While AAA video games represent the best of the best, indie titles gain more fans with every passing year. We are pleased to announce that 2024 will bring more independent treasures!
Indie games attract with their uniqueness. Using innovative solutions regarding storytelling, visual art, and even sounds, they significantly impact the industry by influencing our perception of digital entertainment in general.
The upcoming year promises more of our beloved indie titles, featuring total debuts and sequels to some familiar bestsellers. Want to know what releases we can expect? You will receive all the answers in this article. Let’s see!
Criteria for Selection
What qualities should the best upcoming indie games involve? We seek games that combine innovative mechanics with engaging storytelling and stunning visual art, supported by massive community buzz.
The main goal is to discover upcoming gems that are not only popular but also groundbreaking and unique. Our collection caters to a diverse range of gaming tastes and preferences, so there’s something for everyone on this list.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Still Wakes the Deep | 2024-06-18 | Indie | The Chinese Room |
 | REPLACED | 2024 | Adventure | Sad Cat Studios |
 | Manor Lords | 2024-04-26 | RTS | Slavic Magic |
 | Baba Is You | 2019-03-13 | Indie | Hempuli |
 | Factorio | 2016-02-25 | Indie | Wube Software |
 | The Witness | 2016-01-26 | Adventure | Thekla, Inc |
 | Bastion | 2011-08-16 | Adventure | Supergiant Games |
 | The Stanley Parable | 2013-10-17 | Adventure | Galactic Cafe |
 | Stardew Valley | 2016-02-26 | Adventure | ConcernedApe |
 | Spelunky | 2013-08-08 | Adventure | Mossmouth, LLC |
 | Spelunky 2 | 2020-09-29 | Platformer | Blitworks |
 | Papers Please | 2013-08-08 | Adventure | Lucas Pope |
 | Goat Simulator | 2014-04-01 | Adventure | Coffee Stain Studios |
 | Minecraft Windows 10 Edition | 2015-07-29 | Adventure | Mojang Studios |
 | Limbo | 2011-08-02 | Adventure | Playdead |
 | Fez | 2013-05-01 | Adventure | Polytron Corporation |
 | Hotline Miami | 2012-10-23 | Adventure | Dennaton Games |
 | Hotline Miami 2 Wrong Number | 2015-03-10 | Action & Shooter | Dennaton Games |
 | Cuphead | 2017-09-29 | Indie | Studio MDHR |
 | Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout | 2020-08-04 | Casual | Mediatonic |
 | Kerbal Space Program | 2015-04-27 | Adventure | Squad |
 | Super Meat Boy | 2010-11-30 | Indie | Team Meat |
 | Darkest Dungeon | 2016-01-19 | Indie | Red Hook Studios |
 | Rocket League | 2015-07-07 | Race | Psyonix |
Hollow Knight: Silksong
| Release date: | TBA |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Team Cherry |
It is one of the most expected indie video games, announced back in 2019. Although it still has no official release date, fans of the phenomenal Hollow Knight believe that 2024 may change this state of affairs.
Play as Hornet – the princess of Hallownest, trying to discover why she finds herself in an unfamiliar land. Now, the heroine embarks on her extraordinary adventure in the dangerous yet enchanting bug world, equipped with a mighty Needle and a knack for acrobatic moves.
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Manor Lords
| Release date: | 2024 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Slavic Magic |
Every strategy fan should check out this medieval recommendation with incredibly realistic graphics. Epic wars and free building included!
Become a medieval ruler to develop your territories, assemble an unbeatable army, and deal with unexpected events. You will be responsible for everything that happens, as that job involves collecting resources, ensuring your folks’ satisfaction, and responding to changing weather conditions affecting the adventure. Complex and engaging!
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Hades II
| Release date: | 2024 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Supergiant Games |
This much-anticipated sequel to the legendary Hades game belongs to the most awaited titles of the upcoming year – and not only in the indie category!
The story follows Melinoë – a female protagonist tasked with tracking down Kronos and stopping him from declaring war against Olympus. Like Hades, this game draws inspiration from classic Greek myths, blending their undeniable charm with high-octane action and roguelike mechanics.
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Still Wakes the Deep
| Release date: | 2024 |
| Genre: | Survival Horror |
| Developer: | The Chinese Room |
From the creators of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Dear Esther, Still Wakes the Deep is a classic survival horror experience taking players to a lone oil rig surrounded by threats.
You are an oil rig worker. A storm is approaching, and something is hiding in the shadows of this once-familiar facility. Whatever happens, you have no weapon, so focus on the will to survive, supported by your unfailing intuition. Is it even possible to endure this trial?
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Earthblade
| Release date: | 2024 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Extremely OK Games |
It is a unique 2D platformer set in a pixel fantasy world, telling the story of a child of Fate returning to the remains of Earth.
Equipped with classic platformer mechanics, Earthblade enchants with its secrets and magnificent setting. Explore the levels, avoid obstacles, battle enemies, and unite with friends to learn what happened to this once-peaceful world. It is a new title from the creators of the memorable Celeste, so prepare for a challenge!
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Hidden Gems: Indie Titles You Might Have Missed
These five video games will certainly make a lasting impression, but the proven indie genre still has more tricks up its sleeve! Remember World of Goo? The upcoming year brings the next installment in this thrilling series about constructing structures from hilarious goos – World of Goo 2. The game revolves around the laws of physics and increasing difficulty levels.
Want something spookier? Pacific Drive is a survival title where your life depends on your car. Embark on a risky journey, customize the vehicle, and discover the secrets of this procedurally generated world!
And if you’re more of a train person, check out Loco Motive inspired by Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. This crime hidden gem makes a challenging investigation hilarious and thoroughly entertaining.
What about fans of more peaceful games merging life sim with RPG adventures? We can recommend Pixelshire – a charming title in the style of iconic Stardew Valley, offering exciting travels, building, and farming activities.
All these games have one thing in common – fresh combinations of gripping stories with addictive mechanics and memorable characters. And each of them is a guarantee of great fun!
Summary
Independent game creators have smaller budgets than developers of grand AAA titles with worldwide fame. But that’s a good thing – not limited by players’ expectations, they can design something non-obvious, using innovative solutions and letting their imagination run wild. These titles come from a genuine passion for art, gaming, and fun.
That makes them exciting and so important to the industry as a whole. The increasing anticipation for the listed titles comes from fans’ knowledge that the genre continues to evolve, bringing new and delightful surprises. Whether you prefer to hunt for massive releases or discounted deals, remember to check out these hidden gems of 2024 when they finally come out.
The enormous fan community confirms this particular genre has great potential and a bright future ahead.