It’s almost mid-2025, and so much is happening in the iGaming world. In the video gaming industry, more games are being released. So, it only makes sense that we look at must-play titles, particularly in the indie game category.
Regardless of your preferred genre, 2025 has seen the launch of indie video games across all categories. Be it dungeon crawlers, metroidvanias, platformers, or balatro titles, there’s a game for everyone. Below is a list of the best 10 indie games in the world, plus honourable mentions, according to the expert Kate Richardson. She has more than 15 years under her belt, trying and reviewing indie games.
Top indie games
Blue Prince
Developer: Dogubomb, Dogubomb Inc.
Publisher: Raw Fury
Digital Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Genre: Puzzle game
Released: 2025
"If in doubt, try the easiest solution first. It just might work." Martin Gardner (1914-2010)
If you are having a long day, you should refresh by trying the easiest solution first; playing Blue Prince. It's a game that combines multiple aspects of indie games and takes you on a mysterious journey through multiple worlds.
Your responsibility is to explore procedurally generated worlds and rooms by solving puzzles. As you progress deeper into the world, you unlock new power-ups, and the puzzles become difficult.
Return of the Obra Dinn
Developer: Lucas Pope
Publisher: 3909 LLC
Digital Platforms: Mac OS and Microsoft Windows
Genre: Puzzle Game
Released: 2018
Return of the Obra Dinn is Pope’s second hit in the indie games genre, following the successful release of Papers, Please in 2013. It is set aboard a fictitious East India Company ghost ship where all passengers and crew members are dead.
Using deductive reasoning and a Memento Mortem stopwatch, teleport back to when these deaths occurred. Unravel the where and how they happened. If they were killed by someone, you must unravel their name.
Return of the Obra Dinn has won multiple awards, including The Game Award for Best Art Direction in 2018, The British Academy Video Games Award for Game Design in 2019, and BAFTA Games Award for Artistic Achievement in 2019.
As I was playing the game, the Kraken scene was by far the highlight. I liked how you can hear the scene before it happens, which further raises the suspense and thrill. It doesn't happen often during gameplay, which makes it even more special.
Celeste
Developer: Maddy Makes Inc. and Extremely OK, Ltd.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Inc
Digital Platforms: Mac OS, Xbox One, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and PlayStation 4
Genre: Adventure and Platformer game
Released: 2018
Celeste is a simplistic yet fun-to-play release from Maddy Makes Inc. and Extremely OK, Ltd.. Yet, the game's popularity stems from the same simplicity, a captivating storyline, and great design. You will be controlling Madeline on her quest to discover thrills on Mt. Celeste. It’s during the quest that you will unravel Madeline’s struggles, including her journey to self-discovery and mental health issues.
While there are many attributes about the video game I liked, the greatest feature was the challenge, which was hard but fair. Additionally, fast transitions between death and respawn kept me glued to the game for hours. It’s also a very reasonably priced game, making it affordable to a wide audience.
1000xRESIST
Developer: Sunset Visitor
Publisher: Fellow Traveller
Digital Platforms: Steam, Nintendo, Microsoft, and PlayStation 4
Genre: Adventure game, and Science fiction
Released: 2024
1000xRESIST throws you into a pandemic and disease-ridden world dominated by aliens. You play the role of Watcher, a young lady who resides in what appears to be a bunker. While Watcher is the game's protagonist, there are plenty of other humans living with her and are all protected by the ALLMOTHER.
As a way of appreciation, you serve the ALLMOTHER with dedication. This suddenly changes when you unravel a very dark secret about her (the ALLMOTHER) that shifts the game’ plot completely.
The Rogue Prince of Persia
Developer: Evil Empire
Publisher: Ubisoft
Digital Platforms: Mac OS, Xbox One, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and PlayStation 4
Genre: Early Access, Adventure
Released: 2024
"I know too well what he is capable of, but I intend to find him, and punish him for what he has done to my kingdom." Prince of Persia
Will you join The Prince as he seeks revenge for his kingdom in The Rogue Prince of Persia? As a traditionally parkour-themed game, with the main character having a complicated relationship with death, the roguelike Prince of Persia release feels like an idea awaiting execution.
