Indie RPGs are not nearly as common as one may think, especially incredible ones like Sea of Stars. They’re a rarity, largely because they require so much time and resources to make. Fortunately, there are a handful that not only perfectly encapsulate the very best aspects of the genre, but can absolutely go toe-to-toe with the AAA RPGs currently on offer.
From 90s-inspired JRPGs to single-player meta MMOs, the very best indie RPGs encompass a wide range of gameplay styles, levels of ambition and scale, and sub-genres. Many of these indie RPGs could very easily be classed as some of the best indie games of all time. Fortunately, they’re all currently available across a wide range of platforms, ensuring that players sick of modern AAA RPGs, or those just looking for a change of pace, have plenty of options.
10
CrossCode (Radical Fish Games)
A Meta Single-Player MMO
CrossCode is a game within a game, putting players in the role of Lea as she attempts to navigate her way through an MMO while searching for answers. It’s a very meta game, but one executed extremely well, with every aspect of an MMO replicated perfectly, such as other players running around, bustling towns, MMO-style quests, and more. For those who love the general idea of an MMO, but would rather play alone, CrossCode delivers that experience in an incredibly satisfying way.
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When players aren’t engaging in the beautifully written and often hilarious story, they’ll be exploring interconnected areas full of monsters to kill, quests to complete, and loot to discover. These are all incredible locations to explore, largely thanks to the phenomenal pixel art aesthetic as well as the overall compelling level design. CrossCode also features Zelda-like dungeons with some challenging yet fair puzzles to solve. If that isn’t enough to convince someone to play it, CrossCode also reviewed incredibly well at launch and remains a popular title on all platforms.
9
Outward (Nine Dots Studio)
A Co-Op RPG That Doesn’t Hold Your Hand
Outward is a lesser-known, yet nevertheless intriguing, RPG with a soulslike twist. It’s a challenging game that, much like Dragon’s Dogma 2, puts as big of a focus on the journey as it does the destination. It’s a vast, open-area game in which players start with absolutely nothing and must decide which of the many possible stories they want to pursue. There’s an impressive level of freedom in Outward, allowing players to really craft their own story, rather than be railroaded down a specific path.
What makes Outward compelling is its approach to difficulty. It balances survival elements with a well-crafted yet challenging combat model that can make even going from one town to another a dangerous endeavor. Fortunately, there’s co-op, both online and locally, for those who still like to play on a couch together, which not only improves the overall experience but alleviates some of the challenge. Outward is a great, third-person open-area RPG and well worth checking out for soulslike fans.
8
Wildermyth (Worldwalker Games LLC)
A Procedural Storytelling RPG Where Choices Matter
Wildermyth is about as close to a true single-player Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying experience as one can get as it completely simulates the life and death of a band of heroes. It is a procedurally generated experience in which players stand with a group of nobodies and work their way across the land, turning them into legends. Every choice that’s made will significantly impact the journey, with character deaths having a ripple effect not just on the other members of the party, but the world itself.
With procedurally generated story moments, no two playthroughs are the same. Wildermyth also allows players to put their favorite characters into a pantheon of heroes. They can then use them in future playthroughs, allowing them to live on far beyond just their first adventure. Wildermyth really is one of the best RPGs of all time, and the perfect experience for those who want a story-focused RPG that they can shape and mold through their choices.
7
Edge of Eternity (Midgar Studio)
An Indie Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the greatest JRPG series available, so it’s no surprise that it has inspired an indie RPG or two. By far the most ambitious one is Edge of Eternity, a gorgeous sprawling third-person JRPG set in a lush fantasy sci-fi world. With an epic journey to embark upon full of memorable characters, Edge of Eternity is about as close an indie game can get to replicating a cinematic JRPG experience.
Edge of Eternity even features music by Yasunori Mitsuda, the legendary composer of the Chrono Trigger and Xenoblade Chronicles soundtracks. It is great to see an indie RPG attempt to replicate the stylings of modern JRPGs as opposed to those from the SNES era, especially for newer players who prefer their cinematic quality. That positions Edge of Eternity as the best choice for those who want a grand non-pixel art JRPG experience.
6
Bloomtown: A Different Story (Lazy Bear Games/Different Sense Games)
Persona 5 Meets Earthbound
Bloomtown: A Different Story is an RPG that combines the best elements from Persona 5 and Earthbound, giving players a staggeringly good coming-of-age JRPG experience filled with monster collection, turn-based battles, life-sim elements, and a phenomenal jazzy soundtrack. Bloomtown is definitely a surprisingly overlooked RPG even despite the fact that, in many ways, it manages to offer a better experience than even some of the best Persona games.
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In Bloomtown: A Different Story, players explore dungeons, taking on challenging monsters while utilizing their demons to unleash powerful abilities. Once a dungeon has been cleared, or just during downtime, fans can then take to the streets of the gorgeously crafted 1960s city engaging in a series of life-sim elements like growing crops, going to the gym, hanging out with friends, fishing, and so much more.
