Indie games are often underestimated and gravely underrated, but don't make that mistake: there are titles that could become the next big thing, and readers are just a few words away from knowing some of them. Some of these titles come from already established companies that have already produced incredible cult games, while others are black horses that just popped up in the market and are quickly snowballing into a massive game.
Great Indie Games That Punch Above Their Weight
Not all indie games are created equal. Here are some standout examples that successfully punch above their weight.
Most of these indie games offer tons of fun for a fraction of the price tag of a AAA title, so if players are looking for good options to play on their PC or consoles, here is a list of the next five big indie games rising up in popularity.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
A Game Like We've Never Seen Before
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
- Released
- March 19, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
With a unique classic-cartoon style (thanks to Steambot Willie' s IP becoming public domain in early 2024), this incredible idea crafted by Fumi Games is set to be released on March 19, 2025. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire combines ridiculous gameplay with intense FPS action, and a wacky story to boot.
Every character looks like something popping up in an old 1930s black and white cartoon, with rubber-hose animation and features that look suspiciously similar to folks like Mickey, Mortimer Mouse, and Peg Leg Pete. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire has all the ingredients to become one of the indie hits of 2026.
Slay The Spire 2
The Sequel of One Of The Most Notorious Indie Games
Slay the Spire II
- Released
- March, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mega Crit
- Publisher(s)
- Mega Crit
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Roguelike, Digital Card Game
- Platform(s)
- PC
Slay The Spire 2 is one of the most anticipated indie titles coming up in 2026. It was supposed to be launched in 2025, but sadly it got delayed. The game will feature numerous new additions, including the Necrobinder Class, new cards, relics, and a host of cool details (such as improved graphics).
Like its predecessor (Slay The Spire 1), the learning curve of Slay The Spire 2 is something every player must overcome before they can get the perfect builds and identify the classes best suited for their playstyle. For the moment, there's no exact time and date for the release of this sequel, though the release window is set for March 2026 (First quarter).
Reanimal
Another Masterpiece From the Creators of Little Nightmares
Reanimal
- Released
- February 13, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Another creepy yet endearing adventure created by Tarsier Studios (Little Nightmares), where two siblings embark on a quest to rescue all of their friends from the supernatural forces that have taken over their homeland: a remote island clouded by mist. Reanimal mixes survival horror, stealth, and platformer with gorgeous yet creepy environments and a unique level design that sets it apart from other similar titles.
Best Indie Horror Games That Are Open-World, Ranked
Today, we will be ranking our favorite indie horror games that feature open-worlds.
It is a must-play for players who have enjoyed games like Limbo, Unravel, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Plague Tale, and, of course , the Little Nightmares series. The devs from Tarsier Studios have created something much darker and more sinister, but with a unique imprint that will surely make horror genre enthusiasts enjoy it.
Cairn
A Truly Beautiful Climb
Cairn
- Released
- January 29, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Game Bakers
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
Cairn is one of the finest rock climbing simulators players will ever see: made with love by an indie company called The Game Bakers. With complex yet fun mechanics, meticulous attention to detail, and beautifully designed scenarios, Cairn is poised to be a huge hit among players who enjoy reaching the highest points and taking in the views.
This game is going to launch in 2026 (first quarter), but players can already test a Demo on Steam if they dare to take the challenge. If readers are up to the challenge and want to enjoy a relaxing climbing simulation experience, then they should definitely wishlist Cairn (and try the Demo).
Blight: Survival
Zombie Slaying In Full Body Armor
Blight: Survival
- Developer(s)
- Haenir Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Behaviour Interactive
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
Developed by an indie studio based in Sweden, Blight: Survival is one of the most wishlisted titles, and one that fans of survival horror and PVE combat have been waiting for. The game will send solo players (or groups of 3) into an alternative 14th-century Europe, to a land besieged by a mysterious plague, armed with a wide array of weapons like swords, crossbows, and blades of every shape and type, to fend off the undead and emerge victorious from the battlefield.
Blight: Survival is an extraction looter of sorts, with unique combat features and a third-person view perspective. Players will have to seek the origin of the blight while fending off ravenous infected and human enemies, and combine fluid combat tactics with stealth and their wits to overcome every obstacle in their path. Little is known about the launch date or finer details, but it will surely be one of the biggest indie titles in the near future.
7 Most Intense Indie Management Games
For fans of intense video game experiences, here are some of the best indie management titles to check out.