Examples of Indie Games Capturing the Hearts of Gamers

Content Manager at RetroStyle Games | Nov 6, 2024

Indie games have a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Unlike big-budget titles produced by large game studios, indie games are focused on creativity and passion. These games often explore unique themes and innovative gameplay mechanics that major studios might overlook.

The indie game market continues to grow as these titles gain popularity and critical acclaim. But why are indie games so good? Because the concept starts based mostly on imagination, dreams, and well thought concepts instead of marketing indie game sales charts (which is not a bad thing, but it reduces creative freedom in a way). The indie devs can connect with players through original storytelling, inventive gameplay, and the sheer dedication of their creators. We’ll show you the most memorable and beloved indie games of the last decade.

20. Stardew Valley

Released in 2016, it invites players to be a character who takes over their grandfather’s old farm. As players, you get to rebuild and manage the farm, growing crops, raising animals, and crafting useful items. You start with a few tools and some coins and turn the neglected land into a lively farm.

The game blew up because of its deep engagement with the local community. You meet over 30 unique characters, each with their own schedules and stories. You can make friends, help them with their problems, and even participate in town festivals. Exploration is another exciting aspect of Stardew Valley. For example, you can go into caves filled with monsters and treasures, which adds an adventurous side to the farm life.

One of the most appealing features of Stardew Valley is its simplicity. It shows the contrasts between indie vs AAA sharply, which often focus on high-end graphics and large-scale production. Stardew Valley’s indie charm lies in its 2D graphics and personalized touch

The game also includes elements of 3D character design, despite its primarily 2D appearance. Characters in Stardew Valley have distinct personalities and visual styles, enhanced by 3D effects that give depth to their movements and interactions, making them feel more alive and real.

19. Rust

Rust is a survival video game where players find themselves on a remote island and must do whatever it takes to stay alive. Developed by Facepunch Studios, the game has a multiplayer that focuses on gathering resources, crafting tools and weapons, and building shelters.

Players face threats from wildlife like bears and wolves and must also interact with other players who may be friends or foes. The game’s environment plays a significant role in the gameplay. The island’s diverse landscapes range from snowy mountains to dense forests and arid deserts, each with its own set of challenges and resources. These varying environments influence the strategies players must use to survive.

Rust’s procedural generation makes sure that each game session presents a unique map. This dynamic setup of the video game environments keeps the game challenging and engaging, as players must adapt to new terrains and changing conditions. In the gaming world, Rust is more of a meme now than the game.

18. DayZ

DayZ is a survival video game where players are put in a world overrun by a mysterious plague that turns people into violent “infected.” Developed by Bohemia Interactive, it began as a mod for the game “Arma 2” before becoming a standalone game. Players must scavenge for food, water, and weapons in the post-Soviet Republic of Chernarus, a massive open world that challenges their survival skills against both the environment and other players.

DayZ is an example of how indie game budgets can influence development. Despite starting with limited resources, it managed to evolve through consistent updates and community support. This growth shows the potential success that indie games can achieve with focused development and active community engagement.

As successful indie game developers, the team behind DayZ utilized their smaller budget to focus on core gameplay mechanics, which paid off significantly. The game’s realistic approach and high stakes in survival attracted a large player base, making it one of the most recognized titles in the survival genre. The indie game success highlights how indie developers can make a significant impact on the gaming industry by creating unique products.

17. RimWorld

RimWorld is a 2D strategy game that proves 2D games are still popular. Developed by Ludeon Studios, this game lets you control a colony on a distant planet where you manage everything from buildings and resources to the moods and needs of your colonists.

The game is distinguished by its 2D cartoon character design, which adds a unique charm. These characters, despite their simple visual style, have a wide range of emotions and actions: each colonist in RimWorld has their own backstory and personality, affecting how they interact with other colonists and react to the challenges of frontier life.

RimWorld also shows the depth and viability of 2D games. The game’s complexity doesn’t come from high-end graphics but from its dynamic AI storyteller that creates a new narrative every time you play. This AI drives the game’s events, making each playthrough unpredictable.

The game also had a very dedicated modding community. With mods ranging anywhere from adding new furniture to whole new gameplay mechanics and features, like space traveling.

16. Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is a survival game set in an open-ended, zombie-infested world. This game uses isometric assets to create a detailed environment where players must go through towns, scavenge for supplies, and neutralize hordes of zombies. The isometric view not only provides a clear perspective of the surroundings but also increases the strategic depth of the game: players can see inside buildings, and behind walls, and plan their movements and defenses more effectively.

In Project Zomboid, every decision counts, from choosing where to explore to how you manage your basic needs like hunger and fatigue. The game’s expansive map includes various buildings and streets laid out in an isometric format, making exploration and navigation a core part of the gameplay experience.

The use of isometric assets is a key feature that attracts players who enjoy strategy and simulation games. This perspective allows for a unique gameplay experience that combines tactical decision-making with the intense suspense and thrill of surviving against the odds in a zombie apocalypse.

15. Factorio

Factorio is a unique game where players build and manage factories in a complex simulation. Developed by Czech studio Wube Software, you are made to construct and optimize large factories from scratch. Starting with basic tools, players gather resources, construct machinery, and automate processes to efficiently manage a growing industrial complex.

The main goal of the game is to build a factory capable enough to launch a rocket into space. This requires careful planning, resource management, and defense against local wildlife, known as “Biters”, which can attack your operations. Factorio includes real-time strategy elements, allowing players to create production lines that need continuous upgrading and adjustment to improve efficiency and output.

Factorio also supports multiplayer, where you can collaborate or compete with friends to expand your industrial empire. The game includes a strong modding community.

Animation for Games in Factorio: despite its focus on industrial design and machinery, Factorio also uses lots of unique animation: from the movements of the conveyor belts and robotic arms to the dynamic interactions with the environment and wildlife, the animation in Factorio visualizing complex industrial processes and reactive ecosystems within the game.

14. SCP Secret Laboratory

SCP: Secret Laboratory is a multiplayer horror game developed by Northwood Studios. The game is set in a complex underground facility filled with supernatural anomalies known as SCPs.

In this game, the 3D environment design is about creating a setting that enhances the game’s horror and tension. The corridors and rooms of the SCP facility are designed to create a sense of dread and urgency, making players feel as though danger could be lurking around any corner. The realistic lighting and sound effects used in the game further immerse players into its eerie world, increasing the suspense as they navigate through the labyrinth-like complex.

Players take on various roles, from scientists and security personnel to the anomalous entities themselves, each with their objectives, creating dynamic interactions within the terrifying confines of the facility. The design of the environment plays a crucial role in gameplay, affecting how players strategize and interact with each other and the facility’s many threats.

13. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky is an action-adventure survival game where you play in a boundless universe filled with uncharted planets and endless possibilities. Developed by Hello Games, it was first released in August 2016 and has since captured the imagination of gamers worldwide.

In No Man’s Sky, every star in the sky is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. This game has a true open-world experience, where you can explore vast alien landscapes, discover new forms of life, and interact with diverse environments.

Players are equipped with a spaceship and a survival suit. You’re free to follow the path of a trader or pirate, miner or bounty hunter, explorer or settler, making your mark on the galaxy. The game is about survival, too. You’ll need to gather resources to upgrade your equipment and vehicle to survive against harsh environments and potential enemies.

What sets No Man’s Sky apart is its procedurally generated universe. Each planet and ecosystem is unique. The flora and fauna vary dramatically, as do the climates and geographies, making each visit a fresh adventure.

No Man’s Sky has evolved significantly since its release, with continuous updates that have added new features, improved gameplay, and expanded what you can do within the game. It stands as a testament to the wonders of exploration and the thrill of discovery.

12. Kenshi

Kenshi is an open-world game that lets you create your own story. In this game, you can explore vast landscapes, fight enemies, or build up your base. It’s not just about fighting – you can also become a trader, a thief, or even start your own farm. It’s one of the indie games with character creation where you’re not the hero of some pre-written story. Instead, you decide what you want to do. The world of Kenshi is tough. You can get captured by slavers, or you might need to fight off bandits. It’s all about survival.

You start with nothing and slowly gather companions and resources. Each character in your group can get hurt or improve through their experiences. The game is really detailed. You can customize your characters a lot, from their skills to their appearance. The world is huge and full of different places to explore, each with its own dangers and opportunities. In Kenshi, every choice you make affects your game, and the world reacts to what you do. It’s a mix of strategy, role-playing, and simulation, giving you the freedom to play exactly how you want.

