Despite their small-scale and contained nature, indie games are swiftly 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 quaintness of independently-developed games. Many smaller games likeStardew Valleyhave gained a cult following.
RELATED:Underrated Platformer Games On Steam
There are many indie titles that gamers can play over and over again, maximizing their replay value and truly getting their money’s worth out of them, especially withrouge-like titles.Such games offer a different experience, with each playthrough allowing players to discover something new. These are some of thebest indie gamesthat offer themost replay value.
10Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightis a gothic-looking 2D action platformer with atmospheric Tim Burton-like landscapes. Players must adventure across an open yet interconnected world with classic side-scrolling action. The world of Hallownest is like a labyrinth,hiding secrets and mysteriesplayers may only find on their third time playing.
Despite its non-linear format and storyline,Hollow Knightfeatures a plethora of interesting souls-like content, whether that’s tackling one of the 30 unique bosses or just simply exploring the expansive world. Various equippable charms allow players to explore different combat combinations across multiple playthroughs for one of history’s mostreplayable Metroidvania-styledgames.
9Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2builds upon the unique and randomized nature of the original, offering adventures designed to satisfy and inspire players old and new. It features a multitude of different areas to explore, with branching pathways and multi-layered levels, offeringa new platforming dimensionto the 2D classic.
As players explore the vast world, their camp will expand and flourish into a thriving little community of unique NPCs to chat with whenever players need a break from exploring these dangerous mines.Spelunky 2offers an endlessly replayable and addictive playground to delve into, with hours of secrets and items to uncover.
8Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleyis one of the most iconic farming simulator games ever made. It has hours of content hidden beneath its charming surface, with several starting farmlands to choose from, each with different benefits. Players inherit their grandfather’s old cottage and farm plot. Armed with only some hand-me-down tools, they are tasked with turning this overgrown field into a thriving home.
RELATED:Simulation Games With The Most Replay Value
Whether players are playingStardew Valleyfor the first time or are an experienced veteran that has explored Ginger Island and delved into the Skull Cavern,there is something inStardew Valleyfor all gamers. Especially with the inclusion of extra mods,Stardew Valleyis a game that keeps giving!
7Hades
Rogue-like games have the most replay value, andHadesis no exception. It is a top-down rogue-like action adventure game that infuses classic and reimagined Greek mythology legends with subtle twists. Players take control of Zagreus, the immortal prince of hell, and defy the god of the dead asthey hack and slash their wayout of the Underworld.
Zagreus gets to wield legendary weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of Hades himself while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each playthrough. New surprises await the player each time they delve into the ever-changing Underworld, whose bosses will remember them from previous attempts.
6Coral Island
Coral Islandis a relaxing farming simulator located on a remote tropical island. It allows players to live out their tropical island getaway fantasies, putting relaxation at the forefront of their gameplay experience. Players must rebuild the island’s economy and restore their town to its former glory.
RELATED:Things That Make Farming Sims So Successful
Players can take life at their own easygoing pace, with no external stressors or time restraints, unlikeStardew Valley.They are allowed free rein over the island,deciding what crops and animals to add to their farm.Coral Islandalso has plenty of side activities. Whether that is romancing one of the 20 local townsfolk or catching fish, there is plenty for players to do.
5Undertale
Undertaletook 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.
Undertaleencourages multiple playthroughs. Killing enemies is unnecessary as players can negotiate their way out of danger using the unique battle system and kill them with kindness by befriending and sparing them. There aremultiple endings depending on the route players wish to take, how they interact with their environments, and how ruthless they secretly are.
4Deep Rock Galactic
The concept of space dwarves exploring caves on mining adventures while tackling alien species is entirely unique, andDeep Rock Galacticperforms well. It features procedurally-generated dark levels, andevery environment is fully destructible, so players can mine to their heart’s content.
InDeep Rock Galactic, players can fully customize their dwarves' appearance with various cosmetics and upgrades to get the job done. Each class, from Gunner to Driller, hasweapons to use in this wacky FPS. After a successful mission, players can even enjoy a nice cold pint of ale at the Abyss Bar.
3Risk Of Rain 2
Survive and battle through alien planets inRisk of Rain 2, solo or co-op multiplayer! This unique third-person rogue-like featuresover 10 unlockable playable characters, each with its own unique combat style and skills to master.
RELATED:Great Roguelike Games On Steam That Deserve More Attention
More than 110 items are available to keep each run-through interesting and exciting. Themore items players collect, the more they combineto create a devastating impact! InRisk 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 the player and their foes limitlessly grow in power!
2Brotato
Brotatois a unique foray into the world of top-down rogue-likes, as gamers play as a potato, able to wield six weapons at a time to fend off hoards of aliens. There are hundreds of weapons and items to equip, from flamethrowers to rocket launchers; there is no end to Brotato’s ambition. Luckily, each weapon also auto-fires, with manual aiming options for those who want more challenge.
Each playthrough is relatively quick for players, with each game lasting 30 minutes and each enemy wave lasting 30-90 seconds.Brotatois perfect for players with busy lifestyles or those in a rush.
1Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivorsis a newly-released indie game with action rogue-like elements. It istime-survival based with a bullet-hell style, so players must dodge enemies and survive as long as humanly possible before Death inevitably puts an end to their struggles.
Each run will be different as players get different weapons choices each time they level up. Some weapons can combine andupgrade into a weapon of mass destruction. Players can amass gold each playthrough, allowing them to purchase passive upgrades and unlock new characters!Vampire Survivorsis the perfect casual game for players to sink their teeth and hours into.
