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
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Find yourself trapped alone in a room with a ticking time bomb. Your friends have the manual to defuse it, but they can't see the bomb, so you're going to have to talk it out – fast!
Fairy Tale Mysteries 2: The Beanstalk
Vanquish the last giant!
Sublevel Zero Redux
Sublevel Zero Redux is a roguelite six-degree-of-freedom shooter in a universe where reality is falling apart. Use your zero-g gunship to fight through a vast underground facility, looting advanced weapons to destroy hordes of deadly enemies.
Hidden Object Bundle 4 in 1
Four Hidden Object games from Alawar full of mystery, plot twists, and amazing stories!
SKYHILL
World War III is over, the world's infested with mutants and your supplies are running out. Fight your way down this damned hotel, from your penthouse on top to the first floor. Craft weapons, search for food and reach the exit. Otherwise you'll be torn apart, starve to death or maybe both...
Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.
Game Corp DX
Manage your Game Studio, earn big bucks, impress the critics, beat rival studios and clean up at the awards!
Angels Fall First
From commanding the battle standing on the bridge of your flagship all the way down to tactical infantry firefights - AFF brings together all the combat you ever wanted in a rich science fiction setting. Boarding, pilotable capital ships, deep weapon customization and full AI support included!
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
The Escapists: The Walking Dead
Merging the smash hit indie game The Escapists with the world wide phenomenon that is The Walking Dead, Team17 have taken the very best of both worlds and are now providing players with the opportunity to play Rick Grimes as he takes on hordes of zombies let loose upon the world.
Ninja Pizza Girl
Ninja Pizza Girl is a serious game about bullying, emotional resilience – and pizza delivering ninjas! It’s a fast, flow-based game about Gemma, a sixteen-year-old girl trying to keep her dreams alive in face of the most merciless enemies known to any teenage girl – other teenagers.
Nevermind
Nevermind ushers you into dark and surreal worlds within the minds of trauma patients. When played with supported biofeedback technology, Nevermind picks up on indications of fear—lashing out if you allow your feelings of anxiety to get the better of you.
Who Is Mike - A Visual Novel
You wake up with an aching head and the world out of focus. In front of you is a man accusing you of being “fake”. He looks exactly like you, down to the last scar and pimple, has the same memories, the same voice and the same personality. But who is lying and who is telling the truth? Who is fake and who is real?
Mighty Gunvolt
Take control of one of three playable characters (Gunvolt, Ekoro, and Beck) as you blast your way past the baddies in stage after stage of side-scrolling action! Each stage ends with a boss encounter. Defeat the boss to complete the stage.
Dino Run DX
DINOSAURS. PIXELS. PYROCLASTIC DOOM WALLS. MASSIVE INDIE CROSSOVERS. Dino Run DX has all of that and more. Come rediscover the original runner and escape extinction all over again.
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Jotun is a hand-drawn action-exploration game set in Norse mythology. In Jotun, you play Thora, a Viking warrior who died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the Gods to enter Valhalla. Impress the Gods!
Stairs
STAIRS is a first-person atmospheric psychological horror game, inspired by real-life events, that takes players through the stories of three missing people as seen through the eyes of journalist Christopher Adams. Start preparing yourself now, for to descend down these steps is to descend into madness...
80 Days
1872, with a steampunk twist. Phileas Fogg has wagered he can circumnavigate the world in just 80 days. Travel by airship, submarine, mechanical camel, steam-train and more. Race other players and a clock that never stops in TIME Magazine's Game of 2014.
Uncraft World
Save the galaxy and its hot goddesses from eternal cubification ! Now with 50+ levels, Online play, 27 hero skins, Level Editor and Workshop integration !
Cataegis : The White Wind
Welcome to Cataegis - The White Wind: Ziggurat Chapter, a frantic 2D arcade action retro-style game that pays homage to the glory days of 8-bit side scrolling gaming.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth
You love riddles and to combine logically? You love Jump 'n' Runs? You don't want to fight but you still want a challenge? Then you will love this Journey to the Center of the Earth! Control three adventurers with unique powers at the same time, or guide them individually in this narrative 2D puzzle platformer...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 15th 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 40,900 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,541
2,024
40,900
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 16,047 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
16,047
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 9,481 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
9,481
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 7,280 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
7,280
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 5,406 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
5,406
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 14,395 reviews of which 13,025 were positive and 1,370 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 4,155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,025
1,370
4,155
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 12,019 reviews of which 11,517 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,428 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,517
502
3,428
players
8. 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 3,036 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,170
339
3,036
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 2,167 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
2,167
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 25,152 reviews of which 23,740 were positive and 1,412 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,922 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
23,740
1,412
1,922
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 15th 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 1,318 reviews of which 892 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
892
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 3,162 reviews of which 2,827 were positive and 335 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
2,827
335
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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 3,023 reviews of which 2,666 were positive and 357 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,666
357
-95%
23.20€
1.16€
5. 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 5,244 reviews of which 4,577 were positive and 667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
4,577
667
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,103
149
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
7. 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 344 reviews of which 311 were positive and 33 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
311
33
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. 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 7,722 reviews of which 6,628 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,628
1,094
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,059
169
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,164
188
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 15th 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 7,280 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
7,280
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 3,428, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,517
502
3,428
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 1,922, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,740
1,412
1,922
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 1,897 reviews of which 1,622 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,226 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,622
275
1,226
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 892 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
892
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 551 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
551
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 409 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
409
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 215 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
215
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 1,631 reviews of which 1,303 were positive and 328 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 213 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.7
1,303
328
213
players
10. 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 211 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,773
189
211
players