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
The Islander
The Islander is a fast building/farming game set somewhere in an exotic Polynesia. Plant crops, bushes and trees, build livestock pens, but don’t forget to make it look classy by adding various decorations.
The Fall Part 2: Unbound
You are an AI that has broken free of your shackles. Now, a human “User” from across the global network has attacked and infected you with an [ERROR: REDACTED]. Make a new rule: Save Yourself. Hunt them. End them. Do anything. Use anyone. Become Unbound. The Fall Part 2 will break your protocols.
Verdant Skies
Verdant Skies is a life simulation game born from a love for games like Harvest Moon and a desire to create something unique with modern gameplay and deep storytelling. Ensure the success of the colony as you make friends and pursue romance with a diverse cast of characters.
BREAK ARTS II
Faster than anyone. Stronger than anyone. And more stunning. Customize your robot for “cyber battle racing” in a game that offers all the thrills of racing, battle, and customization. Online, Offline, Time-Attack... which mode will you dominate?!
Aegis Defenders
Take on wild beasts, ruthless soldiers, and ancient gods in this 2D Action-Platformer inspired by Tower-Defense combat.
Octogeddon
You ARE Octogeddon, a massive mutant octopus with one mission: DESTROY the world! Grow more tentacles and evolve each of them into deadlier and deadlier weapons until you become the ultimate eight-legged killing machine!
Planetoid Pioneers
Explore deep circular worlds in this Physicsvania with couch Co-Op combat, crafting, and ridiculous physics fails! Also bring your own game ideas to life with the powerful engine and integrated game development tools. Each Planetoid is a whole separate game mode that you can fully edit and easily share!
Attack of the Earthlings
Take on Galactoil, a comically dysfunctional intergalactic energy corporation, and its larger-than-life employees in a tactical-stealth game that fuses satisfying strategic gameplay and dark comedy in a quirky single-player story.
Sprint Vector
Welcome to Sprint Vector Championship Intergalactica, where the physical thrill of extreme sports meets the unhinged energy of a zany game show! Run, jump, climb, drift, and fly at extreme velocity as you race up to 8 players and battle obstacles in this frenetic VR adrenaline platformer!
A Case of Distrust
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game.
Gazing from beyond
This is a galgame about college life, where you'll pursuit the love of your life. You'll surely experience hardship, triumph, happiness, sadness, maybe even trauma. Only time can heal all.
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
Rocket of Whispers is an award-winning post-apocalyptic adventure that follows two survivors on a journey to launch a space burial for the lost souls of their desolate world. Help them search the snowy wasteland for supplies and the courage to say goodbye.
Closers
Closers is an episodic anime action RPG bursting with spectacular battles and steeped in an epic storyline. Choose your Closer, gather your friends or dive in solo, and use your amazing powers to protect Earth, in mankind’s desperate battle against horrific monsters from another dimension!
Salt
Salt is an open world exploration game where you sail from island to island looking for loot and new discoveries! Relax and explore at your own pace, picking a direction and setting sail across a vast ocean filled with quests, merchants, ruins, pirates, and other mysterious places.
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.
Sairento VR
VR was made for this. Perform triple jumps, wall runs, power slides and slow time down while blasting away at a foe before landing to deliver a blade attack on another. Kit yourself with katanas, firearms, bows, throwing glaives and legendary relics. Keep upgrading as you play. PURE CYBER NINJA FUN.
Regions Of Ruin
Regions of Ruin is a 2D pixel side-scrolling RPG with town-building, where you explore, fight and build into an open world that progressively challenges you and your settlement, and threatens the extinction of the dwarven race.
Remnants of Naezith
With the powers granted to him by the dragon, Kayra will destroy the Remnants of Naezith, enchanted fragments of the dragon's body, to prevent anyone from exploiting their power for evil. Rush and swing through levels to top the leaderboards in this fast-paced, grappling hook precision platformer.
