Hello everyone and happy new year! Welcome back to another blog post. In a year brimming with exciting game releases, the indie scene continues to shine. 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for independent developers, with a diverse range of innovative and captivating games on the horizon.
Selecting the games for this list was no easy task. We prioritized originality and innovation, looking for titles that pushed the boundaries of gameplay, storytelling, and artistic expression. Games with unique art styles, compelling narratives, and innovative mechanics were given special consideration. We also considered the level of anticipation and buzz surrounding each game, while striving to offer a diverse selection that caters to a wide range of tastes. Here’s our list of the Most Anticipated Indie Games of 2025
The Most Anticipated Indie Games of 2025
1. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
- Developer: Adglobe, Live Wire
- Publisher: Binary Haze Interactive
- Genre: Action RPG, Metroidvania
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a captivating 2D action RPG that follows Lilac on a journey through a desolate and mysterious world. As a successor to the critically acclaimed Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, this game retains the series’ signature blend of dark fantasy, atmospheric storytelling, and challenging gameplay.
Players will guide Lilac through a beautifully rendered world, utilizing her unique abilities and summoning powerful Homunculi allies to overcome formidable foes and unravel the mysteries that lie within. The game promises a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of the Metroidvania genre.
2. Hyper Light Breaker
- Developer: Heart Machine
- Publisher: Arc Games
- Genre: Action RPG, Rogue-lite
Hyper Light Breaker expands upon the iconic visual style and atmospheric world of Hyper Light Drifter, evolving it into a vibrant 3D experience. This action RPG features a captivating blend of fast-paced combat, exploration, and character customization within a procedurally generated world.
Players will take on the role of a “Breaker,” tasked with combating the Abyss and restoring power to a decaying world. The game promises a challenging yet rewarding gameplay loop, encouraging players to master fluid movement, utilize powerful abilities, and discover unique gear to overcome obstacles and defeat formidable enemies.
3. The Mermaid’s Mask
- Developer & Publisher: SFB Games
- Genre: Murder-mystery detective adventure
The Mermaid’s Mask is a captivating point-and-click adventure game that immerses players in a thrilling murder mystery aboard a strange submarine. Players take on the roles of two eccentric investigators, Grimoire and Sally, as they delve into the enigmatic death of Captain Magnus Mortuga.
This unique blend of classic point-and-click adventure gameplay, intriguing characters, and a touch of dark humor promises a captivating and unforgettable experience. Players will explore the submarine’s intricate rooms, gather clues, solve puzzles, and interrogate a cast of quirky suspects to uncover the truth behind the Captain’s demise.
4. Mirthwood
- Developer: Bad Ridge Games
- Publisher: V Publishing
- Genre: Life Sim, RPG, Medieval Fantasy
Mirthwood is a captivating blend of life simulation and RPG elements, inviting players to build a new life in a vibrant medieval fantasy world. Escape the turmoil of a war-torn continent and settle into a charming homestead, where you’ll cultivate crops, raise livestock, craft valuable goods, and forge meaningful relationships with the locals.
But Mirthwood is more than just a cozy farming sim. Embark on thrilling adventures, explore a vast and diverse world, delve into ancient mysteries, and even engage in combat to protect your newfound home. With a focus on player freedom and deep character customization, Mirthwood offers a unique and immersive experience where every choice shapes your destiny.
5. Blade Chimera
- Developer: Team Ladybug
- Publisher: Playism
- Genre: 2D Action, Metroidvania
Blade Chimera is a visually stunning 2D action game with a strong Metroidvania influence. Developed by the acclaimed team behind games like “Gungeon” and “Touhou Luna Nights,” it features a captivating blend of fast-paced combat, intricate exploration, and a captivating cyberpunk aesthetic.
Players take on the role of Shin, a Demon Hunter who has lost his memories. Together with his sentient sword, Lux, Shin must traverse a cyberpunk-infused world, battling hordes of demons and uncovering the truth about his past.
Bonus
The Bustling World
- Developer & Publisher: (Assuming no information is available, you could say “To be Announced”)
- Genre: Open-World RPG, Life Sim, City-Building
Although there’s still no release date yet, this game looks very promising. The Bustling World invites players to immerse themselves in the vibrant and dynamic world of ancient China. This ambitious RPG blends life simulation, city-building, and grand-scale warfare into a captivating and immersive experience.
Players can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life by building a thriving homestead, cultivating crops, raising livestock, and engaging in a variety of crafting activities. As their influence grows, they can ascend to power and become a city lord, managing their own bustling metropolis, overseeing construction projects, and implementing policies to ensure prosperity.
However, peace is never guaranteed. The world of The Bustling World is a dynamic and ever-changing place, where political intrigue and territorial disputes are commonplace. Players will need to recruit armies, forge alliances, and utilize strategic tactics to defend their city and expand their influence.
Celebrating the Spirit of Independent Game Development
Indie games often explore themes and narratives that are rarely touched upon by larger studios, offering players a deeper and more meaningful connection to the games they play. They provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, making the gaming world a more inclusive and representative space.
2025 promises to be an exciting year for indie games. The titles showcased here represent just a glimpse of the innovation and creativity flourishing within this vibrant scene. The future of gaming is bright, thanks to the dedication and creativity of indie developers. I encourage you to explore the indie scene further, support these talented creators, and discover the hidden gems that await.
And don’t forget to leave us some comments! What games are you most excited about? Share with us your own wishlist of the best upcoming indie games. Also, don’t forget to check out the steam store here to check for news about some of these games and you can even save them to your wishlist as well, happy new year and happy gaming! From Game On Reviews 🙂