10 Interesting Indie Video Games You Should Play

Mainstream, major video games today are a bigger industry than movies or music. Blockbuster titles like Call of Duty, FIFA, or Grand Theft Auto dominate the charts and headlines. The industry has grown so pervasive that people now make full-time careers out of being watched while playing video games on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Yet, underneath this flashy surface lies a quieter but equally impactful revolution: the rise of indie video games. These are titles made independently of the big gaming studios. Without billion-dollar marketing budgets or hundreds-strong development teams, these games often rely on passion, innovation, and storytelling to stand out. And more often than not, they offer something truly unique—gameplay mechanics, artistic styles, or narratives that big studios wouldn’t risk touching.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for something fresh, here are 10 amazing indie video games you should absolutely try.

1. Hollow Knight

Developer: Team Cherry
Genre: Action-Adventure / Metroidvania

A hauntingly beautiful journey through a ruined underground kingdom, Hollow Knight combines tight platforming, intense combat, and deep lore. With a hand-drawn art style and responsive gameplay, it feels polished far beyond what you’d expect from a tiny development team.

It’s tough but fair, with intricate map design and hidden secrets in every corner. The atmospheric soundtrack and subtle storytelling have earned Hollow Knight a cult following—and for good reason.

Why it’s special: A masterclass in Metroidvania design that rivals even genre titans like Super Metroid or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

2. Celeste

Developer: Matt Makes Games
Genre: Platformer

More than just a tough-as-nails platformer, Celeste tells the heartfelt story of a young woman climbing a mountain while battling her inner demons. The controls are tight, the difficulty curve rewarding, and the narrative surprisingly emotional.

It also features accessibility options that allow players to tailor the experience to their skill level, making its message about mental health more approachable.

Why it’s special: A rare game that challenges your reflexes while also telling a deeply personal story.

3. Undertale

Developer: Toby Fox
Genre: RPG

In a genre known for grinding and violence, Undertale turns the formula on its head. Here, you don’t have to kill anyone. In fact, the game changes dramatically depending on whether you choose to spare or fight monsters.

Quirky humor, minimalist graphics, and an unforgettable soundtrack make Undertale stand out. The fourth-wall-breaking elements and moral choices create a gaming experience that’s hard to forget.

Why it’s special: A groundbreaking RPG that asks what it really means to be a “hero.”

4. Hades

Developer: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike Action

Hades combines Greek mythology with stylish, fast-paced combat in a roguelike format. Every time you die, the story progresses, and you learn more about the characters and world. It’s a unique blend of narrative and gameplay that never feels repetitive.

With voice acting, sharp writing, and stunning art direction, Hades feels more AAA than indie. Yet, it was developed by a small, tight-knit team that’s known for quality over quantity.

Why it’s special: A perfect example of how roguelikes can be both narratively rich and endlessly replayable.

5. Stardew Valley

Developer: ConcernedApe
Genre: Farming Sim / Life Sim

Created by one person, Stardew Valley is a love letter to classic farming sims like Harvest Moon, but with modern improvements and an endless supply of charm. You inherit a run-down farm and get to live out your dream life—growing crops, fishing, mining, and even finding love.

Its pixel art style and relaxing gameplay loop make it a perfect game to unwind with.

Why it’s special: Proof that one person with enough passion can build a world players never want to leave.

6. The Witness

Developer: Jonathan Blow / Thekla, Inc.
Genre: Puzzle

The Witness drops you on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles and no guidance. You must solve environmental puzzles that teach their own logic as you go. The deeper you dive, the more philosophical the experience becomes, subtly questioning perception, knowledge, and reality.

This is a thinking person’s game—no combat, no dialogue, just a serene world and your own intellect.

Why it’s special: It turns the simple act of solving puzzles into a profound, almost meditative journey.

7. Slay the Spire

Developer: MegaCrit
Genre: Roguelike / Deck-Building

In Slay the Spire, you build a deck of cards as you climb a procedurally generated tower filled with monsters, treasures, and surprises. The combination of card game strategy with roguelike unpredictability makes every run feel different.

Its addictive loop has inspired countless imitators but none quite match its balance and depth.

Why it’s special: A genre-defining deck-builder that’s easy to learn but endlessly deep.

8. Disco Elysium

Developer: ZA/UM
Genre: RPG / Narrative Adventure

Forget combat; Disco Elysium is all about dialogue and decision-making. You play as a washed-up detective trying to solve a murder while battling your own fractured psyche. The writing is some of the best in gaming—equal parts noir, existentialism, and absurdity.

Your stats represent parts of your mind (like Logic, Empathy, or Authority), and they talk to you, creating a unique internal dialogue system.

Why it’s special: Possibly the best-written video game of all time. Period.

9. Oxenfree

Developer: Night School Studio
Genre: Supernatural Thriller / Adventure

Oxenfree blends teen drama with supernatural horror and a unique dialogue system that feels natural and fluid. The story follows a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift during a weekend trip.

Its eerie atmosphere, radio-based puzzles, and branching narrative make for a haunting, memorable ride.

Why it’s special: A coming-of-age ghost story with emotional depth and striking visual design.

10. Papers, Please

Developer: Lucas Pope
Genre: Puzzle / Simulation

You are a border control officer in a fictional Eastern Bloc country. Your job: inspect passports and decide who gets in and who doesn’t. What starts as a simple task quickly becomes a moral balancing act as you juggle bureaucracy, bribery, and the consequences of your decisions.

Bleak, yes—but also powerful in the way it forces you to confront ethics in a way few games do.

Why it’s special: A surprisingly emotional bureaucratic simulator that challenges your morals and your memory.