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
永冻之壳 The Shell of Permafrost
A girl, draped in mystery and chased by an evil fate, escapes from a frozen land. Now, a year later, with her memory gradually returning, she is forced to make an important decision.
Nya Nya Nya Girls (ʻʻʻ)_(=^･ω･^=)_(ʻʻʻ)
The game is a classic puzzle with three levels of difficulty.
Evil Bank Manager
What could be better than having a million dollars, a billion? This will not make you all powerful in the world, your goal will not only be to make lots of money, but to print money and become a Federal reserve system
Kenshi
A free-roaming squad based RPG. Focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals. Train your men up from puny victims to master warriors.
Cows VS Vikings
You think you’ve seen everything in Stream already?! No, buddy, you never saw anything like that before! The Vikings against the cows! Show them the strength of Odin and twist their horns off!
Project Warlock
Project Warlock is a first-person shooter that fans of Doom, Hexen, and Wolfenstein cannot miss. It serves you an exploding cocktail of bullets, spells, and monsters. Battle through 60 levels of non-stop action, packed with bloodthirsty enemies and challenging bosses.
Beholder 2
You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!
War of Rights
War of Rights is a first person multiplayer game featuring massive 350 player battles with a focus on historical authenticity, teamplay and immersion. It is set during the perilous days of the American Civil War, in the Maryland Campaign of September, 1862.
Simson Tuningwerkstatt 3D
Simson Tuningwerkstatt 3D
Epic Battle Fantasy 5
A turn-based RPG adventure, full of video game references, juvenile dialogue, and anime fanservice... and also strategic combat, monster catching, and tons of treasure hunting! Updated with tons of new content!
Professional Fishing
Are you falling asleep with a rod? Never again! Professional Fishing will never let you fall asleep! Play an amazing fishing simulator and feel like a real angler! Create your own fishing club and compete with others!
Superfighters Deluxe
Superfighters Deluxe is a unique action game that combines brawling, shooting and platforming in dynamic sandboxy 2D levels. Lots of weapons and fun gameplay systems interlock to create absurd action-movie chaos.
Simmiland
Simmiland is a god-like card game. In this game you indirectly influence a small civilization by manipulating their surroundings by playing cards 🃏🃏🃏 Playing cards on different biomes and objects will result in different findings. The way you play the game will define how mankind will develop!
Broken Reality
A humorous adventure set in a 3D parody of the internet. Diverse puzzles, beautiful worlds, friends, experiences, upgrades and more, await those who 'log on'!
NAIRI: Tower of Shirin
Follow Nairi as she uncovers a mysterious conspiracy in this gripping yet family-friendly adventure that is suitable for all ages! NAIRI: Tower of Shirin is a graphic adventure which crafts a rich 'Ghibli' inspired oasis city where animals and humans live side-by-side!
蓝宝石般的被害妄想少女/Damsel with persecutory delusion
A strange letter came to the girl's hand, pointing to a vicious robbery and murder in Qinshan Port City more than a decade ago. Li Meiyuan, a 17-year-old female high school student, lives in depression and delusion all the time. She almost excludes everything around her.
The Crown of Leaves
Roui, a resilient city dandy, a half-educated jeweler and the author of scientific magic articles, was met with a colossal failure and must return to his homeland Latori.
Montaro RE
The DOGE is back!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 16th 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 48,217 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,646
1,966
48,217
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 15,354 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
15,354
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 12,292 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
12,292
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 6,631 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
6,631
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 5,609 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
5,609
players
6. 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 4,069 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,835
1,344
4,069
players
7. 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 3,661 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,428
495
3,661
players
8. 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 2,642 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,223
4,843
2,642
players
9. 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 40,460 reviews of which 38,104 were positive and 2,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
38,104
2,356
1,898
players
10. FTL: Faster Than Light
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat. FTL: Faster Than Light is a rogue-like, space and strategy game developed and published by Subset Games. Released on September 14th 2012 has received 74,348 reviews of which 70,940 were positive and 3,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,832 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.4
70,940
3,408
1,832
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 16th 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. 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 #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,600
1,087
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
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 16th 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 6,631 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
6,631
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 3,661, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,428
495
3,661
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 1,577, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,629
1,405
1,577
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 1,885 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 1,210 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,612
273
1,210
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 912 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
912
players
6. 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 684 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,364
208
684
players
7. 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 659 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
659
players
8. Territory Idle
Strategic idle game. Develop the kingdom, then abdicate and get gold! For gold, you can buy new tiles and expand the territory. Territory Idle is a idler, free to play and clicker game developed and published by Aleksandr Golovkin. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 1,629 reviews of which 1,301 were positive and 328 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 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.
7.7
1,301
328
228
players
9. 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 2,484 reviews of which 2,005 were positive and 479 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 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.
7.8
2,005
479
217
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 213 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
213
players