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
Project Winter
In Project Winter, survival is just the beginning. Work with your friends to escape the icy wilderness, but don’t get too comfortable. Traitors lurk among you, ready to lie, sabotage, and turn even the closest of friends against each other. Who will you trust?
Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell.
Alternate DiMansion Diary
A university student named Sae finds herself lost in the mountains. While searching for help, she comes across an old looking mansion and decides to enter it. However, there was more to this mansion than meets the eye. What will become of Sae? Find out in this Puzzle-Escape RPG!
YORG.io
YORG.io is a game with an original twist on supply chains and zombies. Your goal is to build a base which survives the night which is when zombies attack. Build and upgrade defensive towers to protect your base and try to survive as long as possible.
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface.
GLADIABOTS - AI Combat Arena
Assemble your robot squad, construct their AI and send them in the battle arena to see your strategy play out. Iterate, improve and repeat until you outsmart all your opponents and friends online.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game where you slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music as they fly towards you, surrounded by a futuristic world.
American Fugitive
FREE UPDATE; STATE OF EMERGENCY, OUT NOW! Framed for your father’s murder, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to unveil the real culprit. Tackle thrilling missions for the criminal underworld - just don’t let the cops track you down!
Hell is Other Demons
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Neon Boost
Neon Boost is a frenetic First Person Platformer based on mechanics like Rocket-Jump or Wall-Run. Run across 3 different worlds to get the best times!
Otaku's Adventure
"Otaku's Adventure" is a different kind of AVG.The story tells of an Otaku who has been single for many years and thirst for love. While he inadvertently embarks on a fantastic journey, he eventually wins girls' love. The game combines storytelling with alternative TAKAGISM, and mini-games.
Lords Of The Lockerroom
In this 3D physics based "fighter", take control of Aniki, Kazuya, Obama, and the rest of the cast as you duke it out in famous gachimuchi locations to see who's really the boss of the gym!
Eden Rising
Brace yourself for a brand new action-packed Open World. Explore a huge world to gather materials for gear and defenses. Use everything at your disposal to defend your bases and defeat hordes of hostile monsters. Play solo or up to 8-player online!
Pew Dew Redemption
Dive into the role of Pew and fulfill your destiny as the last independent content creator. Face and Destroy the company and all of its subjects to bring peace and freedom back to the internet.
Russian Life Simulator
The most realistic simulator of the life of a Russian person. Collect pension from birth, collect bottles to survive and become part of an exciting life-long story.
There's a Butcher Around
There's a Butcher Around, a brutal hide & seek. Bill the butcher has escaped from the asylum and is looking for new victims. During the game you will have to find a place to hide, remembering that your friends are also trying to hide from the butcher. Every round, Bill the butcher chooses a spot to investigate, are you well hidden?
Dark Future: Blood Red States
Step into the extraordinary, dystopian world of Dark Future, filled with danger, chaos and adventure. A game of both action and strategy unlike any other, featuring a unique time dilating command mode to help you make tactical decisions on the dangerous highways of this world.
铁道物语：陆王（Railway Saga:Land King）
Become a respected conductor, assemble and match your train lineup at will. In addition to transporting passengers from all walks of life, you can also set up your own factories at various city stations. Mining, planting and breeding all kinds of resources, using the craftsmen's crafts to produce a variety of famous things.
The Defender: Farm and Castle
You are an archer tasked with defending a castle from invading monsters. Inside the castle, you can manage resources and harvest crops, gather experience points to level up, and learn new skills and abilities to face stronger enemies.
Spark the Electric Jester 2
Fast paced 3D action platformer.
Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love
Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love is a satirical point and click inspired by the classic adventure games. It smuggles you out of your comfort zone and throws you into the middle of a Cold War spy intrigue - where there’s an even bigger game being played …
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 19th 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 47,838 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,646
1,966
47,838
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 18,190 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
18,190
players
3. 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 78,398 reviews of which 75,801 were positive and 2,597 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 12,055 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
75,801
2,597
12,055
players
4. 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 5,547 reviews of which 5,141 were positive and 406 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,458 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,141
406
6,458
players
5. 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 5,668 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.6
3,450
1,643
5,668
players
6. 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 4,102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,139
333
4,102
players
7. 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 4,030 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,835
1,344
4,030
players
8. 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 11,939 reviews of which 11,443 were positive and 496 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,412 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,443
496
3,412
players
9. 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 278,334 reviews of which 273,481 were positive and 4,853 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 3,119 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,481
4,853
3,119
players
10. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,905 reviews of which 38,494 were positive and 2,411 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,834 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
38,494
2,411
1,834
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 19th 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 692 reviews of which 570 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
570
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. The Night of the Rabbit
Lose yourself in a tale of magic and wonder, where anything is possible and where nothing is quite as it seems: join young Jerry and follow a peculiar white rabbit to the wondrous realm of Mousewood, a land where critters can speak and where mystery abounds. The Night of the Rabbit is a adventure, point & click and indie game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on May 28th 2013 has received 3,155 reviews of which 2,820 were positive and 335 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.6
2,820
335
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. 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 2,348 reviews of which 2,085 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 #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,085
263
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
6. Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms! Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a rpg, strategy and indie game developed by Unfrozen and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 7,687 reviews of which 6,600 were positive and 1,087 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
6,600
1,087
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
7. 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 337 reviews of which 304 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 #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
304
33
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. 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 1,329 reviews of which 1,147 were positive and 182 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,147
182
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
9. 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 1,702 reviews of which 1,443 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 #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.1
1,443
259
-95%
24.00€
1.20€
10. Wordle
Wordle is a fun word puzzle game where you guess a hidden word within a few tries. Each guess gives clues about letter placement. Enjoy daily challenges, sharpen your skills, and track your progress in this simple and engaging game. Wordle is a puzzle, casual and indie game developed by PreoNus Games and published by Gigantum Games. Released on April 12th 2021 has received 614 reviews of which 521 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.0
521
93
-95%
19.99€
0.99€
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 19th 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 5,547 reviews of which 5,141 were positive and 406 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,458 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,141
406
6,458
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 11,939 reviews of which 11,443 were positive and 496 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 3,412, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,443
496
3,412
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,516, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,629
1,405
1,516
players
4. 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 1,889 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,189 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,616
273
1,189
players
5. 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 960 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.8
1,563
117
960
players
6. 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 725 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
725
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 639 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
639
players
8. Poker Championship
Play the most authentic Texas Hold’em Poker App. Fair play guaranteed by the officially certified Random Number Generator implemented for every hand dealing. Compete with outstanding players throughout the world in real time and be the World Champion! Poker Championship is a free to play, indie and massively multiplayer game developed and published by BBstudio Inc.. Released on September 25th 2019 has received 2,495 reviews of which 2,013 were positive and 482 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 228 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,013
482
228
players
9. Crusaders of the Lost Idols
Crusaders of the Lost Idols is an idle game of heroic awesomeness! Create a band of fighters to fight monsters, earn gold and create strategies for the perfect formations over multiple campaigns! Upgrade your heroes, collect unique gear, and unlock new Crusaders in regular new events. Crusaders of the Lost Idols is a free to play, clicker and casual game developed and published by Codename Entertainment Inc.. Released on October 13th 2015 has received 2,918 reviews of which 2,414 were positive and 504 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 217 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.0
2,414
504
217
players
10. 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 1,945 reviews of which 1,761 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 213 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,761
184
213
players