and challenging, precise 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 developer Aggro Crab that follows Krill, a lovable crab on a quest to find his stolen shell. The story takes place in a colorful underwater world filled with vibrant landscapes and challenges. Players will explore the vast ocean, face off against hostile sea creatures, and solve puzzles related to the ecosystem. A special feature of the game is the use of everyday items, like soda cans, as temporary shells for protection. With its blend of humor and emotion, the game subtly points to serious ecological issues like ocean pollution, providing both an entertaining and thoughtful experience.
Why play it?
- A charming crab navigating a unique underwater world.
- Soulslike mechanics with a playful, accessible twist.
- Creative combat that uses everyday objects as makeshift protection.
Hades II
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Platforms: PC
Hades II, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Hades from Supergiant Games, introduces a new protagonist, Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld and sister of Zagreus. Her mission is to fight against Chronos, the God of Time, who threatens the cosmic balance. The game retains the signature roguelike mechanics of its predecessor while adding new weapons, abilities, and Olympian gods that offer unique blessings, all to ensure dynamic, fast-paced combat that rewards skill and experimentation.
Why play it?
- The sequel to the critically acclaimed game Hades with new mythological characters.
- Evolutionary roguelike gameplay with deeper storylines and character interactions.
- Beautiful visuals and dynamic voice acting.
Pacific Drive
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Platforms: PC
Pacific Drive is an innovative roguelike survival game focused on driving, set in a surreal, post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest known as the “Olympic Exclusion Zone.” Players take on the role of an explorer in this dangerous zone, using a modified station wagon that becomes both their key ally and means of survival. The core of the game is vehicle management and upgrades, scavenging for resources, making repairs, and customizing your car to withstand unpredictable challenges. The zone’s dangers include toxic storms, shifting terrain, and enigmatic supernatural anomalies, and exploring its secrets makes for an intense experience.
Why play it?
- A roguelike survival game with a focus on driving.
- Customize and manage your car in a wild world.
- A unique blend of exploration, tension, and driving 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 alternative 20th-century Warsaw. The game introduces you to a world where mystical beings known as Salutori exist, and those who can summon and guide them are called thaumaturges. The story explores themes of power, morality, and human nature as you navigate a city filled with political intrigue, social tensions, and supernatural forces. The gameplay combines turn-based combat with a unique summoning mechanic; each Salutor possesses special abilities, encouraging strategic gameplay and experimentation.
Why play it?
- A dark, morally complex RPG set in an alternative 20th-century Warsaw.
- A unique focus on summoning mystical beings to influence combat and decisions.
- A deeply engaging narrative shaped by your choices and powers.
Backpack Battles
- Developer: PlayWithFurcifer
- Platforms: PC
Backpack Battles brings a fresh and innovative approach to the strategy genre by putting inventory management at the heart of the gameplay. This game turns a seemingly routine task into a dynamic and competitive experience. The main challenge is organizing items within a grid-based inventory, where every space plays an important role. Each item has unique effects and takes up different amounts of space, forcing players to carefully balance power, utility, and optimal placement.
Why play it?
- Turn-based battles based on efficient inventory organization.
- Strategy meets creativity in a unique inventory-focused mechanic.
- A competitive game that is both challenging and rewarding.
Buckshot Roulette
- Developer: Mike Klubnika
- Platforms: PC
Buckshot Roulette is a multiplayer and single-player hit that has captured players worldwide this year. The game attracted attention not only for its low 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 has a dark, pixelated atmosphere that further heightens the tension. The goal is simple: eliminate your opponents by firing your shells before they can.
Why play it?
- Wildly unpredictable shooting.
- Fast, chaotic games.
- Hilarious and absurd visual and gameplay design.
Thronefall
- Developer: GrizzlyGames
- Platforms: PC
Thronefall is a minimalist game that perfectly balances kingdom management and defense, blending strategy and action. As a monarch, your task is to build and defend your kingdom from endless waves of enemies. The game is divided into two phases: building and defense. During the building phase, you have limited resources to erect key structures like farms, barracks, and defensive walls. The defense phase brings the action, where you must fend off waves of enemies by combining strategic placement of defenses and active combat, making each round both challenging and rewarding.
Why play it?
- A minimalist yet strategic kingdom defense game with dynamic gameplay.
- It combines city building and combat in an interesting cycle.
