Indie games have a knack for delivering fresh, creative, and deeply personal experiences that you just don’t find in big-budget titles. While some indie games make it to the spotlight (Hollow Knight, Hades, anyone?), others fly under the radar, even though they absolutely deserve your attention. If you’re looking to spice up your backlog with some hidden treasures, here are 10 indie gems you’ve probably never played—but totally should.

1. Hyper Light Drifter

Think Zelda, but with a neon cyberpunk twist. This visually striking action-adventure game takes you to a mysterious world full of secrets, deadly enemies, and hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Disasterpeace's soundtrack pulls you into its dreamy yet dark atmosphere, making every moment unforgettable. It is perfect for fans of challenging combat and cryptic storytelling.

2. Mini Metro

Who knew designing subway systems could be so addictive? Mini Metro is a minimalist puzzle game where you draw and manage metro lines to keep your city running smoothly. It’s deceptively simple at first, but as your network grows and passenger demand skyrockets, it becomes a delightful test of strategy and creativity. Bonus points for its soothing, meditative soundtrack.

3. Oxenfree

This supernatural thriller blends an eerie story with stunning visuals and snappy dialogue, all tied together by its unique radio mechanic. You play as Alex, a teenager stuck on a haunted island with her friends, uncovering its dark secrets through mysterious sound frequencies. If you’re into narrative-driven games with a spooky vibe, this side-scrolling adventure deserves your love.

4. Huntdown

Do you love ‘80s action movies, pixel art, and over-the-top humor? Then Huntdown is your game. It’s a side-scrolling shooter where you take on crime bosses in a dystopian city dripping with neon style. The game’s tight controls and explosive gameplay make it a joy to play, and its over-the-top characters and soundtrack are a love letter to retro arcade classics.

5. A Normal Lost Phone

Sometimes, small games pack the biggest emotional punch. A Normal Lost Phone turns your device into a stranger’s phone for you to explore (ethically questionable, yes, but stick with me). Through photos, text messages, and emails, you uncover the story of a person trying to find themselves in a world that doesn’t always understand them. It’s an intimate, thought-provoking experience with a lot of heart.

6. Endless Space 2

For fans of sci-fi and strategy games, Endless Space 2 offers a dazzling galaxy-building experience. It’s a 4X strategy game (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) where you lead unique alien civilizations to dominance—or ruin. With stunning visuals, world-class lore, and endlessly replayable mechanics, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves space operas and brainy challenges.

7. Night in the Woods

This quirky narrative adventure game is all about exploring small-town life, quirky conversations, and existential dread—and it’s absolutely fantastic. You follow Mae, a college dropout, as she reconnects with her old friends and uncovers the town’s strange mysteries. The writing is sharp, the characters feel real, and the game balances humor, heartache, and weirdness in perfect harmony.

8. Eastshade

If you’ve ever played an RPG and ignored the "save the world" quest to just wander and take in the scenery, Eastshade is for you. This peaceful, first-person wonder lets you explore a breathtaking island and live your best life as a traveling painter. No combat, no pressure—just gorgeous views, engaging conversations, and a focus on creativity and relaxation.

9. Dead Cells

Okay, this one might have a little more recognition, but Dead Cells still deserves more love. This fast-paced roguelike mixes brutal combat with Metroidvania-style exploration, offering endless replayability thanks to its clever procedural levels. What makes it special? Its fluid movement, satisfying difficulty curve, and that feeling of triumph when you manage to survive a gauntlet of enemies unscathed.

10. Spiritfarer

What if death wasn’t the end, but a beautiful farewell? Spiritfarer is a gorgeously illustrated management game that has you ferrying spirits to the afterlife. Along the way, you’ll farm, build, cook, and learn about your passengers' lives (and regrets). It’s equal parts calming and bittersweet, focusing on kindness and the art of letting go.

Discover Your Next Favorite Game

The magic of indie games lies in their ability to take risks and explore unique ideas you won’t find elsewhere. From action-packed shooters to heartfelt narratives, these hidden gems offer unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered. Give them a shot, and who knows? You might just find your next all-time favorite.

Time to fire up your favorite gaming platform and start exploring! Which one will you play first?