These days, gamers should never have to say the words, “There’s nothing to play.” Well, that is if you own a PC. The number of indie games that are now available on PC is simply astonishing, with so many undiscovered gems. Some would say the bigger issue is that there are so many games, it’s hard to find one that’s worth spending money on.
Currently, GOG is hosting its Indie Spring Sale with nearly 500 indie titles seeing huge discounts off their regular price. If you’re having a hard time picking out a game or two to buy, you can find our recommendations below.
10. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is the first game Josef Fares directed, and if you have no clue who that is, he’s the mind behind Hazelight Studios and the award-winning It Takes Two. Unlike his other two titles however, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons isn’t a co-op game. Instead, it’s a single-player adventure where you will control both brothers at once. It feels like a co-op game, but played solo. It has a heartwarming and memorable story and despite the fact that it’s almost 10-years old, it’s absolutely worth the $1.49 price tag.
9. Loop Hero
Developed by Four Quarters and published by Devolver Digital, Loop Hero is a game you’ll unknowingly pour dozens of hours into. It’s a roguelike deckbuilder-type game, that’s actually a bit difficult to explain. It’s one of those games where you really have to play it yourself and experience it, to fully understand it. But the idea is that you strategically place the terrain, building, and enemy cards along each loop, so you are the one creating the path for your hero. The randomly-generated loop path means basically infinite replayability and for $4.94 it might be the game that offers the best bang for your buck on this list.
8. FTL: Advanced Edition
I feel a bit silly recommending FTL (Faster Than Light) to anyone in 2023, because everyone by now has probably heard of this game. But surprisingly, there are some people who have not had the enjoyment of playing FTL. Currently on sale for $2.49 is FTL: Advanced Edition, which adds new systems, playable ships, alien race, weapons, drones, and more. This interesting blend of strategy and simulation along with roguelike-like elements will have you hitting new game over and over. Originally released in September 2012, some would argue FTL is responsible for an entire genre over 10-years later.
7. Frostpunk
If you want a punishing strategy/simulation game, get Frostpunk. I found this game to have a bit of a steep learning curve, but it was so satisfying to play once you understood all its mechanics and how it works. It has heavy survival elements, but not in the sense of balancing your food and drink for your citizens. It’s a great blend of strategy and simulation and an ideal game for those who are looking for a challenge. Frostpunk is currently on sale for $7.49.
6. Slime Rancher
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum to Frostpunk is Slime Rancher. If you’re looking for a relaxing game that is sure to put a smile on your face, this is the one to grab, especially at its $4.99 price tag. Sure, the sequel is out, but it costs over $20 and it’s still in Early Access. Slime Rancher is mostly a sandbox experience, where you collect slimes, feed them, and combine them to discover new slimes. It’s a lighthearted, fun experience but some of its parts can get a bit tedious.
5. Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is another game that I feel like everyone has seen or played, but obviously that isn’t the case. It’s $3.74 and like Slime Rancher, it has a sequel that’s currently in Early Access. This turn-based CRPG features roguelike elements such as permadeath and procedural dungeons. But it’s a game you can easily sink hundreds of hours into if you enjoy the gameplay.
4. Inscryption
I love deckbuilders and card games in general, and Inscryption is one of the best I have ever played. It’s a single-player game and while it may seem similar to something like Slay the Spire, it’s really not. Inscryption has more of a focus on setting up your creatures to attack and defend, similar to Hearthstone. It’s much more important to pay attention to your resources and positioning. But the biggest reason why I absolutely loved this game is the story. Don’t go searching what it’s about — you’ll want to go in knowing as little as possible. If you like card games, get Inscryption. Even if you don’t like card games, get Inscryption. It’s one of my more expensive picks at $13.99, but it’s worth every penny!
3. Stardew Valley
You’ve surely heard of Stardew Valley, right? I don’t really have to explain what this game is about? I do? How big is that rock you live under? One of the most talked about indie games since its release in 2016, Stardew Valley is a laid back, farming simulation/role playing game that now has co-op. There’s farming, there’s cooking, there’s dungeon crawling with combat, there’s crafting, there’s romance, this game has it all. It’s very charming, very addicting, and somewhat cheap at $10.49.
2. Spiritfarer
I bought Spiritfarer for the Nintendo Switch on a whim several years ago. I wanted a casual game I could play at night, and it was actually the boat customization aspect that caught my eye. But this game turned out to be so much more. The hand-drawn art and animation is just stunning, but it’s the heartwarming story that will stick with you for a very long time. I don’t want to ruin anything, but if you like emotional stories, unforgettable characters, and a bit of crafting, do yourself a favor and get Spiritfarer. The Digital Deluxe Edition is $9.99, while the standard version is $7.49.
1. Disco Elysium
My top pick is none other than Disco Elysium. This role playing game has won plenty of awards since its launch in 2019 and if you’re a big fan of dense, well-written stories, Disco Elysium will be right up your alley. You play a detective in a rather large open world and you’ll get to control what type of person you want to be. Just be ready to question where all the time went while you were playing Disco Elysium. Grab it for $9.99.
