Over the past decade, indie games have steadily carved out a prominent niche in the gaming industry, challenging the dominance of blockbuster titles produced by major studios. What makes indie games so fascinating is their ability to deliver unique, innovative, and often experimental gaming experiences. In contrast to AAA titles that follow conventional formulas, indie games embrace creativity, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, art direction, and game mechanics. As we step into 2024, the indie game scene continues to thrive, offering a treasure trove of hidden gems that deserve your attention. This article highlights several must-play indie titles that exemplify the diversity and ingenuity of indie game development.
1. “Dredge” — A Lovecraftian Fishing Adventure
At first glance, Dredge might seem like a peaceful fishing simulator, but beneath the surface lies a chilling horror adventure that blends Lovecraftian themes with survival mechanics. Developed by Black Salt Games, Dredge places you in the role of a lone fisherman navigating mysterious and eerie waters. While the daylight hours are filled with serene fishing activities, the game takes a dark turn after sunset as players encounter terrifying sea creatures, hallucinations, and otherworldly phenomena.
The game’s art style is beautifully minimalist, contrasting the tranquility of the ocean during the day with the menacing atmosphere of the night. The narrative unfolds gradually, with players uncovering hidden secrets and strange relics in the deep. Its eerie world, coupled with the slow-burn horror, makes Dredge a refreshing departure from typical survival horror games. In 2024, as indie developers continue to experiment with genre-blending, Dredge stands out as a prime example of how even something as simple as fishing can become a spine-tingling adventure.
2. “Viewfinder” — A Mind-Bending Puzzle Game
If you’re a fan of games like Portal or The Talos Principle, then Viewfinder is a game that should be on your radar. Developed by Sad Owl Studios, this first-person puzzle game offers a mind-bending mechanic that allows players to manipulate reality by using photographs. The central premise revolves around solving environmental puzzles by literally placing images into the world and walking through them, altering the landscape in the process.
The creativity of the gameplay in Viewfinder is its standout feature, offering players the freedom to think outside the box. With each photograph, players can reshape the environment, changing the physical properties of the game world and discovering hidden paths and solutions. The puzzles grow more complex as you progress, requiring you to challenge your perception of space and reality.
Viewfinder is not just a technical marvel but also a work of art, combining clever puzzle design with striking visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The game invites players to explore the philosophical implications of perception, memory, and reality. In an era where puzzle games can sometimes feel formulaic, Viewfinder breathes new life into the genre, offering an innovative experience that will leave you questioning the nature of the virtual world.
3. “Sea of Stars” — A Love Letter to Classic JRPGs
Inspired by classic Japanese role-playing games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI, Sea of Stars by Sabotage Studio is a vibrant homage to the golden age of JRPGs. This turn-based RPG is set in a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and mystery. The game features beautifully crafted pixel art, a compelling story, and a unique combat system that blends classic JRPG mechanics with modern innovations.
What sets Sea of Stars apart is its meticulous attention to detail, from the richly designed environments to the fluid animations that bring its characters and enemies to life. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system that affect both the gameplay and the story. The combat system is equally impressive, with players needing to strategically time their attacks and manage a variety of characters’ abilities.
The narrative, which focuses on two Children of the Solstice destined to wield the powers of the sun and moon, offers a compelling mix of high-stakes adventure and personal growth. Sea of Stars also boasts a captivating soundtrack, with contributions from legendary composer Yasunori Mitsuda, known for his work on Chrono Trigger and Xenogears.
With its retro-inspired design and deep love for classic JRPGs, Sea of Stars is a game that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of the genre, while also introducing newcomers to the magic of turn-based RPGs.
4. “Lies of P” — A Dark Souls-Like Reimagining of Pinocchio
The indie game world is no stranger to unusual premises, and Lies of P might be one of the most intriguing ones yet. Developed by Neowiz, this Souls-like action RPG is a dark reimagining of the classic Pinocchio story. Set in a dystopian Belle Époque-inspired world, the game follows the titular character, Pinocchio, as he embarks on a journey to become human, fighting off grotesque mechanical enemies along the way.
Lies of P stands out for its gothic art style, blending steampunk aesthetics with dark fantasy to create a world that feels both familiar and alien. The combat, inspired by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series, is punishing but rewarding, requiring players to master precise timing and dodge mechanics. What makes Lies of P unique is the “lying” mechanic — throughout the game, Pinocchio must make choices that affect the outcome of the story, including how human he becomes by the end.
While Lies of P borrows heavily from the Souls-like formula, it introduces enough originality to stand on its own. The combination of a beloved fairy tale with a grimdark setting is an ambitious gamble, but it pays off in delivering a richly atmospheric and challenging experience.
5. “COCOON” — A Surreal Puzzle Adventure by Limbo’s Co-Creator
From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside, comes COCOON, a surreal puzzle adventure that delves into the concept of worlds within worlds. This top-down game challenges players to solve puzzles by navigating between multiple dimensions, each with its own set of rules and mechanics. Players carry orbs, each representing a world, and use them to unlock new areas, manipulate environments, and reveal hidden secrets.
What makes COCOON so engaging is its ability to create intricate puzzles that are layered across multiple dimensions, requiring players to think several steps ahead. The game’s minimalist art style and ambient soundtrack add to the dreamlike quality of the experience, making it feel like a spiritual successor to Limbo and Inside.
COCOON is more than just a puzzle game — it’s an exploration of abstract concepts, encouraging players to contemplate the interconnectedness of worlds and the nature of reality. With its striking visuals and innovative mechanics, COCOON promises to be a standout title in 2024, especially for players who appreciate games that offer more than just a challenge but also provoke deeper reflection.
Conclusion
As we move further into 2024, the indie game scene continues to be a wellspring of innovation and creativity, offering players unique experiences that often rival, if not surpass, mainstream AAA titles. Games like Dredge, Viewfinder, Sea of Stars, Lies of P, and COCOON highlight the incredible diversity of the indie gaming world, each offering something distinct — from mind-bending puzzles to atmospheric horror and retro-inspired RPGs. These hidden gems are a testament to the boundless possibilities of game design, showcasing how smaller studios can take risks, experiment with genres, and deliver unforgettable experiences.
If you’re looking for something fresh, unconventional, and deeply immersive, these indie games are well worth your time in 2024. The indie revolution is far from over — in fact, it’s just getting started.
We recently went through the top 5 games we are looking forward to in 2025, you can read the full list here.