2024 was a fantastic year for indie games, proving once more that you don’t need a big AAA budget to make games that people will remember. Games that are both innovative and deeply resonant have been created by independent developers who have been working nonstop. This year’s indie scene has something for everyone, whether you’re a diehard gamer or just looking for a fresh break. There are mind-bending puzzle adventures and heart-pounding action RPGs.
Independent developers are trying new things and mixing features in fresh and exciting ways. Want a game like Souls where you play as a crab? Done. What about a collection of 50 mini-games with a retro feel that each feels like a full-fledged game? Yes, that is also here. And don’t forget the story-driven gems that hit you hard, proving that narrative in games can be as powerful as any blockbuster movie.
We will talk about 10 Best Indie Games of 2024 in this article. To create a list that honors the creativity and dedication of indie developers, we combed through reviews, player comments, and industry buzz. Right here is the right place to find your next obsession or see what all the fuss is about. Let’s explore the indie games that have defined this year. You won’t want to miss these, trust us.
10. “Thank Goodness You’re Here”
“Thank Goodness You’re Here” answers your question about what it would be like to step into a Monty Python sketch mixed with a traditional point-and-click journey. This funny platformer game takes you to Barnsworth, a strange and funny English town in the north where every corner is full of strange charm.
You’re immediately immersed in a string of funny situations that feel like a comedy writer on caffeine dreamed them up from the moment you walk in. Need to help a local store owner by putting together a sandwich with more and more strange ingredients? Done. Or, how about participating in a pub game where the questions make no sense but will make you laugh? Yes, that is also in there.
The voice acting, led by Matt Berry, the master of deadpan delivery, really sets this game apart. As the game’s narrator, he adds a layer of comedy and absurdity that makes every moment better. For fans of shows like “The IT Crowd” or “What We Do in the Shadows,” the writing is sharp and packed with British humor that is both dry and ridiculous, making it a must-play.
But “Thank Goodness You’re Here” is more than just funny; it has heart. Underneath the mayhem is a real warmth to the people and their stories, making Barnsworth feel like a place you’d want to visit. The exploration game mixes puzzle-solving, quick-time events, and exploration, all wrapped in a vibrant art style that feels like a live cartoon.
It has a Metacritic score of 90, and critics have been raving about it, calling it one of the year’s best games. Players agree. This one is a no-brainer if you enjoy British comedies or want to see something fresh. An absolute blast from start to finish, “Thank Goodness You’re Here” is a love letter to absurdity.
9. “Dungeons of Hinterberg”
“Dungeons of Hinterberg” is here to make that fantasy a reality if you’ve ever dreamed of leaving your 9-to-5 grind for a life of monster killing and mountain climbing. As you start this action RPG/life-sim, you’ll find yourself in a cute, dangerous alpine town. The game looks great on the eyes, with bright colors and a cute art style that makes every picture look like a postcard. The cel-shaded graphics make it look like a Studio Ghibli movie on steroids.
However, don’t be fooled by the peaceful setting—Hinterberg is packed with 25 dungeons, each with challenges that will test your combat prowess, puzzle-solving skills, and quick thinking. The game’s gameplay stays fresh and fun, whether exploring icy caves, fighting beasts that breathe fire, or figuring out old runes. With a mix of melee, magic, and environmental tricks that keep you on your toes, the combat is quick and fun.
The combination of life modeling and dungeon crawling sets “Dungeons of Hinterberg” apart. Between adventures, you’ll do odd jobs, hang out with the locals, and even go camping to find hidden gems. These quieter moments give the action more substance, making the town feel alive and allowing you to catch your breath before jumping back into the action. As your character develops not just in power but also in understanding their place in this strange, magical world, the game also incorporates themes of self-discovery.
Critics are singing its praises, calling it a fresh take on the action RPG genre. It stands out in 2024’s indie lineup thanks to its tight play, beautiful graphics, and moving narrative. We gave “Dungeons of Hinterberg” an 8/10 in our review, praising its beautiful graphics and innovative mix of dungeon-crawling and life modeling. “Dungeons of Hinterberg” should be your next obsession if you’re looking for a challenging and charming game.
