Every year, there are plenty of big-budget games that get a lot of the focus, and many are great; however, we find that when it comes to innovation and exciting new ideas, we’ll discover them all in smaller indie games.

Here are our picks for the Top 10 Independent Games that were released in 2025.

10.) Super Fantasy Kingdom

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In this engaging rogue-lite city builder, players embody a determined king focused on reviving a devastated kingdom. Master resource management as you assign heroes to tasks while defending against relentless monster attacks.

Unlock permanent upgrades that enhance your capabilities and propel you toward your kingdom’s greater mission. Immerse yourself in activities like harvesting crops, constructing buildings, mining resources, cooking meals, brewing potions, and nurturing lush gardens.

As you explore the vibrant landscape filled with challenges, seize opportunities to expand your realm and restore your fallen kingdom to its former glory. Will you answer the call and become the legendary ruler your people need?

– Jacob

9.) Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

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A new mystery for the Duck Detective, this time, he’s off to a holiday site to investigate a murder, and there may be ghosts. He’s still a bit depressed, but he’s got a partner now, not that he really wants their help. Another cracking Duck Detective case.

– Dylan

8.) Tempopo

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As their follow-up to Unpacking, the team at Witch Beam went with something a little bit different. It’s a music-focused rhythm game that encourages experimentation and the hook of wanting to say “just one more level” after completing each level.

– Dylan

7.) The Drifter

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The Drifter is a fantastic example of showing that genres don’t need to die; they just need to be built upon. And this ‘point-and-click adventure’ does that by focusing on a great voice cast, adding more cinematic quality to it, while also introducing a control scheme that makes it possible to play better with a controller than just a mouse. Which is big for the genre, as the mouse is closely aligned with its title.

– Dylan

6.) Blue Prince

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Immerse yourself in a captivating roguelike puzzler that revolves around a mysterious, shapeshifting manor nestled in the enchanting Mt. Holly. As players embark on their quest to uncover the elusive forty-sixth room and claim their inheritance, they will face a myriad of challenges posed by the manor’s ever-shifting layout. Each day, the house transforms, presenting a fresh set of obstacles that require strategic exploration, meticulous note-taking, and clever utilisation of the items discovered along the way.

The gameplay offers a unique experience, with the floorplans being randomly generated, ensuring that no two sessions are ever the same. As players navigate the labyrinthine corridors, they’ll need to discover permanent upgrades that enhance their abilities, helping them to unravel the mysteries left behind by the enigmatic former owner of the manor. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of strategy, discovery, and the thrill of the unknown.

– Jacob

5.) Citizen Sleeper 2

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Fleeing from Laine, the relentless hunter, an escaped sleeper awakens in a mechanical body, yearning for autonomy from their corporate overlords and the relentless pursuers that stalk them. Seizing control of a sleek, agile spacecraft, they embark on a journey through the sprawling Starward Belt, a region teeming with hidden dangers and unimaginable wonders. Along the way, they gather a motley crew of allies, each with their own skills and dreams, as they take on a series of precarious jobs that challenge their resolve and resourcefulness. These trials forge unbreakable bonds among them, shaping a new kind of family amidst the vastness of space. As they navigate treacherous territory and confront the shadows of their past, they delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos, seeking not just survival but a chance at true freedom.

– Jacob

4.) Hollow Knight: Silksong

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The hype with Hollow Knight: Silksong had reached a point where every video game showcase was met with everyone spamming the game’s name in the chat. It had become a bit silly; it had passed the point where the game could surely live up to expectations. And yet, the Australian studio delivered a game that was bigger in scope than Hollow Knight, and built upon everything from the first game in ways that didn’t break what people loved, but just gave new tools to master.

– Dylan

3.) Hades II

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The highly anticipated second instalment of the Hades series brings us an exciting new protagonist and an engaging storyline. Players will step into the shoes of Melinoë, the enigmatic princess of the Underworld and sister to the former protagonist, Zagreus. This time, we follow her perilous journey as she confronts the formidable Titan of Time, striving to liberate her family and reclaim the Underworld that has been seized from them. With significantly improved gameplay mechanics, a deeper and more immersive narrative, and exhilarating battles that test your skills, this sequel promises to deliver a richly crafted experience that will captivate both newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

– Jacob

2.) Dispatch

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The first title from a studio comprised of a lot of former Telltale employees, Dispatch takes what that studio was doing in 2012-2018 to the next level. A smart, funny and thoroughly entertaining story with a top-to-bottom outstanding cast, this title showed that the episodic graphic adventure game can still be successful in 2025.

– Ashley

1.) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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Gustave and his weary team embark on their thirty-third fateful expedition to face the malevolent entity known as the Paintress, a sinister being with the terrifying ability to erase individuals from existence at an alarmingly young age. This dark fantasy narrative draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of French European history, as the expedition ventures into shadowy realms, battling to uncover the secrets of their enigmatic foe. Set against a backdrop of vibrant yet melancholic landscapes, this tale intertwines unique RPG mechanics with a narrative that explores an underrepresented era and its cultural nuances, promising an evocative and bold adventure like no other.

– Jacob

Find all of Explosion Network’s Best of 2025 coverage right here, and be sure to let us know your thoughts on any of our lists in the comments section.