While there have been some hallmark AAA titles in 2024, it really has been a far better year for indie games with the likes of the award-winning Balatro and the critically acclaimed 1000xRESIST releasing this year. It can be hard to remember just how good the selection of indies is in 2024, especially because of just how many there are.
Breaking down which ones are worth playing can be tough, especially as they fall into so many different categories. Whether it’s the best cozy indie games of 2024 or the complex philosophical, narrative-focused ones, narrowing down the selection to add to a backlog will be a tricky endeavor. Luckily, while they are all absolutely worth playing, it’s not hard to say which are the very best of the bunch and are worth checking out first.
10
Dungeons Of Hinterberg (Microbird Games)
A Persona-Like Adventure
Dungeons of Hinterberg took the indie scene by storm when it unveiled its blend of Persona-like life sim and Zelda dungeon crawling gameplay. It manages to combine these two aspects incredibly well, largely by adopting Persona’s iconic schedule system in which days are segmented into times of day and players get to perform one action during each one. For example, during the day, players must explore the open zone areas fighting monsters, collecting resources, and then either relax to boost their stats or take on a dungeon.
Related
10 Best Indie Games On Xbox Game Pass Right Now
With unlimited access to hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games, players can enjoy indie games like Powerwash Simulator, Moonlighter and more.
In the evening, the choices are far more varied, as it’s possible to spend time with any of the game’s many characters to increase their friendship score and unlock unique skills or items. Alternatively, players could catch a film or even rest at the spa. All of these systems help elevate a thoroughly engrossing narrative and the game’s challenging combat. With boss fights, magical abilities to unlock, gear progression, and puzzles to solve, Dungeons of Hinterberg makes for a great cozy RPG.
9
Bloomtown: A Different Story (Different Sense Games, Lazy Bear Games)
It’s 2D Persona Meets 1950s America
Bloomtown: A Different Story is another Persona-like RPG in 2024, although it takes more inspiration from its combat, music, and aesthetic than its schedule system. In Bloomtown, players make a pact with the devil and must take down a series of challenging bosses in return for the ability to summon a powerful spirit. Alongside their friends, they must venture into colorful dungeons and fight against creatively designed monsters in turn-based combat all while listening to a very jazzy soundtrack.
Of course, while Bloomtown does often feel like Persona meets Earthbound, it still manages to be a unique experience. Everything from its creature designs, characters, narrative, and overall aesthetic helps it stand out among a sea of indie RPGs and make it one of the best indies of the year. For those looking for a 40-hour RPG similar to the Persona series, Bloomtown: A Different Story is the perfect game.
8
Animal Well (Billy Basso)
A Truly Exceptional Metroidvania
Animal Well reviewed extremely well when it launched in early 2024, and that’s almost exclusively thanks to its unique take on the Metroidvania genre. While it can often feel like it’s an oversaturated genre, there are occasionally games like Animal Well that completely revolutionize it, offering a new experience that feels like so much more than a mere Hollow Knight clone. Animal Well is a game all about discovery, and as such its secrets – many of which still remain a mystery – are well hidden.
Animal Well relies on player intuition, rather than holding their hand throughout the entire game. Things aren’t spelled out, nor is there a clear path to follow. Animal Well expects that people will be naturally curious and figure out its complex yet well executed mechanics. Suffice it to say, Animal Well is an excellent game that’s ideal for newcomers to the Metroidvania genre and longtime fans who want something fresh.
7
The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures)
A Perspective-Shifting Fairytale
The Plucky Squire is a very unique indie game that cleverly uses perspective as a core mechanic. It starts off in the world of a picture book, with players controlling the titular hero across its many pages. However, soon, they encounter a puzzle that cannot be solved without leaving the book and entering into the 3D world of a child’s bedroom. There are far more perspective shifts and genre changes throughout The Plucky Squire, all of which are best experienced in person.
Frankly, The Plucky Squire is the kind of indie game that reminds people why gaming is so fun in the first place. Every ounce of it has been purposefully designed to instill a sense of wonder and joy in the player, ensuring that, no matter what, it’s impossible to get bored playing it. Much like the GOTY winner Astro Bot, The Plucky Squire is a lot of fun to play, and well worth playing.
6
Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios)
STALKER 2 In A Car
Long before STALKER 2 graced Xbox users’ screens, offering a lone wanderer fantasy in an anomaly-riddled world, Pacific Drive gave players that exact same experience. Of course, there are key differences between the sprawling STALKER 2 and Pacific Drive, namely that the latter is focused on a car and using it to navigate a world full of surprises. Players will get this beaten-up car at the start of the game and must upgrade it to help it better survive the challenges ahead.
Related
The 10 Best Indie Games On PlayStation Plus Right Now (2024)
From award-winning RPGs to beloved and iconic Metroidvanias, PlayStation Plus has several excellent indie games for players to get stuck into.
