5 Hidden Indie Games You Need to Play (And 1 Is Perfect for Hogwarts Legacy Fans)

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Although the gaming industry’s future remains uncertain and is often surrounded by negative perceptions, indie games provide a refreshing escape from these doubts. These games developed by smaller or lesser-known studios can give the impression of being birthed out of pure inspiration, resulting in a clear vision for the game. It feels as though you’re playing exactly what the developer had envisioned, a game that they couldn’t find elsewhere in the gaming world to their satisfaction.

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to share some hidden gems from this list that are truly worth exploring! These indie games offer unique, fun experiences that often get overlooked in the more popular titles they draw inspiration from. In a strange twist of fate, it’s these very aspects that have kept them under the radar that make them all the more captivating to play.

5. Astral Throne

I found it surprising that the indie game, reminiscent of Fire Emblem, didn’t garner more recognition upon its release at the start of the year, given its distinctive visual style and captivating tactical RPG mechanics. The blend of gameplay that mimics Fire Emblem, yet offers a fresh twist through dynamically changing stories based on character selections and in-game choices, seems underappreciated. Each playthrough presents various endings due to the altering narrative, offering a unique experience.

While some strategic RPG enthusiasts might have been deterred by the game’s long play sessions spanning multiple hours, I personally find this aspect appealing. Instead of endless short runs, the game encourages you to invest time in a select few, mastering their mechanics and experimenting with the most effective upgrades for your predominantly random team composition.

Some people might not like that the game has long play sessions, but I do because instead of playing lots of short games, you focus on a few, learning them well and figuring out which upgrades work best with your randomly assigned team.

4. Öoo

Previously, there was the Metroidvania game called “Öoo“, which offered a streamlined approach to the genre that caught the attention of Shuhei Yoshida, a former Sony executive. Despite being short on gameplay duration, it managed to eliminate unnecessary aspects and tedious elements associated with backtracking in these types of games. Instead, it placed emphasis on puzzle-solving mechanics, resulting in an engaging experience that was further enhanced by its captivating environment and soundtrack.

In this game, you assume the role of a cunning caterpillar who lays bombs instead of relying on an abundance of power-ups to navigate through the many rooms. As you play, it feels like you’re growing more intelligent, as you uncover innovative methods to utilize your seemingly basic ability.

3. Spells and Secrets

Embarking on an adventure post the captivating phenomenon of Hogwarts Legacy, Spells and Secrets casts me in the midst of a magical academy besieged by ominous powers. As I dodge through its halls, I’m on a quest to master spells and save fellow students and mentors, all while dealing with the relentless challenges that roguelite gameplay presents.

This game stands out by incorporating local cooperative play, which is not common among roguelike games or contemporary titles as a whole. It also provides multiple engaging methods to engage, through the blending of distinct spells. In some ways, it resembles the Magicka series and carries a hint of enchantment reminiscent of Harry Potter.

2. Boomerang Fu

Boomerang Fu is an enjoyable and straightforward party game where players hurl food-shaped boomerangs at each other. Despite numerous attempts at indie party games, I often find myself drawn back to this one due to its endearing quality and the chaotic physics it offers. Starting with a standard boomerang, you can experiment with power-ups to concoct lethal combinations and battles that are surprisingly intense.

I too appreciate the thrill of gradual character demises and the rewarding aspect of acquiring cosmetic items through gameplay, which serves as an entertaining motivation for us to continue playing for that additional round. Boomerang Fu offers a variety of gaming modes, adjustable rule settings, and a map selection tool, allowing you to engage in both serious competition or simply fun-filled matches according to your preference.

1. Our Adventurer Guild

At the pinnacle of my list, and surprisingly the title I’ve delved into most this year, is “Our Adventurer Guild“. Despite its unassuming appearance that might cause you to swipe past on Steam, it boasts one of the finest interpretations of an indie fantasy adventurer management game I’ve encountered. Granted, there aren’t many competitors in this niche, but it stands out as a remarkable entry.

In this setup, you’re in charge of a diverse group of explorers, reminiscent of a blend between Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3, Fire Emblem, and Final Fantasy Tactics. Although it has a compact narrative, the storyline is engaging enough to hold your attention, while its mechanics for character advancement and item management effectively satisfy your tactical gaming cravings.

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2025-09-10 19:13