Close to 20,000 video games were deployed on Steam in 2024, and experiencing all the games is not humanly possible. The rise of indie game development opened doors for many developers who could practice their skills. They can deploy games without the backing of any big gaming studio or company.
Since the industry produces games at such a large scale, there have been instances where some of the indie games have surpassed user expectations. Of course, big companies take all the attention and boast a massive user base, but this limelight is a product of a great budget. Indie developers lack budget, but they have a pass on exercising their creativity to the maximum extent.
A chunk of 2025 has passed, and indie games have already announced their stance with genres like job simulators, horror games, and hypercasual. In this list, we have sorted some of the best indie games that our team found exceptional. If you wish to develop any game mentioned below, you can easily do that by contacting a game development company, and you will have your indie game in no time.
As you know, indie games come in abundance every year, and not all titles get to experience the hype. However, the ones that do hit the limelight get massive success. Players enjoy the game mostly because of its simple gameplay and easy accessibility. Most of these games are free to play and require minimal specifications.
1. REPO
One of the indie games that topped the list and garnered huge success is REPO. A cyberpunk-themed 2D action game, being a repo in the game, the objective inspires players to reclaim cybernetic implants and tech from debtors. The game boasts a dystopian storyline with fast-paced action. The hack-and-slash combat style of the game gives you the right adrenaline rush and keeps you hooked. The story-driven missions of the game blend perfectly with its storyline.
Key Features of REPO:
Fast-paced 2D action
Retro pixel art style
Dark dystopian storyline
You collect bounties, fight enemies, and explore gritty cyberpunk environments
Inspired by classics like Katana ZERO and Hotline Miami
2. Tears of Metal
A Canadian indie studio, Paper Cult, rolled out Tears of Metal after its previous title, Bloodroots, which was also a success. The game takes place on a Scottish island set in the medieval ages. The hack-and-slash combat style of the game provides a rogue and raw experience to gamers. The objective of the game is to liberate the island from the English forces. You can also play the game online with up to 4 people, besides the single-player gameplay.
Key Features of Tears of Metal
Dynamic combat boasts fast-paced battles
Recruit and upgrade soldiers with skills
45 handcrafted environments
Expand your settlement to unlock new shops
Cooperative play
3. Space Elite Force
Prepare for a thrilling interstellar journey! A frantic space shooter with plenty of weapon modification options and challenging boss fights, Space Elite Force is not your average indie game. Take control of the ship and strive to keep mankind alive! Play this Indie game to enhance your shooting gaming experience.
Key Features of Space Elite Force
2D side-scrolling shoot-’em-up
Multiple game modes
Local Co-op
Online Leaderboards
Diverse Weapons & Upgrades
4. The Forever Winter
If you feel invested in dark storylines and a post-apocalyptic scenario, Forever Winter is your game. Fun Dog developed a grimdark, third-person tactical survival horror shooter, which cemented its place in the hearts of gamers. The environment in the game is controlled and oppressed by colossal war machines. Scavenging, survival, and strategizing are the major objectives of the game.
Key Features of The Forever Winter
Extraction-based mission
Unpredictable enemy behaviors
Survival depends on strategic decisions
Choose from six distinct classes of characters
Ever-changing battlefields
5. Blue Prince
Although considered an indie title, Blue Prince garnered massive audience attention. A critically acclaimed, puzzle-roguelike game, designed and developed by Dogubomb over a span of 8 long years. Only some of the AAA titles take this long in development. It is counted among the highest-rated games of 2025.
Key Features of Blue Prince
Provides a fresh experience every time
You can collect gems, keys, and other items
Offers narrative depth
Boasts features like the Apple Orchard and Satellite Dish to enhance future runs
6. The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is a prominent Indie game that travels 2000 years back in time for a loop adventure. By deftly utilizing the ability to turn the clock back 2000 years, you may uncover the mystery of who destroyed an ancient underground metropolis and explore its remains. You have control over the city’s future. Add this indie game to your gaming list.
Key Features of The Forgotten City
Time-loop mechanics
Non-linear exploration
Moral dilemmas
Multiple endings
Historical authenticity
7. Cult of the Lamb
One of the most popular indie games on Steam is Cult of the Lamb. In the game, players control a lamb who has been saved from destruction by a mysterious stranger. To repay this debt, the lamb must gain respect by completing tasks in different places.
Key Features of Cult of the Lamb
Dynamic world
You can recruit and personalize followers
Exercise moral choices
Art style blends cute and dark visuals
8. Sea of Stars
Harness the power of the Sun and the Moon with this great indie pc game. Sea of Stars offers a dynamic RPG gameplay. This game perfectly pays tribute to the golden era of pixel art games like Chrono Trigger, with dynamic combat, breathtaking visuals, and an emotionally resonant story. A perfect mixture of nostalgia and creativity makes it a popular game among RPG lovers.
