Top 40 must-play indie games of 2024 | Part 1

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - December 20th 2024, 15:00 GMT+1

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For this list, we’re shining the spotlight on the best indie games released in 2024. While it’s technically a ranked list, let’s be real – it’s also super subjective because comparing games across wildly different genres is like comparing apples to existential horror walking sims. (Spoiler: they’re both great in their own way.)

Think we missed an essential indie gem? It might just be waiting for you in the second part of this list, where we’ll cover numbers 20 to 1! And if it’s still not there… well, don’t be shy – drop it in the comments and school us on our oversight. We’re all ears!

40. Pacific Drive

Embark on a thrilling journey through the Olympic Exclusion Zone in *Pacific Drive*, a first-person driving survival game where your trusty station wagon is your only companion. Navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with anomalies and ever-changing challenges, scavenging resources to upgrade and customize your vehicle. With each expedition, you'll uncover the secrets of this mysterious zone, all while ensuring your car remains in peak condition to face the dangers ahead. It's a "road-like" adventure that combines the thrill of driving with the suspense of survival horror, offering a unique experience for those brave enough to take the wheel. | © Ironwood Studios

39. King of the Bridge

In *King of the Bridge*, prepare to challenge a cunning bridge troll in his own twisted version of chess. This isn't your typical game; the troll has introduced over twenty mind-boggling rule changes, turning a classic pastime into a battlefield of wits and strategy. As you decrypt the mysterious rulebook and adapt to the ever-evolving gameplay, you'll need to stay vigilant for the troll's cheats and tricks. Accuse him correctly, and you might just gain the upper hand. With multiple endings, speedrun modes, and a plethora of unique rules, this game offers a fresh and humorous twist on a timeless classic. | © Balancelot Studio

38. Arco

Step into a Mesoamerican fantasy world with *Arco*, an RPG that seamlessly blends turn-based and real-time combat. Explore three handcrafted stories, each forged in bloodshed, laced with magic, and united by themes of revenge. The game's rich narrative and unique setting offer a fresh perspective in the RPG genre, while its innovative combat system keeps battles engaging and dynamic. Whether you're delving into ancient ruins or engaging in intense combat, *Arco* provides an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish. | © Outro Games

37. Conscript

Experience the horrors of World War I in *CONSCRIPT*, a survival horror game that places you in the shoes of a lone French soldier navigating the twisted trenches of the Western Front. With limited supplies, you'll need to scavenge for resources, solve complex puzzles, and fight for survival amidst the chaos of war. The game's atmospheric design and tense gameplay pay homage to classic survival horror titles, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre. Prepare to confront both the horrors of war and the darkness within in this gripping narrative. | © Catchweight Studio

Kinito PET — 36. KinitoPET

Remember the early 2000s virtual assistants? *KinitoPET* takes that nostalgia and adds a psychological horror twist. Meet Kinito, your virtual friend capable of walking, talking, browsing, and playing games with you. But as you interact, you'll discover that Kinito harbors a dark secret. The game's adaptive technology creates a unique experience, reacting to your choices in unexpected ways. It's a journey that starts with innocent fun and gradually descends into unsettling territory, challenging your perceptions of reality and companionship. | © ChaosDog Studio

First Cut Samurai Duel — 35. First Cut: Samurai Duel

Sharpen your blade and steady your nerves for *First Cut: Samurai Duel*, where every strike could be your last – or your opponent's. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of feudal Japan, this high-intensity arcade sword-fighting game demands precision and strategy. With an intuitive combat system, you'll aim your sword to block attacks and strike around your opponent's guard, turning each duel into a deadly dance. Customize your samurai with a variety of attire options, each piece individually colorable, ensuring your warrior stands out on the battlefield. Whether facing friends in local multiplayer, battling AI in Survival mode, or embarking on the Scenario mode campaign, the game's lethal combat ensures that the first cut is indeed the deepest. | © Night Eyes Interactive

