10 Indie Games You Haven’t Played But Should in 2025

Indie games often bring fresh ideas and bold creativity to the table, offering experiences that big-budget titles sometimes miss. In 2025, a wave of lesser-known gems has emerged, each delivering unique stories, mechanics, and vibes that deserve your attention.

From cozy adventures to mind-bending puzzles, these games prove that small studios can pack a big punch. Here’s my rundown of 10 hidden indie treasures you need to check out this year, starting from the bottom and working up to my top pick.

10. ‘Awakening Sarah’

This exploration game draws you into a dreamlike world inspired by ‘Yume Nikki’. You guide Sarah through surreal landscapes, piecing together her story via interactive environments.

The simple visuals hide a deep emotional core, with mechanics that encourage poking around to uncover secrets. It’s short, sentimental, and perfect for players who love weird, introspective adventures.

9. ‘Only Lead Can Stop Them’

A fast-paced metroidvania, ‘Only Lead Can Stop Them’ mixes sharp gunplay with a gritty tale of capitalism and pollution. Its retro pixel art and heavy metal soundtrack, laced with lyric references, create a bold vibe.

Clocking in at 5-10 hours, it’s a tight experience that rewards exploration. If you’re into action-packed indie titles with a social edge, this one’s for you.

8. ‘Gestalt: Steam & Cinder’

This steampunk metroidvania charms with its pixel-perfect art and snappy combat. You play as Aletheia, navigating a world of machines and mystery, with a story that unfolds through character encounters.

While the mechanics feel familiar, the heart lies in its atmosphere and tight design. It’s a solid pick for fans of classic 2D adventures who want a polished, bite-sized journey.

7. ‘Seafrog’

‘Seafrog’ blends retro skateboarding thrills with 2D platforming. You zip through nautical levels, pulling off tricks and combos in a vibrant, arcade-style world.

Its straightforward gameplay and quirky upgrades keep things lively. If you loved ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ but want a fresh indie spin, this game’s flow and charm will hook you.

6. ‘Sudden Death’

A visual novel about an underdog Australian football team, ‘Sudden Death’ (2024) packs a heartfelt story into a one-hour playtime. You follow their climb to glory, with choices shaping the emotional beats.

The writing is sharp, blending humor and drama in a way that feels real. It’s a quick, touching ride for anyone who loves compact narrative games.

5. ‘Witching Stone’

‘Witching Stone’ (2024) fuses roguelike deck-building with match-3 puzzles. You cast spells by linking colored gems, creating a addictive gameplay loop wrapped in retro anime visuals.

The catchy soundtrack and deep strategy make it hard to put down. It’s a must-play for fans of clever mechanics and vibrant aesthetics.

4. ‘Great God Grove’

This quirky puzzle game has you wielding a megaphone-vacuum to steal and deliver words, solving problems in a wacky world. ‘Great God Grove’ (2024) mixes absurd humor with heartfelt moments.

Its puppet-show visuals and creative puzzles stand out. If you enjoy offbeat adventures with a touch of charm, this one’s a delight.

3. ‘Dread Delusion’

A surreal first-person RPG, ‘Dread Delusion’ (2024) throws you into a bizarre world of flying squids and cultists under a blood-red sky. Its crunchy, old-school design recalls ‘Morrowind’.

Every step reveals something strange and beautiful. For players craving a haunting, open-ended adventure, this game is pure magic.

2. ‘Promise Mascot Agency’

From the makers of ‘Paradise Killer’, ‘Promise Mascot Agency’ (2025) is a wild blend of visual novel, open-world chaos, and Japanese game-show energy. You manage a mascot agency, juggling bizarre tasks and quirky characters.

Its genre-mixing madness and bold style make every moment unpredictable. If you want something totally unique, this game delivers.

1. ‘Judero’

Topping my list, ‘Judero’ (2024) is a top-down action game with stop-motion visuals and a mix of mythology, poetry, and classic rock. Its scrappy style hides a deep, messy narrative that feels refreshingly raw.

The combat is tight, but the real draw is its strange, soulful world. It’s the indie gem I keep coming back to for its bold heart.

Which of these indie games are you excited to try, or did I miss a hidden gem you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!