Best Indie Games You Should Try in 2025

In an industry dominated by AAA blockbusters, indie games continue to be the creative lifeblood of gaming in 2025.

These smaller-budget titles often take bigger risks, exploring innovative gameplay mechanics and telling unique stories that larger studios might shy away from.

Whether you're looking for puzzle-solving challenges, emotional narratives, or groundbreaking gameplay concepts, this year's indie offerings provide something for every type of gamer.

Best Indie Games You Should Try in 2025

Let's dive into the most remarkable indie games of 2025 that deserve a spot in your gaming library, from critically acclaimed masterpieces to promising hidden gems flying under the radar.

1. Blue Prince (PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5)

• Developer: Dogubomb | Publisher: Raw Fury

Blue Prince has emerged as 2025's highest-rated game so far, with a stunning 91 score on OpenCritic and "critical acclaim" on Metacritic.

This genre-defying puzzle adventure combines roguelike elements with intricate mystery-solving in a way that feels revolutionary.

Set in the mysterious Mt. Holly mansion, players navigate through ever-shifting corridors and chambers as they attempt to reach the rumored Room 46.

What makes Blue Prince truly special is its innovative drafting system—you're literally building the mansion as you explore it, selecting from randomly presented room cards that determine your path forward.

Developed over eight years by solo developer Tonda Ros, Blue Prince has been compared to classics like Return of the Obra Dinn and Outer Wilds for its masterful puzzle design and storytelling.

Available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra, this indie masterpiece has already cemented itself as a Game of the Year contender.

2. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (PC, Xbox Series X/S)

• Developer: Jump Over The Age | Publisher: Fellow Traveller

The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2022 original, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector continues the series' blend of tabletop-inspired mechanics and rich science fiction storytelling.

Released in late January 2025, this narrative RPG places players in a compelling story with meaningful choices and consequences.

With its soothing atmospheric soundtrack, well-developed companions, and themes that resonate with our current times, Citizen Sleeper 2 provides a thought-provoking experience that builds upon its predecessor while carving out its own unique space.

3. Slay the Spire 2 (PC, Early Access)

• Developer: Mega Crit

The highly anticipated sequel to the game that defined the deckbuilding roguelike genre, Slay the Spire 2 entered Early Access in 2025 with significant upgrades to the formula.

With a new suite of cards, characters, and abilities to experiment with, Mega Crit's latest offering looks to reclaim its crown in a genre that has seen many imitators since the original's release.

Though still in Early Access, players have already found a wealth of content to explore, with the game steadily receiving updates that continue to refine and expand the experience.

Innovative Indie Gems Released in Early 2025

Whether you're into atmospheric adventures, strategic roguelikes, or artistic experiments, the first few months of 2025 have offered something remarkable for every kind of gamer. Let’s dive into the standout indie gems that have already redefined the gaming landscape this year.

1. Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

• Developer: Sentient.Void

Described by many as "2025's Mouthwashing," Dead Letter Dept. has quickly become a standout horror game of the year.

This PSX-styled horror typing game places you in grimy apartment corridors as you journey to a dead-end office job transcribing mail that AI can't read.

The combination of liminal, ominously empty spaces reminiscent of the backrooms, night vision-like visual effects, and the voyeuristic feel of mail reaching out directly to the player creates an unnerving atmosphere that horror fans shouldn't miss.

2. Helskate (PC)

• Developer: Phantom Coast

After a year in Early Access, Helskate has finally launched its full release, offering a unique blend of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater-style gameplay and roguelike action inspired by Hades.

Players must score points while dispatching underworld abominations, creating a satisfying fusion of skating and monster-slaying.

While it may not have the mechanical depth of its inspirations, Helskate successfully scratches both the skateboarding and action game itches for those looking for something different.

3. A Butterfly (PC)

• Developer: alienmelon

At just 89p and less than an hour long, A Butterfly proves that length and price don't determine impact.

