2023 may go down in history as one of the best years in gaming ever. It’s evident that indie developers continue to redefine our expectations, delivering experiences that rival and often surpass those of mainstream releases.
Each one of these best indie games offers a unique blend of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and artistic prowess. From breathtaking visuals to thought-provoking narratives, these games have left a mark on the gaming community, showcasing the talent and passion that thrives within the indie game scene.
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Chants of Sennaar
Chant of Sannaar’s narrative weaves a compelling story, drawing players into the enchanting world of Sennaar, filled with mystery, lore, and memorable characters. You will go from objective to objective but constantly find puzzles standing in your way. Your main goal is to scale the tower of Babel, deciphering any symbols or languages that stand in your path.
Cocoon
Cocoon became very popular in 2023. A unique puzzle game revolving around Cicada, the main character. You travel through orb worlds, finding new abilities allowing you to solve more puzzles much like a metroidvania. You encounter several boss fights, one at the end of each orb world. You must use what you’ve learned, and the skills you’ve gained throughout the game to defeat them.
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Dredge
A cute little game that goes heavy on the scary, Dredge deserves to be on this list. You can do what I did and turn the scary bits off, allowing you to fish at your leisure and complete the game casually. This is nice if you just want a relaxing game.
Keep the scary parts on, and at night all kinds of Lovecraft-style creatures will appear to rip your boat apart if you’re not careful. Whether you want to kick back and see what’s biting or want to run for your life while all sorts of things try to eat you, Dredge is worth checking out.
Dave the Diver
This cute little adventure RPG was huge last year, and it deserves attention. Your name is Dave and you’re a diver, curveball, right? Collect materials to upgrade your equipment, as one does, and form relationships with those around you.
The game can immerse you in the adventure to the point where you’ll never want to skip a cutscene. Dave and his diving skills won Steam’s 2023 “Sit Back And Relax” award, so you know you’re in for a good time.
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Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a work of art that you need to play right now. This epic old-school RPG that’s a tribute to Chrono Trigger, won over the hearts of millions in 2023. Winning 2023’s Best Indie Game award at The Game Awards should tell you that this game is fantastic. Several times while playing this game I had to stop and just appreciate the landscape.
The carefully crafted music is another aspect that demands a moment of appreciation, underscoring the developers’ dedication and meticulous attention to detail. In a year of some pretty high-quality indies, Sea of Stars sails above the rest as the best indie game of 2023. What indie games did you play in 2023? Do any of them deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
