This decade saw a substantial rise in independent video games. That was in large part due to the rise of the internet, the accessibility of purchasing games online, and the ease of publishing through independent channels. This isn't to imply that publishing a video game is easy. Far from it! But the internet does allow for more creative freedom than trying to find a conventional publisher. Just look at something like Undertale, having been completely self-published by Toby Fox through Steam and GOG.
And it's not like these indie games are short, mindless affairs. Far from it.
This list will cover some of the best examples of massive indies that can eat up tons of hours. Main campaigns with be the primary focus - though the hours required for absorbing the bulk of the extra content and unlockables will also be factored in.
Updated June 28th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: The world of Indie gaming continues to grow exponentially with each passing year, as more and more developers jump into the fray to try their hands at designing and releasing a game. Each new quarter brings a slew of exciting games a long with it, with many of them offering up bite-sized adventures or quick playthroughs. That said, there are some Indie games out there that are downright lengthy, with some exceeding that of AAA releases. To better showcase and celebrate some of the longest Indie games out there, the following list has been updated and now has additional entries.
18 Hades (22-96 Hours)
Those craving a procedurally-generated roguelike with a bit more substance should check out Hades. The Greek Mythology-inspired Indie release from Supergiant Games has tons of substance, with hidden details and hours upon hours of dialogue for players to sift through. Although the main premise of the game is the "escape from the clutches of Hades," players will have to do it numerous times if they want to truly unlock and experience all of Zagreus' tragic tale.
Hades is visually stunning, a blast to play, and features some of the most enthralling and engaging voice acting seen in an Indie game. It's truly something every Indie and roguelike fan needs to experience at least once.
17 Disco Elysium (22-44 Hours)
If a story-driven narrative is on the menu, Disco Elysium should be at the top of the order. Players will find themselves in the shoes of a detective with a unique set of abilities that must make his way through a city full of interesting and unique characters. Disco Elysium is more than just a "choose your own adventure," it's a Role-Playing game in its purest form. Players are forced through the narrative as a detective but are free to mold the character as they see fit.
There are multiple dialogue options, tons of skills, and a lot of depth when it comes to making decisions and solving problems. Pair this with tons of voice acting and some truly entertaining gameplay elements and it's easy to see why players take hours upon hours to finish the release.
16 The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth (5.5-271 Hours)
Another Roguelike, The Binding of Isaac is a seemingly simple game that features so much depth and additional content that it will take most players well over 100 hours just to see and experience it all. Thanks to consistent updates from the developer and some seriously challenging bosses, all mixed together with the "luck of finding the right items in a given run," The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth can keep players entertained for months.
The "main story" will take only a handful of hours to complete, but those that want to see every ending, collect every character, and do everything possible in the Indie release will need to spend copious amounts of time slashing through enemies, finding the right items, and unlocking some truly painful levels.
15 Undertale (6-20 Hours)
Well, since Undertale has already received a mention here, it makes sense to go into more detail about the game. Undertale was a runaway success when it was self-published in 2015. It made Toby Fox a gaming legend, it received unanimously positive reviews, and it quickly became one of the most discussed video games of the year (maybe even the decade).
Undertale is no slouch in the longevity department. An average playthrough will take about six hours, but completionists should expect to spend upwards of 20 odd hours on the game. It's a beast.
14 Amnesia: The Dark Descent (8-10 Hours)
Amnesia ferried in the age of the independent horror game. It was released to critical acclaim back in 2010, and it singlehandedly changed the way that horror games were made. It was developed and published by Frictional Games, a small Swedish development team that had previously published the Penumbra series for PC. Amnesia's main story can be completed in about eight hours, although it's certainly not unheard of to spend upwards of ten hours on the game. Ten hours of pure, unfiltered horror. What's not to love?
13 Axiom Verge (15 Hours)
Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania title developed and self-published by Thomas Happ. Happ has worked for Petroglyph Games and has helped engineer the likes of NFL Street and Tiger Woods PGA Tour. Axiom Verge is certainly something... A little different for the independent developer.
Luckily, it was a complete success. Axiom Verge received highly positive reviews, and a sequel is currently in development. It's also quite hefty, taking upwards of fifteen hours to fully complete. That's longer than some AAA games!
12 Bastion (5-20 Hours)
Bastion is an action RPG released back in 2011 by Supergiant Games. Supergiant was founded by two men - Amir Rao and Gavin Simon. Both had previously worked for EA, but they decided to venture out on their own in the name of creative freedom. They worked alongside freelancers to create Bastion, a fantasy RPG that eventually sold over three million copies. Bastion is not quite as long as Axiom Verge, but it still punches above its weight class.
The main story will take between five and six hours, but completing all the bonus and side content can take well over twenty.
11 Celeste (8-35 Hours)
Celeste is often considered to be one of the greatest independent games of all time. Yeah, it was only released in 2018, so it could be too early to tell. But this thing was showered with praise and accolades, and the reception was unlike seen in the indie market for a long time.
It was developed and published by Matt Makes Games and was programmed by Matt Thorson (yes, that Matt) and Noel Berry. The main story will take about eight hours to complete, but according to howlongtobeat.com, completionists should expect to spend upwards of 35 hours on the game!
10 Cuphead (10-20 Hours)
Cuphead was one of THE gaming events of 2017, for two big reasons - the art and the difficulty. A lot of work went into the game's visuals, as it takes on the look of old rubber hose animation of the 1930s. It is positively beautiful. And the difficulty was widely talked about and often compared to the likes of Dark Souls. Cuphead was independently developed by two brothers, Chad and Jared Moldenhauer.
The main story of Cuphead will take up to ten hours to complete (even longer for those who can't deal with its grueling difficulty). This is essentially doubled for those seeking a completionist run.
9 FNaF World (20-50 Hours)
FNaF World was certainly ambitious. Perhaps a bit too ambitious for its own good. This is the first spin-off of the iconic Five Nights at Freddy's series. But instead of isolated and claustrophobic horror, FNaF World is an expansive RPG.
It was perhaps too much for Scott Cawthon to take on, as the game was released in a horribly ugly and unfinished state. Regardless, the game is an absolute behemoth. Howlongtobeat pegs the main story at an ambitious twenty hours, and the completionist runs at fifty! This thing is no slouch.