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
Approaching Blocks
Play and study foreign words! Try dodge from blocks. When you loss, showing words in a foreign language. To complete each level hold 100 seconds. First two levels are quite simple, but starting from the third, it will be hard.
Hope Lake
The Hope Lake Boarding School was abandoned long ago, when one of its teachers drowned by accident. Many years later, all of the female students began to disappear, one by one. Visit the place where it all began. Try to pick up the maniac's trail and put a stop to his crime spree.
Impossible Quest
Very dumb adventure game about a very dumb person from a very dumb developer.
Captain Forever Remix
Can you create the raddest spaceship? Captain Forever Remix is the spaceship builder roguelike. Voyage across the Solar System and blast apart randomly-generated enemies for spare parts. This is an officially-licensed re-imagining of the indie classic Captain Forever.
Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition
Take in the beauty of a magical world floating above the clouds, then take on a menacing race of vampires hidden in the dark. Ara Fell combines the best parts of Japanese-style roleplaying games with the best parts of western RPGs. The new Enhanced Edition features a slew of new features!
Home Behind
In Home Behind, you take on the role of a refugee cast out from your homeland by a band of rebels. Your home and the peace you enjoyed has been destroyed, and your family has disappeared. Can you survive the struggle, famine, and sickness to make it to the safety of Europe?
Brigador: Up-Armored Edition
Pilot a mech to hunt down and destroy the oppressive government of a cyberpunk autocracy. In this fast-paced, top-down shooter, use overwhelming firepower to destroy columns of tanks and level buildings. Unlock up to 56 unique vehicles and 40 weapons.
The NADI Project
The NADI Project it is a free-to-play, first person graphic adventure, in which you will face various obstacles to escape from your destiny.
Magma Tsunami
Magma Tsunami is a frenzied arcade platformer game. Beat your records in 1P or Co-op mode, and don't get caught by the Magma Tsunami!!! Could you stay alive for more than one minute??
Investigator
Investigator is a first-person exploration game with horror elements, where the events take place in a world of extreme weather cataclysms.
Sports Bar VR
The new Sports Bar VR with cross-play is a major social experience update & now available on Steam. A single through 8-player cross-platform virtual sports bar overflowing with fun and silly props, featuring an awesome set of fun games and new game modes for pool, darts, shuffleboard & more. (Formally Pool Nation VR)
HERO DEFENSE
CREEPS CRUMBLE. HEROES RISE. Command a team of renegade heroes and impale, slash, tear and burn through legions of undead hell-bent on world domination. Your mission: to defeat the world’s most powerful vampire, Count Necrosis.
Demetrios - The BIG Cynical Adventure
The Journey of an Idiot. 8 to 12 hours of fun!
Solitairica
Solitairica takes RPG combat and challenging roguelike progression to a fresh new place—the world of solitaire! Using a variety of magical items and powerful spells, battle your way through a horde of ever-changing enemies and defeat the horrible Emperor Stuck.
Lightblade VR
Lightblade VR is a virtual reality training simulation for self-illumintated plasma blades. This is a childhood dream come true! Get trained by your personal robot and deflect all incoming laser beams!
The Way of Life Free Edition
The Way of Life makes the player relive the same life's experiences from the point of view of three characters of different ages: an adult, an old man and a child.
Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity
Discover the secrets of the estate, as you look for answers among the violent inhabitants. A strange and repelling madness took hold of the servants roaming the halls, and they will attack on sight, for their madness is one rooted in a deeper understanding of cosmic insignificance.
Dungeon Escape
Challenging 2D platformer with simple graphics and a great chiptune soundtrack.
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!
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 17th 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 30,565 reviews of which 28,541 were positive and 2,024 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 46,380 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,541
2,024
46,380
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 340,441 reviews of which 331,322 were positive and 9,119 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,313 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
331,322
9,119
17,313
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 9,964 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
9,964
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 7,296 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
7,296
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 5,219 reviews of which 3,547 were positive and 1,672 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 5,600 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,547
1,672
5,600
players
6. Mad Digger
The treasure lies at a depth of more than 100 yards. That's a job for the Mad Digger! Mad Digger is a simulation, casual and indie game developed by Berezka and published by KuKo. Released on December 12th 2017 has received 313 reviews of which 223 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 4,477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
6.8
223
90
4,477
players
7. 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 14,395 reviews of which 13,025 were positive and 1,370 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 4,184 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,025
1,370
4,184
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 3,443 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
3,443
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 4,509 reviews of which 4,170 were positive and 339 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,852 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,170
339
2,852
players
10. Minimalism
Minimalism - platformer with a lot of levels, made in minimalist style - which is a cube protogonist. The game is a kind of labyrinth consisting of levels, to go between them you need to open the doors with collected keys. Minimalism is a indie, casual and action game developed and published by PixelMouse. Released on February 08th 2017 has received 1,741 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 465 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 2,680 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
7.1
1,276
465
2,680
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 17th 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. 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 1,252 reviews of which 1,103 were positive and 149 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
1,103
149
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
312
33
-95%
19.50€
0.97€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,638
1,095
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
8. Slash It
Slash It is a 2D colorful arcade game. The goal is to match shapes, press letters and numbers in the right time and direction. Slash It is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on December 17th 2016 has received 1,228 reviews of which 1,059 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,059
169
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,164
188
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
10. Cube Runner
Cube Runner is a 3d action platformer that's simple to learn, exciting to play, and deep enough to challenge even the greatest gamers. Cube Runner is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on December 13th 2016 has received 1,144 reviews of which 965 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.0
965
179
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
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 17th 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 7,296 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
7,296
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 3,443, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,517
502
3,443
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 25,152 reviews of which 23,740 were positive and 1,412 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 1,911, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,740
1,412
1,911
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 1,219 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
1,219
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 1,681 reviews of which 1,566 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 982 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.9
1,566
115
982
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 1,581 reviews of which 1,370 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 597 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,370
211
597
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 504 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
504
players
8. Cube Racer
Cube Racer is a round based multiplayer racing game with cubes. Every round, all players race against each other to the finish line. Before every round, the players get to build one or more obstacles on the map. In the next round, all players have to pass all the obstacles, which have been built yet. Cube Racer is a indie, action and casual game developed and published by Simon Blasen. Released on October 30th 2017 has received 1,962 reviews of which 1,773 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 238 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,773
189
238
players
9. 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 235 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,019
487
235
players
10. 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 210 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.7
1,304
328
210
players