Everyone loves a good underdog story; to see a newcomer make it to the top amidst more experienced competition is proof that anyone can make it big with enough dedication and passion. That may very well be why indie games endear players so much. Despite the odds of making it big in the video game industry, small-time developers manage to create something that matches (or even outshines) the expectations set by AAA titles.

So here’s my list of some of the best indie games that broke the expectations

10. Palworld

Released: January 19, 2024

Some people have rightfully criticised Palworld for using Pokemon’s monster designs and making similar monsters in their game. They were also criticised for other gameplay systems like catching the pals into a ball like in Pokemon. However, there’s a lot of original work put into this game as well. It helps that the survival gameplay bundle with the shooting elements to make it a unique experience. The game has gone on to sell millions of copies, and many people have found this title to be an escape from the mediocrity of the Pokemon series. Palword has not kept the same level of relevance but there’s no denying that this game was one of the biggest indie titles last year.

9. Limbo

Released: July 21, 2010

Limbo, developed by Playdead, quickly became a critical and commercial success upon its release. It’s a shame that the co-founders of the company ended up parting ways after some creative differences since it was clear that their collaborations had spawned some of the greatest video games ever made. The game’s haunting, monochromatic art style, combined with its atmospheric sound design and clever puzzle mechanics, created an unforgettable gaming experience. Limbo was a game that didn’t shy away from showing just how brutal it could really be, and fans still theorise about the game’s story to this day as no one knows what was right and what was wrong.

8. Ori And The Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest, released back in 2015, took indie publishers Moon Studios five years to create but only one week to turn a profit. Winner of several prestigious gaming awards, Ori and the Blind Forest tells the tale of a young spritely orphan destined for greatness through a visually stunning Metroidvania-styled puzzle platformer. With its sequel, Ori and the Will Of The Wisps, also becoming a successful indie game, there is no limit to what Moon Studios can accomplish in the future.

7. Hades

Released: September 17, 2020

Hades was a successful game due to its seamless integration of gameplay and narrative, innovative approach to the roguelike genre, engaging characters, and overall polish. The game made death a narrative opportunity rather than just a failure, dying sent the player back to the House of Hades, where they could interact with characters, hear new dialogue, and continue developing relationships and the story. They also used its art style and soundtrack to create a memorable atmosphere, and offered both accessible and deep mechanics. Hades continued to sell more than 10 million units for the first and the sequel was a big success too as it sold over 2 million units in just its early access, the sales shows us the amount of love gamers had for the game.

6. Terraria

Released: May 16, 2011

More than a decade following its debut, Terraria is still one of the cornerstones of the indie scene. The sandbox game offers players an impressively robust selection of mechanics and tools, where the world is their oyster. Along with combat that utilises a vast arsenal of weapons and bosses, Terraria allows players to leave their mark on the (randomly generated) world through building and customization options. Crafting is also a standout part of the package. Terraria can be played forever and never grow old, as it has truly withstood the test of time.

5. Stardew Valley

Released: February 26, 2016

Inspired in part by the Harvest Moon franchise, Stardew Valley offers a relaxing farming sim experience to its players while also providing engaging and memorable character development. The player inherits a plot of land from their grandfather, and it’s up to them to get the dilapidated farm back on its feet. Whether they choose to cultivate the land or kindle their relationships with the local townsfolk, fans can find hours upon hours of enjoyment in this simple yet intriguing story. Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the developer of Stardew Valley, released the game in 2016 for Windows. It has since moved to other platforms and sold over ten million copies.

4. Hollow Knight

Released: February 24, 2017

What does one get when they combine the intriguing lore and menacing bosses of Dark Souls with Metroidvania platforming and beautiful hand-drawn animation? Luckily, Australian developer Team Cherry has the answer: Hollow Knight. Players control a nameless Knight as they traverse the abandoned tunnels of Hallownest. The world’s many subsections range from elegant to ominous, and intertwining them is the forgotten history of a once-great kingdom. The game controls exceptionally well, and its many boss battles truly test the Knight’s skill.

3. Balatro

Released: February 20, 2024

Balatro may appear like a simple poker-based roguelite card game at first, but it’s much more than that. It’s such a unique game that players will have a hard time finding a replacement once they’ve finished everything they wanted to do with it. Thankfully, it’ll take them dozens of hours to 100 percent Balatro, and then, they can continue to play to get a higher score and build more decks. Balatro has thousands of joker combinations and deck-building possibilities. On top of that, runs can be completed or will end fairly quickly that gamers will lose themselves, promising “just one more run” as the hours go by. It’s such a great game that it was no surprise when Balatro was nominated for Game of the Year in 2024.

2. Undertale

Released: September 15, 2015

Nothing can be said of Undertale that hasn’t been said already, but perhaps that sentiment alone speaks to the game’s immense success. Developer Toby Fox created this gem of an RPG alongside artist Temmie Chang and others, releasing it in late 2015. Almost immediately, fans flocked to the game, praising its stunning soundtrack and quirky cast of characters. The protagonist’s actions determine the relationships they can build with the Underground’s inhabitants, which inspires players to see just how different each playthrough can be, from Pacifist runs to full-on Genocide runs.

1. Blue Prince 

Released: 10 April 2025

Blue Prince was a success due to its unique blend of genres, its deep and rewarding mystery, and its strategic room-drafting mechanics, which created high replayability. The game also received praise for its minimalist art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and the sense of progression players feel as they unravel its secrets through repeated playthroughs. The indie puzzle game 
Blue Prince has achieved significant success, surpassing 2 million players, earning a 92 Metascore on Metacritic to become one of the year’s top-rated games.