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Here are the six must-have Indie games of 2025 you should mark on your calendar — from highly anticipated sequels and the revival of classic franchises to exciting brand-new releases.
The Game Awards 2024 saw one of the strongest representations of indie games in a long time. Indie games have been breaking new ground for a while now. The player base has been steadily growing bigger, and the release schedule is also becoming busier each year.
Indie games always surprise us. Some of our favorite games from 2024 totally caught us off-guard. Based on the release schedule of 2025 so far, it looks like we are going to have our hands full with fresh releases and fan-favorite sequels.
Top 6 Indie Games To Try in 2025
Below is a short look at the six Indie games that should be on everyone’s radar:
1. Hyper Light Breaker
Hyper Light Breaker is a roguelike action looter — a co-op experience with an open world that you can explore with your friends as you take on fights. This is a big change from their previous title, Hyper Light Drifter, which was a 2D, retro-styled exploration game. It is not uncommon for indie games to try something different, but this is a huge change from its predecessor.
From the trailers so far, it looks like you can pick three different characters to play with. As you face hordes of enemies in the open lush terrain, you find gear. One of the main attractions of the game seems to be the ability to create unique builds using a combination of gear that you find along the level. This mechanic seems like a strong pattern in roguelikes (Hades, Dead Cells, Risk of Rain).
As a matter of fact, Hyper Light Breaker does remind us of Risk of Rain 2, except it seems to have a more restrained pace with big, articulate bosses and a stronger focus on melee. The title is set to be released on January 14, 2025.
2. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound
The Ninja Gaiden franchise is a nostalgic blast. This franchise has several titles across generations, so this recommendation shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially since it’s being developed by the creators of the famous indie game Blasphemous. Yes, The Game Kitchen. You should be on the lookout for NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, especially if the action-platformer genre appeals to you and you’ve seen the studio’s work with Blasphemous.
The gameplay trailer reveals an intense 2D action platformer with a focus on using your attack skills to maneuver through the environment as well. One mechanic that stood out to us was what seemed like the ability to use an extra jump after a mid-air slash — a nod to The Messenger, perhaps (another classic indie game). The cutscene shows us the return of the titular character of the series, Ryu Hayabusa. But we don’t seem to get to play as him (yet). You take control of a new ninja who seems to be Ryu’s disciple, if not a friend. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is set to release in the summer of 2025.
3. Subnautica 2
If you haven’t explored the underwater world of Subnautica, we strongly recommend that you put this one on your “to-play” list! The first two games in the series — Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero — blew up and created a strong fanbase for the franchise. As a game focused on survival, it requires players to craft gear and resources to make their way ahead. This is a strong loop. Many players found themselves hooked on this simple yet effective core loop. Subnautica was one of the first games to put this play experience on the map.
From the announcement trailer, it seems like Subnautica 2 will see a return of systems like the ability to craft gear and underwater vehicles. Players could also craft sprawling bases in the previous games. Something that stood out to us was the hinting at co-op gameplay. This is something the fans have been suggesting, and if implemented, it will take the Subnautica experience to the next level. Subnautica 2 is releasing in early access in 2025.
4. Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game
Releasing in March 2025, Tales of the Shire puts you in the shoes of a hobbit and inside a shire. The title is a “shire simulator” with elements of farming, baking, going on quests, and fulfilling the demands of other residents. Made by Wētā Workshop, this indie title allows you to create and customize your hobbit in a serene shire. Tales of the Shire looks like an easy-paced sim with resource management and quests, all in the world of The Lord of the Rings.
5. Wheel World
Wheel World is a semi-open world racing and exploration game. You get to explore a charming and beautiful world with secrets to discover and races to test your skills. All on a bicycle. You also find parts that let you customize your bike.
Releasing in early 2025, Wheel World is a breath of fresh air in the indie gaming space with its focus on racing and stunt biking.
6. Replaced
This game has been on the radar for a lot of gamers. If you haven’t seen the trailer of Replaced yet, trust us, you’ll not be disappointed. The 2.5D art style is becoming quite popular in the indie space, especially after the announcement trailer for a title called The Last Night. While The Last Night is not yet close to a release, Replaced has come in to fill the itch.
This indie game not only has highly detailed environmental lighting, but the way it seamlessly works with the pixel art is a sight to behold. The world of Replaced is pixel art that is incredibly detailed. We do have a gameplay trailer, and the studio has confirmed a release in 2025, so our fingers are crossed for this one to be great.
There were only so many titles we could include in this list. Honestly, the release calendar for indie games in 2025 seems packed with something for everyone. We’re sure the year will only increase the number of indie gamers worldwide.
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