The Best Indie Games Of 2024

Who says you need a big budget to make video games? For years, the indie community has been at the forefront of innovation, producing countless titles with captivating stories, bold new ideas, and mesmerizing art styles – some of which were made by only a handful of people.

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There have been some truly exceptional indie games released over the years. But these titles stand out as the best the genre has to offer.

2024, in particular, was a spectacular year for indie games. Whether you prefer action-packed roguelikes, cozy puzzlers, or immersive platformers, there’s something fresh and exciting to play, no matter which platform you own. While there are far too many to list, the following indie titles are the very best of the year.

8

Crow Country

A Spooky Throwback To The Horror Classics

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Crow Country

Systems

Released

May 9, 2024

Developer(s)

SFB Games

Publisher(s)

SFB Games

Inspired by PS1 horror games like Resident Evil, Crow Country is a chilling adventure that pays homage to the classics while adding much-needed quality-of-life updates. Take control of Special Agent Mara Forest, who investigates an abandoned amusement park after its owner goes missing. Little does she know that the place is crawling with monsters, and a dark secret is about to be uncovered.

True to the survival horror genre, Crow Country balances resource management, puzzle-solving, and third-person shooting. Unlike the classics, however, the game ditches the tank controls and fixed camera angles in favor of much smoother modern alternatives. Give it a try if you want a good scare.

7

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami

Solve A Mystery Most Fowl

Cozy mysteries are the best way to unwind after a long day, and there’s no better choice than Duck Detective. When the nefarious Salami Bandit goes on a lunch-stealing spree, it’s up to the hapless investigator Eugene McQuacklin to solve the case. If you like silly humor and puns, this story is right up your alley.

Using your powers of de-duck-tion, you must examine crime scenes, question witnesses, and solve puzzles until you unmask the cold-blooded sandwich thief. It’s a delightfully goofy mystery with plenty of twists and clever writing to keep you hooked from start to finish.

6

Neva

Embark On An Emotional Journey

From the developers of Gris, Neva is a breathtaking platformer about the struggles of grief and the challenges that come with healing. The story follows a woman named Alba, whose surroundings begin to decay after a traumatic experience. What follows is an emotional journey as she and her pet wolf travel through the dying world in search of a way to survive.

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The metaphor here is powerful, and the depiction of the grieving process is accurate, tasteful, and heart-wrenching. The stunning hand-drawn environments and animations only enhance the emotions you’re bound to feel while exploring the beautiful yet haunting world. Be prepared to shed a few tears by the end.

5

The Plucky Squire

Leap Off The Pages In This Charming Adventure

Whether you prefer 2D or 3D Zelda-likes, The Plucky Squire has something for you. You control a storybook character named Jot, who’s expelled from the pages of his novel by the wicked sorcerer Humgrump. From there, the gameplay switches between 2D and 3D as you jump between the book realm and the real world.

Simply put, the game is brimming with charm. Both worlds are a joy to explore, with plenty of clever video game references to keep you smiling, such as a Punch-Out-inspired boxing minigame. Plus, the hand-drawn art style is both eye-catching and adorable. What more could you want?

4

UFO 50

A Stunning Love Letter To Retro Games

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UFO 50

Action

Adventure

Platformer

Puzzle

Strategy

Arcade

Sports

Racing

Shooter

RPG

Idle Games

Real-Time Strategy

Systems

Released

September 18, 2024

Developer(s)

Mossmouth
, Eirik Suhrke
, Derek Yu
, Jon Perry
, Tyriq Plummer
, Paul Hubans
, Ojiro Fumoto

Publisher(s)

Mossmouth

UFO 50 sounds too good to be true, but rest assured, this game is the real deal. It’s a collection of 50 bite-sized, retro-inspired games developed by the creators of Downwell and Spelunky. These include everything from a Western-themed RPG akin to Dragon Quest to an action-packed beat-em-up similar to River City Ransom.

No one would blame you for being skeptical of the premise. Luckily, each game is fun, unique, and has a surprising amount of depth. It’s astounding how much thought and care was put into each title, some of which could easily be a standalone game. Don’t sleep on this ambitious gem.

3

Animal Well

Get Immersed In An Eerie Metroidvania

Animal Well is the perfect example of less is more, delivering a captivating Metroidvania with simple gameplay and stunning pixel art. You play as a tiny blob trapped in a dark, non-linear cave. The goal is to explore, find secrets, and survive the many towering creatures that lurk in the shadows.

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The gameplay diverts from the usual Metroidvania format, substituting combat for puzzle-solving and survival elements. With no means of attacking or defending, you must rely on your wits to escape the nightmarish critters. Innovative, immersive, and brimming with well-hidden secrets, Animal Well is one game you won’t want to miss.

2

Hades 2

Get Ready To Take On The Gods

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Hades 2

Systems

Even in early access, Hades 2 is shaping up to be just as good as the first one. This time, you play as Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, who must hack and slash through enemy-filled dungeons to defeat the Titan of Time, Chronos.

The challenging roguelike gameplay is back and better than ever, with new powerful abilities and an epic mythology-based story to keep you glued to your screen. Not to mention the outstanding animations and voice acting. Even if you haven’t played the first one, you should give the sequel a try.

1

Balatro

The Best Deck-Builder In Years

If there’s one indie game that’s hardest to put down, it’s Balatro. In a nutshell, it’s a deck-building roguelike about poker. The goal is to play the best hands possible to gain points. The catch? You can also use Joker cards, each with a special ability to help you raise your score.

The magic of Balatro stems from a few things. The gameplay is incredibly fun, endlessly replayable, and surprisingly easy to grasp, even if you have no prior knowledge of poker. If there’s one game that should go on your to-play list, it’s this one.

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