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
Project Heartbeat
Project Heartbeat is the ultimate cute community-driven rhythm game, featuring music from top artists of the Eurobeat genre made popular by the Initial D anime and manga.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a Dungeons & Dragons strategy management game uniting Champions from throughout the D&D multiverse into a grand adventure.
Bright Memory
Bright Memory is a lightning-fast fusion of the FPS and action genres, created by one-man development studio FYQD using Unreal Engine. Combine a wide variety of skills and abilities to unleash dazzling combo attacks.
Total Lockdown
Total Lockdown is a battle royale on the top floors of a giant skyscraper. In this action shooter, the goal is to survive using any available weapons, gadgets, and tricks. Fight for fortune and fame in a battle to the death!
I'm on Observation Duty 2
Your job is to monitor live surveillance camera footage and spot anomalies in the monitored rooms. Anomalies range from furniture movement to otherworldly intruders. When you spot an anomaly you have to file a report to fix it. You will need sharp eyes and good memory to survive the entire night.
Without a Voice
In the depths of a forest, an exiled princess whiles her time in solitude. One day, a mysterious, beautiful maiden appears, throwing her world out of its alignment. A dark fantasy visual novel following the intertwining paths of these two women. In seven days, the wheel of fate will splinter...
Princesses Never Lose!
Play as Erica, princess of the Tolinia Kingdom, as she fights to unify the Stivale Peninsula against a powerful, modernized country, that threatens to undermine the peninsula's sovereignty.
Amairo Chocolate
Autumn. With the leaves just starting to change color, a boy arrives at Yunagi Village. The first person he meets is a girl handing out flyers -- a cute, cat-eared waitress.
NOeSIS01_诉说谎言记忆物语
From behind the incidents, there hide the secret of the past.
There Is No Game: Jam Edition 2015
A little game that’s not a game, winner of an old game jam that nobody’s ever heard of. So DON'T INSTALL IT!
Exit the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
Epiphyllum in Love
Final chapter of the trilogy. In a world where memory can be controlled, everyone is selling their souls. "I" have left everything behind, except the girl named Yin who still remains in my mind. At the end of my life, should I die with a beautiful fantasy, or go in search of sad memories of her?
Last Floor
Оne day your life changes dramatically and you become a hostage of your own home. Your task is to survive but to do this you need to get outside.
Love Breakout
Relax arcade game to keep you in a good mood
Elmarion: Dragon time
“Elmarion: Time of the Dragon” is an RPG game, the main character of which is the dragon! The player will find many adventures and tasks, controlling not a human character, as in most RPGs, but a flying fire-breathing dragon. Aim of the game: to repel the invasion of the undead.
重明鸟 Bright Bird
Bright Bird is designed to be a seamless side-scrolling world full of challenging puzzles. Begin your exciting journey, find the bright bird to save the world!
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Super Bernie World
Join Bernie's movement and transform the United States in this free retro 2D platformer.
The Escaper
3D escape room game with realtime graphics and physics-based puzzles.
Black Mesa
Relive Half-Life.
Yes, Your Grace
These are troubling times, Your Grace. The petitioners’ petty matters exceed our limited resources, to say nothing of the war. A careful balance must be struck. Your throne awaits.
THE LONGING
An unusual mix of adventure and idle game. In utter loneliness deep below the surface, it's your task to wait for the awakening of your king... for 400 days.
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 June 18th 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 49,462 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
29,275
2,077
49,462
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 14,372 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
14,372
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 9,908 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
9,908
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 7,139 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
7,139
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 5,711 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
5,711
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 14,538 reviews of which 13,146 were positive and 1,392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 3,614 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,146
1,392
3,614
players
7. 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 3,599 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,564
504
3,599
players
8. 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 2,322 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
274,829
4,912
2,322
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 1,569 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
1,569
players
10. 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. With 1,560 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
23,863
1,429
1,560
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 June 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted indie games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for indie category.
8.8
2,505
235
-99%
19.50€
0.34€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in indie games.
8.8
1,253
102
-99%
12.79€
0.17€
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 3,176 reviews of which 2,839 were positive and 337 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
8.6
2,839
337
-99%
19.99€
0.39€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
5,281
706
-99%
29.99€
0.50€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.44€
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€
0.25€
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€
0.24€
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 June 18th 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 7,139 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
7,139
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 3,599, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,564
504
3,599
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 1,560, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,863
1,429
1,560
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 1,251 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
1,251
players
5. 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 675 reviews of which 508 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,086 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.2
508
167
1,086
players
6. Pixel Puzzles: Japan
Pixel Puzzles: Japan combines traditional jigsaw puzzle style gameplay with light video-game interactivity. Pixel Puzzles: Japan is a puzzle, casual and indie game developed and published by Pixel Puzzles. Released on April 17th 2014 has received 2,634 reviews of which 2,135 were positive and 499 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 956 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,135
499
956
players
7. 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 1,708 reviews of which 1,591 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 839 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.9
1,591
117
839
players
8. 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 690 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
690
players
9. 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 652 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,383
213
652
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 332 reviews of which 282 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 219 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.9
282
50
219
players