Top 10 Indie Games to Watch For in 2025

Indie games offer an unmatched opportunity for players to delve into fresh gaming landscapes. Over the past year, indie developers have garnered significant attention with releases like “Baltatro”, “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes”, “Nine Sols”, “INDIKA”, and “Thank Goodness You’re Here!” all earning widespread acclaim from both players and critics. Recognizing these creators’ skills, whether they work alone or in groups, is essential within the industry, and many of us have long been a part of it. As we move into the new year, there is much anticipation about which games will be worth watching.

Some of the game titles listed here are sequels, demonstrating the team’s dedication to producing games that fans find engaging and immersive. However, these titles represent just a fraction of the indie games being released this year, so be on the lookout for more upcoming ones too!

The Midnight Walk

Developed by MoonHood

Kicking off in the independent genre with MoonHood’s first release, “The Midnight Walk”. Crafted by the creators of the 2021 action-adventure game “Lost in Random”, this dark fantasy introduces The Burnt One, a character who forms an alliance with a mysterious creature called Potboy, who emits light from within. As you traverse through a realm that combines enchantment and fear, survival becomes the primary focus due to the meticulous work put into the game by this studio.

I’m thrilled to share that every element within this game was originally molded from clay and meticulously scanned in 3D to capture astonishing levels of detail. With a captivating stop-motion aesthetic, _The Midnight Walk_ has been painstakingly crafted to create an extraordinary experience like no other. The title is slated for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5 and PC, as well as the PlayStation VR2 and PC VR platforms. I can hardly wait!

Slay the Spire 2

Developed by Mega Crit

2024 seems to have shown us one key preference among players: a yearning for more creatively designed card games. Fortunately, one highly acclaimed roguelike deckbuilding game is set to release its sequel this year. The upcoming title, Slay the Spire 2, merges the advancement structure inspired by roguelikes with the strategic elements of a card game. In the realm of this dungeon-crawling adventure, players encounter adversaries and bosses as they climb through the multi-tiered spire.

In a fresh attempt this year, the Mega Crit team aims to recapture the success of their 2019 title, which pioneered the roguelike deckbuilding genre. Titled “Slay the Spire 2“, the game promises an exciting blend of new cards and tougher adversaries for players to conquer. The anticipated sequel is set to release on Early Access in 2025, exclusively for PC users.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Developed by Jump Over the Age

This month, fans of a cherished independent original can look forward to the latest chapter: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. It’s the second piece in the Citizen Sleeper series, with the first being introduced in 2022. The tabletop role-playing game from Jump Over the Age centers around a human, or “sleeper,” whose consciousness has been transferred into a robot body under the control of a dominant corporation.

In a gritty, futuristic world ruled by technology, this intricately hand-drawn RPG offers an immersive journey. You’ll step into the role of an android that has broken free, struggling with mechanical issues and haunted by a past you can’t recall. A bounty hangs over your head as you navigate this dystopian cyberpunk universe. The game, driven by dice mechanics, is scheduled to debut on January 31 for Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4

Developed by Toby Fox

As an avid gamer, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the continuation of the Deltarune series, a sequel to the indie masterpiece Undertale from 2015. Solo developer Toby Fox has crafted a distinctive world filled with intriguing characters, pulse-pounding bullet hell mechanics, and an unforgettable soundtrack that’s left fans craving more. The wait for Chapters 3 & 4, which we’ve been patiently expecting since 2021, will finally end this year. Just recently, Toby Fox announced that the next two chapters of Deltarune are scheduled for release in 2025, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Although Toby Fox hasn’t revealed any specific details yet, we can anticipate delving into the TV universe introduced at the end of Deltarune Chapter 2. As the game moves towards its testing phase, it’s likely that players will revisit the Main (or Strange) Route again this year.

Hyper Light Breaker

Developed by Heart Machine

Titled “Hyper Light Breaker”, this game serves as a precursor to the 2016 action RPG “Hyper Light Drifter”. It offers a fresh roguelike gaming experience, and has been praised by fans for its nods to classic 8-bit to 16-bit titles and the moving storyline that draws inspiration from the creator’s own congenital heart disease. What began as a Kickstarter project in 2013, the original title garnered numerous nominations, including Best Independent Game and Best Action/Adventure Game at The Game Awards 2016.

