From the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong to Team Cherry’s Eartblade, here are the most anticipated indie games of 2023.
The best indie games are the products of immense passion and dedication to gaming. And unlike their ambitious triple-A cousins with massive budgets, they come with refined gameplay formulas and modest graphics.
But despite their humility in terms of production values, the most anticipated indie games of 2023 are full of mystery, action, and exploration. And with Steam Next Fest on the way, you might have to open your wallet for the best ones listed below.
24 Most Anticipated Indie Games
Indie games are great for those who have distinct tastes in gaming. Those who fancy exploring the brutal worlds of Dark Souls games can immerse themselves in Lies of P.
A souls-like game where you take the role of Pinnochio is not your cup of tea. That’s where Hades 2 comes into play with its incredibly smooth gameplay and incredible story.
Here’s a massive list of upcoming indie games that will expand your backlog further in 2023.
24. The Last Night
Announced back in E3 2017, The Last Night mesmerized viewers with its fantastic pixel art and cinematic visuals. The minute-long video featured incredible action scenes presented with Acid Rain by Lorn.
While everything about The Last Night seemed perfect, the game was in a long and controversial development process.
Tim Soret, the founder of the developer studio, has reaffirmed those who patiently wait for the game a few times in the past. Soret said that the cyberpunk indie game is still in development in 2021 as well.
His studio, Odd Tales, occasionally shares bits and pieces from their official Discord server. While almost every footage from The Last Night boasts superb visuals, the title still lacks a release date.
Many fans believe the game is still far from a release window this year. Despite the lack of a release date, The Last Night is still definitely one of the most anticipated indie games of this year.
23. Crowsworn
Developed by the indie studio Mongoose Rode, Crowsworn depicts a dark and desperate world filled with wicked men and wild beasts.
It also draws heavy inspiration from acclaimed 2D souls like Hollow Knight. But, instead of a small and hollow warrior, players take the role of an enigmatic protagonist who looks like a plague doctor.
And the gameplay bits of the upcoming title shows its highly responsive controls and stylish combat. According to the developer, players will fight against over 120 unique enemies and 30 challenging boss encounters in Crowsworn.
Those who patiently wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong can get their hands on Crowsworn when it hopefully launches in late 2023.
The title’s visuals and fast-paced gameplay make it feel like a spiritual successor to the first Hollow Knight game. And for thousands of Hollow Knights, that’s a winner feature.
22. Mandragora
Mandragora is an ambitious 2.5D side-scroller action RPG from a passionate indie game studio based in Hungary. As their debut title, Mandragora features immersive graphics with buttery smooth gameplay.
At its core, though, Mandragora offers a brilliant combination of Metroidvania and souls-like elements. Its branching tale will immerse you in its desperate world, accompanied by Christos Antoniou’s music and art direction.
The developer also adds that the forthcoming indie offers in-depth character progression. It is worth noting that you’ll also get to craft your own armor, weapons, and trinkets as you continue your journey.
“And when all is said and done,” says the developer, you can restart the game in New Game Plus mode, which is always great!
21. Meifumado
Meifumado offers a dark journey set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, which hosts modern samurais, mutated beasts, and wasteland freaks.
Old Bit Studio’s highly-anticipated game also has an in-depth combat system with multiple fighting styles. Alongside its brilliant combat formula, Meifumado also heavily focuses on narrative and world design.
The title’s description page states that players will also delve into numerous side quests. On top of its story-driven quests, Meifumado offers the chance to raid caravans and fight in tournaments, similar to TaleWorlds’ Mount and Blade series.
It is safe to say that the most exciting aspect of Meifumado lies in its world. The short gameplay trailer on the game’s Steam page showcases the wonderfully designed post-war Japan. The video shows off a very cool duel between samurais amid a ruined city too.
20. Swarm Grinder
Swarm Grinder executes the proven roguelite formula in an addictive way that keeps on giving. It also draws inspiration from the incredibly successful Vampire Survivors, which is the most prominent example of the horde shoot’em ups.
As Last Bite Games’ debut title, Swarm Grinder tasks you with piloting a mech against hordes of enemies. Similar to Vampire Survivors’ progress system, the indie title allows you to pick up new upgrades and evolve along with the battlefield.
If you enjoy the resurgence of the bullet heaven genre along with horde survival, keep an eye out on Swarm Grinder. The title keeps evolving to reach its final version as the fans provide data and feedback.
19. Skate Story
There is no doubt that Skate Story is one of the most original indie games on this list. The 2023 indie game tells the story of a demon skater adamant about destroying the evil dwellers of the Underworld.