- Ideal for short but satisfying gaming 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 blends 2D and 3D gameplay. In the game, you take on the role of Jot, whose storybook world becomes chaotic when a villain jumps off the pages and into the real world. During the 2D sections, you explore a classic storybook world, solve puzzles, and fight against charming, hand-drawn characters. The real magic happens when Jot steps into the 3D world, where the perspective changes dramatically and the gameplay shifts into a modern action-adventure, providing a memorable experience and innovative dynamic.
Why play it?
- A delightful mix of 2D and 3D adventure puzzles.
- A touching story and picturesque art style.
- Constant surprises in the 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 comical focus on the absurd and charming. Set in a picturesque small town, the game leads you to explore and interact with its eccentric residents. Every 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 the colorful characters. Whether you’re chasing runaway chickens for a farmer or unraveling quirky local mysteries, each task brings humor and lighthearted fun.
Why play it?
- Absurd humor and charming hand-drawn animations.
- Bizarre, unpredictable interactions with colorful characters.
- A cheerful experience in a unique small-town setting.
Mechabellum
- Developer: All Possible Futures
- Platforms: PC
Mechabellum is a grand auto-battler game that emphasizes tactical decision-making and spectacular battles between 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 the battle and thoughtful troop placement. The game offers a rich selection of mechs, each with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, providing depth and variety in creating winning strategies.
Why play it?
- Massive auto-battler gameplay with an emphasis on tactical unit placement.
- Constantly evolving strategies with customizable mechs and upgrades.
- Visually impressive battles filled with explosive chaos.
Peglin
- Developer: Red Nexus Games Inc.
- Platforme: 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 on a quest for revenge against the adventurers who have wronged them. The core game mechanic revolves around firing orbs at a board filled with pegs. Every peg hit increases the damage dealt to enemies, creating a satisfying cycle of planning and execution. The variety of orbs, ranging from explosive bombs to health-restoring pegs, adds layers of strategy and ensures that no two playthroughs are the same.
Why play it?
- An innovative combination of Peggle-style mechanics and roguelike progression.
- Easy to play but with deep strategic decision-making.
- A charmingly quirky art style.
Caves of Qud
- Developer: Freehold Games
- Platforms: PC
Caves of Qud is a vast roguelike RPG set in a rich, post-apocalyptic world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and endless possibilities. Known for its depth and complexity, the game offers a unique combination of procedural generation and handcrafted narrative that keeps players coming back for more. The character creation system is extremely detailed, allowing players to customize their abilities, mutations, and stats to match their own playstyle.
Why play it?
- A deeply complex and open-ended roguelike RPG.
- A fascinating retro-futuristic world with unlimited possibilities.
- Extremely replayable gameplay with procedurally generated environments.
Mullet Mad Jack
- Developer: HAMMER95
- Platforms: PC
Mullet Mad Jack is a retro-inspired action game that unleashes the spirit of 1980s arcade classics. Players take on the role of Jack, an action hero with a ridiculous mullet who is both hilarious and terrifying. With its fast-paced, heavy-metal soundtrack and incredible enemies, the game provides non-stop adrenaline-fueled excitement. It combines platforming with chaotic combat as Jack uses a varied arsenal of weapons to take on waves of enemies. The game is challenging yet fair, rewarding quick reflexes and creative use of Jack’s abilities.
Why play it?
- Retro-inspired action with a comical protagonist.
- Action-packed gameplay with a heavy-metal soundtrack.
- Wildly fun levels filled with 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 bleak fantasy world where the lines between life and death are blurred, the game explores themes of morality, survival, and the consequences of power. The story unfolds in a land filled with unrest, where ancient forces and human factions vie for control. You are drawn into the heart of this conflict, where every decision has meaning and shapes the world around you. The narrative is rich and branching, offering multiple paths and endings based on the player’s choices.
Why play it?
- A dark, open-world RPG with moral complexities.
- A unique alchemical magic system that combines creativity and strategy.
- An immersive, mysterious atmosphere with various narrative paths.
Tactical Breach Wizards
- Developer: Suspicious Developments
- Platforms: PC
Tactical Breach Wizards is a strategy game that pushes the boundaries of the genre, blending modern police tactics with fantasy wizardry. 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 has special abilities, such as gravity manipulation, shield summoning, or teleporting across the battlefield.
Why play it?
- Tactical combat with creative spells and modern police tactics.
- Deep, strategic gameplay with a humorous narrative twist.
- A unique combination of urban combat and magical chaos.
Last Epoch
- Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
- Platforms: PC
Last Epoch is an extremely customizable action RPG that combines classic hack-and-slash gameplay with modern innovations. Set in the rich fantasy world of Eterra, it offers players a time-traveling adventure. You can choose from five base classes: Sentinel, Mage, Rogue, Acolyte, and Primalist and evolve them into more than 15 specialized subclasses, such as Void Knight, Necromancer, or Marksman. Each class comes with a detailed skill tree, allowing for endless experimentation and custom builds. For fans of ARPGs like Diablo and Path of Exile, Last Epoch offers a deeply rewarding gaming experience.
Why play it?
- Unlimited customization with deep skill trees and crafting systems.
- A rich story and intriguing time-traveling plot.
- Perfect for fans of ARPGs looking for 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 uncover ancient cores while fending off dangers and building a thriving base. The loop revolves around gathering resources, crafting tools, and expanding your base. Players can also explore procedurally generated caves filled with treasure, puzzles, and enemies. The cooperative multiplayer mode allows up to eight players to team up, making it a fantastic choice for larger groups.
Why play it?
- A cooperative sandbox adventure in a mysterious underground world.
- Resource gathering, crafting, and combat with RPG elements.
- An addictive progression cycle with a charming pixel-art aesthetic.
UFO 50
- Developer: Mossmouth
- Platforms: PC
UFO 50 is a unique compilation that features 50 retro-inspired games developed by a team of indie creators led by Derek Yu, the creator of Spelunky. Each game in this set is designed to reflect the charm of classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles while incorporating modern elements. The collection covers various genres, including platformers, shooters, puzzle games, sports simulations, and RPGs. Every title is self-contained, with unique mechanics, levels, and challenges.
Why play it?
- A collection of 50 retro-inspired games with modern twists.
- A unique variety of genres that offer endless fun.
- Nostalgic appeal with a cohesive narrative that links the games.
Neva
- Developer: Nomada Studio
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Neva is an emotional and visually stunning adventure game from the creators of Gris. The story follows a young woman and her wolf as they confront the dark forces threatening their world. Focusing on themes of love, loss, and resilience, Neva provides a deeply emotional experience that resonates powerfully. The game blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration, making Neva more than just a game—it’s a true work of art. Aimed at players who appreciate rich storytelling, emotional depth, and beautiful visuals, it offers an unforgettable journey through a world filled with both beauty and sorrow.
Why play it?
- An emotional adventure from the creators of Gris.
- Beautiful visuals combined with a touching story of connection and loss.
- An atmospheric game that explores 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 but memorable cast of characters as you explore thoughtfully placed puzzles, and experience a strange mix of tension and tranquility. The story of this game is set in 1990 and follows a mysterious girl named Mara Forest, who comes to Crow Country, an abandoned amusement park in rural Atlanta, to find out what happened to the park’s owner, Edward Crow, who mysteriously vanished two years earlier.
Why play it?
- Unique storytelling focused on exploring folklore and nature.
- Beautiful atmospheric visuals with a scary soundtrack.
- Intriguing puzzles and immersive storytelling.
Witchfire
- Developer: The Astronauts
- Platforms: PC
Witchfire is a dark fantasy first-person shooter that blends roguelike mechanics with intense, fast-paced action. 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 use an arsenal of firearms and spells, creating a dynamic combat system that rewards quick reactions and creative thinking. Witchfire is a must-play for all fans of titles like DOOM and Dark Souls.
Why play it?
- A dark fantasy first-person shooter with roguelike elements.
- Challenging, intense combat powered by beautiful Unreal Engine graphics.
- An arsenal of weapons infused with magic for creative and satisfying gameplay.
Mouthwashing
- Developer: Wrong Organ
- Platforme: PC
Mouthwashing is a surreal and experimental game that transcends traditional genres, blending psychological horror with absurd comedy. Set in a bizarre, dreamlike world, the game invites players to explore disturbing environments, interact with strange characters, and follow a story that is both thought-provoking and extremely unusual. Players must decipher mysterious messages, solve unconventional puzzles, and piece together fragmented parts of the story. The surreal nature of the world means that logic doesn’t always apply, creating moments of both frustration and surprise.
Why play it?
- A surreal gameplay concept with unpredictable mechanics.
- An interesting mix of psychological horror and absurd comedy.
- A distinctive, quirky art style that is both terrifying and amusing.
