To see the complete, updated ranking, visit our list of the best independent games released on the PC.
50. Rakuen
Exploring mature themes through the eyes of a child, Shigihara surely took her time in creating this title. Unveiling a story of a hospitalized boy taking comfort in fantasy, Rakuen lets you meander around colorful worlds while dealing with illness, hope, and loss.
It has a playscore of 8.78
49. Fez
Another adorable platformer with a streak of ingenuity. This time, it's a game that puts you right smack in the fabric of space and time. Switch between dimensions with a press of a button and discover the hidden trails beneath the planar puzzles.
A platformer that's both charming and intelligently crafted, Polytron's Fez has a playscore of 8.79
48. Night In The Woods
Follow the story of the college dropout, Mae, whose homecoming is met with a series of eerie changes. Walk into the woods with their loveable cast of anthropomorphic creatures and discover hefty life lessons with a bit of danger. It's a quirky take on dealing with mental health and it kinda works.
Infinite Fall's Night In The Woods has a playscore of 8.80
47. TowerFall Ascension
From the team that gave us Celeste comes their first archery combat indie game. This 4-player couch party game lets you unlock your hidden archery skills to take down foes and stomp them to the ground.
Search for rare loots and embark on a competitive multiplayer experience with a playscore of 8.80
46. SOMA
Frictional Games, the masters behind the horrifying Amnesia series, comes with a whole new Sci-Fi Horror experience that oozes with well-written dialogue, thought-provoking themes, and creepy monsters. Survive and escape from a derelict underwater laboratory and question your very own existence.
It has a playscore of 8.81
45. LIMBO
PlayDead’s dark, eerie, and monochromatic platformer adventure is a must-have for indie fans. Lead a young boy as he escapes from a black and white underworld filled with demented creatures and doesn’t respect any rules of physics.
It has a playscore of 8.81
44. Transistor
The second entry from Supergiant’s master-crafted indie titles. Set in a dystopian cyberpunk society, help a young woman as she tracks down the people responsible for stealing her voice. Backed by a powerful soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, and a compelling story, it’s a one-of-a-kind indie experience.
It has a playscore of 8.82
43. Terraria
While it might look like another Minecraft clone, Re-Logic's Terraria is a whole new game entirely. Start digging deep into caves guarded by monsters. Claim your little turf, mine herbs, gather weapons and take on the grand quest for epic loot and rare items. Enjoy its rich survival elements and open-world design.
It has a playscore of 8.82
42. FTL: Faster Than Light
Mixing roguelike and real time strategy, this 2012 breakout title by Subset Games puts you at the helm of a spaceship amidst a great galactic battle. Guide the ship through the minefield of space navigation and save the galaxy with your leadership and determination.
It has a playscore of 8.82
41. Broforce
In Free Lives' Broforce, follow a group under-funded yet over-powered military people and blow things sky-high. Filled with destructible objects, hardcore weapons, and a multiplayer mode to satiate your anarchic desires, this game has a playscore of 8.83
40. Antichamber
Enter the mind-bending plane of confusion and disorientation in this psychological exploration game by Alexander Bruce. It encourages you to look at different perspectives and solve puzzles in a way you never used to...which is pretty damn entertaining.
It has a playscore of 8.83
39. Hyper Light Drifter
Oozing with a vibrant purple aesthetic, this mesmerizing indie title by Heart Machine is a field trip through pastel-colored memories. Set in a world where past meets future, lead a young drifter as he collects forgotten knowledge in a barren world.
It has a playscore of 8.83
38. Super Meat Boy
Jump over sawmills, avoid bullets and help Meat Boy save his girlfriend from the evil Dr. Fetus in this award-winning platformer from Edmund McMillen. Test your dexterity in over 300 single-player levels, with epic boss fights and an array of unlockable cameos from today's best indie titles.
It has a playscore of 8.84
37. Into The Breach
Control powerful mechs from the future and defeat an alien threat in this randomly generated turn-based strategy game. Straight from the creators of FTL, defend cities by planning the perfect strategy every turn. Obtain powerful weapons and unique pilots and save the human race.
It has a playscore of 8.84
36. SteamWorld Dig 2
The sequel to the iconic Metroidvania experience from Image & Form takes you to the depths of the world. As its name implies, you dig, dig, and dig to solve puzzles and complete objectives. Dig deeper underground as you explore unknown worlds filled with treasure and secrets.
It has a playscore of 8.84
35. A Hat In Time
The Super Mario Odyssey indie rival. This adorable 3D platformer from Gears for Breakfast takes you to the life of a time-traveling girl with a top hat as she collects missing timepieces. Jump into massive worlds using your snazzy abilities. Stitch new hats, and fight bosses that block your path.
It has a playscore of 8.86
34. This War Of Mine
11bit Studios’ emotionally painful survival strategy game doesn’t take you to the life of an elite soldier in the middle of a war, instead, you play as a group of helpless civilians trying to make it out alive in this chaotic hellhole.
