Pixel art has long been a fundamental aspect of the gaming industry, tracing its roots back to the NES days. This distinctive visual style dominated the gaming landscape for over a decade, with platforms like Nintendo and Sega utilizing classic 8-bit and 16-bit graphics to craft immersive narratives and captivating gameplay. While the advent of 3D graphics eventually overshadowed pixel art in mainstream gaming, the best pixel-based titles from consoles such as the SNES and Genesis continue to resonate with players, demonstrating remarkable longevity compared to many 3D games of the ’90s.
Today, the revival of pixel art is spearheaded by the vibrant indie scene, with numerous titles emerging each week that celebrate this classic style. Despite the diverse offerings, many indie games can appear similar. Here, we take the opportunity to showcase some of the most exceptional modern pixel graphics games available today.
It’s essential to note that this list emphasizes newer releases, so iconic classics like Chrono Trigger, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Street Fighter, and various GBA titles won’t be included, even though they boast stunning pixel art.
Updated January 28, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The year ahead promises an exciting lineup of pixel art games expected to deliver both quantity and quality. Below, we highlight some of the most anticipated upcoming releases for pixel art enthusiasts. Click the link to delve directly into this segment.
1. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
Revitalizing A JRPG Masterpiece
Recognized as a pivotal franchise in shaping turn-based JRPGs, Dragon Quest has maintained a legacy of consistency throughout the years. The upcoming HD-2D remake of DQ3 exemplifies this tradition, standing as an elaborate entry point for newcomers familiar with series like DQ11.
This remake remains largely faithful to the beloved 1988 original, showcasing breathtaking pixel graphics characteristic of HD-2D releases. Players will experience a nostalgic journey reminiscent of NES and SNES gaming. While some modern enhancements for quality of life are included, they carefully preserve the original’s charm, including its grind-based mechanics. This remake is a tribute to its roots, ensuring newcomers can appreciate the essence of Dragon Quest 3.
2. Core Keeper
An Addictive Sandbox Survival Game
After a successful early access phase, Core Keeper officially launched on August 27, 2024, marking its evolution into an engaging underground sandbox game. Set in an expansive environment open for exploration, players embark on a survival crafting adventure where creativity thrives, seldom tethered to a linear narrative.
The game excels as players cultivate resources and establish thriving bases, creating room for exploration, crafting, and combat, including exhilarating boss encounters. Whether players prefer an intense battle or a laid-back creative experience, Core Keeper accommodates all playstyles.
3. Animal Well
Gorgeous & Atmospheric Metroidvania That Focuses On Puzzles
A pixel art Metroidvania with an emphasis on puzzles, Animal Well offers a fresh take on the indie gaming landscape. With a rich world to explore and cleverly designed puzzles, it stands out amid the crowd. Players will use a variety of straightforward tools to solve challenges that progressively demand more lateral thinking and creativity.
Additionally, the platforming gameplay is complemented by a whimsically atmospheric aesthetic, making Animal Well an engaging experience for puzzle enthusiasts and fans of exploration.
4. Dave The Diver
Blends Restaurant Sim & Fishing To Create A Quirky & Lengthy Delight
Emerging from early access as one of 2023’s standout games, Dave the Diver uniquely merges the worlds of culinary management with underwater exploration. Players dive into the Blue Hole to catch fish that will fill the menus of their sushi restaurant, cultivating a delightful gameplay loop that interweaves two distinct yet complementary activities.
This duality ensures that players experience both the thrill of adventure and the challenges of managing a busy restaurant, solidifying Dave The Diver as an innovative addition to modern indie gaming.
5. Stardew Valley
The Standard Setter For Indie Farming Sims
Stardew Valley is often hailed as one of the most cherished pixel art games in existence. In this engaging RPG, players are tasked with revitalizing a farm while forming friendships within the delightful community of Stardew Valley. Activities include crop cultivation, animal husbandry, cooking, fishing, and crafting, all rendered beautifully through its pixel art style, which enhances the charm of rural living.
The game also fosters social interactions, allowing players to engage with NPCs and even establish families, offering a rounded experience that resonates with a wide audience. Moreover, cooperative gameplay enables friends to collaborate on their farming journeys, adding to the enjoyment.
6. Dead Cells
Challenging & Addictive 2D Soulslike Roguelike
Dead Cells combines elements of Metroidvania with riveting roguelike gameplay to deliver a thrilling player experience. With a fast-paced structure that invokes permadeath, players must navigate complex dungeons and escape the menacing castle, crafting a tantalizing blend of suspense and excitement.
While the game presents tough challenges, permanent upgrades provide a sense of progression, and nonlinear pathways allow for varied exploration, adding depth and replayability to the adventure.
7. Undertale
Very Replayable And Exceptionally Well-Written RPG
The captivating narrative of Undertale revolves around a child who falls into a world filled with monsters, mixing humor and unique character interactions along the way. Players can choose between combat or sparing their enemies, ultimately leading to different outcomes in their quest to return home.
This engaging RPG encourages exploration and creative problem-solving amid stunning yet simplistic pixel art, making it a memorable experience that leaves a positive impression on all who play.
8. Celeste
Challenging & Emotional Platformer
Celeste follows the journey of Madeline as she confronts various challenges on her way to the summit of the titular mountain. Delivering a heartfelt story alongside rewarding gameplay, it combines simple controls with a punishing difficulty curve that fosters resilience and determination among players.
The game encourages exploration and rewards persistence, with its narrative intricately woven into the platforming mechanics, creating an enriching experience.
