From groundbreaking narratives to unique gameplay mechanics and stunning art styles, indie developers continue to push boundaries. This year has been no exception, with a diverse slate of games proving that big ideas don’t always need massive budgets.
1. Split Fiction
- Developer: Hazelight Studios
- Genre: Co-op Action-Adventure
- Why it’s a standout: Following their critically acclaimed It Takes Two, Hazelight has once again delivered a cooperative masterpiece. Split Fiction is praised for its inventive levels, engaging gameplay mechanics that demand teamwork, and a compelling narrative with likable characters. It’s a testament to Hazelight’s commitment to unique co-op experiences and has garnered rare perfect scores from many critics. If you have a friend and love unique cooperative adventures, this is a must-play.
2. Blue Prince
- Developer: Dogubomb / Raw Fury
- Genre: Roguelike Puzzle Adventure
- Why it’s a standout: Blue Prince offers a truly distinctive experience, blending brain-teasing puzzles with roguelike elements within a shapeshifting, mysterious manor. Its approachable yet challenging design, coupled with intricate details and a grand sense of mystery, makes it one of the most memorable titles of the year. It’s a game that respects your intelligence while providing a unique architectural and narrative journey.
3. Balatro
- Developer: LocalThunk / Playstack
- Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder
- Why it’s a standout: Though released in late 2024, Balatro has absolutely exploded in popularity and is still dominating discussions in 2025. Designed by a single developer, it takes the familiar thrill of poker and remixes it into an incredibly addictive roguelike experience. The “Joker system” introduces wild, ever-shifting modifiers that allow for unbelievably high scores and strategic depth, making it endlessly replayable and a true “out-of-nowhere” indie sensation.
4. Another Crab’s Treasure
- Developer: Aggro Crab
- Genre: Soulslike Action-RPG
- Why it’s a standout: Don’t let the whimsical, undersea setting and charming crab protagonist fool you; Another Crab’s Treasure is a legitimate Soulslike with demanding combat and rewarding exploration. It cleverly subverts the genre’s gothic gloom with humor and vibrant visuals, while retaining all the challenging gameplay fans expect. The unique “shell” mechanic, allowing the crab to equip various items for defense, adds a fresh twist to combat.
5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Developer: Sandfall Interactive
- Genre: Turn-Based RPG
- Why it’s a standout: Feeling like a breath of fresh air in the RPG genre, Clair Obscur reimagines traditional turn-based combat with unique real-time mechanics, making battles incredibly engaging. Set in a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France, it boasts gorgeous graphics, an elegant art direction, and an emotional story driven by captivating characters. It’s Sandfall’s impressive debut, blending familiar elements with novel twists to create an instant classic.
6. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
- Developer: Jump Over The Age
- Genre: RPG, Visual Novel, Simulation
- Why it’s a standout: A highly anticipated sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2 picks up where its critically acclaimed predecessor left off, offering a deep, tabletop-inspired RPG experience. Blending dice rolls, skill checks, and interactive narrative with stunning sci-fi art and an immersive setting, it’s a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and philosophical reflection. For fans of narrative-driven games and unique cyberpunk worlds, this is a must-play.
7. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
- Developer: Fumi Games
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Action, Noir
- Why it’s a standout: With its striking, hand-drawn 1930s cartoon aesthetic and fast-paced FPS action, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire instantly stands out. It’s a visually unique title that promises high-octane gunplay with a distinct noir detective flair. Early impressions suggest it could be a sleeper hit for FPS enthusiasts looking for something truly different from the usual realistic shooters.
Honorable Mentions & Upcoming Hotness:
- Discounty: A charming management sim where you run a discount supermarket, balancing business with quirky town drama.
- Sword of the Sea: From the creators of Journey and ABZÛ, this looks like a beautiful, unique adventure game focused on exploration.
- Cairn: A visually stunning and tactile “survival climbing” simulator that promises a raw and honest interpretation of scaling treacherous mountains.
- Mixtape: A new narrative adventure from the developers of Artful Escape, focusing on friendship, youth, and music, filled with nostalgic memories.
- Slay the Spire 2: While details are scarce, the sequel to the legendary roguelike deckbuilder is on everyone’s radar for a potential late 2025 release, promising to build on its predecessor’s addictive formula.
This year has already delivered an incredible lineup of indie games across various genres, proving that independent developers are at the forefront of innovation. Whether you’re into challenging roguelikes, compelling narratives, or unique co-op experiences, there’s a standout indie title waiting for you. Dive in and discover your next favorite!
