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
Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures
"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.
Doorways: Prelude
Doorways is an immersive horror adventure, featuring a complex story and deep atmosphere.
Omegalodon
Omegalodon is a third-person multiplayer action game where players compete by attacking/defending the city. The Red Team is comprised of police and soldiers armed with an array of military vehicles and explosive weaponry. The Green Team is comprised of Omegalodon, a 100-foot shark monster, and the Enviros, equipped with a healing beam.
Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death
A new breed of WARRIOR returns, committed to destroying the enemies of FREEDOM When ONE angry man, has a world to protect - There is only ONE future – HIS OWN No-nonsense hero Marlow never shied away from danger or trouble. But now he faces his ULTIMATE challenge.
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller
FBI agent Erica Reed has an uncanny talent: she can see the past and piece together how a crime unfolded. But not even this sixth sense could save her younger brother, Scott, from a brutal serial killer. Three years later, the investigation into Scott’s murder has gone cold -- but Erica’s work has only just begun.
Ironclad Tactics
Ironclad Tactics is a fast-paced, card-based tactics game set in an alternate history Civil War - with steam-powered military robots!
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Artemis is designed for anyone who watched Star Trek and dreamed of what it would be like to sit on the bridge of a star ship. Artemis simulates a spaceship bridge by networking several computers together. You cannot play Artemis single-player!
Legend of Dungeon
Legend of Dungeon is a randomly generated action RPG Beat'em'up with heavy Rogue-like elements, striking visuals, and dynamic music.
Volgarr the Viking
Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Dear Esther comes a new first-person horrorgame that will drag you to the depths of greed, power and madness. It will bury its snout into your ribs and it will eat your heart.
Zafehouse: Diaries
Stuck in a remote, abandoned town, you must lead five survivors with conflicting motivations, fragile relationships and fiery prejudices to safety from the roving undead. A sophisticated engine generates new survivors, towns and content so every adventure is a different experience, and you can use built-in editors to add yourself and...
Outlast
Hell is an experiment you can't survive in Outlast, a first-person survival horror game developed by veterans of some of the biggest game franchises in history. As investigative journalist Miles Upshur, explore Mount Massive Asylum and try to survive long enough to discover its terrible secret... if you dare.
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.
Game Dev Tycoon
In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.
The Dark Eye: Memoria
In Memoria, players travel through different time periods, following two distinct protagonists: Sadja, a southern princess who wants to be a war hero, and Geron, a bird catcher who wants to lift a curse from his girlfriend.
Shelter
Experience the wild as a badger sheltering your cubs from harm. On your journey, you will be stalked by birds of prey, encounter perils of the night, cross fierce rivers, escape forest fires and face the looming threat of starvation. Food is to be found, but is there enough for everyone?
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate
Tikiman the Forest Defender is in trouble. Hordes of monsters are sweeping through his realm, hoping to chow down on his offspring – and it’s up to you to defend them. By placing weapon towers at strategic points around the landscape, you can destroy the invaders and save the little ones.
Electronic Super Joy
Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
--Main Stage Game at Evo 2022!-- The ultimate Skullgirls experience: Featuring 14 hand-animated characters, fully voiced story mode, countless palettes, and unparalleled GGPO-based multiplayer netcode.
Divekick
Divekick is the world’s first two-button fighting game. It distills the essence of the fighting game genre into just two buttons with no d-pad directional movement. Includes two extra playable characters: Fencer from Nidhogg and Johnny Gat from Saints Row!
Hate Plus
Let's spend the next three real-time days together uncovering the mystery of what went horribly wrong on a derelict generation ship, with the help of a spunky/more-than-slightly-traumatized AI sidekick! A sequel to Analogue: A Hate Story that tells a whole new hate story of its own.
Gone Home
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.
Hammerwatch
A hack and slash action adventure, set in a fantasy pixel art environment. Play solo or co-op in this adventure from bottom to top of Castle Hammerwatch. Kill hordes of enemies with varied looks and features through four unique environments with traps, hidden secrets and puzzles.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 28th 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 29,953 reviews of which 27,964 were positive and 1,989 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 43,460 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,964
1,989
43,460
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 338,481 reviews of which 329,506 were positive and 8,975 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 16,391 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
329,506
8,975
16,391
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 78,685 reviews of which 76,069 were positive and 2,616 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 10,730 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
76,069
2,616
10,730
players
4. 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 5,124 reviews of which 3,476 were positive and 1,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 6,136 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,476
1,648
6,136
players
5. 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 5,571 reviews of which 5,163 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,112 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,163
408
6,112
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 14,219 reviews of which 12,871 were positive and 1,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,324 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,871
1,348
5,324
players
7. 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 4,483 reviews of which 4,150 were positive and 333 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,484 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,150
333
3,484
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 11,958 reviews of which 11,461 were positive and 497 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,385 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,461
497
3,385
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 278,591 reviews of which 273,727 were positive and 4,864 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,767 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,727
4,864
2,767
players
10. 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. Celeste is a precision platformer, difficult and pixel graphics game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on January 25th 2018 has received 118,673 reviews of which 115,663 were positive and 3,010 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,814 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.6
115,663
3,010
1,814
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 28th 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 694 reviews of which 572 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
572
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
3. 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 3,158 reviews of which 2,824 were positive and 334 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
8.6
2,824
334
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 2,353 reviews of which 2,089 were positive and 264 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
2,089
264
-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 3,014 reviews of which 2,660 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
2,660
354
-95%
23.20€
1.16€
6. Figment
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost. Figment is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Bedtime Digital Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 5,235 reviews of which 4,568 were positive and 667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
4,568
667
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 341 reviews of which 308 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
308
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 1,338 reviews of which 1,156 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
1,156
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 1,444 were positive and 258 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10.
8.1
1,444
258
24.99€
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 28th 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 5,571 reviews of which 5,163 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,112 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,163
408
6,112
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 11,958 reviews of which 11,461 were positive and 497 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 3,385, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,461
497
3,385
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 25,088 reviews of which 23,681 were positive and 1,407 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 1,435, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,681
1,407
1,435
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 1,891 reviews of which 1,618 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,269 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,618
273
1,269
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 1,683 reviews of which 1,566 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 934 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.8
1,566
117
934
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 733 reviews of which 712 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 713 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
712
21
713
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 1,574 reviews of which 1,365 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 608 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,365
209
608
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 2,500 reviews of which 2,015 were positive and 485 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 231 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,015
485
231
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 2,919 reviews of which 2,415 were positive and 504 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 196 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.0
2,415
504
196
players
10. 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 196 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.7
1,301
328
196
players