Indie games – indie games always bring fun energy to gamers when playing. Although indie games are developed by individuals or small businesses, the value they bring is really not diminished or inferior to a series of huge, high-cost games. Indie games allow players to adopt unique, strange and new aspects - this helps indie games compete in the market of nuanced games. Many special and attractive indie games make it difficult for gamers to leave once they enter the game, and each new play, gamers will discover the value of these indie games (notably the indie Rougelike series). Therefore, in the article Top best indie games that make gamers passionate about playing again and again, topshare allows introducing some priority indie game series that ensure all the above criteria.
1 Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: pcgamer.com
Review of the indie game, Spelunky 2
- Original release date: 9/15/2020 (on PlayStation 4)
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: indie, roguelike, scene game, shooter, fighting
Publisher: Mossmouth
Developer: Mossmouth, BlitWorks
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Indie game Spelunky 2 builds on the unique and random nature of the original, offering adventures designed to satisfy and inspire players old and new. It has a multitude of different areas to explore, with branching paths and layered levels, leading to a new foundational dimension for classic 2D gaming.
As players explore the vast world, their camp will expand and grow into a thriving small community of unique NPCs to chat with whenever players need a break from exploring these dangerous mines. The indie title Spelunky 2 offers an addictive playground and can be replayed multiple times to explore.
2 Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: eurogamer.net
Review of the indie game, Vampire Survivors
Original release date: 10/20/2020 (on MacOS, Windows)
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, roguelike, game shoot' em up
Publisher: Luca Galante
Developer: Luca Galante
Platforms: MacOS, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Vampire Survivors is a new indie game that launched in October 2022 with deceptive-like elements. It became a time-based survival game with a bullet hell style (requiring players to dodge bullets like rain from enemies), so players need to survive as long as possible before Death inevitably ends their struggle.
Each time they play, players have different weapon choices when they are leveled up. Some weapons can be combined and upgraded into weapons of mass destruction. Players can accumulate gold after each turn, which allows them to purchase passive upgrades while also unlocking new characters! Vampire Survivors is the perfect casual game for players to immerse themselves for hours.
3 Brotato
Brotato, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: dotesports.com
Review of playing indie game, Brotato
Original release date: 9/27/2022
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, action, RPG, shooting
Publisher: Blobfish
Developer: Blobfish
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Brotato is a unique indie foray into the world of scammers; As players play the role of a potato, they can use six weapons at once to fight hordes of aliens. There are hundreds of weapons and items to equip, from flamethrowers to rocket launchers; Brotato's ambitions are endless. Luckily, each weapon also activates automatically, with manual targeting options for those who want more of a challenge.
Each play is relatively fast, with each match lasting 30 minutes and each enemy wave lasting between 30-90 seconds. Brotato is perfect for players with busy lifestyles or those in a hurry.
4 Risk Of Rain 2
Risk Of Rain 2, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: gamespot.com
Review of the indie game, Risk Of Rain 2
- Original release date: 11/8/2020 (on Microsoft Windows, Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One)
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: indie, roguelike, fighting, 3rd person shooter
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Developer: Hopoo Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia
Survive and battle through alien planets in the indie game Risk of Rain 2, which can be played simultaneously multiplayer, solo or cooperative! This unique third-person indie title features over 10 playable characters that can be unlocked, each with their own unique fighting style and skills.
More than 110 items ready to keep each playthrough interesting and engaging. The more items a player collects, the more they combine together to create a more devastating impact! In Risk of Rain 2, players can fight to get past the final boss or keep running indefinitely to see how long they can last. The unique scaling system means that players and their enemies will power up infinitely.
5 Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: steam
Video playing indie game, Deep Rock Galactic
- Original release date: 5/13/2020 (on Windows, Xbox One)
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: indie, first-person shooter
Publisher: Coffee Stain Publishing
Developer: Ghost Ship Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The concept of space dwarves exploring caves in mining adventures, while dealing with a multitude of alien species is completely unique; Therefore, the indie game Deep Rock Galactic has shown that very well. It has procedurally generated dark levels and every environment can be completely destroyed, so it's easy for players to exploit the content they want.