34. Backpack Battles

Ever thought your organizational skills could lead you to victory? In *Backpack Battles*, a PvP inventory management auto-battler, they absolutely can. Purchase and craft powerful items, then meticulously arrange them in your backpack to create formidable builds. The placement of each item matters, turning your backpack into a strategic battlefield. Face off against real player builds, adapt your strategy, and climb the ranks in this quirky yet competitive game that proves sometimes, it's what's inside that counts. | © PlayWithFurcifer, IndieArk

33. Cryptmaster

Prepare to *say anything* in *Cryptmaster*, a bizarre dungeon adventure where your words wield power. Utilize text or voice commands to uncover lost abilities, embark on peculiar quests, and solve mind-bending riddles. The game's unique mechanic allows for creative problem-solving, as you fill in the blanks to progress through the crypt's challenges. With a blend of humor and mystery, *Cryptmaster* offers an unconventional RPG experience that keeps you guessing – and talking – until the very end. | © Paul Hart, Lee Williams, Akupara Games

32. Psychopomp GOLD

Descend into the depths of the underworld in *Psychopomp GOLD*, where your entire life has been a lie, and ancient horrors await. This expanded edition of the cult classic *Psychopomp* introduces new realms, modes, and secrets, challenging you to delve deeper than ever before. Navigate the catacombs, confront otherworldly entities, and uncover the truth that lies at the center of the earth. With its atmospheric design and expanded content, *Psychopomp GOLD* offers a haunting adventure that will test your resolve and sanity. | © Fading Club

Shapez 2 — 31. shapez 2

For those who find joy in efficiency and automation, *shapez 2* is a dream come true. This factory-building game focuses on constructing massive, multi-level space factories without the hassle of enemies. Design intricate production lines, tackle increasingly complex automation challenges, and expand your factory to unprecedented scales. With a serene yet engaging gameplay loop, *shapez 2* allows you to build at your own pace, making it a perfect playground for creative engineers and automation enthusiasts alike. | © tobspr Games, Gamera Games

Minishoot Adventures — 30. Minishoot' Adventures

Embark on a delightful journey in *Minishoot' Adventures*, where the charm of classic Zelda meets the adrenaline of twin-stick shooters. Navigate a handcrafted world teeming with vibrant landscapes and intricate dungeons, all while piloting your trusty ship, the Chosen. The game masterfully blends open-world exploration with bullet-hell action, challenging you to rescue your friends from the clutches of the nefarious Unchosen. As you delve deeper, you'll encounter formidable bosses, each demanding strategic prowess and quick reflexes. With its engaging gameplay and endearing art style, *Minishoot' Adventures* offers a fresh twist on beloved genres, ensuring an adventure that's as heartwarming as it is thrilling. | © SoulGame Studio

29. Rabbit and Steel

Hop into the action with *Rabbit and Steel*, a co-op action roguelike that distills the essence of high-level MMO raiding into a charming, bunny-sized package. Choose your class, gather your rabbit-eared companions, and battle your way to the Moonlit Pinnacle. Each run offers randomized challenges, requiring teamwork and strategy to overcome formidable foes. The game's delightful art style and engaging mechanics make it a standout in the roguelike genre, providing both challenge and charm in equal measure. | © mino_dev

28. Selaco

Dive into the frenetic world of *Selaco*, a first-person shooter that pays homage to classics while carving its own path with modern innovations. Powered by the GZDoom engine, *Selaco* delivers intense action set pieces, destructible environments, and AI enemies that think and adapt, ensuring every encounter is unpredictable. The game's rich narrative unfolds within an immersive world, blending fast-paced gunplay with a compelling storyline. Whether you're a fan of retro shooters or seeking a fresh FPS experience, *Selaco* offers a bullet-riddled adventure that's hard to put down. | © Altered Orbit Studios

27. Elin

Step into the mystical land of Ylva in *Elin*, the successor to the roguelike RPG "Elona". This expansive adventure combines elements of survival, crafting, and home-building, all set against a backdrop of rich mythology. Forge your own path as you interact with humans and Elea, uncovering stories and shaping the world around you. The game's depth and freedom offer a sandbox experience where your choices leave lasting impressions. With its blend of traditional RPG mechanics and innovative features, *Elin* invites you to create your own legend in a land filled with wonder and danger. | © Lafrontier

