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 Signal State
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, The Signal State puts your logic skills to the test with complex puzzles inspired by modular synthesizers. Repair machines, rebuild an abandoned farm, and be part of a revolution that will change the fate of agriculture once and for all.
Listen to the Wind
"Listen to the Wind" is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash game with counter attacks as the game's core mechanic. It takes pace during the Ming dynasty Jiajing era where you'll be battling Japanese pirates. It features unique martial art heroes and a story branching gameplay.
Souls of Blades
Famous sword, spiritual realm after the death of the awakening. Where is the owner? How did Gorgeous architecture and The Mysterious Island become a ruin? What happened before the destruction?
Get In The Car, Loser!
A lesbian road trip RPG by the co-creator of Ladykiller in a Bind about fighting for love and justice in the face of indifference, inspired by choice-driven visual novels, and a battle system influenced by classic and modern JRPGs. WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT IN THE FACE OF EVIL?
MECHANICA: A Ballad of the Rabbit and Mercury
5029 AD, "Guillotine", the Japanese territory on Mercury, a city full of neon signs and drunks. You will explore the beautiful cyberpunk-style 2D world, play music to the residents of Mercury to gather intelligence, and finally achieve the goal of saving the world.
Trap Genesis
Finally, a new universe is here! The great finale of the ten years history of the "Trap" series. This is the creation myth of the birth of a blessed world where Gods, men, and crossdressers can love each other freely!
Severed Steel
An intense single-player FPS featuring a stylish movement system, completely destructible levels, and an acclaimed OST.
Eastward
Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…
寂寞神明的心愿手记
What kind of courage and change can the connection between people bring? The story takes place in the ancient eastern country, where a foreign girl from Silazi kingdom got involved with various humans, spirits and even gods. Here, she heard voices unknown to others and met people unknown to others.
Find Love or Die Trying
Welcome to the only killer dating show where ending up single means ending up dead! Date or die, it's up to your choices!
Flynn: Son of Crimson
Our valiant hero Flynn possesses the ability to influence a mysterious energy and modify his style of combat, transforming him into a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by the golden age of the SNES, Flynn: Son of Crimson is the 2D action adventure that’ll take you right back to the 90s!
METALLIC CHILD
“Grab, hurl, and eliminate” Rogue-lite Core-Action!! A large-scale rebellion erupts within the spacecraft “Life Stream.” With the help of you, Rona, an android known as “Metallic Child,” stands up against a fleet of massive robots to stop the plot devised by her own creator, Doctor Irene.
Bright Lights of Svetlov
Bright Lights of Svetlov is a short, story-focused first person quest about a Soviet family facing harsh trials. Set in a fictional provincial town, it carefuly recreates the atmosphere and vibe of mid 1980s.
Lost in Random™
Play the odds in Lost in Random™, a gothic-fairy-tale-inspired action-adventure where every citizen’s fate is determined by a roll of the dice.
Kraken Academy!!
Make friends, free spirits and make sure that the world doesn’t end! Welcome to Kraken Academy, a technicolor fever dream that for legal reasons can only be described as "technically a school." Join forces with a magical kraken to save the world!
Loading Story
A short story about loading, I guess. Play as Memu@ as she explores the cyberpunk(ish) little town and interacts with its inhabitants.
Arboria
Fight, die, and fight again in this dark fantasy trollz-like roguelite. As a Yotun troll warrior, descend into the ever-changing, creepy dungeons of Durnar. Use a variety of Symbiotic Weapons and Bio-Mutations to slay enemies and heal The Father Tree.
The Artful Escape
A teenage guitar prodigy sets out on a psychedelic journey to inspire his stage persona and confront the legacy of a dead folk legend. Starring voice performances by Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers.
The Rewinder
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people's memories to alter the past.
Dice Legacy
Dice Legacy is a dice-based survival city builder set on a mysterious ringworld. Your ship has reached the shore of an uncharted continent. Roll and use your dice to gather resources, expand and defend your settlement, survive the winter and interact with the strange inhabitants of this eerie world.
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 June 16th 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 31,352 reviews of which 29,275 were positive and 2,077 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played indie game, thanks to its 43,877 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
29,275
2,077
43,877
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 343,420 reviews of which 334,165 were positive and 9,255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,377 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among indie games based on player count.
9.6
334,165
9,255
15,377
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 79,892 reviews of which 77,218 were positive and 2,674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 9,676 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among indie games based on player count.
9.5
77,218
2,674
9,676
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 5,695 reviews of which 5,283 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,110 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played indie games.
9.0
5,283
412
6,110
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 5,373 reviews of which 3,667 were positive and 1,706 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 5,692 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played indie games.
