Best Indie games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated indie games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free indie games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Bureau of Contacts
"Bureau of Contacts" - ghost-hunting game for 1-4 players, in which you'll encounter 2 enemies at once - location itself and the ghosts with most human-like intelligence ever. So...look around and watch what you say!
Age of War
A recreation of the beloved flash game "Age of war". Play through 5 age each with their unique special abilities to defeat your opponent. Age of war was first released at 31 October 2007. This recreation brings the game to the modern age.
Crashlands 2
Slap your way across a vibrant world where interstellar friendships are the key to your survival. Befriend eccentric aliens, craft bizarre weaponry, and stick it to the man in this sequel to the award-winning open world crafting RPG Crashlands.
Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46?
Castle Of Alchemists
Defend your castle in this fast-paced tower defense/action hybrid game with stunning pixel art graphics! Play as alchemically enhanced warrior Bellator, set traps, build towers, craft powerful weapons, and defend your home! The fate of the castle lies in your hands!
Shadow of the Depth
Shadow of the Depth is a top-down action Roguelite game. Delve into a dungeon world of light and shadow to eradicate the monsters that ravage your home. Be prepared to step into the abyss before you!
Asgard's Fall — Viking Survivors
Embark on an epic saga in Asgard's Fall, a norse Survivors-like Roguelite. Fight your way through hordes of creatures and let the gods feel your relentless wrath. How will your saga unfold?
Dreams of Aether
A collection of dozens of Aether-flavored microgames! Dive into the Dreams of Aether, where everyone is trapped in a never-ending nightmare! Meet some of the strangest characters Aether has to offer!
Ambidextro
A multi-player game for a single player. Learn to control 2 characters at the same time, one with each hand. Achieve ambidexterity and rescue both the prince and the princess at the same time.
Mini Royale
Brace yourself for an action-packed shooter experience in Mini Royale! Battle as green army toy soldiers in a massive kids' bedroom, fighting for survival in modes like Battle Royale, Deathmatch, and more—where only the strongest players or teams claim victory.
AI LIMIT
In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life.
KARMA: The Dark World
KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.
Guidus Zero
Guidus Zero is a real-time grid-based action roguelike game. Explore the sinkhole known as the "Scar" to search for spirits and treasure chests, and defeat the corrupted enemies and bosses as you strive to reach the deepest floor of the Scar, where the source of chaos awaits.
Nordhold
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla?
Onward
Onward is the most immersive tactical VR shooter. Join your squad for a wide variety of competitive PvP, co-op PvE, and solo game modes, including intense multiplayer battles or 4-player co-op missions. Realistic weaponry and combat mechanics will push your survival and combat skills to their limit
无休仙途
This is a casual strategic placement game. In the aerial world set in ancient China, players will play the role of a descendant of the Immortal Cultivation Sect. Travel through the barren continent, obtain various resources, build your sect, and ultimately ascend to the immortal realm.
Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality.
OUTLAWED
OUTLAWED is a crime-themed PvE or PvPvE first-person extraction shooter, set in a modern city overrun by gangs. Enter solo or with a squad to challenge powerful enemies and search for riches, and use everything at your disposal to make it out alive.
Auto Sale Life
Build an automotive empire. Buy, sell, and customize cars to create your own brands and showrooms. Become a shrewd entrepreneur in this immersive car trading and customization game.
That's not my Neighbor
It's 1955, and for unknown reasons, doppelgangers are more common than usual. Therefore, the Department of Doppelganger Detection (D.D.D.) has taken action. You are the doorman of an apartment complex, and you must decide whether to let in those who claim to be your neighbors.
Wanderstop
From the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide comes Wanderstop, a narrative-centric cozy game about change and tea.
Metal Bringer
In this roguelike action-adventure, control humanoid "Labor" and giant "Arms" to uncover the mysteries of the world. Create fully-customizable robots, strengthen them, and take down hordes of enemies!
