Summary
- Indie games offer unique gameplay mechanics & innovations that big studios may not explore.
- Finding the perfect game for a group of friends can be challenging, but the indie scene shines.
- From wacky puzzles to adventurous RPGs, there is a wide array of indie games for everyone to enjoy.
In today’s day and age, gamers all over the world have access to a plethora of great choices to play together. From different PvP genres to survival and RPG games, a group of friends can enjoy many AAA titles and spend countless hours fighting, grinding, and adventuring.
And beyond that, there is a whole sea of indie titles, made with passion and love by smaller studios, and even by a single person. A lot of these games experiment with new ideas and mechanics, bold innovations that the bigger studios might not always go for. Even with fewer resources, many indie games can entertain a group of gamers with hours and hours of adventures, humor, and sometimes - pure, unmitigated chaos.
Updated November 10, 2024, by Hamza Haq: With the increasing number of incredible tools freely available to indie developers, the quality of indie games has been steadily rising in recent years. Co-op, which has always been a mainstay genre for indie devs, has seen the benefits of this fact, especially in the last decade or so. The resurgent boom in the popularity of the co-op genre is led by indie titles like Lethal Company, Content Warning, and It Takes Two, some of the most innovative titles to come out in the past few years.
26 Ship of Fools
Putting teamwork to the test on the ever-changing seas
- Release Date: November 22, 2022
- Developer: Fika Productions
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Ship of Fools is a naval-based roguelike that gives players a small ship, a few cannons, and sends them into the unforgiving seas to test their spirit, coordination, and patience. Players will need to shoot their enemies from afar as well as defend themselves from boarding creatures.
Best Indie Crime Games
Crime isn't just a triple A game theme. These awesome indie games take players deep into the criminal underworld, one way or another.
The game has a charming set of playable characters as well as all the familiar hallmarks of a roguelike, with random weapons, upgrades, and many paths to choose from. Reaching all the way to the end will require a good amount of strategy, teamwork, and a touch of luck.
25 Escape Simulator
Who needs to go outside?
- Release Date: October 19, 2021
- Developer: Pine Studio
- Platforms: PC
Escape rooms have gained quite a lot of popularity over the years, with limitless creativity on the creators’ part. From fantasy to the future to detectives, there are all sorts of themes and stories that people can enjoy. And the creators of Escape Simulator have done a fantastic job of translating that into video games.
Players will need to solve elaborate puzzles in order to escape different “rooms” and situations. From ancient pyramids to spaceships and beyond, there is a fantastic collection of puzzles and mysteries that a group of friends can try to get themselves out of.
24 Human Fall Flat
Simple, wacky, devious.
- Release Date: July 22, 2016
- Developer: No Brakes Games, Codeglue
- Platforms: PC, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Human Fall Flat gives players an unwieldy, awkward character to control and a collection of puzzles and physics to play with. And it is fun and games to experiment alone, but with added co-op, complete chaos ensues. And it is hilarious.
6 Open-World Indie Games With Sandbox Gameplay
The best open-world indie sandbox games offer incredible player freedom from small indie teams and will keep you entertained for countless hours.
Players can somewhat attack each other, use objects to mess with others, and use a whole array of other methods of throwing each other off of cliffs and buildings. Additionally, players can try to get themselves together and solve the many interesting puzzles that the game throws at them.
23 Pico Park
Pushing teamwork and patience to the very limit of human possibilities
- Release Date: 7 May, 2021
- Developer: TECOPARK
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Everything about this game is very simple. Simple controls, small, cute characters, and mostly straightforward puzzles. Push a button, get the key, and open the door. Simple. The devil lies in the number of players and the near-perfect coordination required for some of the puzzles.
Can a group of friends come together and take turns jumping over the bridge? Or will everyone start trying to get there first and end up falling into the chasm, pulling everyone along with them? Will level heads and order prevail, or will everything topple down as patience runs thin?
22 Demonologist
A spooky adventure with (mostly) trusted friends
- Release Date: 25 Sep, 2023
- Developer: Clock Wizard Games
- Platforms: PC
Demonologist takes a group of up to 4 players and plunges them into the unnerving world of demons and exorcism. Players can work together to unravel the secrets of many different maps filled with various otherworldly entities, and maybe even survive the journey.
With more than 20 different ghosts, every new run feels fresh and interesting. With various tools available to the players, they can either figure out the exact type of ghost and safely leave, gaining at least some reward, or they could brave the unknown and try to banish the horrifying creatures.
21 Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories
Escape room puzzles with a twist
Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories
- Released
- September 30, 2022
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Developer
- 0 Deer Soft
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories is an escape room puzzle game inspired by the We Were Here series. Instead of simply putting the player in a room with clues leading to the escape route, the game puts two players working in co-op in separate rooms.
The puzzles in one room can only be solved by finding and understanding the puzzles in the second room, meaning that players have to rely on each other and their communication skills in order to play the game. It's an interesting concept with a stellar execution that makes it one of the must-play indie games for anyone looking to play with a friend.
20 Broforce
Overflowing with testosterone and pixel brutality
Broforce
Broforce is a great choice for a laid-back, explosion-filled evening. Players embody iconic various action stars, unleashing relentless firepower to free hostages and thwart terrorists. Its retro, pixelated visuals and sharp humor enhance the experience, while intuitive controls welcome all to participate.
17 Best Xbox Games To Play Local Multiplayer
From Cuphead to Unravel 2, there are a plethora of wonderful local multiplayer games to enjoy on Xbox.
Each level delivers unpredictable, action-packed missions, making sure no one leaves bored. The vast array of weapons and tools to play with, allows players to unleash maximum carnage, leaving no stone or villain unturned. After all, what’s not to love about saving the world with friends, while role-playing as movie action heroes?
19 Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine
Shh, do you hear that?
Monaco: What's Yours is Mine
While this game can be played solo, it becomes an absolute rollercoaster in multiplayer. Stealth games can be quite punishing by themselves, challenging players to plan ahead, wait for just the right timing, and move with great precision. So what happens when it also requires coordination between up to four people?
Of course, that depends on the players, but chaos is all but guaranteed. The levels are big and open-ended, leaving many ways to approach the goal. With several characters, each with their own set of abilities, players can try different tactics and plans, until something inevitably goes wrong.
18 Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip
The tough choices between group fun and romancing that one ghost
- Release Date: 22 Oct, 2022
- Developer: Beautiful Glitch
- Platforms: PC
High-octane gameplay might not be for everyone, and there are days when players just want to kick back, and enjoy a fun, chill time with each other. The Monster Prom series has been providing that, and much more, since the release of the first entry.
Stardew Valley: Unique Ways To Use Your Shed
Stardew Valley players can use their sheds in all sorts of different ways, but these are by far the most unique.
This multiplayer visual novel takes its players on an interactive road trip. There are goofy adventures at every turn, and unique, well-written romance options. It can be quite the change of pace for some players, but it is a welcome and fresh perspective on what games could be.
17 Wizard With A Gun
A familiar setup with a whole new twist
- Release Date: 17 Oct, 2023
- Developer: Galvanic Games
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S
Released in 2023, this title has been warmly received by gamers all over the world. This fun, roguelike adventure features up to two wizards at a time. Players must survive in a unique and interesting world, exploring and gathering resources to improve their magical gear and spells.
The combat is fun and engaging, with many interesting powers at the players’ disposal. The combat is far from boring. Certain enemies are resistant to certain types of damage and spells, making players consider and adjust their tactics and weapons as the game progresses.