Despite their small scale and contained nature, indie games are quickly becoming one of the more popular genres, title by title. While most gamers love the graphics quality of triple-A games, nothing can compete with the uniqueness of independently developed games. Many smaller games like Stardew Valley has gained a cult following.
There are plenty of indie titles that players can play over and over, maximize replay value, and really get their money’s worth out of them, especially with rouge-like titles. Such games offer a different experience, where each playthrough allows players to discover something new. These are some of them best indie games which offers most replay value.
10/10 Hollow Knight
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Available to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Hollow Knight is a 2D action platformer with a gothic look with atmospheric Tim Burton-like landscapes. Players must adventure through an open but interconnected world with classic side-scrolling action. The Hallownest world is like a maze, and hidden secrets and mysteries players can only find when they play for the third time.
Despite the non-linear format and story, Hollow Knight has a lot of interesting soul-like content, whether it’s tackling one of the 30 unique bosses or just exploring the expansive world. Various equippable charms allow players to explore different combat combinations across multiple playthroughs for one of the most replayable Metroidvania-style games in history.
9/10 Spelunky 2
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Available to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
Spelunky 2 builds on the unique and randomized nature of the original, offering adventures designed to satisfy and inspire players old and new. Featuring a multitude of different areas to explore, with branching paths and multi-layered levels, it offers a new platforming dimension to the 2D classic.
As players explore the vast world, their camp will expand and blossom into a thriving little community of unique NPCs to chat with when players need a break from exploring these dangerous mines. Spelunky 2 offers an endlessly replayable and addictive playground to immerse yourself in, with hours of secrets and artifacts to uncover.
8/10 Stardew Valley
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Available to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android devices.
Stardew Valley is one of the most iconic farm simulator games ever made. It has hours of content hidden beneath the charming surface, with multiple starting lands to choose from, each with different perks. The players inherit their grandfather’s old cabin and farm plot. Armed with only a few hand-me-down tools, they are tasked with turning this overgrown field into a thriving home.
If players play Stardew Valley for the first time or are a seasoned veteran who has explored Ginger Island and dived into Skull Cavern, there is something in Stardew Valley for all players. Especially with the inclusion of extra mods, Stardew Valley is a game that keeps on giving!
7/10 Hades
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Available to play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
Rogue-like games have the most replay value, and Hades is no exception. It’s a top-down frivolous action-adventure game that infuses classic and reimagined legends of Greek mythology with subtle twists. Players take control of Zagreus, the immortal prince of hell, and defy the god of the dead as they hack and slash their way through the underworld.
Zagreus gets to use legendary weapons from Olympus to free himself from the clutches of Hades himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each playthrough. New surprises await the player every time they delve into the ever-changing underworld, whose bosses will remember them from previous attempts.
6/10 Coral Island
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Available in Early Access on PC.
Coral Island is a relaxing farming simulator set on a remote tropical island. It allows players to live out their fantasies on tropical islands, and puts relaxation at the forefront of the gaming experience. Players must rebuild the island’s economy and restore the city to its former glory.
Players can take life at their own leisurely pace, without external stressors or time constraints, unlike Stardew Valley. They are given free rein over the island, deciding which crops and animals to add to their farm. Coral Island also has many side activities. Whether it’s romancing one of the 20 locals or catching fish, there’s plenty for players to do.
5/10 Understatement
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Available to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Understatement took the Internet by storm when it was released in 2015, deconstructing the traditional RPG genre. It’s a charming 2D pixel art action-adventure experience that puts players in control of a human child who has fallen into an underground realm filled with mysterious sentient monsters. They must find their way out or risk being trapped there forever.
Understatement encourages multiple playthroughs. Killing enemies is unnecessary as players can negotiate their way out of danger using the unique combat system and kill them with kindness by befriending and sparing them. There are multiple endings depending on the route players want to take, how they interact with their environments, and how ruthless they secretly are.
4/10 Deep Rock Galactic
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Available to play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
The concept of space dwarves exploring caves on mining adventures while dealing with alien species is completely unique, and Deep Rock Galactic performs well. It features procedurally generated dark levels and each environment is fully destructible, allowing players to mine to their heart’s content.
IN Deep Rock Galactic, players can fully customize the dwarves’ appearance with various cosmetics and upgrades to get the job done. Every class, from Gunner to Driller, has weapons to use in this crazy FPS. After a successful mission, players can even enjoy a nice cold pint of beer in the Abyss Bar.
3/10 Risk of rain 2
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Available to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Survive and fight through alien planets in Risk of rain 2, solo or co-op multiplayer! This unique third-person rogue-like features over 10 unlockable playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and skills to master.
More than 110 items are available to keep every walkthrough interesting and exciting. The more items players collect, the more they combine to create a devastating impact! IN Risk of rain 2, players can either fight their way through to the final boss or continue their run indefinitely to see how long they can last. The unique scaling system means that the player and their enemies grow in power without limit!
2/10 Broken tattoo
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Available in Early Access on PC.
Broken tattoo is a unique foray into the world of top-down roguelikes, as players play as a potato, able to use six weapons at a time to fend off hordes of aliens. There are hundreds of weapons and items to equip, from flamethrowers to rocket launchers; there is no end to Brotato’s ambition. Fortunately, each weapon also fires automatically, with manual aiming options for those who want more of a challenge.
Each playthrough is relatively quick for players, with each game lasting 30 minutes and each enemy wave lasting 30-90 seconds. Broken tattoo is perfect for players with a busy lifestyle or those in a hurry.
1/10 Vampire Survivor
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Available to play on PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Vampire Survivor is a newly released indie game with action-rogue-like elements. It’s time survival based with a bullet hell style, so players must avoid enemies and survive as long as humanly possible before Death inevitably puts an end to their battles.
Each run will be different as players are given different weapon choices each time they level up. Some weapons can be combined and upgraded into a weapon of mass destruction. Players can collect gold each playthrough, allowing them to purchase passive upgrades and unlock new characters! Vampire Survivor is the perfect casual game for players to sink their teeth and hours into.