His task requires him to traverse the abstract mountains and strange lands in this bizarre dimension. That’s not all with Skate Story, though.
That’s because the game also features a psychedelic soundtrack by Blood Cultures and rocking pieces from John Fio.
On top of its marvelous soundtracks, Skate Story also features over 70 skate tricks with extremely fluid animations. Do keep an eye out on Skate Story if you want to experience Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater in a hallucinogen trip.
18. Thirsty Suitors
Revealed in 2022 in Annapurna Interactive’s showcase, Thirsty Suitors has everything to become another publisher classic. It hits all the right spots with its stylish visuals, humorous narrative, and innovative twists in gameplay design.
Outerloop Games’ upcoming indie game invites you to guide Jala, a young woman troubled by exes, suitors, and a strict mother. Her mission is to get disclosure with her ex-boyfriends and make up with the idea of love.
In the process, she also needs to acknowledge the pillars of her cultural heritage.
As she tries to overcome this mountain of issues, you’ll have to do a ton of cooking and skateboarding because that’s how Jala’s story will unravel when the game makes its debut, hopefully, this year.
17. Knuckle Sandwich
Andy Brophy’s turn-based RPG will have you guide a young and nervous man as he navigates through mysteries in a Bright City.
Set on a fictional Australian Island, Knuckle Sandwich is an upcoming indie game that features an offbeat story that will stay with you for a long time.
Like Undertale’s combat system, Knuckle Sandwich comes with hilarious minigames filled with many challenges. The gameplay bits in the title’s trailer offer a psychotic glimpse into the game’s world as well.
From memory puzzles to scenes created with PS1-era visuals, Andy Brophy’s upcoming RPG seems like it has it all for those who want a psychedelic ride in a pixel art world.
Seeing its synopsis and screenshots, Knuckle Sandwich seems like it will definitely earn its place among the most bizarre indies of recent memory.
16. Nine Sols
Slated to arrive across multiple platforms in late 2023, Nine Sols is a narrative-driven 2D-action platformer with Sekiro-inspired gameplay. Embellished with Eastern motifs, RedCandleGames’ upcoming project offers an amazing journey into the history of an ancient alien race.
It also utilizes a similar combat formula that tested our patience in FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That’s the only thing needed for those who enjoy a combat formula with a heavy focus on parry and deflection.
The developer also states that they were heavily inspired by Hollow Knight and Katana Zero. Both of these games were the most successful examples of their genre. The studio behind Nine Sols also adds that they aimed to “recreate the deflection-focused Sekiro combat.”
15. Sorry We’re Closed
Sorry We’re Closed is also one of the most anticipated indie games that will hopefully arrive later this year. The gameplay footage from the upcoming indie game showcase fixed camera gameplay and retro survival horror vibes.
Those who’ve spent hours in Resident Evil, Dino Crisis, and Alone in the Dark might fall in love with A La Mode’s debut indie. The unique indie game features PS1-era graphics alongside light combat done in first person.
On the other hand, the game’s story is a bit different than the ones we experienced in the pioneers of the survival horror genre.
Sorry We’re Closed revolves around Michelle, a young woman plagued by a powerful demon’s curse. She has only a few days to reach her freedom and save her skin. In her last days, she has to decide where to go and choose who to talk to.
From its story to its visuals, everything about Sorry We’re Closed spells great things about this indie title. That’s why it is one of the most anticipated indie games of 2023.
14. The Plucky Squire
The indie studio All Possible Futures announced their exciting indie game at this year’s PlayStation Showcase. Helmed by the celebrated publisher Devolver Digital, The Plucky Squire will take you to a mesmerizing fantasy world.
The highly-anticipated indie game allows you, and your friends, to become storybook characters. Called Jot, Pip, Violet, and Thrash, these storybook heroes come with unique abilities.
As the gameplay trailer brilliantly reveals, the band of The Plucky Squire can actually jump out of the storybooks and enter the real world. The game features a seamless transition between 2D and 3D worlds, resulting in highly innovative co-op gameplay.
All Possible Futures’ game is set to launch this year across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
13. Anomaly Agent
Developed by the indie studio Phew Phew Games, Anomaly Agent takes players to a world of anomalies. Players take the role of an agent who works under an enigmatic T-Day company.
Tasked with fixing anomalies in a chaotic world, the protagonist also has access to some of the most bizarre anomaly weapons. Alongside his great arsenal, the agent himself also comes with some real Cowboy Bebop vibes. That’s always a plus!
Phew Phew Games’ debut seems like it ticks all the right boxes as an action platformer. Its gameplay trailer also boasts similar action elements that we saw and enjoyed in Katana Zero.