Pacific Drive is a game all about venturing into the vast wilderness in search of new materials and artifacts to use to improve the car. Meanwhile, the player will stumble across more narrative details, further progressing the story. Of course, once they’ve gotten their materials, they’ll need to return home, a journey that is just as perilous as finding the loot in the first place. With plenty of STALKER vibes and a great gameplay loop, Pacific Drive is one of the more unique indies of 2024.
5
Neva (Nómada Studio)
A Heartbreaking Journey From The Developers Of GRIS
Neva is the next game from Nómada Studio, the endlessly talented folks behind the heartbreaking indie hit GRIS. It expands upon the developer’s previous title in many ways, adding engaging combat, a companion wolf that grows with the player, and a longer runtime. However, it’s clear that much of GRIS’ DNA remains in Neva, and that is absolutely for the best.
From its gorgeous environments, beautiful storytelling, and expertly conveyed themes, Neva is a phenomenal experience from start to finish. Anyone with even the slightest interest in the indie gaming scene should check out Neva, if only to see what the exceptionally glowing reviews are all about. Neva will certainly remain a much-discussed indie in the years to come as it is a breathtakingly memorable journey worth going on.
4
UFO 50 (Mossmouth)
A Huge Collection Of Impressive Indies
UFO 50 feels as if it can’t possibly be real, and yet Mossmouth somehow managed to pull it off. It’s a collection of 50 full-sized games inspired by those from the 8-bit era which span various genres. It includes everything from beat ’em ups, multiplayer games, RPGs, platformers, and so much more, with each game crafted carefully to both appeal to a modern audience while also retaining much of what made that era so great in the first place.
UFO 50 also has its own inbuilt lore, with each game coming from a fictionalized 80s developer, and some even being sequels to others available in the collection. There are collectibles and achievements to unlock, giving those who want even more than the already impressive 50 games a lot more to do. Additionally, half of the games feature local co-op, which is great for those who want a strong indie co-op experience.
3
1000xRESIST (Sunset Visitor)
A Profoundly Moving Experience
1000xRESIST is a sci-fi thriller set within an exceptionally unique universe. Set 1000 years into the future, the player takes on the role of the Watcher who discovers a secret that not only changes their life but changes the life of all that remains of humanity. This story serves as a way for developer Sunset Visitor to explore a variety of themes and socio-political topics that are beautifully conveyed in this fully-voiced work of art.
1000xRESIST is not a particularly conventional game as it constantly switches genres and perspectives to better convey its story. It’s surreal visuals and expertly crafted writing help to immerse the player in the unfolding conspiracy and sci-fi world, while never overshadowing the important themes found throughout. 1000xRESIST is the kind of experience that can only exist as an indie game, and that’s what makes it such a profound and bold masterpiece.
2
Nine Sols (Red Candle Games)
Hollow Knight Meets Sekiro
Red Candle Games are the developers behind the psychological horror games Detention and Devotion, both of which are critically acclaimed. However, Nine Sols is a complete departure from those experiences, instead offering a beautifully hand-drawn Taopunk Sekiro-like 2D Metroidvania that has quickly become one of the best in the genre. Nine Sols is an expertly crafted game by a developer at the top of its game.
Featuring a lore-rich story full of surprises, twists, and turns as well as a challenging yet never punishing combat system that elevates some of the best boss designs in a Metroidvania, Nine Sols never ceases to amaze. While its combat may prove too difficult for those new to the genre, for those who desire a challenge or wish to immerse themselves completely in the game’s Taopunk world, Nine Sols is the ultimate indie experience.
1
Balatro (LocalThunk)
The Best Roguelike Deckbuilder Of The Year
Balatro is, by far, the best indie game of 2024. That’s not just because it was a GOTY nominee at the 2024 Game Awards, nor is it because it’s become one of the bestselling Steam games of the year. Rather, it is because it has completely redefined the roguelike deckbuilder experience, taking what was quickly becoming an oversaturated genre and making it feel like something entirely new.
Related
Balatro Review: “The Next Great Deckbuilder Roguelite”
Video poker and deckbuilding combine in Balatro, an unassuming but obscenely addictive card game that is one of the first indie hits of the year.
Balatro is a consistently engaging and compelling game that could be played endlessly were it not for the need to sleep and eat. It is a game so engrossing that, while every other indie game is worth playing, it could end up dominating a player’s entire year’s worth of playtime. 2024 has truly been a great year for indie games, and the likes of Balatro, Nine Sols, and more are proof of that.
Source: Twin Sails Interactive/YouTube, Fellow Traveler/YouTube
Strategy
Digital Card Game
Roguelike
- Platform(s)
-
PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Released
-
February 20, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
LocalThunk
- Publisher(s)
-
Playstack
- Engine
-
LÖVE
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