Cheaters Cheetah
Everyone will be given ACTUAL CHEATS in this multiplayer shooter. Use wallhacks and aimbots to your advantage and dominate the other cheetahs. The winner will get to BAN all losers!Most played indie games on Steam
Take a look at the top indie games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Crosshair X
Overlay custom crosshairs on every game you play. Choose from thousands of unique crosshairs created by the Crosshair X community or design your own using the designer. Crosshair X is a action, indie and adventure game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 29,612 reviews of which 27,646 were positive and 1,966 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played indie game, thanks to its 51,917 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,646
1,966
51,917
players
2. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a action roguelike, rogue-like and indie game developed by Nicalis, Inc. and Edmund McMillen and published by Nicalis and Inc.. Released on November 04th 2014 has received 337,547 reviews of which 328,601 were positive and 8,946 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 29,914 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
328,601
8,946
29,914
players
3. VTube Studio
VTube Studio is all you'll ever need to become a Live2D VTuber, with innovative features such as pinning props to your model and many more still to come. VTube Studio is a indie and anime game developed and published by DenchiSoft. Released on March 12th 2021 has received 5,519 reviews of which 5,114 were positive and 405 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 16,531 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.0
5,114
405
16,531
players
4. Cookie Clicker
An idle game about making cookies! Originally released in 2013 on the web, and actively developed since then. This is the official version for Steam. Cookie Clicker is a clicker, idler and casual game developed by Orteil and DashNet and published by Playsaurus. Released on September 01st 2021 has received 78,130 reviews of which 75,535 were positive and 2,595 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 13,767 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.5
75,535
2,595
13,767
players
5. Melvor Idle
Inspired by RuneScape, Melvor Idle takes the core of what makes an adventure game so addictive and strips it down to its purest form! This is a feature-rich, idle/incremental game combining a distinctly familiar feel with a fresh gameplay experience. Maxing 20+ skills has never been more zen. Melvor Idle is a idler, rpg and casual game developed by Games by Malcs and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on November 18th 2021 has received 14,179 reviews of which 12,835 were positive and 1,344 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,885 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,835
1,344
5,885
players
6. DSX
DSX is an easy-to-use software that connects DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DualShock 4 controllers to your PC. It unlocks advanced features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience. Allowing support for games that don't support Playstation Controllers. DSX is a simulation, indie and controller game developed and published by Paliverse. Released on June 24th 2022 has received 5,093 reviews of which 3,450 were positive and 1,643 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 5,760 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
6.6
3,450
1,643
5,760
players
7. Hades
Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. Hades is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and hack and slash game developed and published by Supergiant Games. Released on September 17th 2020 has received 278,066 reviews of which 273,223 were positive and 4,843 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 4,926 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,223
4,843
4,926
players
8. OVR Advanced Settings
OVR Advanced Settings is a Dashboard Application for VR, that allows you to access many settings. OVRAS also has a myriad of utility features such as: simulated movement, adding smooth/snap turn to any game, video controls for the headset such as brightness, per-app bindings and much more. OVR Advanced Settings is a vr, utilities and software game developed and published by OVRAS Team. Released on April 14th 2020 has received 4,472 reviews of which 4,139 were positive and 333 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,812 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,139
333
4,812
players
9. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition is a emotional, story rich and indie game developed and published by Thunder Lotus Games. Released on August 18th 2020 has received 45,069 reviews of which 42,953 were positive and 2,116 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,867 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.4
42,953
2,116
3,867
players
10. NGU IDLE
NGU Idle is a Free To Play Idle game that's full of weird humor, tons of upgrades and hundreds of hours of content! Try out NGU Idle today and experience the joy of Numbers Going Up! NGU IDLE is a free to play, idler and indie game developed and published by 4G. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 11,923 reviews of which 11,428 were positive and 495 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,603 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,428
495
3,603
players
Best deals on indie games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of indie games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted indie games.
1. We Are The Dwarves
We Are The Dwarves is a real-time tactical adventure where you take control of three Dwarven astronauts and lead them through the hordes of enemies in the depths of their Universe. We Are The Dwarves is a indie, adventure and action game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on February 25th 2016 has received 1,314 reviews of which 891 were positive and 423 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for indie category.
6.6
891
423
-97%
43.00€
1.29€
2. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 691 reviews of which 569 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in indie games.
7.8
569
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
3. EARTHLOCK
Earthlock is an indie developed, adventure RPG inspired by the classic 3D RPGs of the late 90's, with a fresh take on turn based combat and character progression. EARTHLOCK is a rpg, adventure and strategy game developed and published by Snowcastle Games. Released on March 08th 2018 has received 574 reviews of which 419 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
7.0
419
155
-96%
31.50€
1.26€
4. Goodbye Deponia
More chaos, more destruction, more Rufus. Not one, not two, but three Rufuses cause all kinds of crazy mayhem in the long-awaited adventure comedy Goodbye Deponia! Goodbye Deponia is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 2,344 reviews of which 2,081 were positive and 263 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,081
263
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
5. Dreamscaper
By night, delve deep into your subconscious and discover powerful artifacts to conquer your nightmares. By day, explore the city of Redhaven and build relationships to unlock the power of your dreams. DREAM. DIE. WAKE. REPEAT. Dreamscaper is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and action game developed by Afterburner Studios and published by Maple Whispering Limited and indie.io. Released on August 05th 2021 has received 3,009 reviews of which 2,655 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,655
354
-95%
23.20€
1.16€
6. Helheim Hassle
Helheim Hassle is a narrative adventure game with puzzle platforming elements. Play as Bjørn, a pacifist Viking that can detach and combine limbs at will to solve challenging puzzles and get out of uncomfortable situations involving desperate Norse Gods, Goblins, Dragons, and angry skeletons. Helheim Hassle is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed by Perfectly Paranormal and published by Yogscast Games. Released on August 18th 2020 has received 333 reviews of which 300 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
300
33
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
7. Inertial Drift
An arcade racer that tears up the rule book with innovative twin-stick controls, completely re-imagined driving mechanics and a huge roster of fiercely individual cars and tracks. Inertial Drift is a racing, indie and arcade game developed by Level 91 Entertainment and published by PQube. Released on September 11th 2020 has received 1,322 reviews of which 1,141 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,141
181
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. Sairento VR
VR was made for this. Perform triple jumps, wall runs, power slides and slow time down while blasting away at a foe before landing to deliver a blade attack on another. Kit yourself with katanas, firearms, bows, throwing glaives and legendary relics. Keep upgrading as you play. PURE CYBER NINJA FUN. Sairento VR is a action, rpg and indie game developed by Mixed Realms Pte Ltd and Swag Soft Holdings Pte Ltd and published by Mixed Realms Pte Ltd. Released on February 06th 2018 has received 1,701 reviews of which 1,442 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.1
1,442
259
-95%
24.00€
1.20€
9. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,729 reviews of which 3,711 were positive and 1,018 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.6
3,711
1,018
-95%
26.80€
1.34€
10. Hotshot Racing
Hotshot Racing is a blisteringly fast arcade-style racing game fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed to create an exhilarating driving experience. Hotshot Racing is a racing, indie and arcade game developed by Sumo Digital Ltd and Lucky Mountain Games and published by Curve Games. Released on September 10th 2020 has received 2,153 reviews of which 1,643 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.4
1,643
510
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
Free indie games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play indie games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play indie games.