12. The Last Faith
The Last Faith is another promising indie game that will debut this year. The Last Faith is set to open its doors to its gothic, high-fantasy world in October 2023.
The highly-anticipated game combines Metroidvania components with challenging souls-like elements. Bound to have die-hard fans with this gameplay formula, The Last Faith is easily one of the most anticipated indies of this year.
Moreover, The Last Faith offers many winner features that make waiting even more difficult. According to the developer, the upcoming indie title offers players a rich arsenal of weapons, spells, and firearms.
After seeing the diverse stages and its expansive weapon inventory, The Last Faith seems like it will make us all fans when it launches this October on Steam. It will also arrive on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
11. Rift of the NecroDancer
Let me see the hands of those who fell in love with Crypt of the NecroDancer. That’s because the award-winning hardcore roguelike gets a spinoff.
This time, you’ll help Cadence as she navigates through the rifts that make her life unbearable. In the process, you’ll have to go crazy in its rhythmic battles and action-packed boss battles too.
That’s because Rift of the NecroDancer also boasts a brand new soundtrack from Danny Baranowsky and his talented musicians. On top of this solid news, the upcoming indie also features great punchout levels alongside rhythm heaven stages similar to Guitar Hero.
Whether you are a hardcore fan of this genre or just like the art style, Rift of the NecroDancer seems worth your time. Do keep an eye out as it prepares to arrive on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam this year.
10. Goodbye Volcano High
Goodbye Volcano High is an upcoming indie game that will release in August 2023. The developer KO_OP describes their highly anticipated game as a hybrid cinematic narrative and interactive movie.
Revealed in a PlayStation State of Play, Goodbye Volcano High weaves a coming-of-age story into a rhythm game recipe. The story-driven game was also chosen as one of the Official Selections of Tribeca Festival 2023.
The anticipated rhythm title is slated to make its debut on August 23. It is available across PC and PlayStation consoles for those looking for a lighthearted story set in a furry high school.
9. Replaced
Those waiting for The Last Night are likely to stumble upon Replaced. That’s because this indie title is extremely similar to Odd Tales’ The Last Night in terms of visuals and world design.
Unlike The Last Night, though, Replaced does have a targeted release window in 2023. The cyberpunk pixel-art adventure game will hopefully invite us to unravel the dark secrets of Phoenix City this year.
It is worth noting that Replaced will launch exclusively on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Game Pass. It will only be available to those in the Xbox ecosystem as an exclusive title.
That being said, Replaced might also be a timed exclusive. While there is no official word on that, timed exclusivity means that a title can arrive on another platform sometime after it fulfills its exclusivity deal with a certain platform.
8. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Jet Set Radio is simply one of the best Dreamcast games of all time. It is just a fact that we all know and agree upon.
Now, prepare to dive into it after 23 years as the Bomb Rush Cyberfunk takes all the best inspirations from the Dreamcast classic.
Developed by the Dutch developer Team Reptile, Jet Set Rad- sorry, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk prepares to energize the city with rhythmic and funky tunes.
If you spent even ten minutes playing that gem on a Dreamcast, you’ll immediately see how Bomb Rush Cyberpunk pays tribute to its soul and vibe.
From its cartoonish visuals to fast-paced gameplay, the 1 second per second game offers a psychedelic adventure set in the streets of New Amsterdam. As a rebel skater, your task is to battle the rival skating crews and conquer the five districts of this vibrant city.
7. Blasphemous 2
Set to release on August 24, 2023, Blasphemous 2 is ready to pick up the story after the Wounds of Eventide DLC of its critically-acclaimed predecessor.
There is no doubt that the world of Blasphemous is not for everyone. But it is ideal for those who enjoy immersing themselves in dark and desperate fantasy worlds.
That’s because almost every scene from Blasphemous games looks like a 2D reimagining of Goya’s works. From cannibals and grotesque monsters, Blasphemous 2 will once again have players become the Penitent One and dive into its unsettling universe.
Along with its grim world design and captivating characters, Blasphemous 2 also has a quite challenging combat system. You might want to test your patience and dive into a new world of darkness. If so, wishlisting Blasphemous 2 might be a good idea.
6. Little Devil Inside
The story of Little Devil Inside revolves around Billy, a young traveler ready to brave all the hardships in a fantasy world. His long journey also requires him to fight against all types of creatures in diverse landscapes.
His travels are set in a unique world home to dragons, strange creatures, and diverse biomes. That’s why Billy must also delve into survival endeavors like cooking and finding shelter.