Overcome hunger, depression, and sickness, whatever means necessary. It has a playscore of 8.87
33. Trine 2
For anyone that enjoys co-op gameplay, Trine 2 is one of the perfect experiences. A fantastical puzzle game from Frozenbyte, play as wizard, thief, or knight and make your own choices in its open ended story.
With beautiful visuals to top it all off, it has a playscore of 8.88
32. West of Loathing
Going back to the stickman days of animation, Asymmetric's West of Loathing is more than what meets the eye, delivering a sprawling open world of danger underneath its simplistic visuals. Partake in silly, turn-based shootouts, and laugh your ass off at their non-stop gags.
It has a playscore of 8.89
31. Detention
Another critically acclaimed horror game that's more than just face value. From developer Red Candle Games, follow two high school students as they find themselves trapped after the events of Taiwan's White Terror. Rife with smart narratives, intricate puzzles, and the traumatizing creatures of Oriental Myth, it receives a playscore of 8.89
30. Pony Island
A strange indie puzzler from Daniel Mullins. Playing on platforming tropes and metafictional gaming, Pony Island delivers psychological scares in the most unexpected places.
An entertaining spiral of confusion and despair, it has a playscore of 8.89
29. Torchlight 2
Runic Games' critically acclaimed action RPG is still going strong. A refreshing title for fans of classic dungeon crawling, Torchlight manages to bring Diablo-style adventures and loot collecting into an easily digestible package.
A charming and well-balanced ARPG, it has a playscore of 8.89
28. Opus Magnum
From the studio known for its engineering puzzles, Zachtronic's Opus Magnum is its own kind of master. Putting a fun twist on programming, create potions galore using their unique transmutation contraption.
For anyone with an appetite for puzzles and rich storylines, it has a playscore of 8.91
27. Gorogoa
Annapurna Interactive collaborates with artist Jason Roberts to give us yet another splendid puzzler. Challenging you to use your imagination, arrange their illustrated patterns into their correct orders and let your creative juices flow.
Tough but easy on the eyes, it has a playscore of 8.91
26. The Stanley Parable
More like a walking simulator than a game, roam around your bleak office space with the guidance of the sardonic narrator and discover over 30 different endings. With a range that covers cheap laughs, existential drama, and outright horror, every playthrough is a memorable one.
The narrator we all deserve, it has a playscore of 8.91
25. Spelunky
Not to be confused with 1983's Spelunker, Derek Yu's Spelunky takes us on a more modern and adorable treasure-hunting expedition. A roguelike game inspired by Indiana Jones, take out the hat and whip and watch out for traps and obstacles or its back to the drawing board for you.
For challenge seekers with a knack for exploration, it has a playscore of 8.92
24. Subnautica
Just when you thought our oceans were scary, Unknown Worlds Entertainment's Subnautica takes us on a tour of another planet's unknown abyss. Offering both majesty and mystery, take a free dive into the watery void and make a home suitable for everyday survival. Manage your resources and watch out for the aquatic wildlife, with a playscore of 8.93
23. INSIDE
PlayDead shows their mastery of minimalist Dystopia in this artful puzzle platformer. Invest in another dark tale set in a slightly more colored world filled with visual riddles and tense moments. It's an enveloping experience that ultimately makes the case for videogame as art.
It has a playscore of 8.93
22. Downwell
Slipping into a maddening and neverending descent, Moppin's Downwell is a classic style platformer fused with a procedurally generated world. Adding guns into the equation, use your weapons to vaporize enemies, and collect treasures. Published by Devolver Digital, it's got just the kind of finish as their other successful indie titles. It has a playscore of 8.94
21. Bastion
Step into the shoes of a Kid as he embarks on a life-changing quest in a world ravaged by calamity. Narrated by a seemingly omniscient voice, follow him as he faces off with hostile creatures that roam around its devastated world.
Rebuild what once was lost, with a playscore of 8.95
20. BattleBlock Theater
In The Behemoth's comedy platformer, the world is literally your stage. A co-op adventure, build up the laughs with friends as you work together to save Hatty Hattington. Watch out for the production roadblocks and the theater's feline inhabitants.
A hilarious multiplayer title, it has a playscore of 8.96
19. Hollow Knight
This souls-like Metroidvania adventure from Team Cherry won our hearts. Brave the dark and bug-infested underworld and play as a young knight as he uncovers the mystery of the Hollow Knight. Wield magical powers and use your trusty Nailsword to defeat difficult bosses.
It has a playscore of 8.97
18. Super Hexagon
Terry Cavanagh’s punishment for mankind takes the form of a fast-paced rhythm game. It’s an action game, with music, and literal difficulty spikes. Featuring a minimalistic aesthetic, lead your little polygon dance to the game’s beats. No, it’s not easy.
It has a playscore of 8.97
17. The Swapper
Developer Tom Jubert brings us an atmospheric puzzler that challenges you to think in spatial terms. Set in the dark halls of an abandoned research station, use your duplication abilities to make clones that mirror your movements and solve the platforming puzzles.