5
Omori (OMOCAT, LLC)
A Subversive Psychological Horror RPG
Omori is a psychological horror RPG all about the experience of suffering from severe mental health issues. While its initial adorable aesthetic can lead to a false sense of security, it doesn’t take long for Omori to start discussing its darker themes through its beautifully written dialogue and creepy visuals. What makes Omori brilliant is its maturely handled narrative that manages to be as thought-provoking and moving as it is unsettling.
Much of Omori is best experienced without any prior knowledge, simply because the game’s twists and turns are at their most effective when players don’t see them coming. However, the majority of indie RPG fans, especially those who enjoyed Undertale, will almost certainly enjoy Omori, so it’s a risk worth taking. With a well-deserved Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, Omori is an RPG for the ages and something everyone should experience at least once.
4
Chained Echoes (Umami Tiger (Matthias Linda))
A 16-Bit Mech RPG
There are a plethora of indie titles that attempt to replicate the excellence of classic JRPGs either through visuals alone, or a combination of old-school mechanics and 16-bit art. However, few ever get it right, largely because they fail to understand how best to modernize nostalgia. Fortunately, Chained Echoes, the phenomenal mech-based JRPG, absolutely understood the assignment and delivers a truly exceptional adventure that taps into both its inspirations and modern conveniences that improve upon them.
What makes Chained Echoes stand out above its contemporaries is its complex yet easy-to-understand turn-based combat and genuinely compelling cast of characters that elevate an otherwise excellent 40-hour journey. It also features a memorable soundtrack and gorgeous 16-bit art that helps immerse players further into its well-designed world. Chained Echoes is the perfect indie RPG, successfully capturing what makes the genre so beloved while offering plenty of innovative features.
3
Disco Elysium (ZA/UM)
One Of The Best-Written RPGs
Disco Elysium is one of the best-written RPGs of all time, weaving compelling characters, consequential decisions, and a harrowing world through an expertly crafted mystery. It’s a dialogue-heavy experience, one in which players will be listening to the talented voice actors read out walls of text, but at no point does Disco Elysium ever make it an eye-rolling experience. Players will long for more of its masterful writing as they explore the desolate world of Revachol.
When they’re not making life-altering choices and improvising ways of completing the next task, players will be attempting to solve one of the most memorable mysteries ever made. This takes place across the entire map, with every character, tool, and skill needed to crack the case. Disco Elysium is one of the finest RPGs ever made as it truly embraces the role-playing aspect of its genre’s namesake.
2
Undertale (tobyfox)
A Truly Iconic Indie RPG
Undertale may be the definitive indie RPG, the title that put the genre on the map and set the bar exceptionally high when it comes to meaningful choices. It is an endlessly complex tapestry of narrative choices that lead to vastly different yet always satisfying endings supported by inventive and genre-bending gameplay mechanics as well as one of the best soundtracks ever made. Suffice it to say, Undertale deserves the hype and then some.
While most people have likely already given it a go, Undertale is always worth considering when choosing which indie RPG to add to the backlog. With dozens of memorable characters, a plethora of truly mesmerizing moments, and multiple endings to experience, there are so many reasons to replay or try Undertale for the very first time. It is a landmark title for a reason and something that every indie RPG fan should play.
1
Sea of Stars (Sabotage Studio)
The Perfect Homage To 90s JRPGs
Sea of Stars, much like Chained Echoes, is a loving homage to 90s JRPGs, sending players on a staggeringly beautiful journey through a creatively designed fantasy world packed full of memorable characters. Its gorgeous pixel art and soundtrack – with tracks from legendary composer Yasunori Mitsuda – help make Sea of Stars a breathtaking experience, but it is its complex puzzle design and intricate combat that steal the show.
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Like all the best indie RPGs, Sea of Stars is an innovative title that pulls off the rare feat of simultaneously encapsulating the magic of its predecessors while offering a genre-defining adventure unlike any other. There really are so few games that manage to achieve such excellence as Sea of Stars, which makes playing it a must for all fans of the genre. Of course, Sea of Stars is luckily just one game in a sea of amazing indie RPGs, giving those who want something a little different plenty of options to pick from.
Source: Xbox/YouTube, Chained Echoes/YouTube
- Released
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August 29, 2023
- Developer(s)
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Sabotage
- Publisher(s)
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Sabotage
- Multiplayer
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Local Co-Op
- Engine
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Unity
- ESRB
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E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
- How Long To Beat
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28 Hours
- PC Release Date
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August 29, 2023
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
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August 29, 2023
- PS5 Release Date
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August 29, 2023
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
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August 29, 2023
- Metascore
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87
- Number of Players
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1-3
- PS Plus Availability
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N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty
