Published on December 25, 2025

10 Best Indie Games Of 2025 You Need To Play Right Now

10 Best Indie Games Of 2025 You Need To Play Right Now

The indie game scene in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary, with an overwhelming number of releases that have captivated players and pushed the boundaries of creativity. Each month has brought fresh titles that have left a lasting impression, making the indie scene more vibrant, innovative, and dynamic than ever before.

After much deliberation, we’ve selected our top ten favorite indie games of 2025. However, narrowing it down was no easy feat, and many deserving titles didn’t make the list. To avoid the injustice of ranking them, we’ve opted to present them without order , because picking favorites is simply too difficult and unnecessary. Trust us, we’ve been legally advised not to! So, let’s dive in and explore the best of indie gaming this year.

Our Top Picks for Best Indie Games

The world of indie games is full of incredible titles, but some stand out above the rest. Here are my top picks for the best indie games:

  • Baby Steps : A quirky adventure where you navigate a series of humorous challenges with an adorable protagonist taking small, unpredictable steps.

  • Ball X Pit : A fast-paced, physics-based puzzle game where you control a bouncing ball to solve intricate levels.

  • Blue Prince : An atmospheric, narrative-driven platformer that takes you through a beautifully crafted world filled with mystery and emotion.

These are just a few highlights, and there's so much more to explore. Keep reading to uncover even more indie gems that could become your new favorites. You never know , your next obsession might be just a scroll away!

Best Indie Games of All Time

What makes indie games particularly appealing is their drive to distinguish themselves from their AAA counterparts. Unlike large studio titles, indie games must shine , whether through art, storytelling, or gameplay mechanics ,  in order to achieve success.

This necessity pushes indie developers to craft experiences that often surpass what even the biggest studios can create, resulting in fresh, innovative, and highly memorable games.

Baby steps : 

An unpredictable, physics-based journey that combines the joy of chaos with the challenge of overcoming impossible odds, reminiscent of the iconic punishing mechanics in Bennett Foddy’s Getting Over It.

Why we love it: It’s not easy to explain in a few words ,  it’s one of those games you truly have to experience to understand. After handing the controller to SIE’s Sid Shuman, his character immediately slipped down a mountain in the most exaggerated, helpless fashion. The result? A laugh so genuine it brought tears to his eyes, and that’s when it all clicked for us: the mix of absurdity, vulnerability, and humor becomes clear with every awkward stumble, making each misstep unexpectedly satisfying.

Ball X Pit : 

A fast-paced, neon-drenched arcade experience where the action is relentless, the sounds are deafening, and everything feels just a little off-kilter in the best possible way.

Why we love it: We got an early preview from Devolver, and it was clear from the start that this one was special , several team members found themselves glued to the game even after finishing their reviews. It’s pure, unfiltered chaos , the kind that pulls you in instantly and doesn’t let go. Personally, seeing Kenny Sun’s name attached made the experience even more exciting. I’ve followed his journey since his early work on Circa Infinity, and witnessing his transition from minimalist, mind-bending platformers to this vibrant, loud, and polished project , all crafted by a single developer , is nothing short of impressive.

Blue Prince : 

A mind-bending, ever-shifting room puzzle that evolves with every step you take, keeping you on your toes as you explore its strange mysteries.

Why we love it: There’s a unique charm in a puzzle game that defies expectations, and Blue Prince captures that perfectly. Many of us had the same surprising experience , even though it’s a single-player game, it became something we played together with partners or friends. We found ourselves sharing theories, comparing discoveries, and collaborating on solutions, almost as if we were all unraveling a shared enigma. That sense of quiet exploration and gradual revelation, piecing together a strange, elegant puzzle, is what makes this game unforgettable. It’s stylish, ingenious, and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve put it down.

Skin Deep : 

Skin Deep immerses you in one of the most captivating sims we've experienced in years. Set aboard a meticulously designed spaceship, you navigate your way through its dark corridors, relying on your wits, the mysterious powers of cats, and anything you can scavenge to outmaneuver a crew of ruthless space pirates. And, if that’s not enough, you can dispose of the pirates’ floating heads in a bin  ,  an act so absurdly satisfying, it’s worth recommending the game on its own.

Megabonk : 

Megabonk took the gaming world by storm at launch with its outrageous memes, overpowered builds, and pure chaotic fun. This indie game, inspired by Vampire Survivors, stands out by being fully 3D , a seemingly small shift that completely transforms the gameplay experience. The addition of jumping injects a fresh, dynamic layer into the chaos, keeping the action feeling unpredictable and exciting. It's no wonder that players continue to flock back daily, drawn in by the game's unique energy and nonstop mayhem.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 : 

A visually stunning, painterly RPG centered around defying a prophecy and claiming a future that was never meant for you.

Why we love it: The moment we saw it, the art direction captivated us, and the combat strikes a perfect balance between strategic depth and cinematic flair. It’s a beautiful game, featuring exceptional voice acting, precise gameplay, and possibly the most incredible soundtrack in gaming. Sandfall Interactive, the Montpellier-based team behind the game, draws clear inspiration from European illustration traditions and the emotional storytelling of classic RPGs. You can sense those influences in every character, every creature, and every brushstroke. It’s bold, breathtaking, and a prime example of the kind of creative vision that truly resonates with us.

Despelote : 

A heartfelt, slice-of-life adventure set in early-2000s Quito, immersing you in a neighborhood, and a nation , caught up in Ecuador's historic 2002 World Cup qualifying run.

Why we love it: Despelote beautifully captures a cultural moment that holds deep meaning for many Ecuadorians, doing so through small, intimate details that feel incredibly personal. The narrative takes us back in time, drawn from the creators' childhood memories in Quito, and the art style enhances that sense of nostalgia with a gentle, dreamlike quality that makes the world feel both familiar and surreal. It’s a warm, human story and a poignant celebration of a community's spirit.

Haste : 

 

Haste is essentially a Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired roguelike, designed around the art of mastering momentum and movement. You race through levels at lightning speed, avoiding hazards while chaining abilities to maintain your momentum. Every precise jump and flawless move counts, making the experience feel like a true arcade classic in the best possible way. The music only elevates the adrenaline-fueled action, adding an extra layer of excitement to this high-speed adventure.

Sword of the Sea : 

 

Sword of the Sea is a serene sand-surfing adventure from Matt Nava and the team behind Journey, Abzû, and The Pathless.

Why we love it: Watching Nava’s artistic evolution has been a joy, and Sword of the Sea feels like the perfect culmination of everything he excels at ,  fluid movement, captivating atmosphere, and moments of emotional quiet. The game is already stunning and calming on its own, but what truly enhanced our experience were the subtle, innovative details Nava included. The DualSense haptics, in particular, add a gentle, tactile layer to surfing across the dunes , it’s an immersive sensation that’s difficult to describe until you feel it for yourself. Thoughtful, immersive, and an experience that lingers long after you’ve put down the controller.

Abiotic Factor : 

Abiotic Factor has emerged as one of the standout indie co-op games of the year. This survival adventure has you and your friends fighting to stay alive inside a research facility that's gone horribly wrong. You’ll explore bizarre realms, gather resources, and battle increasingly dangerous threats. The modernized N64-inspired visual style adds a unique, nostalgic charm, giving the game a distinctive feel that’s both familiar and fresh.


Last updated: January 11, 2026, 11:04 PM