Indie games have long been a cornerstone of innovation in the gaming industry, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for players seeking out new, creative experiences beyond the realm of big-budget blockbusters. While the definition of what exactly makes a game "indie" continues to spark debate among critics and fans alike, a general understanding has emerged: indie games are created by small teams or even solo developers, usually without the backing of a major publisher. These creators often operate with limited budgets but boundless imagination, resulting in games that feel more personal, risk-taking, and original than many mainstream releases. That said, some so-called indie games reach massive levels of popularity and commercial success, blurring the lines between the independent and the mainstream. Nevertheless, what often sets indie titles apart is the heart behind them, the creative risk-taking they embody, and the unique ways they engage players emotionally, intellectually, or just in terms of raw, satisfying gameplay.
In compiling a list of standout indie games to play in 2025, the goal wasn’t to rank them in terms of sales or critic scores. Instead, this list is designed to capture the spirit of indie development — across genres, styles, and themes — while providing a variety of recommendations that can cater to different moods and tastes. Whether you’re into rich narratives, clever puzzle mechanics, retro-styled platforming, or deeply challenging roguelikes, there’s something here worth discovering. While some of these games are recent, others have been around for years but continue to evolve through updates and mod communities, keeping them as fresh today as when they first launched.
A perfect place to begin this journey is with a game that has defined indie development for nearly a decade: Stardew Valley. Originally launched in 2016 and developed entirely by Eric Barone, Stardew Valley is the kind of game that sneaks up on you with its simplicity and hooks you for hundreds of hours. At first glance, it’s a farming simulator — one where you inherit your grandfather’s old farm and must restore it to its former glory. But just beneath the surface, it becomes something much deeper. Stardew Valley is an ecosystem of relationships, discovery, self-improvement, and slow, satisfying progress. The game doesn’t rush you. It invites you to move at your own pace, to plant crops, raise animals, mine deep underground caves, forge friendships with townspeople, and even find love. The game has grown significantly since its release, thanks to regular free updates and a thriving modding community that continues to expand its systems and content. It’s the kind of game that feels like home and, for many, is one they return to over and over again.
If Stardew Valley introduced players to the emotional potential of indie games, Undertale redefined what they could say. Created by Toby Fox and released in 2015, Undertale is a game that challenges assumptions about video game storytelling. With its charmingly minimalist graphics and an unforgettable chiptune soundtrack, the game starts as a simple RPG but quickly reveals layers of narrative complexity, humor, and emotional depth. The central mechanic — allowing players to spare their enemies rather than defeat them — flips traditional gameplay on its head and invites players to think deeply about the consequences of their actions. Depending on your decisions, the world of Undertale can shift dramatically, making every playthrough a unique experience. The characters, from the lovable Papyrus to the enigmatic Sans, have become icons of indie gaming culture. What’s perhaps most impressive is how the game balances lighthearted fun with philosophical weight, often within the same scene. It’s proof that you don’t need high-end graphics or massive budgets to tell a powerful story that stays with players long after the credits roll.
Another title that continues to capture the imagination of players is Hollow Knight, developed by the Australian studio Team Cherry. First released in 2017, Hollow Knight is a masterclass in the metroidvania genre. You step into the role of a silent, bug-like knight exploring the mysterious, decaying kingdom of Hallownest. With beautiful hand-drawn art, fluid controls, and an atmospheric soundtrack, the game delivers a rich world teeming with secrets, boss fights, and subtle storytelling. One of Hollow Knight’s greatest strengths is its non-linear design. You’re given the freedom to explore in any direction, uncovering new powers, unlocking shortcuts, and gradually unraveling the tragic history of the world around you. Combat is tight and satisfying, with a large variety of enemies and more than 30 bosses to test your reflexes. What makes Hollow Knight particularly special is how it never holds your hand — it respects your intelligence as a player, encouraging experimentation and discovery. For many fans, the long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, has become one of the most anticipated indie releases ever.
On the newer side of the spectrum, Tactical Breach Wizards brings a refreshing twist to the turn-based tactics genre. While the name might sound tongue-in-cheek, the gameplay is anything but shallow. Developed with a focus on satisfying combat and witty writing, Tactical Breach Wizards places players in control of a team of magically-inclined operatives who specialize in breaking into high-security locations. The magic meets military aesthetic is both fun and functional, with each character bringing unique skills that can manipulate enemies, alter the battlefield, or turn the tide of a fight in unexpected ways. The game features a rewind mechanic that lets players experiment with different approaches without the fear of losing progress, which adds a layer of strategy and creativity. It’s not just about winning battles, but figuring out the coolest, most efficient way to do so. The story, while lighthearted, is full of charm and features memorable dialogue that complements the tightly designed missions. Tactical Breach Wizards is a shining example of how indie developers can breathe new life into well-trodden genres by emphasizing player choice and polish.
Of course, any list of must-play indie games wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the creative juggernaut that is Celeste. Developed by Matt Makes Games and released in 2018, Celeste is a 2D platformer that combines pixel-perfect movement with a deeply personal story about mental health, self-doubt, and perseverance. Players guide a young woman named Madeline as she attempts to climb the titular mountain, navigating brutally challenging levels along the way. What’s remarkable about Celeste is how it balances that difficulty with a sense of encouragement — failure is never punished, and every death is a chance to learn. The game includes thoughtful accessibility options, allowing players to tailor the challenge to their own needs without compromising the emotional impact of the narrative. Celeste’s blend of mechanical precision and heartfelt storytelling has earned it a permanent place among the most influential indie games of the past decade.
As you move through this list, you’ll find an incredible diversity of experiences, from introspective solo journeys to chaotic co-op adventures. Games like Hades, with its roguelike structure and Greek myth-inspired world, showcase how indie studios like Supergiant Games can push genre boundaries while maintaining tight gameplay and rich storytelling. Then there are artistic gems like Gris, a visual and emotional experience that explores grief through surreal platforming and watercolor visuals. Or perhaps you’re looking for something offbeat and unexpected, in which case the absurd comedy of games like Donut County or Untitled Goose Game might be just the kind of strange joy you didn’t know you needed.
The beauty of indie games is that they often exist outside the rigid expectations of the traditional gaming industry. They’re made by people with a vision, a story to tell, or simply a clever mechanic they want to share with the world. As a result, playing indie games often feels like getting a glimpse into the developer’s personality. You’ll find games that experiment with time, that break the fourth wall, that challenge your perceptions, or that simply offer a moment of peace in a noisy world. Whether you’re spending an hour solving elegant puzzles in The Witness, building your own narrative in Disco Elysium, or getting lost in the dreamlike landscapes of Hyper Light Drifter, there’s always something new and meaningful to discover.
In 2025, the indie gaming scene is thriving. With powerful development tools more accessible than ever, a global community of players hungry for originality, and platforms that make publishing easier for small teams, the future of indie games is brighter than ever. Games you play today may have started as a passion project on someone’s laptop a year ago and could end up becoming tomorrow’s classics. For players, that means an endless stream of creative, surprising, and deeply memorable experiences just waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a longtime fan of indie games or just beginning to dip your toes into this world, there’s never been a better time to explore what these passionate developers have to offer.
So as you look for your next game to play, consider venturing beyond the big names and massive marketing campaigns. The indie world is full of stories worth hearing, challenges worth mastering, and worlds worth getting lost in. These games may not always come with flashy trailers or cinematic set-pieces, but what they offer in creativity, heart, and replayability is second to none. You might just find your new favorite game in a place you didn’t expect — and that’s the magic of indie.