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

Pid

You are stranded on a strange and peculiar planet. It’s time to embark on your journey and find your way home! Explore a gravity defying and challenging platformer with striking visuals and a captivating story that transports you to a world beyond ours.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.0
Release 31 Oct 2012

Natural Selection 2

A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 30 Oct 2012

Guns of Icarus Online

Assemble your crew, take to the skies in the premier PvP airship combat game. Guns of Icarus Online is all about flying massive airships, shooting big turret weapons, and working as a team for supremacy of the skies. Everyone as one, victory or death, together.

Price -80% 1.00€
Rating 8.8
Release 29 Oct 2012

Primal Carnage

A savage online shooter, where players do battle as man or beast in class-based deathmatches and a frantic escape mode. Unleash your inner dinosaur!

Price 7.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 29 Oct 2012

Lucius

Equipped with supernatural powers, take control of Lucius as he begins his blood filled tour of horror through his own house.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 26 Oct 2012

Deadlight

“Probably the best downloadable title on the market right now.” 9/10 – Eurogamer.se

Price -75% 2.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 25 Oct 2012

Conquest of Elysium 3

Conquest of Elysium 3 (CoE3) is a streamlined turn based fantasy strategy game with a touch of rogue-like and the complex undertones of Illwinter's Dominions series. While CoE3 appears to be a simple game with limited options at first glance, delving further into the game reveals a game of complex decision making and risky endeavors.

Price 9.75€
Rating 7.5
Release 24 Oct 2012

Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.

Price -74% 2.53€
Rating 9.6
Release 23 Oct 2012

Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement

The original puzzle adventure game based on twisted William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.1
Release 22 Oct 2012

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds.

Price -83% 2.60€
Rating 7.5
Release 22 Oct 2012

Dwarfs - F2P

Dwarfs!? is an addictive, fast paced arcade-like experience, with plenty of difficulty levels and game modes, in the tradition of great games such as “Lemmings” and “Dwarf Fortress”.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 18 Oct 2012

Fairy Bloom Freesia

Take control of Freesia as she protects Lita Forest by beating the living daylights out of enemies invading the forest!

Price 7.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 17 Oct 2012

Unity of Command: Stalingrad Campaign

Unity of Command is an innovative and refreshing operational-level wargame that covers the entire 1942/43 Stalingrad Campaign on the Eastern Front.

Price -80% 1.95€
Rating 7.5
Release 17 Oct 2012

Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes

From the creators of the award winning games “The Whispered World” and “Deponia” comes this extraordinary game Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes.

Price -93% 1.49€
Rating 8.5
Release 16 Oct 2012

Chivalry: Medieval Warfare

Besiege castles and raid villages in Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, a fast-paced medieval first person slasher with a focus on multiplayer battles

Price -91% 2.02€
Rating 8.1
Release 16 Oct 2012

Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken

Annihilate an evil penguin regime in this cinematic platform adventure game offering full solo and co-op campaigns.

Price -80% 1.00€
Rating 7.7
Release 15 Oct 2012

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits.

Price -24% 15.28€
Rating 9.7
Release 12 Oct 2012

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit

A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.

Price -75% 3.24€
Rating 8.2
Release 03 Oct 2012

Cortex Command

Choose between different factions, with their own set of expendable soldiers, mechas, and weapons. Protect your brain, mine gold, and destroy the enemy cortex in his bunker complex!

Price 18.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 28 Sep 2012

New Star Soccer 5

Live the life of an up-and-coming superstar in this unique football career game. Start out as a 16 year old lad and work your way to the top to become a footballing legend!

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.7
Release 27 Sep 2012

Half Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax Ultimate Boy

The world is at an end, and you have 30 seconds to save it!

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 27 Sep 2012

ETHER VAPOR Remaster

Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.

Price 7.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 27 Sep 2012

Planets Under Attack

Play as humans or robots in a brand new sci-fi strategy adventure! Travel into the far reaches of space, through cleverly designed star constellations and variable game modes, conquering enemy planets using 15 combinable technologies.

Price -92% 1.00€
Rating 7.0
Release 27 Sep 2012

McPixel

McPixel is a save-the-day guy that you guide through 100 short challenges to prevent stuff from blowing up. You have only 20 seconds to save the day! Think quick!

Price -78% 0.87€
Rating 8.1
Release 25 Sep 2012

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 29th 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 39,929 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
27,964
1,989

39,929
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 15,099 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

15,099
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 10,508 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

10,508
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 5,571 reviews of which 5,163 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,185 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,163
408

6,185
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 5,124 reviews of which 3,476 were positive and 1,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 5,485 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,476
1,648

5,485
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 5,299 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

5,299
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 3,450 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

3,450
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 3,289 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

3,289
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 2,354 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

2,354
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 1,476 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

1,476
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 29th 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. 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 #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,611
1,088

-95% 32.20€ 1.61€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
308
33

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,156
182

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

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 29th 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 6,185 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

6,185
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 3,289, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,461
497

3,289
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 1,374, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,681
1,407

1,374
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 1,285 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

1,285
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 916 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

916
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 1,574 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 604 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,365
209

604
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 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 566 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
712
21

566
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 indie, action and casual game developed and published by Simon Blasen. Released on October 30th 2017 has received 1,950 reviews of which 1,766 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 202 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,766
184

202
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 2,500 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 197 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,015
485

197
players

10. PNGTuber Plus

A simple, artist friendly way to make pngtubers that are more fun and lively! PNGTuber Plus is a animation & modeling, utilities and free to play game developed and published by kaiakairos. Released on September 30th 2023 has received 307 reviews of which 262 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 195 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.9
262
45

195
players