Great games don’t always need complex systems to shine. These 15 titles prove that simple gameplay, when done right, can be just as fun.
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Top Games Releasing In January 2026 You Should Be Excited About
15. Balatro
Balatro starts with the most simple rule: make poker hands, and then builds endless depth through jokers, modifiers, and clever combos. It’s easy to learn, but every run opens up new strategies, making it one of the most addictive deck builders around. | © LocalThunk
14. Journey
Journey is a visually stunning adventure that pairs simple gameplay with an unforgettable atmosphere. Short but powerful, it leaves a lasting impact through its emotional story and breathtaking world. | © Tricky Pixels
13. A Short Hike
A Short Hike offers a cozy little world full of charming characters and heartfelt moments. It’s the kind of game that makes a single afternoon feel well spent. | © Adamgryu
12. Abzû
Abzû tells a quiet, mysterious story while surrounding you with stunning underwater visuals that feel truly alive. It’s a must-play for anyone who enjoys relaxing, exploration-driven games over nonstop action. | © Giant Squid Studios
11. Hrot
Hrot strips FPS gameplay down to its essentials, pairing fast, accessible action with a stark retro style. Its minimal design makes the atmosphere hit even harder, creating a moody experience that feels both simple and memorable. | © Spytihněv
10. Downwell
Downwell drops you into a vertical descent armed with just gun-boots, creating fast, addictive runs that are easy to learn but tough to master. Its retro look and tight arcade design make every combo, fall, and boss fight feel rewarding. | © Moppin
9. Lethal Company
Lethal Company keeps things simple with co-op horror runs, but its atmosphere and unpredictable monsters make every mission tense and fresh. The streamlined design lets players jump in fast, while the variety of creature behaviors ensures the scares never get old. | © Zeekerss
8. Firewatch
Firewatch combines a gripping story with gorgeous wilderness settings and believable, well-voiced characters. Instead of traditional adventure mechanics, it shines through the dialogue between its two leads, making every exchange feel real. | © Campo Santo
7. Limbo
Limbo uses simple controls and wordless storytelling to draw players into its eerie, atmospheric world. With striking visuals, moody sound, and clever physics puzzles, it proves how powerful minimal design can be. | © Playdead
6. Dredge
Dredge turns fishing into a simple loop of mini-games and exploration that’s easy to pick up and soothing to play. Its minimalist design makes it relaxing and accessible, while subtle horror elements add just enough edge to keep things interesting. | © Black Salt Games
5. Animal Well
Animal Well uses simple controls and a streamlined structure to pull you into its strange, neon-lit world. The mix of puzzles and open exploration keeps it mysterious and engaging without ever feeling complicated. | © Shared Memory LLC
4. Thronefall
Thronefall blends base defense, light strategy, and action into a clean, accessible package. Its streamlined mechanics keep things simple without losing depth, making it both easy to play and hard to put down. | © Grizzly Games
3. Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 drops you into dangerous caverns where simple, intuitive controls make every run easy to pick up but hard to master. Its straightforward systems create endless possibilities, balancing accessibility with the kind of challenge that keeps you coming back. | © Mossmouth
2. Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is all about co-op chaos, sending players through campaigns packed with relentless zombie hordes and tricky special enemies. Its stripped-down FPS design keeps things simple and fast, making it one of the easiest and most fun co-op games. | © Valve Corporation
1. Post Void
Post Void throws you straight into chaotic, fast-paced runs where survival depends on constant momentum. It's a simple loop of blasting through tight corridors and enemies that makes every restart feel just as thrilling as the last. | © YCJY Games
Great games don’t always need complex systems to shine. These 15 titles prove that simple gameplay, when done right, can be just as fun.
