Hidden Gems: Underrated Indie Games You Need to Play

Indie games have carved out a significant place in the gaming industry, often pushing boundaries with innovative mechanics, unique storytelling, and creative art styles.

However, for every successful indie hit like Hollow Knight or Hades, countless other fantastic games fly under the radar, overshadowed by larger releases or simply not getting the recognition they deserve.

If you’re looking for something fresh and different, this list explores some of the most underrated indie games—hidden gems that deserve more attention.

Whether you love deep narratives, challenging gameplay, or artistic experiences, these games will introduce you to worlds you might have otherwise missed.

1. Rain World – A Brutal Yet Beautiful Ecosystem

At first glance, Rain World may seem like just another survival platformer, but beneath its minimalist aesthetic lies one of the most immersive ecosystems in gaming.

You play as a Slugcat, a small, fragile creature navigating a dangerous world filled with unpredictable predators.

What makes Rain World unique is its dynamic AI ecosystem, where creatures don’t just follow scripted paths—they hunt, hide, and adapt to their surroundings.

The game demands patience and observation rather than brute force, making each encounter unpredictable.

The eerie atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and sense of vulnerability make it an unforgettable experience for players who love a challenge.

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2. A Short Hike – A Relaxing Adventure in Nature

Sometimes, gaming isn’t about high-intensity action but rather taking a breath and enjoying the journey. A Short Hike is a perfect example of how simplicity can be deeply rewarding.

You control Claire, a bird exploring a peaceful island as she hikes to the summit of a mountain. Along the way, you meet charming characters, complete small quests, and take in beautiful pixel-art landscapes.

The game’s relaxed pace, uplifting atmosphere, and non-linear exploration make it perfect for players who want a wholesome, stress-free adventure.

3. FAR: Lone Sails – A Journey of Isolation and Discovery

Few games capture a sense of solitude as beautifully as FAR: Lone Sails. This post-apocalyptic side-scrolling adventure puts you in charge of a large, makeshift vehicle as you traverse an empty wasteland.

There are no enemies, combat, or dialogue—just you, your machine, and the journey ahead. Players must maintain and upgrade their vehicle, solving environmental puzzles to keep moving forward.

The cinematic visuals, melancholic soundtrack, and atmospheric storytelling make it an emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

4. Outer Wilds – A Time-Looping Mystery in Space

Although Outer Wilds has received critical acclaim, it remains one of the most overlooked indie masterpieces.

This exploration-driven space adventure places you in a time loop, where every 22 minutes, the sun explodes and resets the cycle.

The game encourages curiosity, letting players uncover the secrets of a lost civilization by exploring planets, deciphering ancient texts, and experimenting with the game’s physics-based mechanics.

The sense of wonder, open-ended discovery, and unique storytelling make it a must-play for fans of adventure and mystery games.

5. The Pathless – A Mythic Quest Without a Map

For those who love fluid movement and open-world exploration, The Pathless offers a unique twist on traversal-based gameplay.

You play as The Hunter, an archer accompanied by a loyal eagle, traveling through a cursed land.

Unlike most open-world games, The Pathless doesn’t have a traditional map or waypoints. Instead, players use environmental clues and intuitive movement mechanics to navigate the landscape.

6. Supraland – A Metroidvania in a Toybox World

If you enjoy puzzle-platformers and exploration-based gameplay, Supraland is a hidden gem worth checking out. Inspired by Zelda, Portal, and Metroid, the game offers an expansive world full of creative puzzles and unique physics-based mechanics.

Set in a miniature toy-like world, you play as a tiny figure navigating oversized environments, solving puzzles, and uncovering hidden paths.

The combination of clever level design, satisfying exploration, and witty humor makes Supraland an unforgettable indie adventure.

7. Eastshade – A Game About Painting and Exploration

In most RPGs, your character is a warrior, a thief, or a mage—but in Eastshade, you are a traveling painter, capturing the beauty of the world on canvas.

This open-world exploration game focuses on peaceful discovery rather than combat, allowing players to interact with NPCs, complete quests, and find breathtaking locations to paint.

The stunning watercolor-like visuals and meditative pacing make Eastshade a refreshing change of pace from typical adventure games.

The game’s stunning visual design, rhythmic archery-based movement, and emotional story make it a standout indie experience that more players should discover.

8. Ghostrunner – Cyberpunk Parkour with Precision Combat

For those who crave fast-paced action and precision gameplay, Ghostrunner is an adrenaline-fueled experience that blends parkour movement with intense combat.

Set in a dystopian cyberpunk world, players take on the role of a cybernetic ninja, slicing through enemies with speed and precision.

The game’s one-hit-kill mechanics and fluid traversal system create an exhilarating challenge that rewards skill and quick reflexes. If you enjoy demanding but rewarding combat, Ghostrunner is a must-play indie gem.

9. Gris – A Wordless Journey of Emotion and Art

Games are often praised for their storytelling, but Gris proves that a game can be deeply emotional without a single word.

This 2D platformer follows a young woman’s journey through grief, with each stage of the game representing an emotional struggle through its visuals and music.

The game’s breathtaking hand-drawn art, stunning animation, and evocative soundtrack make it feel like a moving painting.

Gris is not just a game—it’s an experience, one that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished playing.

10. Inscryption – A Twisted Take on Card Games

Card-based games are often associated with strategy and deck-building, but Inscryption takes the genre in an entirely new direction.

This psychological horror deck-builder blends roguelike mechanics, escape-room puzzles, and unsettling storytelling to create a truly unique experience.

What starts as a simple card game quickly evolves into something much deeper and darker, filled with mysteries to uncover and unexpected twists.

For players looking for a mind-bending and eerie gaming experience, Inscryption is a hidden gem that should not be missed.

Discover the Hidden World of Indie Games

The world of indie gaming is filled with incredible experiences that often go unnoticed in the shadow of mainstream releases.

These underrated indie games showcase the creativity, innovation, and emotional depth that smaller studios bring to the industry.

Whether you enjoy relaxing adventures, intense action, or deep storytelling, there’s an indie gem waiting to be discovered. Take a chance on something new—you might just find your next favorite game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes an indie game “underrated”?

An indie game is considered underrated when it receives little mainstream attention despite having high-quality gameplay, storytelling, or innovation.

Many great indie games get overshadowed by larger studio releases, limiting their exposure.

2. Where can I find underrated indie games?

You can discover hidden indie gems on platforms like Steam, Itch.io, GOG, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Game Pass.

Checking indie game forums, social media recommendations, and YouTube reviews is also a great way to find them.

3. Are indie games better than AAA games?

Indie games often provide unique experiences, creative storytelling, and innovative mechanics that many AAA games don’t explore.

While AAA games focus on large-scale production and polish, indie games excel in experimentation and artistic vision.

4. How can I support indie developers?

The best way to support indie developers is by buying their games directly from official stores, leaving positive reviews, sharing recommendations online, and following their work on social media. Many indie studios rely on word-of-mouth to gain visibility.

5. What are some must-play indie games outside of this list?

Other fantastic indie games worth exploring include Hollow Knight, Celeste, Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, Hades, Disco Elysium, and Outer Wilds. These have received more recognition but still showcase the creativity of indie gaming.