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

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Price -80% 2.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 06 Feb 2018

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.

Price -95% 1.20€
Rating 8.1
Release 06 Feb 2018

Freeways

You are a traffic engineer. Draw freeway interchanges. Optimize for efficency and avoid traffic jams!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 06 Feb 2018

Regions Of Ruin

Regions of Ruin is a 2D pixel side-scrolling RPG with town-building, where you explore, fight and build into an open world that progressively challenges you and your settlement, and threatens the extinction of the dwarven race.

Price -92% 1.00€
Rating 8.4
Release 05 Feb 2018

Remnants of Naezith

With the powers granted to him by the dragon, Kayra will destroy the Remnants of Naezith, enchanted fragments of the dragon's body, to prevent anyone from exploiting their power for evil. Rush and swing through levels to top the leaderboards in this fast-paced, grappling hook precision platformer.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.3
Release 05 Feb 2018

Project LUX

The crime... is murder. Our story takes place in a court trial, set in a futuristic world where most humans have cyberbrains. The defendant on trial is an agent who coordinates with artists to create the data for cyberbrains to interact with people’s emotions. The victim is a girl artist named Lux.

Price 24.50€
Rating 8.3
Release 02 Feb 2018

We Were Here Too

As your final hour approaches, a large structure looms up in the distance, towering above the relentless storm. Discover the truth behind this dark castle in a communication-based, cooperative puzzle adventure.

Price -70% 2.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 02 Feb 2018

Delver

Delve into the shifting dungeons on your hunt for the Yithidian orb, but getting it might just be the easy part. Delver is a single player first-person action roguelike dungeon crawler, just like you wished they used to make.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 01 Feb 2018

Martial Arts Brutality

In this turn based tactical card fighter, you will learn the secrets of Kung Fu, master control of your formidable Chi Energy and perfect the legendary Dim Mak death touch.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 31 Jan 2018

Candleman: The Complete Journey

Despite only being able to burn for 10 seconds, a little candle journeys into the darkness, with the purpose of seeking light.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 31 Jan 2018

Scavenger SV-4

Scavenger SV-4 is a highly replayable atmospheric first-person science fiction game. Part simulator, part roguelike, it has elements of action, combat, resource management, and a dash of horror. It is not quite like any game you have played before.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 31 Jan 2018

Avernum 3: Ruined World

Wander free through this epic, indie fantasy adventure. Explore a huge world that evolves as time passes. Towns fight battles. Refugees flee. Disasters happen. Features cunning adventures, great depth, and unlimited freedom. Be a merchant or bounty hunter, buy a home, save the world!

Price 19.50€
Rating 7.9
Release 31 Jan 2018

Remothered: Tormented Fathers

Remothered: Tormented Fathers is the pure and realistic survival horror videogame

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 30 Jan 2018

The Sand Man

“I’ll tell you a scary story. It’s so scary you might not be able to take it. It’s the story of the Sand Man...” This is the second title in the Strange Man series, developed by Uri Games. Unable to sleep and exhausted, Sophie wanders into a town where everything sleeps. That is where the terror begins...

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 29 Jan 2018

Aimtastic

Training game for FPS games. Helps you become a better aimer. Includes a lot of different practice scenarios, which is great for warmup or taking your aim to the next level.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 28 Jan 2018

Tesla vs Lovecraft

Tesla vs Lovecraft is an intense top-down twin stick arena shooter from the creators of Crimsonland and Neon Chrome. Play as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla harnessing the static energy to power up Tesla-Mech and give the lovecraftian nightmares a lesson in horror!

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.5
Release 26 Jan 2018

Achievement Clicker 2018

Feel like a real Achievement hunter! Earn Achievements, upgrades and get the most Achievements on Steam!

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 26 Jan 2018

SUMETRICK

Sumetrick is a mind training minimalist design game that's chained to the symmetry. Simple gameplay - you need to fill gameboard in symmetry way by clicking on framed cells. Do that faster and be as good as Chack Knorris. But don't forget to eat sometimes...

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 26 Jan 2018

Celeste

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Price 19.50€
Rating 9.6
Release 25 Jan 2018

Delete

Let the number tell you what to do

Price 1.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 25 Jan 2018

A Dump in the Dark

Your cheeks will quiver in fear, as ghastly ghouls accost your rear. You will gape in horror, as you face the dark. Only your rump can guide you through.

Price 2.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 24 Jan 2018

Iconoclasts

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Price -91% 1.74€
Rating 8.4
Release 23 Jan 2018

Subnautica

Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.

Price 29.99€
Rating 9.6
Release 23 Jan 2018

Blast-off

Blast-off is a hardcore jumper/runner/shmup, where your alter ego will be a ball of anti-matter seeking to leave our Universe. Anti-matter is extremely difficult to exist in our universe, because when it contact with matter it annihilates.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 22 Jan 2018

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 20th 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 48,604 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,646
1,966

48,604
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 17,930 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

17,930
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 11,784 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

11,784
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 6,353 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

6,353
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 5,610 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

5,610
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 4,292 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

4,292
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 14,219 reviews of which 12,871 were positive and 1,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 4,093 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,871
1,348

4,093
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 3,377 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

3,377
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 3,335 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

3,335
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 74,438 reviews of which 71,021 were positive and 3,417 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,973 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.4
71,021
3,417

1,973
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 20th 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 1,316 reviews of which 891 were positive and 425 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
425

-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 7,699 reviews of which 6,611 were positive and 1,088 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
6,611
1,088

-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 20th 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 6,353 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

6,353
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 3,377, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,443
496

3,377
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 1,505, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,629
1,405

1,505
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 1,226 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

1,226
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 1,044 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

1,044
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 786 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

786
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 611 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

611
players

8. 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 275 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,761
184

275
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 2,495 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 235 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,013
482

235
players

10. Totally Accurate Battlegrounds

Grab your balloon crossbow and trusty inflatable hammer, because things are about to get wobbly! Be the last weirdo standing in the world-leading physics-based Battle Royale game. Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is a multiplayer, physics and character customization game developed by and published by landfall. Released on June 05th 2018 has received 86,796 reviews of which 76,729 were positive and 10,067 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 228 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.7
76,729
10,067

228
players