8. “Nine Sols”
The Metroidvania “Nine Sols” is your next obsession if you’ve ever wanted one that feels like it was made in the same furnace as “Sekiro.” This game doesn’t just flaunt its FromSoftware inspiration; it straps it to a rocket and sends it into space right here and now. Precision, patience, and a desire to learn from every death are required in “Nine Sols'” punishing parry-based combat. Don’t be put off by how hard it is, though. This is one of those games where every win feels earned, and every boss fight is an adrenaline rush you’ll want to repeat.
This stunning hand-drawn art style mixes Traditional East Asian styles with a dark, future twist. The lush, creepy landscapes and detailed designs of the robot enemies you’ll face make every frame look like it belongs in a gallery. The graphics are more than just pretty to look at; they pull you into the game’s world, which is a haunting mix of old mythology and cyberpunk utopia.
The story is just as interesting as the gameplay. It’s about a warrior who wants justice and to make things right. The story is personal and epic, and some turns keep you interested until the end. Players who take the time to piece everything together will be rewarded for their efforts as the narrative develops through environmental storytelling and cryptic dialog.
“Nine Sols” has been getting great reviews for its tight combat, beautiful graphics, and deep world-building. Gazettely gave “Nine Sols” a 9/10, calling it a challenging and beautiful Metroidvania game ideal for experienced players. It’s not a game that will hold your hand, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of 2024 if you’re ready to put in the work.
7. “I Am Your Beast”
“I Am Your Beast” is a fantastic song if you’ve ever wanted to feel like an invincible, highly effective killing machine. In this first-person shooter, you must be quick and accurate and use all your tools to kill enemies creatively. Don’t bother reloading or hiding behind cover; this game rewards bold, well-thought-out play where every move counts. As a result? A gameplay loop that is both addictive and intense, putting you in a trance-like state where you’re always trying to get that next perfect run.
The focus on natural deaths in “I Am Your Beast” sets it apart. Yes, you have guns, but why shoot your enemies when you can drop a chandelier on them or trick them into a trap? You have to think outside the box to beat the game, which turns every level into a playground for damage. The simple layout and clean graphics keep the attention on the action, with no extraneous information on the screen. You have to kill a lot of bad guys with just your skills.
Levels are intended to be finished in just a few minutes, and the pacing is relentless. But don’t be fooled by the brief play time—each level has chances to experiment and improve. “I Am Your Beast” keeps you returning for more, whether you’re going for speed, style, or just trying to survive.
Critics and players alike have called it a hidden gem of 2024, praising its innovative mechanics and razor-sharp focus. We gave “I Am Your Beast” an 8/10, highlighting its fast-paced gameplay and creative use of environmental kills. This is a must-play if you’re a fan of first-person shooter games that value skill and creativity over mindless shooting. “I Am Your Beast” is a breath of fresh air in a genre that tends to play it safe. It shows that sometimes, less really is more.
6. “Another Crab’s Treasure”
Who knew a game with a hermit crab-like Souls could be so good? With a whimsical underwater world that is both charming and challenging, “Another Crab’s Treasure” turns the genre’s punishing challenge and intricate combat on its head. You play as Kril, a small crab on a big miss. He must find his way through a colorful ocean full of danger, humor, and shocking environmental commentary.
The game’s standout feature is its creative use of trash as weapons and protection. You won’t need swords or shields here; you’ll just need soda cans, bottle caps, and even a plastic straw. It’s a smart twist that adds a layer of strategy and makes the game’s point about ocean pollution more powerful. You are encouraged to experiment and find the best loadout for your play style because each piece of trash has its stats and abilities.
But don’t be fooled by how cute it looks; this is a Souls-like. It’s hard to stay alive in the tight combat; you must parry, dodge, and time your attacks just right. The boss fights are the best part. They have creative designs and patterns that will test your skills without feeling unjust. “Another Crab’s Treasure” has accessibility settings that let you change the level of challenge, making it a great place to start for people who might find the genre intimidating.
