The indie game scene continues to thrive, offering players unique and captivating experiences. From dark fantasy adventures to cozy tea shops and highly anticipated sequels, 2025 promises a diverse lineup of indie titles. Here are 10 of the most exciting indie games to watch for this year.
The Midnight Walk
An image of a character, The Burnt One, holding a lantern with a creature inside, navigating a dark and detailed environment.
Developed by MoonHood, the studio behind Lost in Random, The Midnight Walk is a dark fantasy adventure featuring a unique stop-motion aesthetic. Players control The Burnt One, who journeys through a world of wonder and horror, guided by a lantern-dwelling creature named Potboy. The game’s environments are meticulously crafted, with every element initially sculpted in clay and then 3D scanned. The Midnight Walk is set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation VR2, and PC VR.
Slay the Spire 2
Gameplay screenshot showing card selection and enemy combat in Slay the Spire 2.
Mega Crit returns with Slay the Spire 2, a sequel to the popular roguelike deckbuilding game. Players ascend a multi-floored spire, battling enemies and bosses with a strategic card system. Building on the success of the original, Slay the Spire 2 introduces new cards, enemies, and challenges. The game is slated for Early Access release on PC in 2025.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Screenshot of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector showing the hand-drawn art style and dialogue options.
Jump Over the Age continues the Citizen Sleeper series with Starward Vector. Set in a dystopian cyberpunk universe, this hand-drawn RPG follows an escaped android with a malfunctioning body and no memory of the past. Featuring dice-driven gameplay, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector launches on January 31st for Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4
Image of characters from Deltarune in a pixel art style.
Toby Fox, creator of Undertale, returns with Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4. This highly anticipated release continues the story of the popular indie RPG series, featuring unique characters, challenging bullet hell combat, and a memorable soundtrack. While details are scarce, the release is confirmed for 2025 and promises more adventures in the intriguing world of Deltarune.
Hyper Light Breaker
Gameplay image of Hyper Light Breaker showcasing the fast-paced action and vibrant visuals.
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, introduces Hyper Light Breaker, a prequel with roguelike gameplay. Players take on the role of a “Breaker” tasked with defeating bosses within the Overgrowth and ultimately confronting the Abyss King. Featuring nostalgic visuals and fast-paced action, Hyper Light Breaker is set to launch into Early Access in 2025.
Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
Screenshot of Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping displaying the cartoonish art style and investigative gameplay.
Happy Broccoli Games returns with a sequel to Duck Detective: The Secret Salami. Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping continues the investigative gameplay, this time set in a luxury campsite. Players once again use their powers of “de-duck-tion” to solve a new mystery with a cast of quirky suspects. The game is scheduled for a 2025 release on PC.
Cairn
Image showcasing the picturesque mountain environment of Cairn.
The Game Bakers presents Cairn, an open-world survival climbing simulator. Players embody Aava, a climber ascending Mount Kami. With a focus on realistic climbing mechanics and a beautiful environment, Cairn offers a unique and challenging experience. A free demo is available now, with the full release planned for 2025 on PC.
Hades II
Screenshot of Hades II showing the character Melinoë in combat.
Supergiant Games continues the acclaimed Hades series with Hades II. This time, players control Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, as she confronts Chronos, the Titan of Time. Building on the success of the original, Hades II promises more roguelike dungeon crawling, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. The game is set to release in 2025 on PC.
Wanderstop
A cozy scene depicting the tea shop in Wanderstop.
Ivy Road presents Wanderstop, a cozy and narrative-driven game focusing on Alta, a former warrior running a tea shop. Dealing with trauma and the challenges of daily life, Alta seeks peace and connection with her customers. Developed by Davey Wreden, creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide, Wanderstop launches on March 11, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Gameplay image of Hollow Knight: Silksong showcasing Hornet in action.
Team Cherry’s highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrives. Players take control of Hornet, a lethal hunter, in this Metroidvania platformer. Exploring a new world and uncovering ancient secrets, players can expect challenging combat and a captivating hand-drawn 2D art style. Hollow Knight: Silksong is slated for release on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