Created by the developer behind "Everything is going to be OK" and "Tetrageddon Games," this short experience delivers a haunting poem about mourning through the interactive medium of games.

Players control a butterfly flying through a graveyard of enormous giants stretching their hands into the sky, with retro Windows XP-style pop-ups and narration by a crackling, disembodied voice.

It's a brief but powerful artistic statement worth experiencing.

Most Anticipated Indie Games Coming Later in 2025

As the gaming industry continues to thrive on innovation and creativity, indie developers remain at the forefront of delivering unforgettable experiences.

With the first half of 2025 already offering a rich lineup, the latter half promises even more excitement.

From emotionally charged narratives to genre-defying mechanics, the indie scene is gearing up to launch some of its most ambitious projects yet. These upcoming titles are already building buzz for their unique concepts, artistic vision, and passionate development teams.

Here’s a look at the most anticipated indie games set to release later in 2025 that should definitely be on your radar.

1. Hollow Knight: Silksong (PC, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PS5)

• Developer: Team Cherry

Perhaps the most anticipated indie game of recent years, Hollow Knight: Silksong appears finally set for release in 2025.

This sequel to the genre-defining Metroidvania masterpiece promises over 150 new enemies, a whole new world to explore, and a new protagonist with her own unique abilities.

Given the original's impact on the Metroidvania genre and gaming as a whole, expectations couldn't be higher.

If Team Cherry delivers on the promise shown in previews, Silksong could easily become one of the highest-rated games of the year.

2. Hades II (PC, Full Release)

• Developer: Supergiant Games

Currently in Early Access and already receiving rave reviews, Hades II is set for a full release later in 2025.

The sequel to Supergiant's critically acclaimed action roguelike follows Melinoë, sister of Zagreus, as she attempts to defeat Chronos.

With expanded regions, new NPCs, weapons, and the consistently high-quality design Supergiant is known for, Hades II is positioned to be another hit for the studio when it exits Early Access.

Rising Star Indies to Watch

In a gaming landscape often dominated by blockbuster titles, indie developers continue to break boundaries with fresh ideas, heartfelt storytelling, and innovative gameplay.

2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for indie games, with a wave of titles pushing creative limits and capturing the hearts of players worldwide.

From atmospheric adventures to quirky simulators, these rising star indie games are making a name for themselves—and they’re just getting started.

1. Morsels (PC, Consoles)

• Developer: Furiously Interactive

With its surreal art style and unique premise, Morsels caught attention immediately upon its reveal.

This roguelike places players in a world with distinctive visuals and gameplay that sets it apart from other entries in the genre.

As one of the more unique indie offerings coming in 2025, Morsels definitely deserves a spot on your wishlist if you're looking for something different from the usual gaming experiences.

2. Sleight of Hand (Xbox Series X/S, PC)

• Developer: RiffRaff Games

Described as having "witchy deckbuilding mystery plus Dishonored energy," this debut title from New Zealand-based RiffRaff Games is generating significant buzz.

The Xbox console exclusive combines card-based gameplay with immersive sim elements in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

For fans of games like Dishonored or The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, Sleight of Hand promises to deliver a unique experience when it launches later this year.

3. Cairn (PC, Consoles)

• Developer: Nitrome

Dubbed a "survival climber," Cairn tasks players with helping protagonist Aava scale a treacherous mountain peak—a journey that will require sacrifice.

If the game can capture the magic of contemporary climbing games like Celeste and Journey, it could become another indie standout.

With its striking visuals and time-manipulation premise, Cairn has been making appearances at showcases throughout the past year, building anticipation for its eventual release.

Why Indie Games Matter in 2025?

In an industry increasingly dominated by massive franchises and live-service games, indie titles provide refreshing alternatives that often prioritize creative expression over market trends.

These smaller games frequently serve as laboratories for innovation, with mechanics and ideas that eventually influence the broader gaming landscape.

The indie scene in 2025 has never been more diverse or accessible.

With digital distribution platforms continuing to evolve and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus featuring day-one indie releases, players have unprecedented access to these creative works.