Best Indie Video Game Franchises, Ranked

Indie video games have become all the rage, allowing fledgling developers with limited resources to show off creative titles that fans will love for their novelty. Some of the best indie games feature state-of-the-art gameplay that has even influenced games in the AAA sphere.

Sometimes, certain indie games are such a joy to play through that they spawn some beloved franchises in gaming. Regardless of how popular these franchises can be, fans will have a great time experiencing these series’ brilliant stories and gameplay loops.

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8

Chzo Mythos

Horror Point-And-Click Adventure Series With Incredible Lore

• Notable Entries: 5 Days a Stranger, 7 Days a Skeptic, Trilby’s Notes, 6 Days a Skeptic

Before Yahtzee became famous for his work on Zero Punctuation and Fully Ramblomatic, he developed his fair share of video games that fans loved. This includes the Chzo Mythos series, which features four of the best horror adventure games that deserve more attention.

From Trilby’s adventures to the satanic rituals in these titles, it’s easy to see why fans of Chzo Mythos fondly look back on this indie series. All four games can be downloaded for free, letting players enjoy classic point-and-click gameplay as they solve puzzles and escape horrifying monsters.

7

Outlast

Creepy Visuals And Uncomfortable Gore

• Notable Entries: Outlast, Outlast 2, The Outlast Trials

A series known for its horror and gore, the first game in the Outlast series went viral for its immersive gameplay and shocking moments. Players did everything in their power to outrun the many gruesome enemies gunning for them as they tried to escape nightmarish institutions every single time.

Every game in the Outlast franchise is full of bloody and uncomfortable moments that some people may not be able to sit through. However, players who know what they’re in for will love the delectable horror present in this series.

6

Five Nights At Freddy’s

A Jumpscare Fest That Kickstarted A Phenomenon

• Notable Entries: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted

While some people may not appreciate how phoned in some of the Five Nights at Freddy’s games are, there’s no denying that the franchise itself is detailed and handled with a ton of care. Players love being invested in the lore of the series and its many animatronics that haunt players every step of the way.

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The original games involved players tracking the haunted animatronics trying to hunt them down at night, while later titles featured the classic horror gameplay of solving puzzles while outrunning monsters. Players who want to understand why fans love Five Nights at Freddy’s has such a dedicated fanbase should give these games a shot.

5

Class Of ’09

Hilarious Visual Novels With Surprisingly Deep Themes

• Notable Entries: Class Of ’09, Class Of ’09: The Re-up, Class Of ’09: The Flip Side

It’s a shame that The Flip Side failed to live up to the quality of the past two games, but Class of ’09 is worth checking out for fans of unique visual novels. It tries to flip the script in the genre by letting players control edgy teenage girls who toy around with men and perform some heinous actions in the process.

The writing is hilarious, and surprisingly poignant when it needs to be. Players who want to enjoy simple visual novels that don’t overstay their welcome and let players uncover several endings will love what every game in the Class of ’09 trilogy brings to the table.

4

The Banner Saga

Strategy RPGs With Tantalizing Storytelling

• Notable Entries: The Banner Saga, The Banner Saga 2, The Banner Saga 3

Players who want to enjoy a stellar hand-drawn art style along with some engaging tactical combat will love what The Banner Saga brings to the table. Each battle is spread out with Oregon Trail-esque sequences as the caravan moves from one spot to the other and finds more enemies to take out in combat.

The story is as epic as they come, and the later titles are worth sticking with if players resonate with the first game’s strengths. This indie trilogy is a blast to play through and one of the most beautiful games players can check out.

3

Amnesia

Full Of Immersive And Horrifying Experiences

Systems

Released

May 16, 2023

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

• Notable Entries: Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Amnesia: Rebirth, Amnesia: The Bunker

The Dark Descent became viral for its focus on first-person immersive horror, capitalizing on the popularity of Let’s Plays at the time to attract more fans than ever before. Players loved the fun storytelling and effective horror of these games, which have aged like a fine wine.

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Every game in the Amnesia series is worth checking out. The Bunker utilizes a unique save system to terrify players who will do everything possible in their power to avoid the Beast and reach a Safe Room after a lengthy bit of exploration. It’s a great example of how the Amnesia series has evolved and continues to be one of the best horror games fans can check out.

2

Lisa

A Unique Take On The Post-Apocalypse With A Lot Of Dark Humor

• Notable Entries: Lisa: The First, Lisa: The Painful, Lisa: The Joyful

Lisa: The Painful introduced players to a post-apocalyptic world where all the women have disappeared, only for Brad to find a baby girl whom he chooses to raise. It is the sequel to a title where players control Brad’s sister in a game inspired by Yume Nikki, where the atrocities of their father are prevalent for everyone to see.

After players control Brad’s journey, they can control Buddy in The Joyful as she hunts down targets while remembering fragments of her past. The trilogy is a tantalizing one that shows Dingaling’s strengths as an indie developer.

1

Divinity

Kickstarted Larian Studios’ Journey

Divinity: Original Sin

Systems

Released

June 30, 2014

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

• Notable Entries: Divinity: Original Sin, Divinity: Original Sin 2

While the first few Divinity games had publishers, the Original Sin duology saw Larian self-publishing the games in an effort not to be screwed over by unfair deals. Given how successful these games were, it’s easy to see why going down the indie route was perfect for the Divinity franchise.

It sowed the seeds for Larian to be trusted with the Baldur’s Gate IP, leading to them developing one of the greatest modern RPGs of all time. Players who love Baldur’s Gate 3 should check out the Original Sin games. Both titles are a joy to play through thanks to their intense combat and fun storylines.

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