5 Indie Titles From 2025 That Shouldn’t Be Slept On
As we start 2026 it’s always good to look back on the highlights of the year prior. We all know indie games, while often overlooked, can hit just as hard as a AAA title. Now while you may have been busy playing some of the biggest games of 2025, like Ghost of Yotei or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, there’s a few really good indie games that deserve your attention. In fact, it’s the best way to start 2026! Whether you’re looking for cozy vibes, the perfect co-op with your friends, or some classic beat ‘em up combat, we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump into the top 5 indie games you missed in 2025.
5) Abiotic Factor
Abiotic Factor is a narrative-driven co-op survival game that’s set in an underground research lab. Up to 6 players work together to survive against the biggest threats of a science experiment gone wrong. The 1990’s N64 graphics mesh well with the new age world survival crafting elements that are loved so much today. Deep Field Games says it’s a game where science meets violence and if that doesn’t sound like a great time, I don’t know what does. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia meets new age.
4) Herdling
Herdling comes from Okamotive and is a beautiful and cozy game that you can play for hours. It’s all about guiding and protecting a heard of animals, called Calicorns, through a variety of environments. It’s exactly the game to dive into when you’re looking to relax and calm down after a long day at workor school. And don’t worry, it’s not a walking simulator – you’ll be navigating the wild while completing a variety of puzzles and challenges. Herdling is emotional and tells a story of companionship and trust. Yes, Herdling is truly is as cute as it sounds and it punches above its weight!
3) Midnight Murder Club
Just based on the name alone the Midnight Murder Club is a worth a second look. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love playing a game about murder? It’s a horror game that blends first-person shooter and party game elements. It’s an epic, and deadly game, of hide and seek. The catch? It’s all in the dark. You face off against 5 other people armed only with a revolver and a flashlight. Players must make the decision to navigate the mansion in complete darkness or risk turning on a flashlight (potentially to their own detriment). And yes, there are traps and toys throughout, leading to fullblown chaos. Midnight Murder Club will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Bring your friends and laugh through the chaos. It’s a thrilling time.
2) Wanderstop
Annapurna Interactive is no stranger to making outstanding games. This is the studio responsible for Cocoon, Stray, The Pathless and Kentucky Route Zero. And that’s only a few! This narrative-driven game tells the story of Alta, a champion fighter that’s forced to slow down and tend to a forest tea shop. What seems to be a cozy farming sim quickly shows itself to be a profound story about burnout, trauma, and the difficulty of healing. It’s got a wonderful art design, and an emotional and relatable narrative that will capture your heart. If you’re looking for a meaningful and wholesome game to sink your teeth into to start 2026 on the right foot, Wanderstop is just the one.
1) Absolum
This shouldn’t come as surprise as the number one indie game you should check out this year. We had it on both our Best IP and Best Indie 2025 GOTY lists! It’s a side-scrolling beat ‘em up what combines fast combat, and modern roguelite elements. And it all takes placein the interesting and immersive world of Talamh. Absolum is a gorgeous and badass title made by Guard Crush Games and Supamonks. It definitely delivers!
Did you play any of these games in 2025? Do you think there’s a banger of an indie game that we missed? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on social media.
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