The game borrows heavily from the traditional Prince of Persia. It features the prince’s walls, his favourite tools of trade, and builds an entire 2D sidescroller around it. This allows him to jump off many surfaces with much ease compared to the traditional game.
This gem is yet to be released, but it is available in early access mode. Having played it, I can easily conclude there is room for improvement, especially in the graphics department. However, the foundation of the game is solid, and players can expect plenty more as the Evil Empire continues to add content.
Hollow Knight
Developer: Team Cherry
Publisher: Team Cherry
Digital Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, macOS
Genre: Fighting, Metroidvania
Released: 2017
This is a superbly designed and entertaining Metroidvania indie title. It is set in a fantastic atmosphere and offers plenty of action, making it a game with high replayability.
While playing Hollow Knight, you assume the role of a silent insectoid who is in charge of an underground fallen kingdom – the Hollownest. Strike enemy combatants with a sword-like weapon, the Nail, or learn powerful spells that will help you strike them from a distance.
While there are many things to like about Hollow Knight, the outstanding feature is the hand-drawn art style, which is complemented by an excellent soundtrack. The biggest challenge is navigating the open world and recovering your currency when you die.
Stardew Valley
Developer: ConcernedApe
Publisher: ConcernedApe
Digital Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox One, Windows, and MacOS
Genre: RPG, Adventure
Released: 2016
Stardew Valley is one of my favorite games, as it shares a plot with Harvest Moon. One of your older relatives has entrusted you with his farm, and it’s up to you to manage it. While the Harvest Moon game might leave many confused in terms of their objective, Stardew Valley goes for a more contemporary plot.
You find yourself in what appears to be a rat race and decide to relocate back to the farm. You find an overgrown plot of land and a run-down farmhouse on arrival. Restore it to its original state to earn points and various rewards along the way.
The Rise of the Golden Idol
Developer: Color Gray
Publisher: Playstack
Digital Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android
Genre: Puzzle/Adventure game
Released: 2024
You are once more portrayed as an invisible detective tasked with the responsibility of investigating a series of ghastly scenes. You are required to use your detective instincts to pluck out words in the crime scenes and deduce what happened. If you’ve watched 007’s The Man With The Golden Gun, then you’ll find playing The Rise of the Golden Idol fun and intriguing.
Pacific Drive
Developer: Ironwood Studios
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Digital Platforms: PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Genre: Adventure, Simulation, Racing Video Game
Released: 2024
Many things make Pacific Drive a great indie game, but the outstanding feature is the attention to detail. This is especially evident in the car design and its quirks. You are actively required to make repairs and upgrades as you drive along the Olympic Exclusion Zone. There are challenges along the way, including unpredictable weather and unforeseen dangers that you must overcome.
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
Developer: MrSuicideSheep
Publisher: MrSuicideSheep
Digital Platforms: Windows and PlayStation 4
Genre: Adventure
Released: 2024
Featuring only six chapters, playing and completing Sheepy: A Short Adventure is possible in one sitting. You’ll be traveling across an obstacle-laden, ominous world where you’ll be facing formidable bosses. As you will notice, the game is neither punishing nor easy. This makes it attractive to both pros and beginners. While it is a great release, its biggest downside is that it crashes or lags on certain devices.
Other forms of entertainment
The indie genre might continue to thrill players for years! However, they are not the only category of games you can play on the internet. There is a diverse section of games including gambling games you can play on the internet. If you are interested in trying some of these casino games, you should try some of the following titles:
Online slots: these come with different themes, styles of play, in-game features, and bet limits to accommodate all sorts of players
Table games: if you frequent land based casinos, or watch 007 films, you are probably familiar with table games. They include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, sic bo, poker, and craps
Crash games: these are the new forms of entertainment. Once you've placed your bet, you watch as the amount increases concurrently with the multiplier on the screen. You only win money by cashing out before the multiplier crashes.
You can play all these games from the comfort of your home. Just ensure you visit only a licensed and regulated online casino to avoid accessing unsafe, unregulated, and rogue platforms.
Conclusion
That's it. If you are looking to play indie games as a beginner, intermediary, or advanced player, the list above should have more than enough games for you to pick from. These titles have been picked based on specific parameters, including game design, playability, and reviews online.
