Introduction
Over the past decade, indie games have gone from niche passion projects to cultural milestones. We’ve seen massive hits like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Hades—titles that rival AAA games in quality, storytelling, and emotional depth. But for every indie darling that breaks through, dozens more slip under the radar.
Some games are overshadowed by major releases, others suffer from poor marketing, or simply don’t fit the mainstream mold. Yet these “underrated” gems are often where the real magic happens—offering unique mechanics, experimental narratives, and deeply personal worlds that push the medium forward.
In this article, we spotlight 10 of the most underrated indie games released between 2015 and 2025—titles that may have escaped your radar but are absolutely worth your time and attention.
What Makes a Game “Underrated”?
“Underrated” doesn’t mean flawed—it often means brilliant, underappreciated, or ahead of its time. Here’s what we considered:
-
Critically praised but commercially overlooked
-
Small or niche communities, despite high-quality gameplay
-
Released during crowded seasons, causing them to be missed
-
Unique mechanics or experimental themes that didn’t resonate with the mainstream
These games may not have reached massive sales numbers, but they leave a lasting impression on those who discover them.
1. Outer Wilds
-
Release: 2019
-
Genre: Exploration / Time-loop Mystery
-
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
Why It’s Special:
An ambitious, open-ended space exploration game where the universe resets every 22 minutes. You uncover ancient ruins, alien languages, and solar system secrets—all without combat.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Released around the same time as Death Stranding and Jedi: Fallen Order, it didn’t get the spotlight it deserved outside of indie circles. Its unorthodox structure also made it difficult to market.
Verdict:
A meditative masterpiece—part puzzle, part poetry.
2. A Short Hike
-
Release: 2019
-
Genre: Exploration / Adventure
-
Platforms: PC, Switch
Why It’s Special:
You play as a bird hiking up a mountain in a colorful, pixelated world. It’s cozy, relaxing, and full of small, delightful interactions.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Its short playtime (about 1–2 hours) and lack of traditional goals turned away some players looking for action or progression.
Verdict:
A tiny game with a huge heart. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
3. Eastward
-
Release: 2021
-
Genre: Action RPG / Adventure
-
Platforms: PC, Switch
Why It’s Special:
With beautiful pixel art and a haunting post-apocalyptic world, Eastward blends RPG mechanics with a touching father-daughter narrative.
Why It Was Overlooked:
It launched during a crowded release window and was overshadowed by larger RPGs. Some players also found the pacing slower than expected.
Verdict:
A love letter to retro games and story-driven design.
4. Return of the Obra Dinn
-
Release: 2018
-
Genre: Mystery / Puzzle
-
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox
Why It’s Special:
You play as an insurance investigator piecing together the fate of a missing ship’s crew—using logic, observation, and a magical stopwatch.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Its 1-bit visual style and complex, deduction-based gameplay made it intimidating to casual players, despite its critical acclaim.
Verdict:
An intellectual triumph that rewards sharp observation and patience.
5. The Forgotten City
-
Release: 2021
-
Genre: Narrative / Time-loop / Mystery
-
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
Why It’s Special:
Originally a Skyrim mod, this full game explores morality, law, and fate in a cursed Roman city. It’s a gripping blend of time-travel mystery and ethical decision-making.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Low marketing budget and lack of brand recognition kept it under the radar, even though its writing and plot twists rival major RPGs.
Verdict:
A narrative gem that deserves to be studied in game design schools.
6. Spiritfarer
-
Release: 2020
-
Genre: Management / Emotional Narrative
-
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Why It’s Special:
You play as a “spiritfarer,” helping souls find peace before they move on. It’s about grief, love, memory—and, yes, hugging.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Despite its stunning visuals and unique concept, its slow pace and emotional weight didn’t appeal to all audiences.
Verdict:
One of the most beautiful, meaningful games of the decade.
7. Inmost
-
Release: 2019
-
Genre: Puzzle Platformer
-
Platforms: PC, Switch, iOS
Why It’s Special:
Tells a tragic, interwoven story through three characters in a dark pixel-art world. Short, eerie, and unforgettable.
Why It Was Overlooked:
It had a quiet release and its somber themes may have deterred mainstream players.
Verdict:
A hauntingly elegant tale of trauma and healing.
8. Signs of the Sojourner
-
Release: 2020
-
Genre: Narrative / Deck-Building
-
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4
Why It’s Special:
A card game where the “battles” are conversations. You shape relationships and character growth through the cards you play and the tone you adopt.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Lack of action, unconventional mechanics, and minimal marketing kept this brilliant concept largely hidden.
Verdict:
Emotionally nuanced and refreshingly original.
9. Raji: An Ancient Epic
-
Release: 2020
-
Genre: Action / Mythology
-
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
Why It’s Special:
A rare indie title based on Indian mythology. Stunning visuals, divine powers, and storytelling steeped in culture.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Minimal exposure outside India and a few early bugs held it back from wider recognition.
Verdict:
A culturally rich action-adventure that deserves global attention.
10. Wandersong
-
Release: 2018
-
Genre: Musical Puzzle Adventure
-
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4
Why It’s Special:
You play as a bard solving problems by singing. Wholesome, musical, and full of heart.
Why It Was Overlooked:
Its cartoonish art style and non-violent mechanics led many to dismiss it as “just a kids’ game.”
Verdict:
Uplifting, charming, and completely unforgettable.
🌟 Honorable Mentions
-
Sludge Life – Surreal, sarcastic, and visually wild
-
Mutazione – A relaxing soap opera in a mutant town
-
Gris – Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful
-
Carto – Puzzle your way by reshaping maps
-
The Pathless – Fast, fluid exploration meets stunning world design
🔍 Why These Games Deserve a Second Look
-
Innovation: They break the mold and try something new
-
Emotional Impact: Many explore grief, identity, and connection in rare, meaningful ways
-
Accessible & Affordable: Available across multiple platforms, often on sale or included in bundles
-
Cultural Value: Games like Raji and Spiritfarer offer perspectives rarely seen in mainstream gaming
Conclusion
While AAA titles dominate headlines and sales charts, it’s often the quiet, unassuming indie games that leave the deepest impact. These overlooked masterpieces may not have flashy trailers or billion-dollar marketing campaigns, but they have something just as powerful—heart, soul, and imagination.
So, the next time you’re browsing for something new to play, skip the usual recommendations and explore the underrated gems waiting just beneath the surface.
🎮 Have a hidden favorite we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments and help others discover it too!