All of these sound great for anyone who enjoys adventure games. But unfortunately, Little Devil Inside doesn’t seem to launch anytime soon.
That’s because the developer Neostream Interactive has been radio silent since the title’s last appearance in the PlayStation’s State of Play in 2021.
It is also worth noting that the long-awaited adventure game has been in the works since 2015. And seeing the ongoing silence of the studio, the chances of Little Devil Inside materializing soon are pretty thin.
On the other hand, there are many games that emerged from the development hell with significant success. Here’s hoping that Little Devil Inside joins its fellow most anticipated indie games and makes its debut as soon as possible.
5. Earthblade
Earthblade is the most anticipated game for thousands around the world. It is simple as that.
Despite Bethesda’s long-awaited Starfield or FromSoftware’s Armored Core 6, this 2D adventure game has a special place in the hearts of many gamers.
That’s because the curious 2D action platformer comes from the creators of the award-winning Celeste. As Extremely OK Games’ anticipated title, Earthblade is set to offer an explore-action experience where the players can delve into seamless exploration in a wondrous world.
According to the title’s Steam page and the developers’ success in Celeste, Earthblade will heavily emphasize exploration. Its wonderfully-crafted world features marvelous stages with great visuals.
4. Lies of P
A ton of souls-likes have appeared in the gaming landscape after FromSoftware’s genre-defining Dark Souls trilogy. From The Surge to Steelrising, most titles put their own spin on the genre.
But none of them introduced an idea as exciting as this one. That’s because Lies of P boasts quite an exciting concept where you take the role of Pinnochio in a dystopian world.
Developed by indie studio Neowiz Games, Lies of P allows you to take on a terrifying journey in the ruined city of Krat. And unlike the fantasy novel, the world of Lies of P is a brutal place plagued by evil marionettes and rogue puppets.
Moreover, almost every one of them is hellbent on destroying Pinnochio, who is also adamant about finding his creator, Gepetto.
The way Lies of P transforms the hundred years old story into a Bloodborne-inspired souls-like is amazing. And that’s why this ambitious title is one of the most anticipated indie games of 2023.
3. Hades 2
The developer Supergiant Games announced Hades 2 during The Game Awards. Considering that they aren’t known for developing sequels, this was shocking news for the fans of Hades. That’s only natural, though, as the first title bagged many awards, including The Game of the Year award at D.I.C.E.
Hades has also been very influential for many indie developers. Following its immense success, publishers, and developers worldwide joined the roguelike frenzy.
After showing that indie games can reach such heights, it also inspired the indie gaming ecosystem.
While there is no word on Hades 2 release date, the title will allow players to take the role of Melinoe, Hades’ daughter. Hopefully, the highly-curious sequel will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor.
2. Unrecord
Drama’s Unrecord became one of the most anticipated indie games of 2023 following its highly controversial gameplay trailer. The minute-long teaser video of the upcoming tactical shooter offers a glimpse into the body-cam perspective.
Unrecord also comes with another unique selling point: hyper-realistic graphics and visuals that feel too real.
Its highly realistic graphics stirred drama across social media platforms. The indie studio then addressed the allegations and shared footage from the game engine, proving that the trailer wasn’t fake.
In conclusion, Unrecord is a highly ambitious indie game that will offer a hyper-realistic ride into the life of a police officer. Considering the massive work it requires due to its visuals, we can only hope to get our hands on Unrecord in 2024.
The indie developers behind the new shooter haven’t revealed a release date yet. But considering the game’s visual quality, even 2024 seems a bit optimistic at this point.
1. The most anticipated indie game: Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the most anticipated indie game of the last decade. That’s because its celebrated predecessor was crowned with numerous achievements across multiple award ceremonies.
For many, it is simply the pinnacle of indie gaming. That’s because Hollow Knight brilliantly executes the best elements we often see in triple-A titles. The way it refines the sous-like formula in 2D fashion also resulted in a superb experience.
As Team Cherry’s debut title, Hollow Knight also has a magnificent soundtrack accompanying its marvelous gameplay.
Six years after its incredibly successful launch, fans of the game are still waiting for the sequel’s glorious release. And that’s only natural considering how Hollow Knight delivered wonders despite the lack of a massive open world and a colossal production budget.
Wrapping Up
This year’s most anticipated indie games aim to deliver what their AAA counterparts often fail to do. Often helmed by studios of five to six people, these games go above and beyond with their innovative and passionate vision. Unlike their high-production cousins, the best indie games often take risks with their creative and experimental gameplay mechanics.
And if all these ring a bell for you, here are the best indie games that will hopefully arrive soon to enrich our backlog further. Do not forget to add them to your wishlist!
