Some of the most memorable games of the past decade came from small teams. These are great places to start.
Quick hits
- Hades blends fast action with a story that unfolds each time you try to escape.
- Celeste is a tough platformer with an Assist Mode that lets anyone adjust the challenge.
- Hollow Knight is a vast, atmospheric adventure; its sequel, Silksong, arrived in 2025.
- Outer Wilds is best played knowing as little as possible.
- Slay the Spire and Undertale show how small teams can reinvent familiar genres.
Independent games are where many new ideas start. Without the pressure of huge budgets, small teams can take risks, and the games below are widely loved examples. Each is available on PC and other platforms; check the store for your system.
Hades
A fast action roguelike from Supergiant Games, released in 2020. You play Zagreus, trying to escape the underworld, and each failed attempt moves the story forward with new conversations and upgrades. Its sequel, Hades II, left early access in 2025.
Celeste
A precision platformer about climbing a mountain, with a heartfelt story about anxiety and self-doubt. It’s demanding, but its Assist Mode lets you slow the game down or add other help, so anyone can see it through.
Hollow Knight
A huge, hand-drawn adventure through a ruined insect kingdom, full of hidden paths and challenging bosses. It’s a modern classic of the “metroidvania” style. Its long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was released in 2025.
Pro tip
For tough games like Hollow Knight and Celeste, our guide to beating hard boss fights has general strategies that help.
Outer Wilds
An exploration mystery set in a small solar system caught in a 22-minute time loop. Your only real progress is knowledge, which makes it unlike almost anything else. Go in knowing as little as possible.
Slay the Spire
A deck-building roguelike in which you build a deck of cards as you climb a tower, making choices about which cards, relics and routes to take. Every run is different, and it inspired many similar games.
Undertale
A role-playing game in which you can choose to spare every enemy rather than fight. It’s funny, surprising and best experienced without spoilers.
More to discover
Many of these games have active speedrunning communities, and if you’d like something calmer, see our list of cozy games.
Player questions
What counts as an indie game?
Generally, a game made by a small, independent studio or individual, often without a large publisher. The line can be blurry, but the spirit is creative freedom.
Are indie games cheaper?
Often, though not always. Many offer demos, and sales are common, so it’s worth adding games to a wishlist.
Which of these is best for a beginner?
Hades and Celeste both offer options that make them more approachable. For something gentler, try the games on our cozy games list.
Do these games have spoilers worth avoiding?
Yes, especially Outer Wilds and Undertale. Avoid videos and detailed reviews before playing.
Games, platforms and settings change with updates, so check the official help pages for your platform if something looks different.