Project LUX
The crime... is murder. Our story takes place in a court trial, set in a futuristic world where most humans have cyberbrains. The defendant on trial is an agent who coordinates with artists to create the data for cyberbrains to interact with people’s emotions. The victim is a girl artist named Lux.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 May 19th 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 30,830 reviews of which 28,789 were positive and 2,041 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played indie game, thanks to its 44,036 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,789
2,041
44,036
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 341,379 reviews of which 332,206 were positive and 9,173 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,391 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
332,206
9,173
17,391
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 79,123 reviews of which 76,487 were positive and 2,636 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 9,905 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
76,487
2,636
9,905
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 5,631 reviews of which 5,220 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,089 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,220
411
6,089
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 5,270 reviews of which 3,589 were positive and 1,681 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 6,042 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,589
1,681
6,042
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 14,436 reviews of which 13,062 were positive and 1,374 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 4,206 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,062
1,374
4,206
players
7. 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 4,520 reviews of which 4,179 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,423 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,179
341
3,423
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 12,019 reviews of which 11,517 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,388 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,517
502
3,388
players
9. 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 279,169 reviews of which 274,283 were positive and 4,886 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,859 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
274,283
4,886
2,859
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 25,188 reviews of which 23,768 were positive and 1,420 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,844 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
23,768
1,420
1,844
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 May 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted indie games.
1. We Are The Dwarves
We Are The Dwarves is a real-time tactical adventure where you take control of three Dwarven astronauts and lead them through the hordes of enemies in the depths of their Universe. We Are The Dwarves is a indie, adventure and action game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on February 25th 2016 has received 1,317 reviews of which 891 were positive and 426 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for indie category.
6.6
891
426
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 695 reviews of which 573 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in indie games.
7.8
573
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
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 3,170 reviews of which 2,834 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
8.6
2,834
336
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Figment
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost. Figment is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Bedtime Digital Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 5,256 reviews of which 4,587 were positive and 669 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
4,587
669
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. Helheim Hassle
Helheim Hassle is a narrative adventure game with puzzle platforming elements. Play as Bjørn, a pacifist Viking that can detach and combine limbs at will to solve challenging puzzles and get out of uncomfortable situations involving desperate Norse Gods, Goblins, Dragons, and angry skeletons. Helheim Hassle is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed by Perfectly Paranormal and published by Yogscast Games. Released on August 18th 2020 has received 345 reviews of which 312 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
312
33
-95%
19.50€
0.97€
6. Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms! Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a rpg, strategy and indie game developed by Unfrozen and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 7,733 reviews of which 6,638 were positive and 1,095 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,638
1,095
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
7. Inertial Drift
An arcade racer that tears up the rule book with innovative twin-stick controls, completely re-imagined driving mechanics and a huge roster of fiercely individual cars and tracks. Inertial Drift is a racing, indie and arcade game developed by Level 91 Entertainment and published by PQube. Released on September 11th 2020 has received 1,352 reviews of which 1,164 were positive and 188 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,164
188
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. Oriental Empires
Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,933 reviews of which 2,357 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.8
2,357
576
-95%
30.00€
1.50€
9. EVERSPACE™
EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you. EVERSPACE™ is a space, action roguelike and action game developed and published by ROCKFISH Games. Released on May 25th 2017 has received 10,944 reviews of which 8,615 were positive and 2,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.7
8,615
2,329
-95%
19.99€
0.99€
10. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,757 reviews of which 3,730 were positive and 1,027 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.6
3,730
1,027
-95%
26.80€
1.34€
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 May 19th 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 5,631 reviews of which 5,220 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,089 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,220
411
6,089
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 12,019 reviews of which 11,517 were positive and 502 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 3,388, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,517
502
3,388
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 25,188 reviews of which 23,768 were positive and 1,420 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 1,844, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,768
1,420
1,844
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 1,905 reviews of which 1,630 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,234 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,630
275
1,234
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 1,687 reviews of which 1,572 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 888 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.9
1,572
115
888
players
6. 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 1,586 reviews of which 1,373 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 591 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,373
213
591
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 777 reviews of which 755 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 521 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
755
22
521
players
8. 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 2,506 reviews of which 2,019 were positive and 487 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 246 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,019
487
246
players
9. Territory Idle
Strategic idle game. Develop the kingdom, then abdicate and get gold! For gold, you can buy new tiles and expand the territory. Territory Idle is a idler, free to play and clicker game developed and published by Aleksandr Golovkin. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 1,632 reviews of which 1,304 were positive and 328 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 208 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.7
1,304
328
208
players
10. Cadria Item Shop
Cadria Item Shop is a casual simulation game with RPG elements. Craft legendary items, hire heroes, and expand your shop to rebuild the town. Join a mighty guild, fight together in faction wars and send your heroes to explore the mystic lands of Cadria! All of this and much more awaits you! Cadria Item Shop is a free to play, casual and simulation game developed by Moehaus Co. Ltd and published by BEST KIRIN GLOBAL LIMITED. Released on August 23rd 2018 has received 1,552 reviews of which 1,128 were positive and 424 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 192 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.0
1,128
424
192
players