Top 10 Indie Games That Everyone Should Play

Top 10 Indie Games That Everyone Should Play



Just because they don’t have the Triple-A budgets, doesn’t mean you should miss these gems. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Indie Games That Everyone Should Play.



For this list, we’ll be taking a look at independent games that have won players over, whether it be due to their gameplay, art style, music, or everything combined. If the game has you glued to your screen, it’s eligible for this list. Games such as Minecraft, although an indie game when released, won’t be eligible, as EVERYONE has played it by now.

#10: “Nidhogg” (2014)

Despite its minimalistic graphics, Nidhogg is a blast to play, and that’s all that matters, right? The game pits two fencing warriors against each other in what plays like a brutal tug-o-war with blood, lots of pixelated blood. Players can stab, throw their sword, kick and punch their way to victory, and when prompted, continue in their trek to the end, only to have the other player respawn and stop them in their tracks. Fast-paced, tense, and a whole lot of fun, Nidhogg is the perfect casual competitive game.

#9: “Her Story” (2015)

An FMV game that’s actually good? You bet. Her Story has you sifting through video files of a woman accused of murdering her husband. Aside from the mystery of whether or not she committed the murder, is the question of your own character. You’re not involved in the case, yet, you’ve been granted access to the system that allows you to watch these interrogations. Who are you, and why are you interested? The game does a good job in making you feel like a detective, and all the answers come converging in the end, while leaving just the right amount of ambiguity.

#8: “The Stanley Parable” (2013)

It’s not often that you get to laugh while playing video games, especially when you’re playing singleplayer. The Stanley Parable follows a man who’s suddenly the only person left in his workplace. Everyone seems to have disappeared. As you wander around, a narrator dictates everything you do, even before you do it. Do you defy the voice in your head, or do you go along with it? This game will take you to interesting places, and it’s full of Easter eggs from other games. When it ends, try again and make a different choice somewhere down the line. You’ll be surprised at what you find.

#7: “The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth” (2014)

While the game doesn’t offer much spectacle in it’s level design and gameplay, its huge amount content and replayability will have you sinking dozens, and maybe even hundreds of hours, trying to complete this demented game. You play as a young boy who kills monsters by throwing balls of your own tears at them, and if that doesn’t excite you enough, then the amount of riveting boss battles and weapons you find on your journey will. That sense of discovery will keep you coming back time and again.

#6: “Shovel Knight” (2014)

Shovel Knight incorporates the best elements of celebrated NES titles in a way that feels unique and accessible to everyone. It draws inspiration from games like Mega Man in its level design, as well as gameplay. The premise is simple, you side-scroll your way to victory, beating enemies that get more difficult as you progress, all the while digging up gems with your trusty shovel. There are a lot of levels, and each them have enough variety in their layout and aesthetic, so your experience never gets stale.

#5: “Subnautica” (2018)

This is a game you just need to try. Subnautica takes place on an alien planet that is pretty much covered entirely in water. As its title and premise suggest, you’ll be diving underwater for most of your time, gathering resources, and building new things that let you traverse deeper. All this happens while you avoid the many dangerous alien sea monsters who wish to make a meal of you. The game manages to make you feel serene and calm one moment, and terrified and alert the next, as you strain your eyes to see what horrors lie in the darkness.

#4: “Stardew Valley” (2016)

While the game might come across as a simple farming sim at first glance, the more you play, the more you’ll realize you need to invest your entire life into this virtual one. We can understand your apprehension when you see the isometric view and style of this game, but it is incredibly capable of drawing you in and never letting go. Not only do you farm, but you scavenge, fight creatures, partake in side quests and build relationships with the people around you. Part farm sim, part RPG, all fun.

#3: “Undertale” (2015)

Weird, unconventional, simplistic, but boy is it good. Only Undertale can overcome its graphical and gameplay shortcomings thanks to its moving story and fantastic characters. Who would have thought that there’d be an RPG that lets you flirt with the monster you’re battling to avoid conflict? If you think that’s the most bizarre moment in the game, then you’re in for a treat. We won’t spoil anything, as almost every situation you encounter will have you chuckling, but don’t go into the game thinking it’s a traditional RPG.

#2: “Inside” (2016)

If you liked LIMBO, you’re going to absolutely love Inside. It’s tone and animation style is simply hypnotizing. Like LIMBO, there are no tutorials or button prompts. It’s just the boy and what’s going on around him. The puzzles are creative, the deaths are gruesome, and the atmosphere and mystery are enticing. It may sound like nothing special, but this is a game that deserves to be played in order to be fully appreciated. Go on; you’ll thank us later. Oh, and if you feel disturbed at times, that’s just part of the charm.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions:

#1: “Celeste” (2018)

Nothing can prepare you for Celeste. People will say it’s great, it’s amazing, and you’ll believe them and play it, and it will still be better than you expected. When you see its pixel graphics, 2D side-scrolling, and complex platforming, it will instantly intrigue you. These aspects alone are enough to warrant a play through, but there’s much more. The beautiful soundtrack will mesmerize you, the storyline and its themes will move you, and the challenge of collecting the golden strawberries will have the most hardcore of gamers at their wits end. We implore you to play this game as soon as you can.