The Best Indie Games You Should Play in 2024
Indie games have become a powerful force in the gaming world, offering unique experiences, creative storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics that often push the boundaries of what we expect from video games. While AAA titles dominate the market, indie games continue to captivate players with their fresh ideas, low-budget charm, and passionate development. In 2024, there’s a whole new wave of indie games worth exploring, each offering something special for different types of players.
Whether you’re a fan of platformers, roguelikes, adventure games, or story-driven experiences, there’s an indie game for you in 2024. This list covers the most exciting indie titles, with each game standing out for its creativity, engaging gameplay, and unique art style. Let’s dive into the best indie games you should play in 2024!
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong – An Epic Metroidvania Adventure
Why You Should Play It
The highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight has been in development for a few years, but it’s finally set to release in 2024. Silksong continues the series’ legacy of exploration, tight combat, and gorgeous hand-drawn art. In Silksong, players control Hornet, a new protagonist with her own set of abilities and moves, as she journeys through a new kingdom filled with dangers and mysteries.
The original Hollow Knight was praised for its atmospheric world, deep lore, and challenging gameplay, and Silksong is expected to continue that tradition while introducing fresh mechanics. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed platforming or detailed world-building, Hollow Knight: Silksong promises to be a must-play indie title in 2024.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3 – A Perfect Blend of RPG and Storytelling
Why You Should Play It
Baldur’s Gate 3 might not traditionally be considered “indie” due to its massive success and high production value, but it’s developed by Larian Studios, an independent studio known for their RPGs. In 2024, the game continues to expand its features and content, making it a top pick for any role-playing game lover.
Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to create characters, engage in turn-based combat, and experience a rich narrative with meaningful choices. What sets it apart is its deep customization, dynamic storytelling, and an open world where your choices truly matter. Fans of D&D-style games and story-driven experiences will find a lot to love here.
3. Sea of Stars – A Retro-Inspired RPG with Stunning Visuals
Why You Should Play It
Developed by Sabotage Studio, the creators of The Messenger, Sea of Stars brings back the golden age of turn-based RPGs with modern design and beautifully detailed visuals. With its charming pixel art style and a classic turn-based combat system, Sea of Stars takes inspiration from Chrono Trigger and other beloved RPGs while offering a unique story and world to explore.
The game follows a group of heroes who harness the power of the sun and moon to battle a powerful evil force. With a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and character development, Sea of Stars is a perfect choice for players who miss the old-school RPGs of the past.
4. The Plucky Squire – A Storybook Adventure with a Unique Art Style
Why You Should Play It
The Plucky Squire is an indie game that blends traditional storybook illustrations with action-adventure gameplay. The game is set in a magical book world, where the protagonist, Jot, must navigate different environments and defeat enemies within the pages of the book. As the player progresses, the game shifts between 2D storybook worlds and 3D environments.
This innovative mix of art styles, platforming, and puzzle-solving makes The Plucky Squire one of the most visually creative games of 2024. If you’re looking for a charming, family-friendly adventure with a unique twist, this is definitely one to check out.
5. Planet of Lana – A Beautiful Puzzle-Platformer
Why You Should Play It
Planet of Lana is a puzzle-platformer set in a vibrant, alien world. Developed by Wishfully Studios, the game offers a captivating mix of adventure, puzzle-solving, and storytelling. Players control Lana, a young girl who embarks on a journey to save her world from a mysterious invasion. Along the way, she is joined by a creature named Mio to help solve environmental puzzles and overcome obstacles.
With its gorgeous hand-painted visuals and evocative soundtrack, Planet of Lana promises to be one of the most beautiful indie games of 2024. It’s perfect for fans of games like Inside or Limbo, where storytelling and visual design play a huge role in creating an emotional experience.
6. Lords of the Fallen – A Dark Fantasy Action RPG
Why You Should Play It
Lords of the Fallen is a dark fantasy action RPG that aims to deliver an experience similar to the Dark Souls series with its punishing difficulty, intricate world-building, and strategic combat. This reboot of the original Lords of the Fallen brings new features, including expanded combat systems, multiple characters, and an evolving storyline.
In 2024, this game will likely attract players who enjoy challenging combat, intricate level design, and a grim atmosphere. If you’re ready for a tough challenge and love dark fantasy themes, Lords of the Fallen is one to add to your 2024 gaming list.
7. Venba – A Heartfelt Story About Food and Family
Why You Should Play It
Venba is an indie game that combines cooking and storytelling in a unique and heartfelt way. In this narrative-driven experience, you play as Venba, an immigrant mother who is trying to reconnect with her roots by preparing traditional dishes from her homeland. Through cooking, the game explores themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.
The game features an interactive cooking mechanic where you can follow recipes and prepare dishes, which serve as a way to move the story forward. Venba stands out as an emotional, thoughtful game that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about family and personal growth.
8. Coffee Talk Episode 2 – A Cozy Visual Novel About Connection
Why You Should Play It
In Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, you return to the cozy world of Coffee Talk, where you play as a barista serving drinks and listening to the stories of your customers. Set in a fantasy city populated by humans, elves, and orcs, the game is a visual novel that focuses on dialogue, relationships, and personal stories.
The first game in the series was loved for its chill vibe and emotionally engaging storytelling, and the sequel is expected to continue this with new characters and deeper narrative threads. If you love story-driven experiences and relaxing gameplay, Coffee Talk Episode 2 is an excellent choice for 2024.
9. Dredge – A Mysterious Fishing Adventure
Why You Should Play It
Dredge is a unique blend of fishing, exploration, and mystery. Set in a mysterious, fog-covered world, you play as a fisherman who uncovers strange secrets while exploring the waters of an eerie archipelago. As you fish, you’ll encounter strange creatures, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters who hide deep secrets.
The game combines calm, meditative gameplay with an underlying sense of tension and mystery, making it an intriguing pick for fans of relaxing yet eerie experiences. Dredge is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys exploration, story-driven gameplay, and atmospheric world-building.
10. Chia – A Colorful Open-World Adventure
Why You Should Play It
Chia is a charming open-world adventure game set in a lush tropical island inspired by New Caledonia. You play as Chia, a young girl who can explore the vibrant island, solve puzzles, and take control of animals in a mechanic known as soul-jumping. With its bright visuals, exploration-focused gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere, Chia is perfect for players who love non-violent, peaceful adventures.
In 2024, Chia is one of the most anticipated indie games, and for good reason. It’s a unique and beautiful game that offers a refreshing alternative to darker, more intense titles. If you’re looking for a fun, colorful world to get lost in, Chia is a must-play.
Conclusion: The Indie Revolution Continues in 2024
The indie game scene in 2024 is brimming with creativity, offering everything from emotional storytelling to challenging gameplay and innovative mechanics. Whether you enjoy adventure, action, puzzle-solving, or immersive worlds, there’s an indie game for every type of player. With new titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Sea of Stars, 2024 promises to be another fantastic year for indie games.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of indie titles or a newcomer looking for something fresh, make sure to check out these amazing games. You won’t be disappointed!
