Indie titles often carry the charm of underdog stories — small teams or even solo developers creating experiences that rival, or sometimes surpass, AAA productions. Against the odds, these projects have built passionate communities and delivered unforgettable gameplay.
Here’s a look at the top 10 indie games and apps of 2025 so far, as ranked by Steam.
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10. Don’t Starve Together
This multiplayer expansion to the hit survival game Don’t Starve continues to attract players worldwide. It drops you and your friends into a bizarre wilderness filled with mysterious creatures and hidden dangers. To survive, you must gather resources, craft tools, and build shelters. Whether teaming up with allies or going solo, the challenge remains the same: endure the brutal environment and, most importantly, don’t starve.
9. RimWorld
A colony simulator with a sci-fi twist, RimWorld thrives on emergent storytelling. Players guide a group of crash survivors on an alien world, balancing everything from resource gathering and colony building to relationships and survival against hostile forces. With its intelligent AI storyteller and an active modding community, no two playthroughs are ever alike.
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8. Crosshair X
For competitive gamers, Crosshair X offers customization like no other. It lets users overlay personalized crosshairs in any game, with thousands of community-made designs and an easy-to-use editor. Features such as fullscreen Game Bar support, image imports, and sharing options make it a favorite among FPS fans looking to fine-tune their aim.
7. Hollow Knight
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight remains a benchmark in the Metroidvania genre. Its hauntingly beautiful art style, challenging combat, and expansive interconnected world have made it a modern classic. Players embody a small warrior exploring the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, uncovering secrets while battling deadly creatures and bosses.
6. No Man’s Sky
Once criticized at launch, No Man’s Sky has evolved into one of the most ambitious exploration games ever created. Players traverse procedurally generated galaxies, cataloging alien life, discovering artifacts, and even establishing bases. Its sheer scale and constant updates keep it a standout among indie successes.
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5. Stardew Valley
What began as a passion project has grown into one of the most beloved farming RPGs of all time. In Stardew Valley, you inherit a rundown farm and work to restore it while integrating into the local community. Farming, fishing, relationships, and exploration combine to create a heartfelt, endlessly replayable experience.
4. Rust
Initially dismissed as a Minecraft clone, Rust has matured into one of the most well-regarded survival multiplayer titles. Its emergent gameplay—where alliances, betrayals, and unexpected encounters shape each session—keeps players coming back for more. What began as a rocky launch has transformed into a long-standing hit.
3. Wallpaper Engine
Not exactly a game, but a massively popular indie app, Wallpaper Engine brings desktops to life. Users can select from animated wallpapers—2D, 3D, videos, or even interactive web elements—or create and share their own through the Steam Workshop. With a companion Android app, the customization extends to mobile as well.
2. Bongo Cat
A lighthearted yet clever creation, Bongo Cat turns everyday typing into a playful experience. A cartoon cat appears on your screen, drumming along to your keystrokes while unlocking collectible items. Lightweight and designed to run in the background, it’s an indie app that makes work and play blend seamlessly.
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Perhaps the most anticipated indie sequel of the decade, Hollow Knight: Silksong builds on the legacy of its predecessor, which reinvigorated interest in the Metroidvania genre. While details remain scarce, the hype is undeniable. The enduring love for Hollow Knight has paved the way for Silksong to become a cultural phenomenon before even launching fully.
