Exploring the Best Indie Gems on PC

20 June 2025

There's something magical about indie games. Maybe it's that raw creativity, the heart poured into every pixel, or the fact that they often take risks that big-budget titles wouldn’t dream of. Indie games aren’t just games—they’re labors of love. They stretch the boundaries of storytelling, design, and gameplay in ways that surprise even the most seasoned of gamers. And let me tell you, the PC platform? It’s the indie playground.

So if you're tired of the same old AAA formulas and looking for something a bit more personal, quirky, or downright unforgettable—you’re in the right place. Let's dive deep into some of the best indie gems on PC that deserve a spot in your library.

Why Indie Games Stand Out

Before we jump into the list, let’s chat about what makes indie games special. Unlike major studio titles drowning in production budgets and executive approvals, indie devs are often small teams—or even just a solo developer—working from a bedroom or garage. Sounds scrappy? Exactly. And that scrappiness pushes innovation.

They’re not trying to appeal to everyone. Instead, they create something unique, something with soul. Whether it’s a game with pixel art that looks like it crawled out of a Super Nintendo, or a minimalist world with a story that hits like a freight train, indie games excel in delivering genuine, unfiltered experiences.

1. Hades – A Roguelike That’s Anything But Repetitive

If you've dipped your toes in the indie waters even a little, you've probably heard about Hades—and for good reason.

Supergiant Games crafted a roguelike that oozes style, has blistering-fast combat, engaging storylines, and a cast of Greek gods that’ll grow on you. Every run feels fresh thanks to tight gameplay and randomized upgrades. But what really sells it? The narrative unfolds as you die and restart (yes, dying is part of the plan), keeping you hooked run after run.

It’s not just a game. It’s a journey through the underworld—over and over again—and somehow, you never want to leave.

2. Celeste – A Platformer with Purpose

Not every game grabs your heart and squeezes it—in the best way possible. Celeste does.

On the surface, it’s a precision platformer with tight controls and pixel-perfect challenges. But beneath that, there’s a powerful story about anxiety, self-doubt, and pushing through your limits. Climbing that mountain isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a battle we all face.

Every death (and trust us, there will be many) feels like a lesson learned. And when you finally make that insane jump? Pure euphoria.

3. Hollow Knight – A Metroidvania Masterpiece

Let’s be real—Hollow Knight could pass for a triple-A title, but it was made by just a few people at Team Cherry.

This 2D action-adventure game drops you into a hauntingly beautiful world called Hallownest. With its intricate labyrinths, haunting soundtrack, and deep lore, Hollow Knight is one of those games you’ll sink dozens of hours into without realizing.

Oh, and did we mention it’s cheap? You get so much bang for your buck it's almost criminal.

4. Stardew Valley – The Anti-Stress Game Everyone Needs

There’s only so much chaos we can handle, right? Stardew Valley is the chill pill we all need sometimes.

Farming, fishing, foraging—it's like a digital hug. Created by one dude (yep, just one!), this game lets you escape into a peaceful routine while slowly building relationships and uncovering the town’s secrets.

It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. It’s just…home.

5. Slay the Spire – Cards + Strategy = Addictive

Card games aren't everyone's thing—until they play Slay the Spire.

You build a deck, fight monsters, and try to climb to the top of a monstrous tower. It sounds simple, and it is. But the amount of strategy involved is insane. Every choice matters. Every card added to your deck can make or break your run.

It's the type of game that makes you hit “New Run” before you even realize you’ve sunk three hours into it.

6. Disco Elysium – A Detective Story Like No Other

If there’s one game that proves writing in games can be art—it's Disco Elysium.

No combat here, folks. This RPG leans hard into dialogue, character development, and world-building. You play a washed-up detective trying to solve a murder, but what unfolds is a messy, philosophical, often hilarious journey of self-discovery.

It’s weird. It’s smart. It’s unforgettable.

7. Undertale – The Game That Asks, “What If You Didn’t Fight?”

At first glance, Undertale looks like a relic from a simpler time. But give it a few minutes, and you’ll realize this game is anything but simple.

You can spare enemies instead of killing them. Your choices matter in ways you won’t expect. It’s a meta-commentary on video game tropes, and it’ll make you laugh, cry, and question everything.

This isn’t just a game. It’s an experience.

8. Outer Wilds – Curiosity Is Your Only Map

This game? It’s hard to describe without spoiling the magic.

In Outer Wilds, you’re stuck in a time loop, exploring a solar system that changes every time the loop resets. It’s not about fighting. There are no gear upgrades. It’s just you, your spaceship, and your curiosity.

Each celestial body holds secrets. Each clue leads to another. It’s one of those games where the less you know going in, the better. Trust me on that.

9. Loop Hero – Retro Aesthetic, Modern Genius

Ever heard of a game where you don’t control your character directly? Loop Hero flips the script.

You place tiles, plan terrain, and let your hero roam automatically. That sounds boring—but it’s anything but. The strategy lies in how you shape the world around the hero. Each piece affects the run, and trust me, it's dangerously addicting.

It’s like a mix of a board game, an RPG, and a strategy sim—wrapped in chunky pixels and a killer soundtrack.

10. Inscryption – Twisted Cards and Meta Horror

Just when you think you're playing a card game, Inscryption pulls the rug out from under you.

What starts as a creepy card battler in a cabin quickly spirals into something much darker and stranger. It breaks the fourth wall, switches genres mid-game, and keeps you on your toes the whole way through.

If Black Mirror made a video game, this would be it.

Honorable Mentions (Because Narrowing It Down is Hard)

- Dead Cells – Roguelike + action = frantic fun.
- Papers, Please – Puzzle meets politics in a morally grey immigration simulator.
- The Messenger – Nostalgia trip that evolves mid-game into something bigger.
- Oxenfree – A supernatural teen drama with spooky vibes and sharp dialogue.
- Fez – A 2D puzzle-platformer that flips your brain sideways (literally).

The Beauty of Supporting Indie Developers

One of the best parts about diving into indie games is knowing that your purchase is directly supporting passionate creators. That $15 doesn’t go toward corporate bonuses; it pays rent, feeds families, and funds the next great idea.

When you embrace indie titles, you become part of something bigger—a community that values creativity over conformity.

Where to Find These Hidden Treasures

So you’re pumped to jump into indie land, but where do you start?

Here’s a quick shortlist:

- Steam – The biggest marketplace, full of indie hits and daily sales.
- itch.io – Home to all things weird, experimental, and wonderful.
- Epic Games Store – They’ve been giving away freebies, including some indie darlings.
- Humble Bundle – Buy games and support charity at the same time. Win-win.

And don’t forget websites like Reddit’s /r/IndieGaming or indie-focused YouTubers who unearth games you’ve never heard of but absolutely need to play.

Final Thoughts

Gaming’s not just about cinematic cutscenes and lifelike graphics. It’s about emotion, creativity, challenge, and fun. Indie games bring all of that to the table—sometimes in messy, glorious, pixelated piles.

They tell stories that stay with you. They surprise you with mechanics you’ve never seen. And best of all? They remind us why we fell in love with games in the first place.

So, the next time you feel stuck in a gaming rut or overwhelmed by the next big release, maybe take a detour. There’s a whole universe of indie gems out there on PC—waiting to be played, loved, and remembered.

You just have to hit “Install.