Indie games are a breeding ground for unique and innovative ideas that can be just as successful as big-budget titles. While there may be some debate on what defines an indie game, whether it’s made by a small team on a tight budget or features stories and ideas that break away from the norm, the top indie games of 2021 have all offered something special. Here are the best of the year, listed in no particular order.
If you think we left out an indie game, please let us know in the suggestions channel on Discord!
1: Loop Hero
The Lich has caused the world to be stuck in an eternal loop, causing chaos among its people. You can use a deck of mystical cards to strategically place enemies, buildings, and terrain on each expedition loop for the hero. Equip the hero with powerful loot for their battles and expand the survivors’ camp to support each adventure through the loop. Discover new classes, new cards, and guardians to help break the never-ending cycle of despair.
2: Little Nightmares II
Little Nightmares II is a suspenseful adventure game that takes you to a world where horror meets charm. You step into the shoes of Mono, a young boy who finds himself trapped in a twisted reality due to the humming transmission of a far-off tower. Accompanied by Six, the girl in the yellow raincoat, Mono embarks on a mission to unravel the dark mysteries of The Signal Tower. Beware, their path is fraught with danger, and they will encounter a range of new threats from the dreadful inhabitants of this world.
3: The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
The revamped version of the modern classic game, The Binding of Isaac, takes you on an adventure that’s beyond your imagination. Repentance is not just a simple sequel, it’s a game that has taken Isaac’s journey to a whole new level. As you guide the courageous boy through the dungeon, he’ll face challenges that he’s never encountered before. Get ready to battle against terrifying enemies, bosses and discover new weapon combos that you’ve never seen before. Brace yourself for an encounter with Isaac’s wildest nightmares and unholy terrors from the unknown places he’s never been to.
4: Valheim
Valheim is a game that provides a challenging experience for players who enjoy exploration and survival. It allows 1-10 players to immerse themselves in a world that draws inspiration from Norse mythology. As players embark on their journey, they can craft powerful weapons, build longhouses, and engage in battles with formidable enemies to demonstrate their prowess to Odin.
5: The Forgotten City
Relive the final days of a cursed Roman city, where a single sin can cause the death of everyone. You can travel back 2,000 years into the past to experience it. Although combat is an option, it is not a permanent solution. To solve this epic mystery, you must question the community of colourful characters, exploit the time loop, and make difficult moral choices. Your decisions will affect the fate of the city, putting its future in your hands.
6: Inscryption
The newest creation from the mastermind behind Pony Island and The Hex is Inscryption – a twisted tribute to video games that will leave you reeling. This card-based adventure combines the strategy of a deckbuilding roguelike, the challenge of escape-room puzzles, and the terror of psychological horror. And be warned – the secrets hidden within the cards are not for the faint of heart.
7: Axiom Verge 2
Axiom Verge 2 introduces fresh characters, gameplay, and abilities that add to the existing universe. Travel through a world akin to Earth, which is brimming with remnants from a technologically advanced civilization of the past. Engage in machine hacking and combat against ferocious monsters. Moreover, make use of your remote drone to enter the Breach, which is an interconnected parallel reality fraught with perilous challenges. To stay alive, you must scour every nook and cranny to collect the hidden items and upgrades.
8: Wildermyth
Wildermyth is a tactical RPG that focuses on character development and procedural generation. It offers a similar experience to tabletop roleplaying games, where players are presented with choices and their decisions have consequences that impact the characters’ development.
9: Unpacking
Unpacking is a game that offers a unique experience of organizing and decorating a new home by unpacking your belongings from boxes. The game is a combination of block-fitting puzzles and home decoration. While playing the game, you get to learn various clues about the life of a character, and their story unfolds gradually over eight house moves. The game offers a sense of intimacy with the character, even though you never see them or hear their story.
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