At the tail end of the decade, indie games started to get more mainstream attention and really find a place in the market, which led to a boom of fantastic, inventive, unique, experiment, and bizarre titles. Some have had a profound impact on the whole games community, others are the benchmark for their genre. While we couldn’t fit all of them here, we all hope that the next decade continues such an exciting, healthy trend. Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear series helped create the stealth genre and his PS1 entry Metal Gear Solid put Solid Snake on every gamer’s soliton radar, making Metal Gear Solid 2 one of the most anticipated games on the PS2.
The follow-up to the groundbreaking Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West takes everything fans loved and dials it up to eleven. This sequel takes Aloy into the untamed west, expanding the story with richer lore and delivering an open world that’s as beautiful as it is deadly. From massive, mechanical beasts to intense encounters with human foes, every battle demands strategy and quick thinking. The environments are alive with detail, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Many indie developers use distinctive visual styles as a way to stand out in a crowded market while working within budget limitations. The game raised the bar for indie development by proving that a passion project can achieve massive commercial success while maintaining artistic integrity. Its blend of farming, relationship building, combat, and exploration offers hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay. The game creates an interesting mix of roguelike elements, escape room puzzles, and space simulation. This combination results in gameplay that feels fresh and engaging throughout the entire experience. Here’s another example of an indie game that made it and ended up becoming much bigger than its developers likely anticipated.
Top 10 indie video games of the decade – Reader’s Feature
This game takes the familiar Souls-like formula and gives it a unique twist, blending a dark reimagining of the classic Pinocchio tale with brutal, skill-heavy combat. The hauntingly detailed world and intricate lore draw you in, while its challenging bosses and fluid mechanics keep you hooked. Beyond the action, the game explores themes of truth, humanity, and choice, weaving a story that’s as gripping as its gameplay. With its stunning design and fresh take on the genre, Lies of P stands out and sets a new standard for creative storytelling in action games. FTL set a new precedent for strategic roguelike development, making it easily one of the most influential indie games of the last decade. Every developer wants you to live and breathe its atmosphere and truly believe you exist within the game world.
Vlambeer’s indie darling takes players on a raucous trip of weapon-slinging and permadeath raging, with an incredibly tight design that keeps everything beautifully balanced. Winner of more awards then we care to remember, What Remains of Edith Finch has gone on to represent video games’ ability to tell complex stories and relate emotional responses many thought the genre incapable of. Shovel Knight was an instant classic that encapsulated everything that makes retro-styled pixel platformers great.
Although a bit dated by today’s standards and the voice acting was weak even upon release, Deus Ex remains one of the earliest examples of player freedom while also setting the bar for immersion at the dawn of the century. Yet, thanks to its slick-feeling movement, all-consuming sense of atmosphere, and brilliant sense of intrigue, it’s a game that constantly beckons you to return. Blending a sickeningly detailed Aliens-esque aesthetic with some of the most satisfying combat this side of Platinum games, this story-led sci-fi roguelike is a creation that’s refreshingly unique. Whether you’re new to the genre or are an old hand, Returnal is a gorgeous, ambitious, and completely essential experience. Many of the best single-player games share a lot of crossover with the best RPGs around, since the genre is tailor-made for solo experiences. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent multiplayer offerings within the genre, too, but this list is all about highlighting the very best journeys you go on by yourself.
Instead, knowledge becomes the player’s most valuable resource as they unravel the mysteries of the universe. The game won Best Game at the 2020 BAFTA Games Awards and was named Game of the Year 2019 by several respected publications. Its recognition comes from its clever blend of different genres, creating something truly original in the indie space.
Hollow Knight: Setting New Standards for Metroidvania Games
There are some thrilling moments to be had in Pacific Drive, as hopping out of your car to find supplies is quite dangerous with what lurks in the shadows. GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links. With predatory creatures lurking everywhere, Subnautica manages to keep you alarmingly alert for the entirety of the time that you will spend on it, and encourages you to carefully pick apart the secrets of the waters that you are now in. As the sole survivor of an ill-fated journey through space, landing in an alien sea on an alien planet, it is your job to venture into the deep below and piece together what happened to the rest of the cast and crew. The visuals are cute and the slime themselves don’t execute any unwanted behavior, so what carries this game is really the hope that you enjoy ranching enough to make it a digital pastime.
The ffx Last of Us Part II (2020) – A divisive yet undeniably ambitious narrative-driven game that pushed storytelling in gaming to new heights. Eric Barone spent four years single-handedly creating what would become one of the most beloved farming simulators ever made. Stardew Valley took the foundation laid by Harvest Moon and elevated it with deeper relationships, more diverse activities, and a charm that has captured millions of players’ hearts.
Disco Elysium: Redefining RPG Possibilities
If you’re looking for the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons experience, Baldur’s Gate 3 is as good as it gets. This game offers an immersive world, deep storytelling, and the kind of player freedom most RPGs can only dream of. Every choice you make—big or small—affects the story, relationships, and outcomes, ensuring no two playthroughs are the same. The turn-based combat is as strategic as it is satisfying, and the dialogue feels incredibly lifelike, pulling you deeper into its rich fantasy setting. Whether you’re exploring, battling, or unraveling character backstories, every moment feels meaningful. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a triumph of narrative and gameplay innovation, giving fans of fantasy, DnD, and RPGs an experience they’ll never forget.
Several indie games have received overwhelming critical praise for their exceptional quality. Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, stands out with its near-perfect review scores across platforms. Independent games have evolved from simple hobbyist projects to industry-changing works of art. Their journey reflects technological advances, changing distribution models, and the growing desire for creative freedom in game development.
The island of Tsushima is beautifully crafted, from the intro war with the Mongols to the incredible title card sequence. Sucker Punch delivers fluid exploration paired with intense, skillful swordplay that keeps every Mongol encounter thrilling. With its emotionally charged narrative and stunningly crafted world, Ghost of Tsushima captures the heart of what it means to fight for family and home. Despite this stripped-back approach, levels in Journey are interactive and immersive, with platforms to maneuver across and puzzles to solve. The visual and sound design are outstanding, solidifying a sense of place and conveying emotion. A stroke of genius also lies in its unique multiplayer component – you will often be joined by a fellow traveller who doesn’t directly impact your game but with whom it is possible to form a bond with nonetheless.
