Indie games have proven time and time again that they are the future of gaming, and some of the best games released every year are made by independent developers. This year alone has seen some of the best games of the past decade, all made by small teams.
Who is the King of Indies, Hollow Knight: Silksong or Hades 2?
The battle between two highly anticipated sequels from genre-defining indies is here!
If you're looking to catch up on indie games you may have missed or are looking for some amazing games to play in 2025, you've come to the right place. Below, we take a look at some of the best indie games released last year.
9
ball x feet
One of the best things about indie games is that they allow you to mix two (or more) genres that seem completely at odds with each other. Ball x Pit does just that by seamlessly combining brick breaker puzzle gameplay with a roguelike gameplay loop and adding a city building component.
Ball x Pit takes these relatively simple concepts and enhances them through fusion and evolution mechanisms. All balls you use to attack enemies can be combined with other balls to create synergistic combinations that lead to unique builds. There's a ton of creativity in this system, and it could deliver some of the most satisfying gameplay of any indie game of 2025.
8
blue prince
Blue Prince continues the trend of genre-defying indie games, this time combining a roguelike gameplay loop with a strategic puzzle game. The goal is to explore Mt. Holly, a mansion whose rooms and layout change daily. You can use the blueprint to decide which room you will enter.
What stands out about the Blue Prince is the sheer depth of its display. Reaching the furthest parts of the mansion is just the beginning, as dozens of puzzles, secrets, plot points, and objectives are unraveled before the most curious explorers.
There's a ton of depth to Blue Prince, and you could easily be immersed in the game for well over 100 hours before discovering everything it has to offer.
7
Absolum
Absolum is a roguelike fighting game with a unique art style and unique character designs. Beat 'em ups feel like they need to work closely with a roguelike gameplay loop, but that's something we haven't really seen much of before Absolum.
The game was developed by Dotemu, creators of some of the best fighting games of all time such as TMNT: Shredder's Revenge and Streets of Rage 4. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, the combat is intense, responsive, and a lot of fun, and the roguelite's progression keeps things interesting.
6
hades 2
Hades 2 was released in Early Access in 2024, but fully released in 2025, so that's where we count it. Somehow Supergiant Games created a game that was much better than the original Hades by not just adding a lot of things, but by doing so.
Hades 2 improves on the original in almost every aspect. The stakes of the story are higher, and there are more characters and scenes to meet. Each weapon wielded by protagonist Melinoe is fun and uniquely powerful, and Boons is better than ever with a nearly infinite number of interesting combinations.
Not only that, but the game is truly massive, with roguelite upgrades between runs to keep you moving forward. Anyway, there's always a new objective to shoot for even after the credits roll.
5
let go
Despite claims to the contrary in some quarters, the superhero craze shows no signs of abating, and the latest one to grab the world's attention is Dispatch. This story-driven game puts you in the shoes of Robert Robertson, a superhero who is forced to work at a superhero dispatch center after his robots are destroyed.
Story is the driving force of Dispatch, and the game features some of the most compelling and well-written characters released this year. Playing Dispatch is like watching an entire TV series from your favorite superhero. Character interactions and common everyday moments are endlessly immersive.
4
vertex
Peak is a cooperative climbing game where you climb a mountain with friends. The concept couldn't be simpler, but actually climbing the mountain is a whole other story. Along the way, you'll have to contend with hunger, sub-zero temperatures, poisonous plants, lava pits and more, all while hoping your 'friends' don't leave you behind.
Peak provides the perfect sandbox for you and your friends to play in. Even if you don't reach the top of the mountain, the fun moments you experience along the way add value to the entire game.
3
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Surprisingly, Silksong is as good as it's been built in the years since its announcement. The only surprise was that I could actually play it this year.
Silksong does something similar to Hades 2. In other words, it takes everything that made the first game great and makes it better. If you liked Hollow Knight, you'll love Silksong. Because there were only improvements here.
Everything from the graphics and map design to the combat and enemy variety is better in Silksong, and the best part is that all of this was already great in the original Hollow Knight.
If you haven't played Silksong yet, give it a try. Not only is this game one of the best indie games of 2025, but it's probably one of the best games ever made.
2
Monster Train 2
Monster Train 2 is another sequel to a beloved indie game released this year that continues to improve on every aspect of the first game. Monster Train 2 combines tried-and-true roguelike deck-building mechanics with a dash of tower defense, putting you in control of a train that can take you to heaven, hell, and everywhere in between.
To keep your train moving toward its destination, you'll need to form an alliance with one of several clans, each with their own set of units and cards. In addition to the many new clans in Monster Train 2, you can also play as clans from previous games that have been extensively reworked and upgraded.
The depth and replayability of Monster Train 2 is unparalleled among deckbuilding roguelikes today, and only Slay the Spire 2 has any hope of challenging it.
1
Claire Obsker: Expedition 33
Even if it doesn't feel like it, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an indie game, and it's better in every way. This turn-based RPG revolves around a mysterious being called Paintress, who paints numbers on her pillars, counting down from 100 each year. That number of people of that age die every year.
You play as a member of the 33rd Fellowship on a quest to stop Paintless and solve the mysteries of the world. Clair Obscur is dark and beautiful. It features some of the most impressive environments and unique enemy designs in any RPG. The artistic vision has been fully realized and continues to fire on all cylinders throughout the trip.
Clair Obscur is a turn-based RPG with a parry mechanic that allows you to avoid and counter enemy attacks. This simple addition makes combat incredibly fluid and engaging, and the fast-paced combat keeps encounters short and prevents the game from becoming boring.
10 Roguelikes That Defined the Genre Before Hades Takeover
Here are some of the most influential and genre-defining Roguelikes released before Hades took over!