6.7
3,667
1,706
5,692
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 14,538 reviews of which 13,146 were positive and 1,392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 3,527 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played indie games.
8.8
13,146
1,392
3,527
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 12,068 reviews of which 11,564 were positive and 504 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,270 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played indie games.
9.3
11,564
504
3,270
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 4,545 reviews of which 4,200 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,220 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played indie games.
8.9
4,200
345
3,220
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 279,741 reviews of which 274,829 were positive and 4,912 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,574 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played indie games.
9.7
274,829
4,912
2,574
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 25,292 reviews of which 23,863 were positive and 1,429 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played indie games.
9.2
23,863
1,429
1,556
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted indie games.
1. Lightmatter
A first-person puzzler where shadows kill you. Watch your step or be swallowed by the darkness. Lightmatter is a logic, indie and adventure game developed by Tunnel Vision Games and published by Aspyr. Released on January 15th 2020 has received 2,740 reviews of which 2,505 were positive and 235 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for indie category.
8.8
2,505
235
-99%
19.50€
0.34€
2. Hiveswap Friendsim
You’ve crash landed on a dangerous alien planet with no food, medicine, or prospects, but you do know one thing—you are absolutely desperate for friendship. Hiveswap Friendsim is a visual novel, indie and simulation game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 1,355 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in indie games.
8.8
1,253
102
-99%
12.79€
0.16€
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 3,176 reviews of which 2,839 were positive and 337 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in indie games.
8.6
2,839
337
-99%
19.99€
0.39€
4. Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark is a turn-based tactical RPG with a focus on storytelling and strategic battles. Unfold a mature story as you progress through hand-crafted scenarios, controlling your own group of Arbiters, with each character customizable from a wide selection of classes and abilities! Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark is a rpg, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by 6 Eyes Studio and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on April 30th 2019 has received 5,987 reviews of which 5,281 were positive and 706 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
5,281
706
-99%
29.99€
0.50€
5. Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a action, shoot 'em up and arcade game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on November 21st 2023 has received 358 reviews of which 331 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.45€
6. 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 3,028 reviews of which 2,670 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.5
2,670
358
-99%
22.99€
0.44€
7. Dandy Ace
Dandy Ace is an over the top action game that follows this fabulous magician seeking to combine and use his magical cards, fighting and looting his way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist and free himself from a cursed mirror. Dandy Ace is a action, indie and rogue-lite game developed by Mad Mimic and published by NEOWIZ. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 1,222 reviews of which 1,079 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,079
143
-99%
16.79€
0.25€
8. Nippon Marathon
Crazy, physics-driven, four-player marathon across Japan. Combining classic racers like Micro Machines and the insanity of TV's Takeshi's Castle, smash through offices and shopping malls and hurl fruit at your opponents in a party game unlike anything you've played before! Nippon Marathon is a sports, indie and racing game developed by Onion Soup Interactive and published by PQube. Released on December 17th 2018 has received 337 reviews of which 306 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
306
31
-99%
14.99€
0.23€
9. Beyond a Steel Sky
From multi-award winning Revolution comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, a groundbreaking 3D adventure thriller, set in an AI-driven future. Subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the devastating truth. Beyond a Steel Sky is a adventure, point & click and cyberpunk game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on July 16th 2020 has received 1,470 reviews of which 1,293 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,293
177
-99%
29.99€
0.54€
10. 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 1,256 reviews of which 1,104 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for indie games.
8.4
1,104
152
-99%
39.99€
0.45€
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 June 16th 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 5,695 reviews of which 5,283 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,110 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free indie games on Steam.
9.0
5,283
412
6,110
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 12,068 reviews of which 11,564 were positive and 504 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 3,270, this indie game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.3
11,564
504
3,270
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 25,292 reviews of which 23,863 were positive and 1,429 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 1,556, this indie game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free indie games on Steam.
9.2
23,863
1,429
1,556
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 1,916 reviews of which 1,638 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,065 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.2
1,638
278
1,065
players
5. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a early access, free to play and indie game developed by Soehnle and published by TimeLost Gaming. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 675 reviews of which 508 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 999 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.2
508
167
999
players
6. 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 1,708 reviews of which 1,591 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 920 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.9
1,591
117
920
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 849 reviews of which 825 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 676 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
676
players
8. 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 1,596 reviews of which 1,383 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 578 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.3
1,383
213
578
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 2,522 reviews of which 2,030 were positive and 492 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 244 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
7.8
2,030
492
244
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 1,980 reviews of which 1,791 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 223 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free indie games on Steam.
8.6
1,791
189
223
players