Top Indie Games of 2024 by Wccftech

The year 2024 has been particularly exciting for fans of independent gaming, with a remarkable array of titles across diverse genres emerging. Indie games are often the birthplace of innovative ideas, delivering fresh and captivating experiences to players. This year, several indie titles have not only captured the hearts of gamers but also garnered awards across numerous categories, reflecting their remarkable quality and creativity.

Indeed, enthusiasts have been truly spoiled for choice this year.

UFO 50

UFO 50, developed by Mossmouth—the creators behind the popular game Spelunky—was released in September 2024, earning an impressive Metacritic score of 91 and a User Score of 7.7. This title is a vibrant collection of various games designed for both single-player and multiplayer modes, encompassing genres such as shoot-em-ups, puzzle games, and platformers. With its 8-bit aesthetic, UFO 50 delivers a nostalgic gaming experience that resonates deeply with players.

Animal Well (Score: 8.6/10)

Surprising and delightful, Animal Well has made a significant impact this year. Developed by a single creator and published by Bigmode, the company co-founded by YouTuber videogamedunkey and his wife Leah, this unique game has flourished with its imaginative and surreal exploration. Players navigate through an intricate labyrinth, gathering items while striving to survive amidst the enchanting graphics. An insightful remark from Kai Tatsumoto’s review highlights the game’s depth:

For such a tiny pixelated world, Animal Well is overflowing with secrets. Merely acquiring a new upgrade tool opens the floodgates of possibilities for exploration. As players explore the depths of the well, one of the recurring collectibles to discover comes by way of eggs, of which there are 64 in total to collect. Collecting certain thresholds of eggs rewards the player with various new tools, including the ability to leave hint stamps or draw lines on the in-game map. If it weren’t for these tools, I probably would have been at a loss for some of these eggs where I could see something clearly amiss in the room that I didn’t have the correct tool for at the time.

Balatro

Balatro has taken the gaming community by storm, appealing to both seasoned poker players and newcomers alike. Released in February 2024, this game offers widespread accessibility across multiple platforms and has steadily gained popularity. It has even claimed multiple awards at The Game Awards, including a nomination for Game of the Year—an outstanding accomplishment for an indie production.

Metacritic also highlights its success, with a score of 90 and a User Score of 8.2. Balatro remains actively supported, with developers continually releasing fun aesthetic updates and planning further expansions.

Hades II

The original Hades captivated players with its intricate design and compelling narrative drawn from Greek mythology. Following that legacy, Hades II launched in Early Access in May 2024, quickly gaining acclaim. The sequel allows players to embody Melinoe, Zagreus’s sister, providing a fresh perspective within the rich mythology. With an array of updates and expansions already in place, Hades II is evolving into a fully realized gaming experience, building on its predecessor’s success.

Previously featured on our list of highly anticipated indie games for 2024, it has certainly met expectations thus far.

Thank Goodness You’re Here!

This unique comedic title, Thank Goodness You’re Here!, launched in August 2024, offers a lighthearted gaming experience designed for laughs. Set in Northern England, the slapformer features engaging voiceovers from well-known actors, adding to its charm. It scored a solid 90 on Metacritic from critics, alongside a User Score of 7.6. While the game may appeal to a specific audience, it undeniably provides a refreshing dose of surreal humor.