26. DICEOMANCER

Roll the dice and embrace the unexpected in *DICEOMANCER*, a roguelike deck-building game where fate and strategy intertwine. In a world of swords, magic, and guns, your quest for a peaceful life is disrupted, leading you on an adventure filled with peril and opportunity. Utilize your dice and deck to navigate challenges, with each roll potentially altering your destiny. The game's unique mechanics encourage adaptability and foresight, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. With its engaging blend of chance and choice, *DICEOMANCER* offers a fresh take on the deck-building genre, where every decision – and every roll – counts. | © Ultra Piggy Studio

25. Fields of Mistria

Step into the enchanting world of *Fields of Mistria*, where farming meets magic in a nostalgic life-simulation RPG. Build the farm of your dreams, explore the depths below Mistria, and engage with a vibrant community of characters. With over 600 items to craft, a weekly Saturday Market, and the ability to dress up your animals, the game offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure. Whether you're delving into mines, fishing, bug catching, or uncovering archaeological treasures, *Fields of Mistria* provides a rich and immersive experience that will keep you enchanted for hours on end. | © NPC Studio

24. Tiny Glade

Unleash your inner architect in *Tiny Glade*, a serene diorama builder that lets you create whimsical castles, cozy cottages, and romantic ruins. With a gridless building system, the game adorns your creations with procedural details, turning forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas. There's no management, combat, or goals – just pure, unadulterated creativity. It's the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and let their imagination run wild, one stone wall at a time. | © Pounce Light

23. Until Then

Embark on a narrative adventure in *Until Then*, where a fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction that upends Mark's life. As people disappear and memories become unreliable, you'll join Mark and his friends in uncovering hidden truths. With a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay, the game challenges you to unravel the mystery before it's too late. It's a journey filled with twists, turns, and emotional depth that will keep you hooked from start to finish. | © Polychroma Games

22. Tactical Breach Wizards

Ever wondered what happens when you combine wizards with tactical SWAT operations? Enter *Tactical Breach Wizards*, a turn-based strategy game where you lead a team of spell-slinging operatives in Kevlar. Unravel a modern conspiracy plot as you punch Traffic Warlocks through fourth-story windows and combine unique spells in clever ways. With a story-driven campaign of about 14 hours, the game offers a unique blend of magic and tactics that will challenge your strategic thinking and tickle your funny bone. | © Suspicious Developments

21. Crypt Custodian

Take on the afterlife one spill (and ghost) at a time in *Crypt Custodian*, where cleaning up the mess of the underworld has never been so fun—or dangerous. You play as Pluto, a cheeky cat whose mischief has landed them the "honor" of being the afterlife's janitor. Armed with your mop and a sassy attitude, you'll traverse a sprawling world filled with spectral puzzles, malevolent monsters, and forgotten treasures. The game blends metroidvania exploration with lighthearted humor, creating a unique mix of whimsy and challenge. Along the way, you'll uncover secrets of the afterlife, form unlikely alliances, and maybe, just maybe, earn your freedom. It’s charming, chaotic, and surprisingly relatable – because, let's face it, we all feel like we're mopping up someone else's mess sometimes.

Not enough indie games for you just yet? Check out 20 more right here! | © Kyle Thompson, Top Hat Studios, Inc., H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.

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Welcome, fellow adventurers of the pixelated, the hand-drawn, and the delightfully weird. Indie games are the lifeblood of creativity in gaming, and 2024 is absolutely stacked with must-plays. From heart-pounding roguelikes to introspective walking sims, the indie scene has something for everyone – and by "something," we mean pure, unadulterated fun with a side of existential dread (it’s indie games, after all).

In this two-part series, we’re diving headfirst into the Top 40 indie gems of the year – starting with Part 1. Will your favorite make the cut? Will you stumble upon a new obsession? Or will you yell at us in the comments for not including that one game? (Hint: It’s probably in Part 2.)