The 20 Best Indie Games to Play in 2025
As we dive into 2025, the indie game scene continues to flourish, offering innovative gameplay, captivating narratives, and stunning visuals that rival even the biggest AAA titles. This year promises an exciting lineup of independent games that push the boundaries of creativity and game design. From highly anticipated sequels to fresh new concepts, here's our curated list of the 20 best indie games to keep on your radar in 2025.
1. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Jump Over The Age returns with the sequel to their critically acclaimed narrative RPG. Set in a richly detailed sci-fi universe, Citizen Sleeper 2 expands on the original's dice-driven gameplay and deep storytelling. Expect more complex character interactions and a broader scope as you navigate the challenges of life as a digital consciousness in a corporatized future.
2. Hyper Light Breaker
Heart Machine's follow-up to Hyper Light Drifter takes the series into 3D territory. This action-adventure roguelite offers stunning visuals, fluid combat, and procedurally generated worlds. With the addition of multiplayer, Hyper Light Breaker promises to be an exhilarating experience for both solo players and co-op enthusiasts.
3. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry's long-awaited sequel to the beloved Hollow Knight is finally set to release. Play as Hornet in a new kingdom, mastering new abilities and facing fresh challenges. With its intricate level design, challenging combat, and hauntingly beautiful art style, Silksong is poised to be a standout title of 2025.
4. Slay the Spire 2
Mega Crit Games returns with the sequel to their genre-defining deck-building roguelike. Slay the Spire 2 promises to build upon the addictive gameplay of its predecessor, introducing new characters, cards, and strategic possibilities that will keep players engaged for hundreds of hours.
5. Earthblade
From the creators of Celeste comes Earthblade, a metroidvania-style action-exploration game. EXOK Games brings their expertise in tight controls and emotional storytelling to a new world filled with pixel art beauty and challenging platforming.
6. Skate Story
Devolver Digital publishes this visually striking skateboarding game set in a surreal, otherworldly environment. Skate through the depths of the underworld, performing tricks and uncovering a mysterious narrative in this unique blend of sports and storytelling.
7. Crimson Desert
While not strictly an indie title, Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert started as an indie project and has grown into an ambitious open-world action RPG. Set in a gritty medieval world, it promises deep combat systems and a rich narrative that will appeal to fans of complex, immersive games.
8. Promise Mascot Agency
From the creators of Paradise Killer comes this unconventional "Open Mascot Management Crime Drama." Set in a cursed town, players must revitalize a failing mascot company while unraveling conspiracies. Expect the same level of quirky charm and mystery that made Paradise Killer a cult hit.
9. Inkression
This intriguing indie title combines tattoo artistry with mystery-solving. Set in a gentrifying neighborhood, players must uncover secrets and build relationships through the art of tattooing. With its unique premise and stylish visuals, Inkression is shaping up to be one of the most original games of 2025.
10. Wanderstop
A charming adventure game that puts players in the role of a cosmic bus driver. Navigate through space, pick up quirky passengers, and solve their problems in this whimsical journey across the stars. Wanderstop's blend of humor and heart promises a delightful experience for players of all ages.
11. Pathologic 3
The cult classic series returns with its third installment, promising more of the surreal, challenging gameplay that has made Pathologic a favorite among fans of unconventional narratives. Navigate a plague-ridden town, make difficult choices, and unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface in this atmospheric and thought-provoking game.
12. Tanuki: Pon's Summer
This adorable adventure game follows a young tanuki as they explore a vibrant Japanese countryside. With its charming art style and focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, Tanuki: Pon's Summer looks to be a heartwarming addition to the indie scene in 2025.
13. Coffee Talk Tokyo
A sequel to the beloved visual novel Coffee Talk, this new installment takes players to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Brew coffee, listen to customers' stories, and immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of late-night Tokyo in this relaxing and narrative-rich experience.
14. Windblown
From the creators of Dead Cells comes Windblown, a fast-paced roguelike that challenges players to save their village from a mysterious Vortex. With its emphasis on quick reflexes and gradual skill progression, Windblown looks to be another addictive hit from Motion Twin.
15. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Tails of Iron expands on the original's brutal combat and rich, rodent-focused world. With improved graphics, deeper gameplay systems, and the return of narrator Doug Cockle, Whiskers of Winter is set to be a standout action RPG in 2025.
16. Katana Zero DLC
While not a full game, the long-awaited DLC for Katana Zero is highly anticipated by fans of the stylish action-platformer. Expect more time-bending combat, challenging levels, and cryptic storytelling in this expansion to one of the most beloved indie games of recent years.
17. Tears of Metal
This hack-and-slash roguelike from the creators of Bloodroots combines medieval warfare with fantastical elements. Build your settlement, lead your army, and uncover the mystery of the dragon meteor in this violent and visually striking game.
18. Rue Valley
A cozy life simulation game set in a picturesque valley, Rue Valley invites players to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. With its focus on farming, crafting, and building relationships, this game promises to be a relaxing counterpoint to more action-packed titles.
19. Way to the Woods
This visually stunning adventure game follows two deer as they navigate through a post-human world. With its unique perspective and emotional storytelling, Way to the Woods looks to be a touching and memorable journey through a beautifully realized landscape.
20. Sleight of Hand
Rounding out our list is Sleight of Hand, a third-person stealth-action game that incorporates deck-building elements. Set in a noir-inspired world of witches and private investigators, this stylish game promises a unique blend of genres that's sure to intrigue fans of both stealth and strategy games.
Conclusion
The indie game scene in 2025 is shaping up to be incredibly diverse and exciting. From action-packed roguelikes to contemplative narrative experiences, there's something for every type of gamer. These 20 titles represent just a fraction of the creativity and innovation coming from independent developers this year.
As we've seen in recent years, indie games have the power to redefine genres, tell powerful stories, and provide experiences that rival or surpass those of major studio productions. The games on this list demonstrate the continued vitality of the indie scene, pushing boundaries in gameplay, art direction, and storytelling.
Whether you're looking for challenging combat, emotional narratives, or simply a new world to get lost in, the indie games of 2025 have you covered. Keep an eye out for these titles as they release throughout the year, and don't be afraid to explore beyond this list – the world of indie games is vast and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
As we look forward to playing these games, it's clear that the future of indie gaming is bright. The passion, creativity, and innovation displayed by these developers continue to drive the industry forward, offering experiences that are unique, memorable, and often deeply personal. So gear up, gamers – 2025 is going to be an incredible year for indie games!
