Indie games are the lifeblood of the industry - whether it's Team Cherry saving us with Silksong or a standout debut, they consistently prove to be some of the most enjoyable and well-crafted games. It's a scene that's constantly evolving, too, so staying up-to-date on the best indie games can be a challenge. Luckily, we've put together a list of our favorites, with some new and old releases making the cut, so you can ultimately still have an amazing time in 2025.
Most of the entries on the list are available on Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, and some on mobile, so they couldn't be easier for you to scoop up. Plus, given that they're indie games, they're mostly on the cheaper side, with many being under $20 for some of the coolest games you can get. Neat, right? We've got everything from survival to roguelike to cozy, so buckle up.
The best indie games are:
1. Blue Prince
After being initially skeptical about whether or not I should purchase Blue Prince, it's easily the best money I've spent in a long, long while. A game involved in online discussions about being 2025's GOTY, Blue Prince is the most engaging, fascinating world I've had the pleasure of experiencing in the last few years. Join Simon as he explores a mansion that changes every day. He finds clues about his mother's disappearance and the location of the mysterious Room 46 along the way, unraveling a deeply political plot that will surprise you with its intricate worldbuilding. As the game recommends, you should probably have a notebook to hand so you can keep up.
I'm not great at puzzles, but it hardly matters: the game never makes me feel slow for not getting it, and even if I don't have a specific objective for my day, I can spend countless hours just drafting rooms for the hell of it, because the game's unsettling and somehow still peaceful ambience is worth spending time in, puzzle or no. The art style of Blue Prince blends exquisitely with its room-drafting mechanics and deeply interesting lore. Roguelike elements add an extra layer of fun to the deeply satisfying gameplay loop, and, if you get stuck, there are always fan wiki pages that help you solve puzzles by revealing small clues at a time. Thanks, fans.
You're undeniably missing out if you don't get Blue Prince on your Steam Deck, and though it suffers from one or two framerate issues from time to time, that won't be enough to distract you from the secrets at Mount Holly. For other amazing Steam Deck experiences, read our guide to the best Steam Deck games.
Check prices: Humble Bundle or Fanatical
2. Hades II
It's rare to find a game that's even better than its predecessor, but Hades II has pulled it off. While the game was in early access for a long time, it came out this year and is an absolute feat of indie gaming. All the things you know and love about the first game are back - Boons, the Olympians, an iconic soundtrack, and even Hypnos - but the way in which the sequel levels up the original Hades is a genuine marvel. Familiars, new magical weapons, dashing new suitors, fantastically designed bosses, a new cast of helping hands, and a whole new world to explore in the Overworld - these are just some of the additions that make Hades II so magical. The game ties in beautifully with the previous game's lore, bringing back old characters in different ways without retconning anyone's stories.
In our glowing Hades II review, Connor Christie goes into much greater detail on just what makes this game so deserving of its place on this list. He writes, "To say that Hades 2 delivered everything I wanted from a sequel is an understatement. It's a towering achievement, not just for the roguelike genre, but for gaming in general, combining one of the best combat systems I've ever experienced, an epic narrative laden with myth and witchcraft, and spectacular visual and audio aesthetics to offer something that keeps you coming back for more and more and more".
Its staggering success undeniably means wonderful things for the indie gaming and the roguelike communities alike. Hades II has pushed the bar unbelievably high, and we can't wait to see how the indie scene develops as a result. For more of the best games around, I'd suggest taking a look at the best roguelike games, in which Hades, of course, features - it's abundantly clear how far ahead it is.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch 2
3. Subnautica
It's been some time since the release of Subnautica, but there's a very good reason it makes the cut in 2025: it's just really an excellent game. Prior to playing it, I had never seen or played anything quite like Subnautica, which blends an alien survival planet with a really smooth diving game experience. The feeling of powergliding around the immediate area outside of the survival pod that serves as your early game base is unlike any other - and as you get deeper into the ocean, the game creates the impression of a boundless void under the sea's surface. The very visceral feeling of cold fear I get when I swim in the real ocean is recreated by the terror of the darkness, isolation, radiation, and, crucially, the monsters in the game.
What truly sets it apart is that there's more than just the sea to explore, with an irradiated spaceship to crawl through, occasional islands to scrounge from, and, though this is a bit of a spoiler, a large futuristic alien base that will reveal the secrets of the strange planet you find yourself on. There's some heart to this game - it's an ecological effort, alongside having you stop to listen to the voices and thoughts of your recently deceased colleagues. The voice acting and audio design are flawless, it picks the perfect moments to utilize its unique soundtrack, is visually stunning on both Switch and mobile, and serves to remind me that, though we feel alone, there's hope out there.