As an eager enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving into the world of Hyper Light Breaker! This game revolves around a character known as a “Breaker,” whose mission is to delve into the Overgrowth and take down a lineup of formidable bosses in an attempt to challenge the Abyss King. The anticipation among fans has been building since late 2023, but alas, early access has faced repeated delays. However, the wait will soon be over as we’ll get the chance to soar on hoverboards and glide alongside friends in a captivating setting that beautifully blends nostalgia with fresh experiences, complete with new adversaries and realms to explore!

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

Developed by Happy Broccoli Games

This year, Happy Broccoli Games is releasing a follow-up to the Duck Detective series, titled “Duck Detective: The Secret Salami“. Indie gaming enthusiasts were intrigued by this brief but captivating title that drops players into the world of a hard-boiled duck detective facing financial struggles. His mission is to crack the case using his keen deductive skills, reminiscent of the gameplay in “Return of the Obra Dinn“.

In light of the original game’s overall success, The Duck Detective will introduce a fresh set of suspects within a high-end camping site setting. Although no murder is currently suspected (as far as we’re aware), the game offers an entertaining experience suitable for all ages. Duck Detective: The Phantom of Glamping is set to release on PC in 2025.

Cairn

Developed by The Game Bakers

This independent game, Cairn, offers a scenic tour rather than plunging you into the heat of action. It’s an open-world survival climbing simulator that places you in the role of Aava, a climber about to scale Mount Kami. Feel free to investigate every hidden corner as you can climb anywhere on the rugged landscape. However, be warned, this journey won’t be straightforward, so pick your grip points wisely.

If you’re looking to enjoy mountain scenery without pressuring yourself to reach the summit, the Expedition mode offers a chance for players to test their skills across different slopes. The game’s scenic backdrop mirrors its originality within the indie gaming community. Players can start their adventure right now with a complimentary demo, and the complete climb is scheduled for 2025 on PC platforms.

Hades II

Developed by Supergiant Games

Following the triumphant early access launch in May, many enthusiasts are eager to revisit the underworld for another round with “Hades II”. Back in 2018, players first encountered “Hades”, which was available in early access for two years before its official release. The game series has earned critical praise for its unique roguelike gameplay, captivating storyline, and distinctive artistic flair. As an indie studio creation, there hasn’t been a title quite like “Hades” that has garnered such wide-spread popularity and acclaim.

In a fresh twist, the sequel titled Hades II shifts focus from its predecessor, as it delves into the tale of Melinoë, the Underworld’s Princess and sister to Zagreus, the protagonist from the first game. Instead of Hades, Melinoë seeks to vanquish Chronos, the Titan of Time. Like its predecessor, Hades II will resurrect its popular roguelike dungeon crawler mechanics and introduce new narrative-driven paths and battle resources. Expected to launch in 2025 for PC platforms.

Wanderstop

Developed by Ivy Road

Instead of the typical action-filled titles, _Wanderstop_ offers a warm and heartfelt gaming experience. In this game, Alta, once a warrior tormented by combat, now manages a tranquil tea shop. Despite finding peace in her new lifestyle, her internal conflicts can complicate even simple tasks. Together with fellow shopkeeper Boro, she learns to cultivate patience within herself and discovers it through interactions with her customers.

The intensity of the story mirrors Davey Wreden’s exhaustion from crafting “The Stanley Parable” and “The Beginner’s Guide”. Like many independent developers including Wreden, personal experiences are often woven into the game to maintain a connection with reality, offering a relatable haven for players to identify themselves within it. “Wanderstop” is set to launch on March 11, 2025, available for PlayStation 5 and PC.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Developed by Team Cherry

Ever since 2017, avid independent gamers worldwide have eagerly anticipated the comeback of the highly-praised action-adventure game Hollow Knight. This Metroidvania platformer has consistently ranked as one of the most-watched-for indie games set for release in this year. Although no official announcement has been made, hints suggest that the sequel could be launched later this year.

In a new adventure, players will step into the shoes of the deadly hunter, Hornet, battling fresh enemies and unearthing old mysteries that connect to her ruthless character and history. With its challenging gameplay, fans have eagerly anticipated returning to the intricately hand-drawn 2D universe for quite some time now. It appears that the wait may prove to be rewarding. The release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong is yet to be determined on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

2025-01-09 07:10