In Deep Rock Galactic, players completely customize the appearance of the dwarves themselves with various cosmetics and upgrades. Each subclass, from Gunner to Driller, has weapons to use in this wacky frame rate. After a successful mission, players can even enjoy a delicious cold beer at the Abyss Bar.
6 Undertale
Undertale, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: hadoantv.com
Review of the indie game, Undertale
- Original release date: 9/15/2015 (on Windows, MacOS)
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, RPG, adventure, action
Publisher: Toby Fox
Developer: Toby Fox
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch
Undertale is the indie title that took the internet by storm when it was released in 2015, it also decoded the traditional RPG genre. It's a captivating 2D pixel art action adventure experience that takes players in control of a child who falls into an underworld full of mysterious sentient monsters. They have to find a way out or risk being trapped there forever.
Undertale encourages multiple playthroughs. Killing enemies is not necessary as players can negotiate to escape danger using a unique combat system and then kill them kindly by making friends, while forgiving them. There are many endings depending on the route the player wants to take, how they interact with the environment, and how secretly ruthless they are.
7 Coral Island
Coral Island, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: eurogamer.net
Review 100 days of indie game, Coral Island
- Original release date: 11/10/2022
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, RPG, adventure, simulation, strategy
Publisher: Humble Bundle
Developer: Stairway Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Coral Island is a relaxing farming simulation indie game located on a remote tropical island. It allows players to fulfill their own tropical island getaway fantasies, putting relaxation at the forefront of the playing experience. The player must rebuild the island's economy and restore its former glory in the town.
Players can enjoy life at their own comfortable pace, with no external stressors or time constraints, unlike Stardew Valley. They are allowed to freely control the island, deciding which crops and livestock to add to the farm. Coral Island also has a lot of side activities. Whether it's a romance with one of the 20 local townspeople or catching fish, there's plenty for players to do.
8 Hades
Hades, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: washingtonpost.com
Plot summary of the indie game, Hades
Original release date: 9/17/2020
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, roguelike, shooter, fighting, role-playing, action
Publisher: Supergiant Games
Developer: Supergiant Games
Platforms: MacOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Roguelike titles have the highest replay value, and indie games Hades are no exception. This is a top-down deceptive, action-adventure game that conveys classic Greek mythological legends and is simulated with subtle twists. The player controls Zagreus, the immortal prince of hell, challenging death to escape the Underworld.
Zagreus uses the legendary weapon of Olympus to escape Hades' own clutches while becoming stronger and unraveling the story with each playthrough. New surprises await players every time they delve into the ever-changing underworld of Hades.
9 Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: androidayuda.com
Indie game trailer, Stardew Valley
- Original release date: 2/26/2016 (on Microsoft Windows)
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: indie, simulation, role-playing
Publisher: ConcernedApe, Chucklefish
Developer: ConcernedApe
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android
Stardew Valley is one of the most iconic farming simulator indie games ever made. It contains hours of content hidden beneath the glamorous surface it has, with several original farmlands to choose from, each with different benefits. Players inherit their grandfather's old house and farm. They were armed with only a handful of manual tools, tasked with turning the overgrown field into a thriving home.
Whether the player is just starting out in Stardew Valley or is an experienced veteran who has explored Ginger Island and Top Cave many times, there is something about the Stardew Valley indie title that still appeals to all players. Especially with the inclusion of additional mods, Stardew Valley becomes a game that constantly contributes to the gaming community.
10 Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight, the best indie game that makes passionate gamers play again and again. Source: ign
Analysis of indie game, Hollow Knight
- Original release date: 2/25/2017
Mode: single player
Genre: indie, adventure, action, 2D game
Publisher: Team Cherry
Developer: Team Cherry
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Hollow Knight is a 2D action indie game that has a gothic look with Tim Burton-like scenery in the atmosphere. Players must adventure through an open world but are connected to each other by the classic scene scrolling mode. The world of Hallownest in Hollow Knight is like a maze, containing secrets and mysteries that players can only find when playing until the third time.
Despite its non-linear format and storyline, the indie title Hollow Knight possesses a lot of soul-like content, whether it's tackling one of 30 unique bosses or simply exploring the vast world. Various equippable spells allow players to explore diverse combat combinations across multiple playthroughs.
