Best Indie Games of 2023
Want to know about all the best indie games? Indie games are a huge part of the gaming industry, offering unique and engrossing experiences you just can’t get from the triple-A blockbusters (though, admittedly, some of them are pretty bad).
From 2D platformers to 3D roguelikes, there are a plethora of great indie games available, and our list of the best indie games of 2023 is here to help you discover some of the most underrated gems in the scene. We’ve also got recommendations for some of the most popular indie games you might have missed, like Minecraft and Amnesia the Dark Descent, which have since evolved into something else entirely.
Lil Gator
Lil Gator is a roguelite 3D indie game that has been praised by users for its excellent level design and challenging gameplay. One user writes, “This game is amazing. I’m six hours in and still not sure if I’ll make it to the end. It’s honestly one of the most fun games I’ve played in a long time.” Another user writes, “The map design alone is enough to put this game in the top ten indie games of all time.”
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds has been described as an “immersive sci-fi adventure” with a story that “gets better and better as you get further into the game.” It’s a space exploration roguelike that, according to some users, “feels complete,” as opposed to other indie games that are still being worked on.
Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a silly, yet challenging 2D side-scrolling indie game where you play as a goose. Your objective is to kidnap helpless humans using different types of traps. Despite being a simple game, Untitled Goose Game has a lot of charm, and the cutscenes are absurdly funny. One user says, “In a year filled with disappointing AAA games replaying my favorite games and finding new ones has been a joy. Untitled Goose Game is my favorite indie game this year.”
Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a narrative exploration game set in the 18th century, where you play as an insurance adjuster investigating the cause of a shipwreck. It’s been described as a “masterpiece” by several users, with one writing, “I’ve been waiting for a game like this for years.”
Firewatch
Firewatch is a 2D indie game set in the Shoshone National Forest in 1989. It’s a narrative mystery game with a compelling story and great characters. One user writes, “I forgot how much I loved Firewatch.” Another user writes, “Firewatch was one of my favorite games of the last generation. It’s still so good.”
Outlast 2
Outlast 2 is a first-person survival horror game. It’s been described as “more terrifying than the first,” with a “dark and horrific tale of multiple characters.” It’s been praised for its story, setting, and atmosphere, with one user saying, “Outlast 2 is the best horror game of the year.”
Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 is a roguelite indie game that’s been praised for its “challenging and rewarding gameplay” and “entertaining and humorous story.” One user writes, “It’s everything I wanted in a sequel.”
Wavetale
Wavetale is a lesser-known indie game that’s been compared to Katamari Damacy. It’s a charming indie game that sees you rolling around a small ball, collecting objects, and expanding its size.
Kenshi
Kenshi is a medieval sandbox game that’s been praised for its “immersive world,” “vast amount of content,” “great gameplay,” and “amazing soundtrack.”
Bannerlord
Bannerlord is a tactical RPG game set in a fantasy world. Its strategic gameplay and stunning visuals have been praised by users. One user writes, “Bannerlord is everything I could have asked for, and more.”
Genshin Impact 3
Genshin Impact 3 is a fast-paced space shooter that has been described as “one of the best indie games in recent memory.”