Adding a layer of gameplay on top of their equally compelling Metroidvania elements, it has a playscore of 8.97
16. The Talos Principle
Playing as a robot with the consciousness of a human, go on a journey to transcendence as you roam around their wondrous locations. Not only does it unlock your mind with its puzzles, but Croteam's Talos Principle also takes pride in making you question your very own existence.
With compelling narratives and puzzles, it has a playscore of 8.99
15. Shovel Knight
Yacht Club Games' Kickstarter-funded platformer is a gift that keeps on giving. While it impresses with its detailed pixel visuals and continually imaginative platforming mechanics, its developers have also been knight-like in their loyalty to fans, giving away new DLCs as free updates to their players.
it has a playscore of 9.0
14. Crypt Of The Necrodancer
Blending rhythm and roguelike into one seamless experience. Brace Yourself Games' Crypt of The Necrodancer manages to hit the right notes as you progress its procedurally generated world while you dance -- and fight to the beat.
It has a playscore of 9.02
13. Hotline Miami
Go on a psychedelic killing spree in Dennaton Games' popular action game. Don your animal masks and go on a beautiful rampage filled with broken bones, decapitated heads, and multiple stab wounds. Fulfill your mission and face your demons in 1989 Miami.
It has a playscore of 9.02
12. Dead Cells
A tribute to the legendary classic Castlevania, it mixes traditional platforming gameplay with the unpredictability of roguelike gaming, explore their ever-changing castles with your special powers and discover new surprises with every death. Motion Twin's Dead Cells has a playscore of 9.03
11. Cuphead
Studio MDHR’s masterpiece takes you to a beautiful and engrossing world of 1930’s animation. Help Cuphead and Mugman as they break their deal with the devil. It features a classic run and gun style gameplay with hardcore boss battles to face. Unlock power-ups, collect coins, and power up your character in solo, or co-op mode.
It’s upcoming expansion comes out this 2019! Cuphead has a playscore of 9.04
10. What Remains of Edith Finch
Annapurna Interactive together with developer Giant Sparrow goes for a more visually sophisticated path with this moving adventure around a family's abandoned estate. Powered by the Unreal Engine 4, the game offers next-level immersion, placing you in the shoes of Edith Finch who goes about investigating her family's death and discovering their storied past.
It has a playscore of 9.05
9. Nuclear Throne
This post-apocalyptic roguelike shooter from Vlambeer is filled with radioactive mess. Create your own mutated hope for mankind and fight your way through a wasteland of procedurally generated horror. This top-down shooter lets you play with your mutation by collecting limbs that grant hero abilities.
It has a playscore of 9.05
8. Mark Of The Ninja
Relive the days of classic side-scrolling Ninja games and be one with the shadows. This game from developer Klei Entertainment is all about the true stealth experience. Outsmart your opponents in its free-flowing gameplay backed with gorgeous visuals.
It’s a game that rewards the most hardcore of players. It has a playscore of 9.06
7. The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth
One of the pioneers of successful indie games, and another one from Edmund McMillen. Help poor, poor Isaac survive inside his mother’s creepy basement in this roguelike game. This definitive edition adds more content to the already good game released in 2011. Use your tears to fend off ghastly hordes of monsters in increasingly difficult dungeons.
It has a playscore of 9.07
6. Gunpoint
Take on the role of a badass spy and fulfill your mission objectives in your own way. It’s all about being stealthy, tactical, and precise. Trick the guards, hack the surveillance, take down important targets, and finish the mission without making a single noise.
Suspicious Developments' Gunpoint has a playscore of 9.09
5. Celeste
From the creators of TowerFall, help Madeline survive her inner demons and reach the top Celeste Mountain. Make it through hundreds of hand-crafted challenges and control your frustrations with the game’s brutal level design and insane difficulty levels.
It has a playscore of 9.14
4. Stardew Valley
Considered as the only good spiritual successor to Harvest Moon, Chucklefish and ConcernedApe’s farming indie game is all about building your agricultural empire. Make friends with the lovable residents of the Valley and find the love of your life. Featuring a new multiplayer feature, play with a friend and enjoy the beauty Stardew Valley has to offer.
It has a playscore of 9.14
3. Ori And The Blind Forest
What’s not to love about Microsoft’s adorable forest spirit? This metroidvania adventure from developer Moon Studios deserves all the praise. Save the forest from an evil threat and explore its dazzling ecosystem filled with bright lights and gorgeous visuals.
Get ready for the feels, because this game has a playscore of 9.19
2. Undertale
An unlikely RPG game that offers a brand new approach to storytelling. Step into a magical world filled with hopes and dreams in Toby Fox’s underworld. Lead a young person as they go in a seemingly vague quest. Meet memorable characters along the way, jam into its tunes, and fill your journey with determination!
It has a playscore of 9.28
1. Divinity: Original Sin II
As of the moment, nothing can outshine the brilliance of Larian Studios’ award-winning RPG. This ultimate CRPG experience lets you create your own character, be it a flesh-eating elf, or an Imperial Wizard, in a magical medieval world. It’s better than ever with improved turn-based controls, fantastic story, co-op, and 4K support.
It has a playscore of 9.33