With 2025 being a disaster for major AAA titles, it’s no surprise to see that the industry has pivoted towards indie games. Smaller studios work on these titles, and often develop a cult-like following, thanks to the content that they have to offer.
Indie games span across various genres, so there’s always something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for your next favorite game for 2026, here are five indie titles that you shouldn’t be missing out on.
- Indie games are very popular and often gain a cult-like following.
- These games aren’t that demanding in terms of hardware, so almost every system can run them without any major hiccups.
- They usually fly under the radar, so there’s always a chance that the mainstream audience might miss out on them.
5 Indie Games For You to Try in 2026
The overall appeal behind these indie games has gone up considerably, to the extent that they could be considered as mainstream titles. From hand-painted art styles to carefully crafted storylines, indies showcase creativity, which is one of the primary reasons they’re so loved. The games mentioned on this list have already been released and are some of the best indie games to have launched in the past few years.
Hades 1 & 2
Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades and its sequel are a roguelike title teeming with Greek mythology. Artstyle aside, both these games feature storylines that will keep you addicted from the get-go. They’re not too taxing on your system either, so you’ll be able to enjoy these titles thoroughly, no matter what hardware you’re running.
The first game follows Zagreus, and the second revolves around Melinoë. Both individuals are underworld royalty, and the story focuses on their adventures as they try to make their way to the mortal realm in search of answers. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re definitely missing out on some beautiful storytelling.
Cult of the Lamb
Cult of the Lamb is another roguelite entry on this list, but it’s morbid and funny at the same time. The 2D hand-drawn sprites add to the game’s charm. While it would be wrong to classify this as a horror indie title, it does have dark themes associated with it.
In a nutshell, you play as a lamb and are tasked with pleasing “The One Who Waits” and the only way to do it is by starting a cult. The title features some strong Pagan themes, but its main attraction is the artstyle that it comes with. Cult of the Lamb is a very unique entry, and is something that you should try out, especially if you like a good story.
Stardew Valley
No indie game list is complete without mentioning Stardew Valley. It’s a very popular cosy game and has a massive fanbase. What makes it more interesting is that it’s been developed by a single individual who’s popularly known online as ConcernedApe.
With steady updates and active communication, Stardew Valley isn’t showing any signs of stopping. Truth be told, it’s assumed an almost legendary status on Steam. The game has various activities on offer, ranging from fishing to farming to mining. Its 2D art style and warm soundscape add to the sense of calm that this casual indie title has to offer.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong could be classified as a soulslike title because of how difficult it is. Team Cherry pulled out all the stops with this one, after making fans wait for close to a decade for this sequel. It’s the successor to the game of the same name, but with a different protagonist.
The title is basically what one could term as a platformer as well, because you’ll be jumping across a lot of platforms to get across different levels.
The combat, however, is the real challenge here, and not just the bosses, but the smaller enemies can also offer a stiff challenge, especially if you miss the timing of your attacks. It’s a fun indie game to try, especially if you enjoy a challenge.
Balatro
Balatro is yet another single-developer hit to make it to this list. It didn’t get the recognition because of its solo developer status, but because of the sheer replayability that it had to offer. It’s a roguelike game, yes, but is heavily centred around poker.
It did face some controversy, though, because of its age rating, given that poker is a popular gambling card game. Despite that, it’s received critical acclaim from gamers from all over the world. It was even nominated for the Game of the Year title in 2024. It may not have won the award, but that doesn’t make it any less of an indie game that you should try out in 2026.
More often than not, indie games are hidden gems because they bring so much to the table. Despite a growing popularity in the industry, these releases still tend to fly under the radar. 2026 is bound to see the release of multiple indie titles, but how they fare is going to be a mystery until launch. Till then, be sure to check out these five best indie games that we’ve mentioned above. They’re worth every penny and will never disappoint.
FAQs
Why should I play hidden gem indie games?
Hidden gem indie games bring a lot of value to the table, and are often available for very cheap prices. They can usually add a lot of excitement to your gaming sessions.
Are indie games free or paid?
Most indie games are paid and are available for purchase on every major digital storefront. During promotions or events however, there is always a chance that they might be sold for free.
Which platforms do these indie games support?
Most indie games are available on all major platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. However, some indie games may be platform exclusive, but that’s very rare.
Can low-end PCs run indie games?
Yes, low-end PCs can run indie games. These titles usually have very low system requirements, so you don’t need a very powerful rig to play them.
Are indie games safe to download?
If you’ve purchased it from a digital storefront, then they’re safe to download. However, if you’re pirating them, then it may be difficult to say how safe it would be. Certain sites may include viruses with the game files. By downloading them, you may compromise your system. So, always be sure to download these games from official sources only.