1. VTube Studio
VTube Studio is all you'll ever need to become a Live2D VTuber, with innovative features such as pinning props to your model and many more still to come. VTube Studio is a indie and anime game developed and published by DenchiSoft. Released on March 12th 2021 has received 5,519 reviews of which 5,114 were positive and 405 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 16,531 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,114
405
16,531
players
2. NGU IDLE
NGU Idle is a Free To Play Idle game that's full of weird humor, tons of upgrades and hundreds of hours of content! Try out NGU Idle today and experience the joy of Numbers Going Up! NGU IDLE is a free to play, idler and indie game developed and published by 4G. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 11,923 reviews of which 11,428 were positive and 495 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,603, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,428
495
3,603
players
3. Cube Racer
Cube Racer is a round based multiplayer racing game with cubes. Every round, all players race against each other to the finish line. Before every round, the players get to build one or more obstacles on the map. In the next round, all players have to pass all the obstacles, which have been built yet. Cube Racer is a action, indie and racing game developed and published by Simon Blasen. Released on October 30th 2017 has received 1,932 reviews of which 1,749 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,694, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,749
183
1,694
players
4. Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game
Blow leaves, upgrade your gear, and automate your progress as you explore the Leaf Universe. A satisfying incremental idle game where every leaf blown brings you closer to the next big upgrade. Simple, relaxing, and endlessly rewarding. Let the leaves fall, and your progress rise! Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game is a idler, clicker and casual game developed and published by Humble North. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 25,034 reviews of which 23,629 were positive and 1,405 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,636 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,629
1,405
1,636
players
5. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,885 reviews of which 1,612 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,352 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,612
273
1,352
players
6. SAO Utils 2: Progressive
SAO Utils 2 provides you a fresh-new customizable Full-Dive 3D app launcher with varieties of themes, desktop widgets and powerful utilities. SAO Utils 2: Progressive is a utilities, software and anime game developed by Joshua Chen and published by Studio GPBeta. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 1,680 reviews of which 1,563 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 865 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.8
1,563
117
865
players
7. Idle Wizard
RPG/Idle hybrid about becoming the most powerful wizard there is. Pick a class, get a pet, configure and improve your character in a myriad ways! Idle Wizard is a idler, free to play and clicker game developed and published by TwoWizards. Released on January 24th 2019 has received 1,572 reviews of which 1,364 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 691 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,364
208
691
players
8. Satisfactory Modeler
Model your Satisfactory builds. Set up your machines however you like, adding optional limits to the number of any of those machines and the tool will calculate how the parts will flow and how many of each machine type are getting used. Satisfactory Modeler is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by David Price. Released on September 17th 2024 has received 706 reviews of which 688 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 675 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
675
players
9. 月圆之夜 (Night of Full Moon)
"Night of the Full Moon" is a stand-alone roguelike card game. Take adventure into Black Forest. Random event, random plot leads to different endings. 月圆之夜 (Night of Full Moon) is a free to play, card game and strategy game developed and published by Giant Games. Released on July 25th 2019 has received 10,344 reviews of which 8,595 were positive and 1,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 667 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.1
8,595
1,749
667
players
10. Cadria Item Shop
Cadria Item Shop is a casual simulation game with RPG elements. Craft legendary items, hire heroes, and expand your shop to rebuild the town. Join a mighty guild, fight together in faction wars and send your heroes to explore the mystic lands of Cadria! All of this and much more awaits you! Cadria Item Shop is a free to play, casual and simulation game developed by Moehaus Co. Ltd and published by BEST KIRIN GLOBAL LIMITED. Released on August 23rd 2018 has received 1,547 reviews of which 1,127 were positive and 420 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 346 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.0
1,127
420
346
players