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
Tiny Bridge: Ratventure
This mind-bending game will challenge you to create complex structures to get your woodland creatures over vast chasms. In a bridge-builder first, you'll guide your creatures and construct your bridges in real time. Use the weight of various creatures to balance your structures as you build them.
The Music Machine
A teenage girl and the vengeful ghost possessing her stumble onto horrors of cosmic proportions as the latter searches for a way to murder the former.
Super Indie Karts
Super Indie Karts is a classic retro 16 to 64-bit style karting game, with Time Trials, Grand Prix, Splitscreen GP, Mission Mania, and Battle Mania! Featuring 48 racetracks, with many more coming soon. You don't have to wait until completion though as you can join the race now with Early Access!
Snakebird
Do you like puzzles, fruit and the notion of crossing a snake with a bird for no good reason? If the answer to at least one of those questions is yes, then Snakebird might be the game for you. Solve your way through this headscratcher of a puzzle game and help the snakebirds sate their hunger.
Software Inc.
Construct and design buildings for optimal working conditions. Hire people to design and release software, so you can defeat the simulated competition and take over their businesses. Manage and educate your employees to make sure they are skilled and satisfied with their job.
ROCKETSROCKETSROCKETS
ROCKETS fire ROCKETS at ROCKETS in this action-arcade, arena-combat, gorgeous festival-of-fireworks! It's dogfighting meets figure-skating in space with local multiplayer and single-player fast-paced action modes plus a ZEN MODE where ROCKETS learn to LOVE.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
In Stealth Inc 2, you play the role of a clone escaping a sinister and high-tech testing facility. Stealth Inc 2 tests both your brain and your reflexes over 60 varied levels linked together in a sprawling overworld.
Chroma Squad
Tactical RPG about 5 stunt actors who decide to quit their jobs and start their own Power Rangers-inspired TV show! Cast actors, upgrade your studio, craft Mechas of cardboard and duct tape. Once the cameras are rolling, control your cast of 5 colored-jumpsuit-clad warriors in turn-based battles.
GemCraft - Chasing Shadows
An epic, challenging tower defense game with an emphasis on strategy and replayability. Summon gems of immense magical potency and harness their unique abilities against a seemingly endless horde of monsters. The archdemon seeks to swallow the world, and you must journey to stand against her.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.
Sky Force Anniversary
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Exanima
Explore, fight, survive and unravel mysteries in this unique and unforgiving 3D isometric RPG set in an original dark, low fantasy world. Exanima's exceptional attention to detail and realistic simulation of all things aim to provide a deeply immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.
Spermination
Fight the battle you already won, but never remember. It is you up against 1000 other sperm fighters. Can you beat off your competition and come first? Finally, collect your very own baby gnomes as trophies for your minivan!
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe takes the classic game of Tic-Tac-Toe and adds a strategic layer to it. Game modes: classic, classic forget, ultimate, ultimate forget, ultimate forget total.
Pony World 3
Third installment to the very successful Pony World series features improved gameplay, cartoony 3D graphics and whole new, bigger and better Pony Town to explore, live in and form relationships. Socialize with other ponies, play with them and meet your beloved one.
Kerbal Space Program
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Cosmochoria
A tiny, naked cosmonaut with a jetpack & laser blaster must revive a dying galaxy by planting one seed at a time. An innovative and addictive arcade adventure experience with mystery and intrigue in all the right places.
DRAGON: A Game About a Dragon
DRAGON: A Game About a Dragon is a colorful and lovingly hand-drawn Action RPG inspired by the 16-bit era. Finally, YOU get to play as the dragon! Breathe fire, fight knights, hoard gold, and find treasure! A refreshingly lighthearted game with an endearing story.
Narcissu 1st & 2nd
This is a story of disease and suffering; of medication and adverse effects; of thoracotomy scars and cellular poisons; of the living who cannot help but to die and of the dying who cannot help but to live; of a resting place other than "on 7F" or "at home".
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move to the music and deliver beatdowns to the beat! Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!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 14th 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 39,945 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,541
2,024
39,945
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 15,798 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
15,798
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 9,804 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
9,804
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 7,781 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
7,781
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 5,415 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
5,415
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 4,617 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
4,617
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 11,981 reviews of which 11,483 were positive and 498 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,442 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,483
498
3,442
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 3,072 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
3,072
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 278,892 reviews of which 274,019 were positive and 4,873 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,338 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
274,019
4,873
2,338
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 1,982 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
1,982
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 14th 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. 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 1,250 reviews of which 1,101 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
1,101
149
-95%
39.99€
1.99€
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 7,722 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 #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,628
1,094
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
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. 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 1,226 reviews of which 1,058 were positive and 168 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
1,058
168
-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 1,345 reviews of which 1,159 were positive and 186 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
1,159
186
-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 1,143 reviews of which 964 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
964
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 14th 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 7,781 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
7,781
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 11,981 reviews of which 11,483 were positive and 498 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 3,442, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,483
498
3,442
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 1,982, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,740
1,412
1,982
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 1,223 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
1,223
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 898 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
898
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 568 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
568
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 497 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
497
players
8. Flag Clicker
Flag is a clicker Game, in which you click a Flag! Flag Clicker is a casual, clicker and indie game developed by and published by Flag Clicker Interactive. Released on November 16th 2024 has received 428 reviews of which 265 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 259 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
6
265
163
259
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 2,503 reviews of which 2,018 were positive and 485 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 216 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,018
485
216
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 1,551 reviews of which 1,127 were positive and 424 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 206 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.0
1,127
424
206
players