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
Dominique Pamplemousse
Dominique Pamplemousse in “It’s All Over Once The Fat Lady Sings!” is a unique and offbeat stop motion animated detective adventure game about gender and the economy. Also, all the characters frequently burst into song.
Riptide GP2
Rev up your rocket-powered hydro jet and put your racing skills to the test. Riptide GP™2 features dynamic racing on fully interactive water surfaces, a deep career mode with tons of upgrades, customizable riders and skills, online and local multiplayer, and fully integrated controller support.
Infested Planet
Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.
Year Walk
In the old days man tried to catch a glimpse of the future in the strangest of ways.Experience the ancient Swedish phenomena of year walking through a different kind of first person adventure that blurs the line between two and three dimensions, as well as reality and the supernatural.
GIGANTIC ARMY
Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.
10 Second Ninja
Ninjas are cool, this is an established fact of the universe. Nazi Robots from space are not cool, they are the complete opposite of cool, and Robot Hitler is out to get you, the world's first ninja. You have 10 seconds to destroy all Nazi Robots in your vicinity. IT. IS. ON.
Diehard Dungeon
Combining its own unique take on the real-time roguelike genre, with a nostalgic 16-bit look and feel, Diehard Dungeon is a game that feels both familiar and quite different at the same time. Followed by a trusty, treasure collecting companion chest, you must make your way through the dungeons many randomly-generated rooms and levels.
Tower of Guns
Tower of Guns is a fast paced first-person-shooter for the twitch gamer... with a few randomized elements to keep it fresh with each playthrough. It's a short burst "Lunch Break FPS"... not unlike Binding of Isaac mixed with Doom 2. Tower of Guns was made by a guy named Joe (with his brother Mike composing the music).
Vanguard Princess
Vanguard Princess is a classic 2D fighting game that features an all-female cast each with its own unique fighting style. Choose from ten girls and pair them with a powerful partner to form an unstoppable team. Navigate their journeies in Story Mode or engage in head-to-head battles in Versus Mode.
One Finger Death Punch
Experience cinematic kung-fu battles in the fastest, most intense brawler the indie world has ever seen! With the unique 1:1 response system of One Finger Death Punch, players will feel the immediate feedback of every bone-crunching hit. Pay tribute to the masters using five classic kung-fu styles mixed with additional weapons.
One Way Heroics
Across all dimensions, the only constant is Darkness! A procedurally generated RPG-roguelike journey across the multiverse! In One Way Heroics, you take on the role of an intrepid adventurer who must travel across the land and face the Demon Lord before a mysterious darkness engulfs everything.
Scania Truck Driving Simulator
Get behind the wheel of one of the most iconic trucks on the road with this highly detailed Scania R-series truck simulation by SCS Software, developers of Euro Truck Simulator 2.
The Yawhg
The Yawhg is a one-to-four player choose-your-own-adventure game that randomizes a unique story every time you play. The evil Yawhg is returning. How will the town’s locals lead their lives in the meanwhile, and what will they do when the dreaded Yawhg finally arrives?
Talisman: Digital Classic Edition
The officially licensed multiplayer version of the classic fantasy adventure board game, Talisman, based on the 4th Edition of the game. On your travels, you will need strength, courage and some good dice rolls to survive the dangers you face and beat your opponents to the centre of the board!
Epic Battle Fantasy 4
A light-hearted turn-based RPG, heavily inspired by old 2D classics. You will battle through waves of cute enemies, grow your characters, explore a diverse world, solve puzzles, and of course, save the world. (Just updated to version 3!)
Ultionus: A Tale of Petty Revenge
Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.
Major Mayhem
Arcade cover shooter inspired by Time Crisis, Metal Slug and 80's action heros! He's got an itchy trigger finger, some scratchy stubble, and a fondness for shooting dudes in the face. Run and gun your way through gorgeous 3D environments as you embark on a mission to rescue your kidnapped girlfriend from the Forces of Evil.
Skyborn
Life under the iron rule of the winged Skyborn race isn’t so bad for Claret Spencer, the star mechanic of a successful airship repair shop, present her with broken machinery and she’s sure to fix it. She’s one of the fortunate ones, not all who live under the watchful eye of the Skyborn are so lucky…Little does she know that her stable,...
Drunken Robot Pornography
Bullet-hell, boss-battle, first-person shooter, with giant-robots, martinis and jetpacks. YES. Drink the cocktails. Fight the titans. Make your own Titans. Drink your friend's cocktails.
Hexcells Plus
Hexcells Plus is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux.
Banished
In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The townspeople of Banished are your primary resource.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 02nd 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 45,347 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
28,200
2,001
45,347
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 16,322 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
16,322
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 10,922 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
10,922
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 5,571 reviews of which 5,163 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,821 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,163
408
6,821
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 6,372 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
6,372
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 5,459 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
5,459
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 11,958 reviews of which 11,461 were positive and 497 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,580 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,461
497
3,580
players
8. 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 2,667 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
273,727
4,864
2,667
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 4,494 reviews of which 4,161 were positive and 333 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,550 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,161
333
2,550
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 1,763 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
1,763
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 02nd 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. 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 5,235 reviews of which 4,568 were positive and 667 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
4,568
667
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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. 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 #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.3
6,621
1,092
-95%
32.20€
1.61€
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 1,338 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 #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.2
1,156
182
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
10. Valfaris
Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole. Valfaris is a action, indie and gore game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 2,515 reviews of which 2,079 were positive and 436 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
2,079
436
-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 02nd 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 5,571 reviews of which 5,163 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,821 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,163
408
6,821
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 3,580, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,461
497
3,580
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 1,444, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,701
1,410
1,444
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 1,389 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
1,389
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 1,025 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
1,025
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 663 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
663
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 733 reviews of which 712 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 568 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
712
21
568
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 288 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
288
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 213 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
213
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 211 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
211
players