Critics have praised the game for its unique combination of humor and challenge, calling it a fresh take on the Souls-like formula. “Another Crab’s Treasure” is a great dive, whether you’re a diehard fan of the genre or want to try something new. The story shows that even small people can go on big adventures.
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5. “Animal Well”
The kind of game that makes you remember why you fell in love with Metroidvanias in the first place is “Animal Well.” This is not your usual run-and-gun adventure. It’s a slow burn through a world that rewards those who are patient, curious, and have a good eye for detail. When you enter its eerie, pixel-perfect world, you’re pulled into a maze of secrets, puzzles, and atmospheric storytelling that feels like a love letter to the genre’s heyday.
The art style is the first thing that will catch your eye. With lush, hand-drawn pixel art that exudes mood here, every “Animal Well” frame is a masterpiece. From lanterns that flicker to grass that rustles, the environments are rich in detail, creating a sense of realism that is difficult to shake. The soundtrack is just as haunting, with soft melodies and background noises that pull you deeper into the game’s enigmatic world.
The emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving sets “Animal Well” apart. Brain-teaser challenges that require you to think outside the box replace combat here. You’ll be able to change the surroundings, figure out mysterious clues, and find secret paths that lead to even more secrets. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you solve problems alone is unmatched, and the game doesn’t hold your hand.
What’s even more impressive is how well-layered the experience is. “Animal Well” is packed with Easter eggs and hidden mechanics that aren’t immediately clear, encouraging multiple playthroughs and community collaboration. It’s the kind of game that makes people talk and think for hours, making it a fan favorite.
It has a Metacritic score of 91 and has been praised by all reviewers, making “Animal Well” one of the most innovative indie games of 2024. We gave it a 9/10 for its challenging puzzles, pixel-perfect art, and layer-by-layer mysteries.
4. “1000xRESIST”
“1000xRESIST” is the game that will stay with you long after the cutscenes are over. This narrative-driven masterpiece delves deeply into identity, memory, and rebellion themes. It is wrapped in a visually beautiful and emotionally compelling package. With a story that develops like a puzzle you can’t wait to solve, you’re pulled into a beautiful and haunting world from the moment you start.
There are dramatic visuals that mix simple settings with bursts of bright color to draw you in. Every frame has a planned feel like a work of art carefully chosen to evoke a certain mood. The soundtrack is just as engrossing. It has a mix of calming tones and emotional melodies that heighten the tension and pull you deeper into the game’s world.
The storytelling, however, is what sets “1000xRESIST” apart. The game combines elements of visual novels with atmospheric exploration, creating an interactive and deeply personal narrative experience. You play as a character who is struggling with their past and putting together pieces of memories to find out who they are and what they’re fighting for. There is sharp and poetic writing, real dialogue, and themes everyone can relate to.
The layer play is a mix of exploration and decision-making, with choices that affect the narrative and reveal new layers of the story. Immersion means living in the world and feeling the weight of every choice. It’s not about action or combat. The pacing is deliberate, giving you time to get into the story and think about its themes, making each reveal hit you harder.
Critics have praised “1000xRESIST” as one of the most important indie games of the year, praising its emotional depth and innovative storytelling style. For its compelling storytelling, eye-catching visuals, and emotional depth, “1000xRESIST” received a 9/10 in our review. It’s the game that makes you want to play repeatedly just to catch all the details. “1000xRESIST” is an experience you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of narrative-driven games or just love a story that makes you think.
3. “Balatro”
“Balatro” adds more confusion to your poker game if you ever thought it needed. This roguelike game based on poker has taken the gaming world by storm. It combines the strategic depth of card games with the addictive, run-based play style of roguelikes. As a result? A game that’s simple to start but hard to put down. Even if you don’t know the difference between a flush and a full house, “Balatro” has something for everyone.
Easy to understand gameplay: make the best poker hand to get points and beat opponents who get tougher over time. But here’s the catch: you’re not just playing with any deck. “Balatro” adds Joker cards, which are like wild cards and can change the game. These Jokers have special powers, like increasing your score or letting you change your hand in crazy ways. Each run feels fresh as you experiment with various combinations for the ideal balance that will win you the game.
