Top 10 Indie Games You’ve Slept on This January

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We’re already halfway through January 2026, and the new year is off to an incredible start for gaming. While the big blockbusters usually steal the spotlight, a massive wave of fantastic indie titles has already hit the shelves. Many of these are likely flying under your radar, or you might have forgotten just how much value you can get from a budget-friendly indie gem. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 indie games you probably missed that are absolutely worth your time this month.

Kotama and Academy Citadel

It might be early in the year, but this is already a strong contender for the best Metroidvania of 2026. The combat feels great and the exploration is top-notch, featuring a mysterious academy full of interconnected areas and hidden upgrades. The enemy variety and boss fights keep things unique, and the anime-inspired art style definitely isn’t afraid to lean into its “hot girl” character designs.

You can find it on Steam for 19.50€ and with the current 10% discount, it’s well worth the investment.

StarRupture

StarRupture is an open-world, sci-fi survival game that you can easily sink 100 hours into without even noticing. It hooks you instantly with automation mechanics reminiscent of Satisfactory and Factorio, allowing you to streamline processes and grow more powerful as you progress. Despite the depth of the systems, it remains a surprisingly relaxing experience and one I still can’t put down.

It’s currently in Early Access on Steam for 19,99€, but with the active 20% discount, it’s a total bargain. You won’t regret picking this one up!

Vital Shell

This is one of those hidden indie gems most people are going to sleep on. Featuring PS1-inspired graphics, it’s a fast-paced shooter that blends arcade combat with roguelite progression. The focus is on short, intense runs and constant build experimentation. Since each run only takes about 20 minutes, it’s incredibly hard to put down, you’ll find yourself saying “just one more” as you test out new builds.

It’s a steal at 4,71€ on discount on Steam, and it has Overwhelmingly Positive reviews for a reason.

MaSzyna

Even if you aren’t usually a “train person,” buckle up as this game might just change your mind. MaSzyna is a realistic train simulator that prioritizes authentic driving systems, signaling, and railway operations. It’s a dream for simulation fans, and unlike other titles in the genre, you don’t need to buy 1,000 DLCs to enjoy it. It’s completely free to play.

You can find MaSzyna on Steam.

One Turn Kill

I know the market is flooded with roguelikes and roguelites every year, but hear me out on this one. One Turn Kill is a tactical powerhouse built around lethal, turn-based encounters where positioning and strategy matter far more than mindless grinding. The pixel art is beautiful, and the gameplay loop offers countless hours of fun.

At only €5,83 (on discount) on Steam, it’s another budget-friendly gem that punch way above its weight class.

Super Woden: Rally Edge

The latest entry in the Super Woden series is a massive leap forward for the franchise. It stays true to its roots as an isometric arcade rally racer, featuring the tight handling, competitive time trials, and classic motorsport vibes that fans love. It also supports 4-player local split-screen, making it easily one of the best retro arcade rally games you can play with friends today.

You can get Super Woden: Rally Edge for just 8,95€ on Steam.

Oh Demon Fix My TV

Blending horror, comedy, and surreal puzzles, Oh Demon Fix My TV casts you as a demon summoned by an old woman for a bizarrely mundane task: fixing her television. What follows is a short, mind-bending adventure where your gaze is your greatest tool. By simply looking around, you physically alter the environment, revealing hidden clues, triggering lights, and opening secret passages.

It’s a wonderfully weird experience available on Steam for just 8,77€.

Big Hops

While it can be hard to find a platformer that truly stands out in such a crowded genre, Big Hops manages to do something genuinely different. This 3D adventure is all about the joy of movement, focusing on exploration and precision jumping across colorful environments. The mechanics are unique here: you can tongue-swing, free climb, and even build your own path forward by planting veggie bounce pads, tightropes, and hookshots.

You can grab it on Steam right now for 17,55€.

ODDCORE

ODDCORE is a game that prides itself on being weird and entirely unique. But beneath its strange exterior lies an amazing, fast-paced retro FPS roguelite that perfectly blends old-school gunplay with procedural levels and modern progression systems. It’s shocking how well it plays, you’ll likely find yourself hooked the moment you pull the trigger.

You can pick up this visceral experience on Steam for just 10€.

StreetDog BMX

This title is a standout for fans of BMX culture, offering a physics-driven experience that prioritizes “flow” above all else. Its urban environments are designed for creativity, allowing you to tackle challenges and master complex tricks at your own pace. Though the controls require some practice to perfect, the learning process is rewarding rather than frustrating.

While it carries a 24,50€ price tag on Steam, the sheer amount of content and the “infinite” nature of the gameplay ensure you’ll get your money’s worth.