9. Balatro
Clever Twist On Poker
Early 2024 brought a wealth of exciting projects, yet Balatro quickly emerged as a prominent success story with its innovative roguelike take on Poker. This engaging card-builder invites players to compete against opponents while developing a unique deck throughout their journey.
With its accessible mechanics that still offer depth and variability, Balatro has crafted an experience that keeps players hooked, epitomizing the addictive nature of card-building games.
10. Pizza Tower
Chaotic, Energetic, & Hilarious Platformer
Taking inspiration from the beloved Wario series, Pizza Tower brings a refreshing mix of chaotic platforming and retro aesthetics. This title captures the essence of beloved platformers, boasting vibrant art and energetic gameplay that feels distinctly reminiscent of classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros..
For fans nostalgic for traditional, pixelated platforming experiences, Pizza Tower is a must-try, showcasing creativity and flair within its gameplay and design.
11. Warhammer 40, 000: Boltgun
Fun Old-School Shooter With Warhammer 40K Coat Of Paint
The Warhammer 40K franchise has delivered various gaming experiences, but Boltgun stands out as a refreshing homage to retro first-person shooters. Players take on the role of a Space Marine, engaging in fast-paced action that prioritizes exhilarating gameplay over story development.
This title showcases empowering movement mechanics and a punishing yet rewarding experience, making it an enjoyable choice for players seeking nostalgic FPS action.
12. Cassette Beasts
Great Creature Collector Game And An Alternative To Pokemon
In a genre dominated by the Pokemon franchise, Cassette Beasts carves a niche for itself with its charming and detailed pixel art style reminiscent of the Nintendo DS era. This RPG allows players to explore a well-realized island setting while collecting and transforming into monsters using their cassette players.
With a unique story and engaging combat mechanics, Cassette Beasts adds refreshing dimensions to the creature-collecting genre, ensuring that it stands apart among its peers.
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Loving Tribute To TMNT & Just An All-Around Awesome Beat ‘Em Up
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, developed by Tribute Games, stands out as a vibrant homage to the classic arcade beat ’em ups of the ’90s. The game seamlessly blends nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics, creating a truly fun experience for both old and new fans.
Characterized by stunning graphics filled with color and personality, the game features fluid combat that enhances the sheer enjoyment of battling iconic TMNT foes. This tribute resonates with those familiar with the franchise and reaches new players who appreciate polished beat ’em ups.
14. Sheepy: A Short Adventure
A Shockingly Great Free-To-Play Pixel Game
In the sea of free-to-play games on Steam, Sheepy: A Short Adventure stands out as a remarkable single-player experience. This engaging campaign invites players to navigate an underground dystopian landscape while uncovering captivating lore through notes and recordings.
Despite its brief runtime of around an hour, the gameplay feels fresh, with a responsive platforming experience enhanced by beautiful pixel art reminiscent of the acclaimed Ori series.
15. Triangle Strategy
Square Enix’s Modern Tactical JRPG
Among its many new releases, Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy stands out as a sophisticated turn-based tactics game. Drawing inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, this narrative-driven title explores a deeply engaging story steeped in conflict over scarce resources.
The stunning pixel graphics amplify the game’s impressive storytelling, featuring intricately designed characters and breathtaking environments that elevate the tactical gameplay experience to extraordinary levels.
16. Papers, Please
Tensest Pixel Art Game
Papers, Please may not boast beautiful visuals, yet this game made a remarkable impact on the indie gaming landscape since its release in 2013. Set at a border checkpoint between rival nations, players must navigate moral dilemmas concerning who to let pass and who to apprehend.
This narrative experience hinges on tension and critical decision-making, making Papers, Please an unforgettable title with substantial replayability, despite its unconventional form of engagement.
17. Octopath Traveler 2
Classic Turn-Based JRPG That Represents HD-2D At Its Best
Following the success of its predecessor, Octopath Traveler 2 refines and enhances the formula of old-school turn-based JRPGs while introducing eight distinct protagonists. Each character navigates their storyline, allowing players the freedom to embark on adventures in any order.
Visually striking and mechanically polished, the game maintains the franchise’s charming pixel art style while blending modern mechanics into its combat system, catering to both nostalgic and new audiences alike.
18. To The Moon
Story-Driven Pixel Art Game That Has Aged Well
Amid a saturated market of RPG Maker games, To the Moon shines brightly with its departure from traditional combat systems, prioritizing storytelling above all. This emotional journey enhances its appeal, as players delve into the lives of its characters rather than engaging in battle.
With its beautifully evocative pixel art and a heartfelt narrative, To the Moon remains a testament to the power of indie storytelling and has aged gracefully over time.
19. Vampire Survivors
The Peak Of A (Relatively) New Genre
Vampire Survivors may not be the most visually elaborate pixel art game available, but its engaging gameplay and exceptional replay value set it apart. In this arcade-style title, players face relentless waves of enemies, collecting upgrades to enhance their chances of survival.
The game expertly balances chaos and accessibility, creating an experience that encourages repeated attempts without becoming frustrating. Mastering each character’s unique abilities adds depth to the addictive combat loop.
20. Cage
A Strange Trip Down An Elevator
Among the many early access games on Steam, Kletka captures attention with its blend of cooperative horror mechanics and pixel art style. Players are required to confront and survive various monsters while scavenging for resources to progress through levels.
Despite pixel art not being the typical aesthetic for horror games, Kletka effectively utilizes this visual style to create a unique and exhilarating experience for players, inviting them to explore its captivating world.
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