Top Games with Minimalist Design Aesthetics

Sometimes, less is more, and these minimalist design games excel at achieving that effect!

Simple art games trade visual distractions for greater focus on gameplay and narrative. That often makes them more memorable, as the clean setting enhances immersion in the overall atmosphere. And let’s all agree – sometimes complex storytelling within elegant graphics is all we need! Do you agree? Then, let’s see which indie minimalist games are worth your time!

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
The Longest Journey	2000-11-17	Puzzle & Point-and-click	Funcom
Inside My Radio	2015-05-11	Adventure & Indie	Seaven Studio
The Fruit Of Grisaia	2015-05-29	Visual Novel & Adventure	Frontwing
Monument Valley Panoramic Edition	2022-07-12	Adventure & Puzzle	Ustwo Games
Limbo	2011-08-02	Puzzle & Indie	Playdead
Firewatch	2016-02-10	Adventure & Indie	Campo Santo
The Alto Collection	2024-03-07	Adventure & Indie	Team Alto
Monument Valley 2: Panoramic Edition	2022-07-12	Adventure & Indie	Ustwo Games
Baba Is You	2019-03-13	Puzzle & Indie	hempuli
Patrick's Parabox	2022-03-29	Puzzle	Patrick Traynor
Mini Metro	2015-11-06	Strategy & Puzzle	Dinosaur Polo Club
Islanders	2019-04-04	Relaxing & City-builder	GrizzlyGames

Journey

Release date:	2020-06-11
Genre:	Platform & Adventure
Developer:	thatgamecompany

This abstract recommendation takes its players on a wordless adventure through a desert land concealing ancient secrets.

Image credit: thatgamecompany

Embark on a surreal journey to the faraway mountain and discover the history of this simplistic world. It’s an extraordinary experience where imaginative storytelling merges with fascinating discoveries – perfect if you crave a wordless adventure.

You may like it because
You can explore this world however you want There are ancient secrets to discover An undistracting setting brings a sense of serenity You can play it solo or in multiplayer (textless)

Journey

Release date:	2016-07-07
Genre:	Platform & Puzzle & Adventure & Indie
Developer:	Playdead

Inside, developed by the creators of the legendary Limbo, shares its dark aesthetic while unraveling another haunting story.

Image credit: Playdead

Play as a young boy escaping a chase to unravel the truth about disturbing experiments in a gloomy world. Solve puzzles, overcome traps, and interact with the environment to discover the ultimate message of this story. Like Journey, it’s a wordless experience that players must interpret for themselves.

You may like it because
It has a strong Limbo-like vibe A wordless adventure unravels disturbing secrets The boy’s fate depends on your problem-solving skills Players love this game for its unique world-building and atmosphere

Inside

Release date:	2018-12-13
Genre:	Platform & Puzzle & Adventure & Indie
Developer:	Nomada Studio

Embark on a journey through a breathtaking and surreal world to uncover the details of the heroine’s challenging past.

Image credit: Nomada Studio

Play as Gris – a young girl trying to cope with challenging emotions in her own world. Explore locations, collect clues, and interact with other characters to learn more about the girl’s past. There is no death and no text – anyone can experience this adventure at their own pace.

You may like it because
It’s a fascinating story set in a surreal world There is no death and no text You can play it at your own pace Enchanting composition reveals bits of the plot

Gris

Release date:	2022-07-12
Genre:	Puzzle & Strategy
Developer:	Ustwo Games

This graphically ascetic adventure takes its players to a mysterious world where Ida, the silent heroine, seeks forgiveness for her mistakes.

Image credit: Ustwo Games

Monument Valley is a series of aesthetically stunning games that follow the actions of various characters traversing dream-like worlds. Explore, manipulate perspective, solve puzzles, and be amazed by this meditative experience!

You may like it because
Its simplistic design unravels a fascinating plot The title collects overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam Each character represents a new, unique story It’s an excellent choice for puzzle lovers

Monument Valley

Release date:	2024-03-07
Genre:	Action & Sports
Developer:	Team Alto

Available on Steam as The Alto Collection, this endless runner snowboarding game will help you achieve the ultimate zen.

Image credit: Team Alto

Slide through diverse landscapes to complete creative objectives and unlock new abilities. Want something less demanding? Try Zen Mode! Instead of imposing a specific play style on its players, this game gives them a sense of ultimate freedom.

You may like it because
It’s an endless runner snowboarding experience Progression unlocks better items and abilities There are seven unique characters to try out Beautiful graphics, soundtrack, and biomes guarantee replayability

Alto's Adventure

Release date:	2011-08-02
Genre:	Platform & Puzzle & Adventure & Indie
Developer:	Playdead

It’s a three-hour game following the actions of a lone boy trying to save his sister in an unpredictable world overrun by nightmarish enemies.

Image credit: Playdead

Enter a black-and-white reality of omnipresent threats to experience the haunting adventure and save the little boy’s sister. Solve puzzles, outsmart your opponents, and always move forward, but be careful – death is inevitable!

You may like it because
It’s a classic of graphically ascetic gaming Short gameplay may appeal to those who lack time The disturbing atmosphere will stay with you forever It’s perfect for enthusiasts of moderately challenging puzzles

Limbo

Release date:	2016-02-10
Genre:	Adventure & Indie
Developer:	Campo Santo

Henry starts a new job as a fire lookout in the forests of Wyoming – will this new opportunity change his life for the better?

Image credit: Campo Santo

Explore the peaceful wilderness, forge a bond with your superior, and uncover disturbing secrets that influence this experience. It’s a short but immersive adventure full of surprising plot twists and a serene atmosphere.

You may like it because
Henry’s story will draw you from the very first second Fantastic voice acting guarantees immersion It’s a peaceful walking sim The plot unravels in the most unexpected ways

Firewatch

Release date:	2016-01-26
Genre:	Puzzle & Adventure & Indie
Developer:	Thekla, Inc.

When you find yourself alone on a strange island, it’s time to solve a series of mysterious puzzles and regain your lost memories.

The Witness is a single-player adventure that focuses on peaceful exploration and puzzle-solving. The more you walk, the more this place reveals about your past, so don’t stop and put all the pieces together!

You may like it because
It’s a feast for puzzle enthusiasts Progress provides more clues The more you explore, the greater your chances of regaining your lost memories Its environment conceals all the answers

The Witness

Video games on our list are great at providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from a job well done. Furthermore, they successfully improve problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and memory. By exploring these graphically undistracting environments, players can focus on the challenge and, ultimately, relax!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/638230/Journey/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/304430/INSIDE/