Indie developers don't always get the credit they deserve for creating captivating and unique adventures for players. That's why these indie adventure games will be highlighted with a wide range of gameplay features, stories, popularity, and other genres mixed in.
Some of these games might make players smile, cry, or laugh until they cry. Some games might have heavy messages while others want to give players a relaxing experience. Regardless of which game might appeal to which players, these games aren't just "walking simulators" like some people like to say. They're all creative stories that are sure to keep players entertained for hours.
10 What Remains of Edith Finch (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch)
This game shines in the world of indie adventures, and even though it doesn't take long to get through the whole story, it's sure to stick with most players for a long time after it's over. The main story of What Remains of Edith Finch is that Edith returns to her family's house after everyone else in her family has passed away. The belief among them is that their family is cursed and doomed to repeat this pattern of death, and Edith is determined to find out if that's true.
While this might only take a couple of hours to complete, players will experience a mix of creative gameplay mechanics to tell each family member's story, as well as an emotional experience about loss and family bonds.
9 A Short Hike (PC)
A Short Hike might sound like a quick, straight-forward experience, but it's anything but that for players who dive into this game. One of the best, most relaxing parts of this game is that there's no rush to do anything. Players can travel any way they want, talk to whoever they see on their way to the top of the mountain, and stop to do things like fly, fish, and otherwise enjoy the scenery without any pressure to move on quickly.
Not only do the graphics set the cute, relaxing atmosphere for this game perfectly, but the characters that players meet along the way also stand out. Each one has their own personality, and they can be very funny and encouraging.
8 Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch)
Bug Fables has RPG elements that can immerse players in the story of three bugs looking to find The Everlasting Sapling that's supposed to give bugs immortality. On the way, the protagonists, Leif, Vi, and Kabbu, have to fight those who try to stop them, stop to assist those around them and beat some puzzles here and there too.
It's a very creative RPG adventure from a unique perspective of the life of some cute bugs. The designs are adorable and the action is riveting.
7 We Were Here Together (Xbox One, PC)
We Were Here Together is a game that's great for players to enjoy with a friend online, as the game depends on teamwork and good communication skills with walkie-talkies. It's the third game in the We Were Here series, but all the games are standalone, so players don't have to go back and play older entries to understand this one.
We Were Here Together does stand out as the most improved entry in the series though. It's much longer than the other games, and it has more features for players to enjoy with their friends.
6 Night In The Woods (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch)
Night In The Woods has so much working for it. With cute, simplistic character designs, side-splitting humor, and a story that is sure to captivate audiences for hours. Play as Mae Borowski, who just came back home after she dropped out of college.
Coming back home isn't all that she expected it to be, especially with the mystery in the woods. Come for the artistic style, stay for the hilarious dialogue and lovable characters.
5 That Dragon, Cancer (PC, iOS, Android)
This is probably the heaviest, most emotional game on this list, but it has a touching story to tell. That Dragon, Cancer is based on the true story of a boy named Joel Green, and how he and his family battled with his cancer diagnosis.
The game's design features many different ways of telling Joel's story, from more fantastical representations of what might've been going on in Joel's imagination, to the hard, raw truth of what was happening during his treatment. The game also tackles topics like faith, grief, and family bonds, making it relatable to many players even though this is a specific, true story.
4 Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) (PS4, Xbox One, PC, iOS)
The story of Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) follows a little girl named Nuna and a fox who try to stop a blizzard in Alaska. Not only is it a fun and unique platformer adventure that is perfect for co-op play, but it also teaches players about the culture of the Iñupiat, who are Alaska Native people.
Nuna and the fox both have their own abilities, so teamwork is important for players to get through the game. With a very heartwarming game of friendship, players can also watch videos about Alaska Native culture to give more insight into the influences of the game.
3 Stories Untold (PC, Switch)
This game takes a turn from the other entries on this list, as Untold Stories focuses on telling horror stories. Some players may recognize certain tech and references from the 80s, giving audiences some level of nostalgia, but not enough to distract from the uneasy feeling that this game will give them.
With four stories to play through, players must piece together the individual stories of each one while trying to find out if they all connect to each other and what they mean for the overall story.
2 The Gardens Between (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, iOS)
In this clever puzzle adventure game, players follow Arina and Frendt, two friends and next-door neighbors. They spend a lot of time together, so it's no wonder that they are sent to a kind of dream world that's made up of islands that relate to their memories together at the same time.
Each island holds different puzzles for players to work through, and each one has different references and memories that players might also relate to. It's a heartwarming game about friendship and the memories that can be made with a good friend.
1 Lost Ember (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch)
In a world where humans are gone and nature has grown freely, players get to explore the area as a wolf who can take control and use the skills of other animals that they come across. The environment and graphics are beautiful, with new life growing in nature and mysterious sites left behind by humans.
There's literally a whole world of possibilities in this game. Players can spend their time being different animals and seeing what they can do, or they can dive deep into the game's mystery about what happened to the humans.