11. Subnautica

Subnautica is an underwater exploration game that offers a deep dive into an alien ocean filled with beauty and dangers. Similar to Valheim, Subnautica has a vast open world where your survival skills are tested, but unlike Valheim’s Viking forests and meadows, Subnautica puts you in the mysteries of the deep sea.

Starting only with a small life pod after your spaceship crashes, you must explore the surrounding ocean to collect resources. The ocean is teeming with colorful coral reefs, volcanic vents, and deep-sea trenches. Each area is not only a visual feast but also presents its own unique challenges and opportunities.

In Subnautica, you are free to build and customize your equipment and submarines. These help you delve deeper into the ocean and explore areas that are initially out of reach due to pressure, darkness, or dangerous creatures. As you craft new items and upgrade your gear, you’ll manage your oxygen supply and fend off the dangerous creatures lurking in the deep.

The game is renowned for its engaging gameplay mechanics that encourage exploration and resource management. You’ll need to gather food and fresh water and discover new technology to expand your capabilities. Subnautica’s story unfolds as you venture deeper, discovering signs of ancient and advanced civilizations and unraveling the planet’s mysterious past.

10. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, this game is the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. Released in March 2020, it takes players on an adventure across new hand-painted landscapes full of challenging puzzles and enemies.

Players control Ori, a small guardian spirit. Along with new abilities to master and a vast world to explore, the game focuses on Ori’s quest to discover his true destiny. Players use both skill and strategy to bypass obstacles and unravel the game’s story.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the game features fluid Unity-based movement and combat mechanics that make exploration both fun and rewarding. The beautiful graphics are accompanied by an orchestral score that perfectly fits the game’s emotional depth. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It’s celebrated for its art direction and innovative gameplay within the Metroidvania genre, making it a standout title in video gaming.

Is Unity still good? Despite advances in other game development platforms, Unity remains a great choice, as evidenced by the success of games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Its versatility and support for multiple platforms enable developers to create beautiful and complex games.

9. MORDHAU

Mordhau is a multiplayer medieval fighting game that takes you back to the ferocious battlefields of the Middle Ages. You can play as a mercenary in epic 64-player battles, where strategy and skill are your best tools for survival. The game allows you to engage in combat your way— storming castles in massive wars or dueling in smaller, more tactical fights.

The game shines in its realism and attention to detail, especially with its combat mechanics. You can customize your character from the ground up, choosing armor and weapons that fit your playstyle. The large arsenal allows for numerous combat tactics, from swords to siege engines.

VFX for games like Mordhau makes battles look real with realistic visual effects. Explosions, fire, and environmental interactions are rendered with detail, making you feel like you’re truly part of the medieval chaos. Whether it’s the clash of swords or the fire of catapults, the VFX works to make every battle feel intense and realistic.

Play alone or join forces with others in various game modes like the cooperative Horde mode or competitive matches. Mordhau’s gameplay encourages active participation in every fight, rewarding skill and strategic planning.

8. This War of Mine

This War of Mine is a survival game where you don’t play as a soldier but as a group of civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city. This game is different because it shows the harsh realities of war from the perspective of everyday people, not from the viewpoint of combatants. The players have to manage the survival of these civilians by making tough decisions about food, shelter, and when to venture out into the city amidst dangers from snipers and other threats.

The game is praised for showing the real impacts of war. It has a serious tone, with a focus on moral decisions and the constant threat of danger affecting the survival of the characters. This War of Mine offers a mix of strategy and simulation, where players must scavenge for resources during the night and manage their hideout during the day.

This game is widely regarded for its emotional depth and the stark portrayal of the consequences of war. It challenges players to think about the value of human life and the lengths they are willing to go to protect it in the face of brutal conflict.

7. A Way Out

A Way Out is a game all about teamwork and adventure. In this game, you play as one of two prisoners who need to work together to escape. It’s designed for two players, so each person controls one character. Together, you’ll solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and try to break free. What makes this game unique is that it can only be played with two players, either sitting next to each other or online.

This game is not just about escaping prison but also about the stories of the two main characters. As you play, you’ll learn more about their lives and how they plan their great escape. It’s full of action, drama, and moments that require you to make quick decisions.

6. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a standout role-playing game known for its in-depth storytelling and unique gameplay. As a detective with a complicated past, you explore a city recovering from a war. What sets it apart is how you can shape the story. Through dialogue and choices, you decide if you’ll solve mysteries, explore deep personal dilemmas, or take on city politics. Each decision impacts your character’s skills and mental state. Not just a game but a deep exploration of human conditions, it’s often considered one of the best-looking isometric games, blending striking visuals with compelling narrative depth.

5. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a video game set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture. You play as Senua, a Pict warrior who must journey to the mythical Helheim by defeating various entities and overcoming psychological trials reflective of her internal struggles. The game is known for its intense portrayal of Senua’s experience with psychosis, making use of binaural audio to simulate the auditory hallucinations she experiences.

The gameplay is a mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and intense combat. Each aspect is designed to immerse you in Senua’s perception of her surroundings and her mental state. The game’s innovative use of sound and visual storytelling helps to show the protagonist’s emotional and psychological state.

Hellblade has been highly praised for its narrative depth, atmospheric setting, and sensitive handling of mental health issues. It has received several awards for its artistic achievement and compelling performance by the lead actress.

4. Papers, Please

Papers, Please is a puzzle simulation game that puts you in the shoes of a border control officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. The game is set in 1982 during tense political times, and your job is to inspect travelers’ documents and decide who can enter. The game was created and published by Lucas Pope and his company, 3909 LLC, and released on August 8, 2013.

In this game, you play a critical role in controlling the border. You must review each person’s papers to ensure they meet entry requirements, from checking passports to verifying work permits. The gameplay is simple but deep, as you must also decide on moral dilemmas like allowing a mother to join her child even without proper documents.

Papers, Please challenges your morals and decision-making skills. You’ll face difficult choices that affect the game’s outcome, from detaining suspected criminals to helping families reunite. Each decision can lead to different endings, making the game highly replayable.

3. Blade and Sorcery

Blade & Sorcery is a virtual reality game known for its intense and realistic combat system that uses physics to make every sword swing, arrow shot, and magical spell feel lifelike. Players can choose to be a powerful warrior, a skilled ranger, or a master of magic, creating their own unique battle style. The game is designed specifically for VR, making sure that every interaction feels as real as possible. Objects in the game have weight and react realistically when hit, cut, or thrown, enhancing the overall experience of combat.

2. Stray

Stray is an example of a successful indie game that is both sad and cute. It has a non-linear plot. You play as a lost cat exploring a forgotten city. Here you play as a lost cat exploring a forgotten city. You need to solve mysteries to find your way out. The city is filled with neon lights, robots, and dangerous creatures. As you wander through this strange place, you must avoid dangers and solve puzzles to keep going. With the help of a small flying drone named B-12, you try to escape the city and discover its secrets.

1. Mount and Blade

Mount & Blade is an open-world game that thrusts players into a medieval setting where they can choose to live out unique adventures. Developed by the best indie developers – Turkish company TaleWorlds Entertainment, the game has made significant contributions to the Turkey gaming market. It allows players to roam freely across a vast landscape filled with villages, castles, and towns. As a player, you can decide your own path — becoming a lone adventurer, leading armies, or managing fiefs. The game combines action, strategy, and role-playing elements to offer a complex and engaging combat system. Mount & Blade mixes action, strategy, and role-playing, letting you fight on foot, on horseback, or use smart battle tactics. The game gives you a deep and engaging combat experience, pushing you to improve your leadership and strategy skills. It’s similar to games like The Elder Scrolls but set in its own unique medieval world.

0. Ocean Keeper

In Ocean Keeper, players dive into an underwater world filled with dangers and secrets. The game sets you on a quest to navigate through caves and tunnels, where you must gather valuable resources to enhance your mechanical suit. This unique build, customized by you, helps you tackle the diverse challenges and mysteries that the ocean depths hold.

The game offers an explorable underwater setting, emphasizing adventure and survival against the backdrop of a forgotten oceanic kingdom. Each journey into this submerged realm is a new challenge, with the game’s layout changing every time, ensuring no two dives are alike. Prepare to face monstrous sea creatures and navigate treacherous currents, using your strategic thinking with every attempt to survive longer and uncover deeper secrets.