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
A Perfect Day
Revisit and repeat the final moments of China's turn of the century in this narrative puzzle adventure. Play a 6th-grade student and greet classmates, explore secrets, play mini-4WD, or just wander around town. Make your choices to create a perfect day for everyone!
Graphwar
Graphwar is an artillery game in which you must hit your enemies using mathematical functions. The trajectory of your shot is determined by the function you wrote, and your goal is to avoid the obstacles and your teammates and hit your enemies. The game takes place in a Cartesian Plane.
Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath
ZERO 2 is an ARPG with intriguing storytelling, an unpredictable battle system, and endless heartfelt adventure. The story includes multiple subtle metaphors for the relationship between God and humans.
AfterHours
Experience psychological horror in a large abandoned hospital. Hide, explore and survive from a mysterious creature living in the ruins of this hospital.
Legend of the Outlaw Mage
Become the Outlaw Mage, wreaking havoc as you pursue the one who wronged you, casting and blasting your way in this Cowboy-Fantasy-themed 3rd-Person Action RPG.
Mechs V Kaijus - Tower Defense
Mechs V Kaijus is an addictive hardcore tower defense gameplay. In Mechs V Kaijus you take on the role of Commander of a powerful Mechs squadron. Improve your Mech, strategically place towers and factories on the battlefield. Deploy support units on the battlefield, and save our civilization.
Five Nights At Floppa
A horror film in which Shlepa appears in his frightening form. The main character had no idea where he would end up when he first got a job. Now he is forced not to protect, but to survive in a terrible office.
Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds.
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon
Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!
Home Behind 2
Home Behind 2 is a Roguelike RPG which set in Scaria, a country engulfed in a ten-year civil war. Lead a patchwork group of revolutionary fighters into the depths of the government's territory as you struggle to overthrow a brutal authoritarian regime!
Dealer's Life 2
Your favorite pawn shop experience is finally getting a sequel! Haggle like your life depends on it in this funny tycoon game. You never know WHAT is gonna stumble through that door!
Hacker Simulator: Free Trial
Become a hacker and build your online reputation to the top by discovering a simplified and enjoyable version of real-life hacking methods. Complete contracts, buy new programs, upgrade your computer, crack wifi networks and infiltrate peoples or companies online systems.
Dialtown: Phone Dating Sim
If you've ever wanted to romantically pursue a phone, then hot DARN, do I have just the game for you.
奇迹一刻 Surmount
Surmount is a simulation game which is involved with moderate strategy on the subject of E-sports. You'll play as a college student who choose to return back to the league and win the competition as a coach. Those members can not only be your teammate, but also close friends or lovers.
Not Tonight 2
Immigration Enforcement Case #112: You are under arrest. Unless your friends can cross a broken America, retrieve your identifying documents and stay out of trouble... this is the end of the American dream for you.
Rise of the Third Power
Rise of the Third Power is a retro-themed, console-style roleplaying game, loosely based on the political climate of Europe in the late 1930's. The story takes place in the land of Rin during the height of the Age of Sail, following the events that would lead to the greatest war in human history.
Grapple Dog
Jump, Swing and Zip your way through colourful worlds and exciting challenges in this unique 2D action-platformer! Master the power of the Grapple on your adventure to save the world!
KINGDOM of the DEAD
Immerse yourself in a dreadful hand-drawn horror world and push Death’s armies back to the underworld!
Colony Simulator
Can your Colony survive 10 days or more in the desert? Find food, build your colony, recruit new workers, feed your population, craft tools and equipment, cook food and research technologies!
Gods of Sand
Train gladiators. Manage a ludus. Fight in the arenas. Conquer the tower. Gods of Sand is a gladiator manager with intense turn-based combat, inspired by the Swords and Sandals series, in a dark and unforgiving setting.
Cactus Simulator
Cactus Simulator is a game in which you can become a cactus.
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 July 03rd 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 31,352 reviews of which 29,275 were positive and 2,077 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played indie game, thanks to its 42,594 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
29,275
2,077
42,594
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 343,420 reviews of which 334,165 were positive and 9,255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,690 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
334,165
9,255
15,690
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 79,892 reviews of which 77,218 were positive and 2,674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 11,974 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
77,218
2,674
11,974
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 5,695 reviews of which 5,283 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,712 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,283
412
6,712
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 5,373 reviews of which 3,667 were positive and 1,706 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 5,093 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,667
1,706
5,093
players
6. 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 279,741 reviews of which 274,829 were positive and 4,912 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 4,896 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
274,829
4,912
4,896
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 14,538 reviews of which 13,146 were positive and 1,392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 3,689 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,146
1,392
3,689
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 12,068 reviews of which 11,564 were positive and 504 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,115 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,564
504
3,115
players
9. 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 4,545 reviews of which 4,200 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,406 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,200
345
2,406
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 120,602 reviews of which 117,545 were positive and 3,057 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,360 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.6
117,545
3,057
2,360
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 July 03rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted indie games.
