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 Culling Of The Cows
The Culling Of The Cows is a side-scrolling shooter / tower defence game. You will take the role of Sammy, a soliloquizing schizophrenic farmer with a self prophesied mission to lay waste to the disease spreading over his farm.
The Impossible Game
The super-addictive and very, very hard platform game finally arrives on Steam - it's quite possibly the world's hardest game! As well as five classic Impossible Game levels, this desktop version includes an EXCLUSIVE new Level Editor.
Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure
Tex Murphy is the last of the hard-boiled gumshoe detectives living in dystopian post-World War III San Francisco in the 2050s. Tex is an honest and good-natured private investigator with a penchant for bourbon, cigarettes and getting himself into trouble.
1849
1849 is a city management game set during the California Gold Rush. Your task is to build towns, populate them with workers, and make sure that they are housed, fed, and entertained. You’ll have to manage and coordinate extensive production and trade networks to make sure your towns thrive.
Blade Symphony
Prove you are the world's greatest swordsman! Engage in tactical 1 vs. 1 sword fighting, 2 vs. 2, or sandbox FFA, or capture Control Points in a tactical slash-em-up.
The Whispered World Special Edition
When the fate of a world hangs in the balance, an unusual hero arises! The visually impressive adventure-epic The Whispered World is now available as a Special Edition for the first time. Let the Whispered World enchant you with its many animated details and fantastic characters.
You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
Famaze
FAMAZE is a retro themed roguelike puzzle adventure game. Choose the the dashing Knight, the cunning Thief, or the mystical Wizard each with unique special powers. Delve into The Mad King's ever changing dungeon to rescue the rutabagas! Never the same game twice! Music by Disasterpeace and Art by Oryx.
The Desolate Hope
On a distant edge of an unknown planet, an abandoned structure sits in silence. Constructed by an unmanned research vessel sent from Earth, the Lun Infinus station was designed to run simulations for a five year period, exploring possibilities of human colonization in the case that Earth became uninhabitable.
Sir, You Are Being Hunted
Sir, You Are Being Hunted is a freedom sandbox stealth experience, where each playthrough is unique, thanks to our British Countryside Generator. Escape from these robot-infested islands with violence, trickery and stealth. This brutally funny game is available for Windows, OSX, and Linux.
GunZ 2: The Second Duel
GunZ 2: the Second Duel is a free-to-play 3D TPS and is the most fast-paced tough action shooter game.
Child of Light
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Battlepillars Gold Edition
Battlepillars is a real-time tug-of-war strategy game in which you command caterpillars armed to the teeth with flamethrowers, sticky honey, mines, machine guns, and more!
ArcheBlade™
ArcheBlade is a free to play 3D multiplayer fighting game that captures the essence of combo-based fighting games combined with unique game modes. Play as one of many characters and master your skills to become the best fighter.
Rabbit Hole 3D: Steam Edition
Rabbit Hole 3D: Steam Edition is a minimalistic retro puzzle game. The game features 3D word puzzles based on Chapter 1 of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Players must navigate through keywords from the book’s initial chapter.
The Promised Land
The Promised Land, a brave new world , the hole nation – all this lies in your hands! Become a true leader, a chosen one, a father of nation! Guide your colony to the victory of the modern superpower! We collected all the best that is in games of this genre, arched by exciting mini-games and carefully turned it into the deep and...
Depths of Fear :: Knossos
Depths of Fear :: Knossos, a Greek-themed, 1st Person, Roguelike stealthy action-adventure where you play as Theseus out to kill the rampaging horror the Minotaur. Succeed in the beast’s slaughter or learn the meaning of fear trying. You will run. You will hide. You will fight. You will die.
Blackwell Epiphany
The last game in the Blackwell series.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink
Unburied secrets burn like wild steam – nothing is what it appears!
Rogue Shooter: The FPS Roguelike
A fast-paced mashup of roguelikes and first-person shooters.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 03rd 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 30,201 reviews of which 28,200 were positive and 2,001 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 47,273 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,200
2,001
47,273
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 339,421 reviews of which 330,418 were positive and 9,003 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 18,041 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
330,418
9,003
18,041
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 78,685 reviews of which 76,069 were positive and 2,616 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 10,680 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
76,069
2,616
10,680
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 5,601 reviews of which 5,192 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 7,325 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,192
409
7,325
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 5,167 reviews of which 3,513 were positive and 1,654 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 6,109 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,513
1,654
6,109
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 14,283 reviews of which 12,928 were positive and 1,355 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,342 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
12,928
1,355
5,342
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 4,494 reviews of which 4,161 were positive and 333 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,170 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,161
333
4,170
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 11,958 reviews of which 11,461 were positive and 497 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,451 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,461
497
3,451
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 278,591 reviews of which 273,727 were positive and 4,864 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,542 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,727
4,864
2,542
players
10. Celeste
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain. Celeste is a precision platformer, difficult and pixel graphics game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on January 25th 2018 has received 118,673 reviews of which 115,663 were positive and 3,010 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,815 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.6
115,663
3,010
1,815
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 03rd 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 892 were positive and 425 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
425
-97%
43.00€
1.29€
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 694 reviews of which 572 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
572
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 3,158 reviews of which 2,824 were positive and 334 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
2,824
334
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Goodbye Deponia
More chaos, more destruction, more Rufus. Not one, not two, but three Rufuses cause all kinds of crazy mayhem in the long-awaited adventure comedy Goodbye Deponia! Goodbye Deponia is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 2,353 reviews of which 2,089 were positive and 264 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
2,089
264
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
5. 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 3,014 reviews of which 2,660 were positive and 354 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
2,660
354
-95%
23.20€
1.16€
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 7,713 reviews of which 6,621 were positive and 1,092 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
6,621
1,092
-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 341 reviews of which 308 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
308
33
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. 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 1,338 reviews of which 1,156 were positive and 182 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
1,156
182
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
9. 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 2,930 reviews of which 2,355 were positive and 575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
7.8
2,355
575
-95%
30.00€
1.50€
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 4,742 reviews of which 3,718 were positive and 1,024 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
3,718
1,024
-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 03rd 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 5,601 reviews of which 5,192 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 7,325 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,192
409
7,325
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 11,958 reviews of which 11,461 were positive and 497 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 3,451, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,461
497
3,451
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 25,111 reviews of which 23,701 were positive and 1,410 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 1,459, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,701
1,410
1,459
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 1,891 reviews of which 1,618 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,302 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,618
273
1,302
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 1,683 reviews of which 1,566 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,012 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.8
1,566
117
1,012
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 1,578 reviews of which 1,367 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 610 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,367
211
610
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 759 reviews of which 737 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 576 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
737
22
576
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 1,950 reviews of which 1,766 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 278 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,766
184
278
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 2,500 reviews of which 2,015 were positive and 485 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 223 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,015
485
223
players
10. Crusaders of the Lost Idols
Crusaders of the Lost Idols is an idle game of heroic awesomeness! Create a band of fighters to fight monsters, earn gold and create strategies for the perfect formations over multiple campaigns! Upgrade your heroes, collect unique gear, and unlock new Crusaders in regular new events. Crusaders of the Lost Idols is a free to play, clicker and casual game developed and published by Codename Entertainment Inc.. Released on October 13th 2015 has received 2,920 reviews of which 2,417 were positive and 503 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 222 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.0
2,417
503
222
players