Key Features of Sea of Stars
Turn-based combat system
Real-time elements
Diverse environments, from vibrant beaches to eerie swamps
Offers local co-op mode
9. Atomfall
Rebellion Developments produced Atomfall lately, and its popularity has already surged in the gaming landscape. A single-player survival-action RPG, Atomfall, is available almost everywhere. It is a highly accessible game. Set in an alternate reality where Britain faces a cataclysmic event in the 1960s. Eerie landscape, confronting mutated creatures, rogue military factions, and enigmatic cults are some of the factors that make this game worth appreciating.
Key Features of Atomfall
Scavenge resources, craft weapons, and barter with NPCs
Encourages players to adopt stealth strategies
Emphasis on survival mechanics
Diverse cast of characters
10. Little Devil Inside
If you think you are the hero of your story, then this game will perfectly satisfy all your gaming needs. This game is a blend of survival and open-world adventure. The players travel through difficult places, crack tricky puzzles, and fight with the big monsters. The unique art style and quirky humor ensure an engaging and unforgettable gaming experience.
Key Features of Little Devil Inside
Contains survival elements
A variety of weapons and equipment
Traverse diverse environments
Supports cooperative multiplayer
Platform Availability and Genres of the Games
Below, we have mentioned the list of different games with their genres and the platforms they support.
Game Title
Genre
Platforms
REPO
Indie Action / Roguelike
PC (Steam)
Tears of Metal
Roguelike / Action RPG
PC (Steam), PlayStation
Space Elite Force
Shoot ‘Em Up / Arcade
PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
The Forever Winter
Tactical Shooter / Horror / Survival
PC (Steam)
Blue Prince
Puzzle / Roguelike Adventure
PC (Steam)
The Forgotten City
Narrative Adventure / Time Loop Mystery
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Cult of the Lamb
Roguelike / Simulation / Action
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Sea of Stars
Turn-Based RPG / Retro Adventure
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Atomfall
Action-Adventure / Survival / Horror
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Little Devil Inside
Action-Adventure / Survival RPG
PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Why Choose BR Softech to Create an Indie Game?
BR Softech is a leading game development company that has created many games that attract and engage players from around the world. With 13+ years of experience and the best team of indie game developers, they have become the first choice for developing indie games. Their developers and designers have years of experience and are well-versed in all aspects of game development. That’s why they not only give a perfect shape to your indie game idea but also enrich it with exceptional functionalities and integrate top trends so it can stay ahead in the competitive gaming industry.
Choose us to get:
Expert team of developers
High-quality testing & QA
Customized indie games
Affordable Solutions
Engaging Interface
Final Words
As we all know, Indie games continue to prove that passion, innovation, and creativity can compete with even the most polished AAA titles. This upcoming year, 2025, is going to introduce many dynamic games for all game fanatics. From the tough gameplay like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Axiom Verge 2 to the relaxing exploration of Sable and the touching story of Venba, these games show the best of what indie developers can do. If you are an entrepreneur and want to develop the best indie games that perfectly stand out from the crowd, then you can contact one of the best game development companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What are the most popular Indie games?
Ans. Apart from the list that is mentioned above, there are a lot more exciting best indie games to be played by players. These games are Venba, Axiom Verge 2, Celeste 2: Lani’s Trek, Inkulinati, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Silhouette, and more.
Q.2 How much does it cost to develop an indie game?
Ans. The development cost of these games depends on their features and functions; the more you add features, the higher the cost will be. However, to know the exact cost of indie game development, you can contact us.
Q.3 How to create your own indie game?
Ans. To build your own indie game, you can hire indie game developers or an indie game development company that will bring your game idea to real life by enriching it with top-notch features. You can also go through a comprehensive indie game development process to create an indie game. Here is the step-by-step development process to develop an indie game- Research and analysis, Work on your game idea, Hire indie game developers and designers, Create an MVP of your game, Development of an indie game Testing and QA, Launch your indie game app
Q.4 Can I make money by investing and creating indie games?
Ans: Yes, you can make a big fortune by developing indie games. There are various methods to generate revenue from indie games. These are game advertising, Subscription services, In-game purchases, Downloadable content, and merchandising.
Q.5 Are indie games more affordable than AAA games?
Ans. Yes, indie games are generally more affordable than AAA games. This is due to smaller development teams and budgets. Many indie titles are priced lower, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Q.6 Are indie games suitable for all age groups?
Ans. Yes, indie games cater to a wide range of age groups, with genres and themes that appeal to both kids and adults. From family-friendly games like Tunic to more mature titles like Blasphemous 2, there’s something for everyone.
I am Nitin Garg, founder of BR Softech PVT LTD - an award-winning mobile game development company known for its excellence in the gaming domain. We have a team of 180+ exceptional professionals & we have a satisfied clientele of 2.7k+ globally. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I aim to elevate BR Softech to a billion-dollar company.