Choosing the very finest independent PC games requires some difficult exclusions. The great indie surge caused by digital distribution a decade ago was more of a Big Bang, propelling small-team development in a multitude of directions that defy categorization. The sheer quantity is intimidating, so compiling a list of the finest independent video games is a daunting task. Possibly too much.
From time to time, however, we should reflect on all that publisher-free development has afforded us. Some of the games listed below were developed by novice programmers over the course of a weekend, while others were developed by former AAA developers who have infused their independent work with the same technical standards.
1. Dredge
This independent horror fishing game made quite an impact earlier this year due to its unique art style, compelling story, and fishing mechanics, which made it both unsettling and relaxing. Upgrade your fishing vessel to explore new islands and converse with their inhabitants, trawl for rare gemstones and artifacts, and investigate new equipment to unravel a heartbreaking mystery.
2. Terraria
Since its debut in 2011 as “2D Minecraft,” this sandbox game’s popularity has continued to rise. This spellbinding indie game that you can personalize by setting objectives, such as constructing Terraria houses, fighting one of the numerous Terraria bosses, or even exploring the depths of the deadly dungeons, is primarily appealing due to the fact that you’re never without something to do.
3. Wildermyth
Wildermyth is the perfect solution if you’ve ever wanted to play a tabletop roleplaying campaign with companions without the need for a dungeon master. As your unique group of heroes ventures out into the world, they experience a variety of adventures that define their identity and personal story – and because each story is procedurally generated, you end up playing through a completely unique story.
Your characters will age, fall in love, and ultimately perish, but you can preserve their legacies for future playthroughs. It is a marvel of storytelling, with exquisite papercraft art and infinite replayability.
4. Inscryption
At first inspection, Inscryption appears to be a card game, but there is much more concealed beneath the surface. The initial gameplay is a combination of Slay The Spire and lane-based card games, but it tends toward the macabre as you must sacrifice smaller animals to play larger and more powerful creatures in order to annihilate your opponent.
Inscryption is partially an escape room game in which players must decipher cryptic clues to find their way out of a spooky log cabin; the game’s eerie ambiance intensifies as players investigate the cabin. Soon, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and unraveling the enigma leads to an unexpected journey.
5. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium was arguably 2019’s finest independent video game. After an amnesia-inducing night of drinking, you are thrust into the filthy shoes of a detective and promptly tasked with investigating a brutal murder. With no traditional combat to speak of, Disco Elysium is all about battling your own psyche to become the kind of detective you want to be, and then using this fractured personality to extract information from suspects.
Disco Elysium is an unparalleled role-playing game (RPG) in terms of its literature. The fact that there are countless conversational strands to choose from in any given encounter, and that each one is brimming with personality, is what makes this detective game so unique.
6. Valheim
Valheim stands apart from other co-op survival games due to its entrancing visual style and dreamlike Norse setting. The survival mechanics are relatively forgiving, allowing you to construct mead halls and roundhouses in relative peace while watching the sun set and the mist drift in.
Vikings seeking a challenge, however, can sail across the procedurally generated wilderness, slogging through swamps and scrambling over icy mountains in order to defeat a succession of Valheim bosses and bring back hordes of trophies and gold.
7. Undertale
In a traditional role-playing game, you would begin by investigating the outskirts of a troubled town before enhancing your character’s arsenal. It is fair to assume that you will solve all problems with your fists, swords, or magical abilities. However, in Undertale, murder is a last resort, which we sincerely hope pertains to you in real life.
This 16-bit indie is one of the finest role-playing games available; you can subdue, appease, and even flirt with enemies in your path. The manner in which you approach obstacles throughout the game has an effect on the narrative and how characters regard you in the future. Leave enemies alive, and they will likely return later and become allies. However, if you prefer the standard bloody murder, that is equally legitimate.
Regarding the plot, you play a child who slips into the world of monsters and must then find a way out. What follows is an endearing adventure that is consistently well-written, filled with memorable characters and one-liners you’ll share with your friends, and accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack.
8. Hades
The newest game from developer Supergiant is an incredibly addictive roguelike and one of the best narrative games of 2020. As Zagreus, the prince of the underworld, you’ll attempt a daring escape from your father’s dominion; after each failed attempt, you’ll become more powerful and proficient with your growing arsenal.
The vicious, hard-as-nails combat is a delight to experiment with, but Hades’ cast of feuding gods is what makes its cyclical nature resonate. You’ll relish any opportunity to converse with your Olympian relatives, particularly since doing so provides gameplay benefits and enlightens you on Supergiant’s innovative take on Greek mythology.
9. Stardew Valley
Even though the Harvest Moon series is exclusive to Nintendo consoles, the PC community has a great deal of affection for it. This is why Stardew Valley captured so many people’s hearts and imaginations. A charming role-playing management game, it capitalizes on the farming strengths of the popular Harvest Moon series while retaining its own appeal.
In Stardew Valley, you will inherit a farm in desperate need of repair. As you plant new crops and breathe new life into your land, your attention will turn to exploration of the surrounding world. The valley is similarly in need of tender care, making it the ideal undertaking to work on night after night. Stardew Valley is one of the finest single-player games, but it also has a fantastic co-op mode if you’re interested in co-op games.
Stardew Valley is a must-play experience for anyone who yearns for village life due to its abundance of personality.
10. Granny
Granny is a cryptic horror-themed video game that combines maze-crawling, puzzle-solving, espionage, suspense, and even action. You must solve the family mysteries while avoiding Granny’s notice and praying she doesn’t catch you snooping around her house. In order to defend yourself and escape from Granny, you must assemble items, disable alarms, and acquire weapons. When you hear footfall, you should seek shelter in enclosed areas. Hide beneath the bed, in the wardrobe, and behind the couches. Granny has superhuman hearing and can locate you with the faintest sound.
This horror game will give you the shivers every time you play it, from the gruesome appearance of Granny to the shadowy corners of each chamber.