The ability to restart “Balatro” endlessly makes it so addictive. Due to the random decks, Joker cards, and factors you face along the way, each run is different. While one run might challenge you to survive with a deck full of low-value cards, another might have you stacking multipliers for huge scores. You must always stay on your toes because the game rewards creativity and flexibility.
The presentation looks great and sleek, with a retro, nostalgic, and up-to-date look. Also, the sound design is great. Some pleasant clicks and chimes make every move feel important. It’s a game you can play for hours, trying to get high scores and perfect runs, or you can just jump in and spend a few minutes playing it.
With a Metacritic score of 90 and a nod for Game of the Year at The Game Awards, critics and players alike have been raving about “Balatro.” It shows how a straightforward idea can create something truly amazing when done so masterfully. Gazettely gave “Balatro” a 9/10, praising its innovative use of Joker cards, addictive gameplay, and endless replayability.
2. “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes”
In “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes,” a puzzle adventure game that feels like David Lynch and Agatha Christie worked together to make it, you’ll enter a dark and strange world. The game takes place in a huge, confusing mansion with a noir-like vibe. It’s a masterclass in mood and mystery. From the moment you walk in, you’re thrown into a world of cryptic hints, shifting points of view, and puzzles that will make your brain work nonstop. It’s the kind of game that needs your full attention and gives you one of the most engrossing experiences of the year in return.
The visuals stand out because they combine a stark black-and-white aesthetic with splashes of color that heighten the sense of unease. From the flickering lights in the hallway to the creepy portraits that look like they’re watching your every move, every room in the house feels like it’s hiding something. The sound design, which is also very good, includes a haunting score and background noises that keep you on edge. Together, they create a mesmerizing and unsettling mood here.
The puzzles are what make the show fun. “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes” challenges you to piece together clues, decipher secret messages, and solve the house’s many mysteries rather than holding your hand. Many puzzles require thinking outside the box, but they never feel unfair. Each solution brings a rush of satisfaction and advances the narrative, showing more about the game’s mysterious action.
When it comes to the story, it’s both mysterious and interesting. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that the game messes with your view and reality in ways that will make you question everything. With layers of meaning that reveal themselves over time, it is a narrative that rewards close attention and multiple playthroughs.
Critics have been calling it one of the most thought-provoking indie games of 2024 and singing its praises. We gave “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes” a 10/10, calling it a bizarre and thought-provoking puzzle adventure that is both haunting and brilliant. “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes” is an absolute must-play if you’re a fan of brain-teaser puzzles, atmospheric storytelling, or just love a good mystery. It demonstrates that sometimes, the most haunting stories are the ones you must piece together on your own.
1. “UFO 50”
Imagine walking into a dusty old arcade, but instead of a handful of cabinets, there are 50 different games, each of which is a love letter to a different age of gaming. That’s “UFO 50,” the newest game from the people who made “Spelunky,” it’s a real treat for anyone who grew up with a joystick in their hand or just loves old-school video games. Not just a bunch of mini-games—this is a full-on collection of 50 fully realized experiences, each with its gameplay, art style, and personality.
It’s hard to believe how big “UFO 50” is. You can fly a spaceship through a bullet hell shooter one minute and work puzzles in a top-down adventure the next. In a platformer, you’ll be racing against the clock the next. There are many kinds of games, like RPGs, strategy games, sports sims, and even fishing games. It’s amazing how each game feels different, with its quirks and charm, but they all have the same retro look that ties the whole collection together.
“UFO 50” isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a masterclass in game creation. The nostalgia factor is off the charts. Classic game elements have been taken and made even better by adding modern touches that make the games playable without taking away from their old-school charm. There is something here for everyone, whether you’re a fan of 16-bit planning or 8-bit action.
With a Metacritic score of 92, critics have been raving about it, and players are calling it one of the most distinctive indie games of the year. Gazettely gave “UFO 50” a perfect 10/10, praising its sweeping scope and new take on old video games that felt nostalgic and fresh. That game will keep you busy for hours as you jump from one experience to the next and find something new. “UFO 50” is a tribute to video games’ past, present, and future, and anyone who loves them should play it.