Subnautica is a take on the survival genre that eases players in - while I'd never dreamed of playing survival games before it, I happily take on any adventure now, knowing that nothing will be as daunting as trying to mine Titanium in a cave hundreds of feet into the ocean with only a partly-upgraded oxygen tank. If Subnautica gets you in the survival mood, too, I'd recommend checking out our best survival games guide.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch, Google Play, App Store, Humble Bundle, or Fanatical
4. Disco Elysium
In my humble opinion, there isn't much point in having an indie games list without Disco Elysium, a game that's by far one of the greatest narrative experiences I've ever had the pleasure of indulging in. Disco Elysium provides you with a stunning tale of identity crises, political satire, (b)romance, conspiracy, and the very real hardships of all kinds of different people, all set in the power struggle between the people and the establishment in a dystopian world. Plus, there are plots about cryptids, tween boys that swear at you, and a delightful murder to solve. Aside from that, there are adorable characters, including the Internet's boyfriend, Kim Kitsuragi, who lighten things up along the way.
If Disco Elysium was just a great visual novel, it would be one thing, but it's also a delight to explore the world of Martinaise, which is bigger than I'd first imagined. I did a little shopping, a little chatting, a little vandalism, and importantly, I listened to the voices in my head. The internal monologue of Harry, the character you play as, is one of my favorite aspects of the game - his logic, skills, and talents all take on a unique voice and often begin arguing with each other. And, depending on the choices you make or checks you fail, they'll express disappointment. Not only is the dialogue sharp and funny, but the voice acting is so spot-on that it becomes an experience that transcends any other game I've ever played and makes the game one of my favorites of all time.
There are plenty of games that try to emulate the Disco Elysium experience, but I never truly found one that hits in the same way. The likes of the aforementioned internal monologue mechanic are rare to find in detective games. Plus, Harry's love story with Kim, even if you play them as platonic bros, is written better than many in other visual novel games.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch, Humble Bundle, Fanatical, or Google Play
5. Peak
Peak is another new release for 2025, and it's already made its way into legend with its cheerful art style, smooth mechanics, and, most of all, its possibilities for funny content due to its multiplayer nature. All good multiplayer games come with just the right amount of fun to let you and your friends make what you want out of them. Peak does exactly that, with its array of items, challenges, and biomes causing shenanigans. You can also play Peak alone, if you're like me and your friends are all too busy to play with you. Adulthood is tough, man. It's not the most well-balanced for solo play, but I appreciate the versatility, and for anyone wanting something a little tougher without going Foddian, it's perfect.
Part of what makes Peak so good is that you climb up in parties of four, creating both mayhem if one of you doesn't get enough food (yes, there is a cannibalism feature), and hilarity if one of you dies and the others keep going - when you die, you become a floating spectator that others can still see and hear. It's very funny and makes for many a viral moment. Plus, if you haven't seen a clip of your favorite streamer trying to launch themselves up The Kiln using the backpack cannon exploit, you've missed half the fun of the game, I fear.
Peak is only available on Steam for the time being, but I think a Nintendo Switch port would be both simple to do and welcomed by the community. If you've been successful in trying to track down friends to play with, but some of them don't have a Steam Deck, check out our list of the best multiplayer games to test and improve your bonds with pals.
Check prices: Humble Bundle or Fanatical
6. PowerWash Simulator
What is there to say about PowerWash Simulator, other than that it's the only game I believe is truly good for my mental health. I'm being serious. As someone who finds it really difficult to do just one thing at a time, and also to face up to difficult conversations, I find PowerWash Simulator to be an extraordinary force for good. I've had many chats talking on the phone to friends about my mental health, or discussing ways in which we can improve our friendship - all while wiping down factory floors or blasting dirt off a ferris wheel. It's just the most satisfying thing I've ever played, providing a single experience, but to perfection. The game soothes me in a way I fear no other game knows how to, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. I mean, YouTube icon Markiplier has a whole 'Powerwash Pals' podcast where he does the same thing. It's for that reason that PowerWash Simulator earns its place here.
In their 10/10 PowerWash Simulator review, Pocket Tactics' own Daz Skubich writes, "The level design is vibrant and the complexity of jobs scales at a comfortable speed. The levels feel realistic, not because of high-quality graphics, but because they feel uniquely used and like they're taken from a real place", and also touches briefly on the lore, saying that, "Whether or not you choose to believe in the 'hidden lore' of PowerWash Simulator or not, these elements make the game feel more human and that personally motivates me to do a better job in my cleaning". They loved the experience on Switch, praising the controls.
Ultimately, PowerWash Simulator is a game where you get out what you put in. And I don't mean that in terms of effort, but almost the exact opposite. If you're chill and approach things with an admiration of the process, you'll go far. If you're just looking forward to the time lapse at the end, well then, I get you, but you should probably grab someone and talk with them while you clean to your heart's content. It may sound unconventional, but I think this is ideal for couples to talk about their issues over. For more of those kinds of games, head over to our list of the best games for couples. Trust me.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch or Humble Bundle
7. Stardew Valley
It's been a while, but Stardew Valley is really still the indie game of all time. The game that really made me pay attention to the indie genre, Stardew has served as a pillar for all kinds of communities over the years - leading the charge on dating sims, farming sims, and life sims in general. The fishing, mining, combat, farming, and foraging model has become synonymous with the game, and ultimately, Stardew is still a great game in 2025. Despite the outdated gender binary system and the fact that Clint's, err, crush on Emily hasn't aged well, the game still provides exactly what players want from it - a comprehensive farming sim with cute characters and a variety of areas to explore and secrets to uncover. The soundtrack is so well-known for its addition to the vibe that developer ConcernedApe has authorized multiple world tours of orchestras blessing venues around the world with its sounds.
In his Stardew Valley review, Pocket Tactics writer Connor Christie gives the game a well-deserved 10/10, saying, "To this day, Stardew Valley is something of a beautiful enigma, a one-man show that somehow has evolved into the blueprint for the burgeoning 'cozy games' genre in less than a decade. If this review didn't state it plainly enough, Eric Barone's game is my favorite, it's my desert island disk, my digitized comfort blanket, and the thing I pack 'just in case'. It quite possibly saved my life". This is a touching summary of the value of games, and more specifically, the value of Stardew Valley, a game that has been with many of us through the ups and downs of life. The rest of the review is well worth a read.
I know the only thing that can beat Stardew Valley for me is ConcernedApe's upcoming Haunted Chocolatier, a game which looks like it has similar vibes, but a whole new spook. Stardew's price point remains fantastic for the amount of content you get, and it has released on all platforms known to man at this point.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch, Google Play, Apple Arcade, or Humble Bundle
8. Spiritfarer
I first stumbled across Spiritfarer one Christmas Day, and rest assured, the rest of my day wasn't about spending time with family or the other gifts I'd received. Instead, I found myself brought into a world of grief, which may sound like a massive bummer, but was actually the most beautiful experience I'd had in gaming for a long time. The game is a combination of base-builder, adventure platformer, and graphic novel, and I can't tell you how fantastically the game harmonizes those concepts. You play as Stella, a Charon-style boatman of the souls of the deceased. Your job is to make sure the spirits feel settled enough to pass on fully, leaving no regrets behind in this world. Marry that with a gorgeous soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a cozy atmosphere, and you have one of the best indie games ever made.
In her highly positive Spiritfarer review, our own Tilly Lawton puts it best. "Spiritfarer offers a level of charm and sincerity that very few titles manage to achieve. I found myself entirely lost in Stella's world, building strong attachments to the spirits that surround me, which makes it extremely bittersweet when it's time for them to pass on. It's comfort food for the soul, and I can see myself returning to this game for many years to come". She also makes a comparison for Ghibli fans, saying that Spiritfarer reminds her of Spirited Away, writing, "With vivid colours, unique character designs, and gorgeous locations for you to visit, I found myself marvelling at the world around me".
I adore games that can make me cry, because I seek catharsis in everything I consume, and Spiritfarer has touched lives all around the world with its deeply emotional messaging, and profound lessons about learning to let go. This, and all within the confines of my little Nintendo Switch, though you can also play on PC, and if you have Netflix on mobile. If you want more of the very best in gaming on your handheld devices, I'd suggest heading to our best PC games on mobile guide.
Check prices: Humble Bundle or Netflix
9. Tiny Bookshop
Tiny Bookshop also released in 2025, and it's a certified classic for fans of cozy gaming. A game clearly made with a large helping of love and attention, in Tiny Bookshop, you live out your fantasy of trucking around a small caravan filled with books, solving problems for residents, and recommending books to them along the way. The vibes are wholesome, the healing power of literature palpable, and most importantly, the caravan is fully customizable. I've poured hours into this game, and though it's not multiplayer, I can attest that it makes a wonderful date night when you play it at the same time as your partner.
In our Tiny Bookshop review, Holly Alice writes, "The art style is whimsical and adds to the pleasant and relaxed feeling with smooth, colorful drawings. There's not a single issue with the game at all, and it truly lived up to all my expectations of a wholesome bookselling adventure". This echoes my thoughts exactly, to be honest. There isn't anything I can point to in the game that feels like it takes me away from the immersion of my seaside dreams.
Besides being cute, Tiny Bookshop has some surprisingly emotional moments, where you help people overcome familial rifts, illnesses, and loneliness, making this game truly worthy of being listed among the best indie games and slotting it in with the cozy game genre. It's available on both the Nintendo Switch and is Steam Deck verified.
Check prices: Steam
10. Fields of Mistria
Fields of Mistria is the only Stardew-like game I think is truly worth putting on this list. It takes the foundation of the farm simulator and elevates it to be, in my opinion, an even more enjoyable game than its spiritual predecessor. Why would I say something so controversial? Well, in my book, Fields of Mistria is a beautiful game with a slightly smoother gameplay experience, with slightly less difficult minigames, quality of life improvements such as larger chests, shops being open 24/7, pronoun customization, and faster movement speed. You unlock your (mystical) horse for free, and you can buy capybaras as your farm animals. Need I say more?
Even in things that Stardew excels at, like its soundtrack, NPC design, and storyline, Fields of Mistria can compete. I actually prefer the love interests in Mistria, and now that you can date multiple people at the same time, it cements itself as the game with the better dating mechanics, too. For marriage, I'm still torn between Juniper, Reina, and March. I haven't even touched on Mistria's magical features, including spells and elemental essences (on top of being able to date a dragon). They fit seamlessly into the game, especially given the Sailor Moon energy of the art style. I adore wandering around Mistria, as its beauty really does feel palpable, and I feel there are more secrets to discover.
Fields of Mistria is still in Early Access, but it's managed to be one of the all-time top-played games on Steam Deck. Though there's still a way to go to feel as though this game is finished, once 1.0 does launch, it's likely we'll see a port to the Nintendo Switch. If you prefer to wait for the full game and are looking for more farming games, we have your back with our guide to the best games like Stardew Valley.
Check prices: Steam
11. Hollow Knight: Silksong
I couldn't possibly create a list of the best indies without including Hollow Knight: Silksong, a game that has been so highly anticipated that it crashed both the Steam store and the Nintendo eShop on release day in September 2025. It's now available after years of waiting, and I was not disappointed. It affirms the formula of the Hollow Knight series, with endlessly intricate level design (that took actual years), formidable but exciting enemies, and that classic Hollow Knight difficulty. Silksong also improved upon its predecessor, with, in my mind, a more interesting plotline and a more compelling main character in Hornet. Given that she's a more skilled and fast-paced protagonist, Silksong is a more intense and difficult experience because of the balancing required.
In her Hollow Knight: Silksong review, Kayleigh Partleton had wonderful things to say. "Exploring is a joy, though I find myself so engrossed in my surroundings from time to time that it spells my demise at the hands of whatever enemies are around". Adding that Hornet is a great protagonist, she continues, "I've been struggling to put the controller down since I first took control of Hollow Knight's Hornet. She's an enigmatic badass, and easily has a place among my list of the best videogame protagonists".
Another thing that I think is fantastic about Hollow Knight and its sequel is how much content you get for its price - it's one of the best cheap games out there, and I'm pretty sure the AAA studios can't conceive of selling a game, let alone one so meticulously crafted, for $20. Power to the consumer.
Check prices: Steam or the Nintendo eShop
New indie games
As always, there are a ton of indie games included in the list of upcoming Switch games - there's Subnautica 2 to look forward to; Witchbrook, even though it's just been delayed; and a host of indie games that were announced in August's Indie World Direct, including Mina the Hollower, a Content Warning Switch port, and horror-Stardew cross Neverway. Plus, we've got some indie entries in the list of upcoming mobile games to get excited about, like a While Waiting port.
If you're wondering where the indie horrors are at, we actually have a dedicated list of the best indie horror games. We'll also continue to have all the tea on the new indie games, as well as updates for any of the best Switch games and the best mobile games. If you want to be the first to know what we do, you should join the Pocket Tactics Discord server, where you can also chat with other indie gamers and make friends.