1. Hiveswap Friendsim
You’ve crash landed on a dangerous alien planet with no food, medicine, or prospects, but you do know one thing—you are absolutely desperate for friendship. Hiveswap Friendsim is a visual novel, indie and simulation game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 1,355 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for indie category.
8.8
1,253
102
-99%
12.79€
0.17€
2. Lightmatter
A first-person puzzler where shadows kill you. Watch your step or be swallowed by the darkness. Lightmatter is a logic, indie and adventure game developed by Tunnel Vision Games and published by Aspyr. Released on January 15th 2020 has received 2,740 reviews of which 2,505 were positive and 235 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in indie games.
8.8
2,505
235
-99%
19.50€
0.34€
3. Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark is a turn-based tactical RPG with a focus on storytelling and strategic battles. Unfold a mature story as you progress through hand-crafted scenarios, controlling your own group of Arbiters, with each character customizable from a wide selection of classes and abilities! Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark is a rpg, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by 6 Eyes Studio and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on April 30th 2019 has received 5,987 reviews of which 5,281 were positive and 706 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
8.5
5,281
706
-99%
29.99€
0.50€
4. Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a action, shoot 'em up and arcade game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on November 21st 2023 has received 358 reviews of which 331 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.44€
5. The Inner World
The Inner World – A 2D-Point’n’Click Adventure Together with the help of the mysterious thief Laura, his best intentions and no clue whatsoever, Robert sets off on his adventure to discover the secret of the wind's disappearance. Will the young adventurer be able to save his world? The Inner World is a adventure, point & click and puzzle game developed by Studio Fizbin and published by Headup. Released on September 27th 2013 has received 1,394 reviews of which 1,246 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
1,246
148
-99%
13.99€
0.23€
6. 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 3,028 reviews of which 2,670 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,670
358
-99%
22.99€
0.44€
7. Dandy Ace
Dandy Ace is an over the top action game that follows this fabulous magician seeking to combine and use his magical cards, fighting and looting his way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist and free himself from a cursed mirror. Dandy Ace is a action, indie and rogue-lite game developed by Mad Mimic and published by NEOWIZ. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 1,222 reviews of which 1,079 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,079
143
-99%
16.79€
0.27€
8. Nippon Marathon
Crazy, physics-driven, four-player marathon across Japan. Combining classic racers like Micro Machines and the insanity of TV's Takeshi's Castle, smash through offices and shopping malls and hurl fruit at your opponents in a party game unlike anything you've played before! Nippon Marathon is a sports, indie and racing game developed by Onion Soup Interactive and published by PQube. Released on December 17th 2018 has received 337 reviews of which 306 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
306
31
-99%
14.99€
0.23€
9. Beyond a Steel Sky
From multi-award winning Revolution comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, a groundbreaking 3D adventure thriller, set in an AI-driven future. Subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the devastating truth. Beyond a Steel Sky is a adventure, point & click and cyberpunk game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on July 16th 2020 has received 1,470 reviews of which 1,293 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,293
177
-99%
29.99€
0.53€
10. Slash It 2
Slash It 2 is a 2D colorful arcade game. The goal is to press letters, numbers and type words in the right time and direction. Slash It 2 is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on January 24th 2017 has received 1,256 reviews of which 1,104 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,104
152
-99%
39.99€
0.45€
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 July 03rd 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 5,695 reviews of which 5,283 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,712 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,283
412
6,712
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 12,068 reviews of which 11,564 were positive and 504 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 3,115, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,564
504
3,115
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 25,292 reviews of which 23,863 were positive and 1,429 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 1,273, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,863
1,429
1,273
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 1,916 reviews of which 1,638 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,116 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,638
278
1,116
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 1,718 reviews of which 1,601 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,041 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.9
1,601
117
1,041
players
6. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a early access, free to play and indie game developed by Soehnle and published by TimeLost Gaming. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 690 reviews of which 517 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 875 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.1
517
173
875
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 849 reviews of which 825 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 658 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
658
players
8. 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 1,596 reviews of which 1,383 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 655 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,383
213
655
players
9. Flag Clicker
Flag is a clicker Game, in which you click a Flag! Flag Clicker is a casual, clicker and indie game developed by and published by Flag Clicker Interactive. Released on November 16th 2024 has received 447 reviews of which 278 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 538 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
6.0
278
169
538
players
10. 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 2,522 reviews of which 2,030 were positive and 492 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 205 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,030
492
205
players