It has been a great year for indie games, with the best titles of 2021 proving that developers can accomplish incredible things despite limited budgets. Fans on Reddit have unsurprisingly discussed which indie games of the year kept them glued to their screens, all of which are entertaining in their own unique ways.

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Whether it’s Loop Hero’s groundbreaking gameplay or the stunning visuals in Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the most impressive indie titles of 2021 push the limits of what’s possible in the realm of independent games. The remarkably diverse array of fan-favorite titles underscores how far the art has come and how much further indie gaming could go in the coming years.

Sable

Sable walking in front of her ship in the sunny desert in Sable.

Shedworks’ Sable is a visually stunning indie game that tells a moving coming-of-age story set against a cel-shaded alien desert backdrop. In a thread about the game being voted as one of the best titles of the year, the user Ammo_thyella enthusiastically agrees by saying “it should be.”

It takes non-linear gameplay to a whole new level, as aside from a short tutorial that introduces players to the basics, it gives fans the chance to experience an exhilarating level of freedom. Its open world is full of fascinating masked NPCs with genuinely interesting stories. Riding one’s hoverbike to get from one point to another is never boring, as the muted color and vast emptiness of the desert are mesmerizing in the best way possible.

Little Nightmares II

A player sneaks through a room housing a rotting corpse in Little Nightmares 2.

The highly-anticipated sequel to 2017’s Little Nightmares did not disappoint, in large part thanks to its improvement of the well-received mechanics from the first game. In a thread about the best indie titles of the year, ShadowTown0407 rightly replies with “Little Nightmares 2,” which is arguably Tarsier Studios’ best game so far.

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Much like in the first game, players must rely on good timing and stealth to survive each location in Little Nightmares II. Its dark atmosphere and well-designed dilapidated rooms full of broken furniture and televisions are haunting, to say the least. The highlight of the title is undoubtedly the array of terrifying creatures, which include the long-necked teacher and the Thin Man. The fact that it also has a surprisingly mind-bending story is just the cherry on top.

Huntdown

A fighter slashes enemies in Huntdown on the Nintendo Switch.

Huntdown is developer Easy Trigger Games’ love letter to the best SNES games of all time, which is partly how ExplodingPopTarts describes the indie side scroller. They “can’t recommend it enough” and add that it’s “the very definition of pure fun.”

The fast-paced action game thrusts players into the distant future where criminal gangs have taken over society. It’s only bounty hunters like the three playable characters, Anna Conda, John Sawyer, and Mow Man, who can brave the violent streets and take on challenging bosses. While it doesn’t add anything new to the genre, it masterfully weaves together tried and tested gameplay elements to create a truly engaging title.

Inscryption

A card lifted from a box in Inscryption.

More than just quickly becoming one of the best strategic trading card games available today, Daniel Mullins Games’ Inscryption is a gripping horror title with delightful twists and turns. Swimming_Gain_4989 expresses how their gaming experience so far “has been phenomenal,” which is likely what most players feel as they uncover more about the insidious world of the indie game.

Inscryption is one of those games that players should jump headfirst into knowing little to nothing about the mechanics and narrative. Its separate acts present completely different aspects of the haunting story, without ever feeling disjointed from its thought-provoking gameplay.

Ocean’s Heart

Tilia travels through the forest in Ocean's Heart.

Developer Max Mraz’s Ocean’s Heart is an obvious homage to the iconic Zelda games, but it tells its own charming story that follows the endearing Tilia. ExplodingPopTarts describes the protagonist as a “really cool girl” and notes that the game is “a lot more of an RPG.”

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Players can’t be blamed for veering away from Tilia’s main quest of searching for her father in order to check out a dungeon or complete a few side quests. The bright, pixelated world is teeming with life and bustling with activities and stories. It’s a rewarding title that keeps on giving, as fans can craft, loot, upgrade, or just hang around its delightful towns for hours on end.

In Sound Mind

A hand holds a mirror shard reflecting a figure in In Sound Mind.

In Sound Mind is developer We Create Stuff’s latest addition to the growing list of video games that portray mental illness. Tristana-Range suggests “In Sound Mind” in a thread about the best indie titles of the year and a lot of psychological horror fans likely agree.

The unsettling game takes players on a strange journey through twisted memories, with each location haunted by a completely unique boss. Unlike a typical game where fans only face the big baddie towards the end of each level, the well-designed and terrifying bosses in this title dominate each round. Every setting feels different, not just because of the change in location, but because of the brilliant variety of combat mechanics and pacing.

Loop Hero

The title screen for Loop Hero showing a warrior facing a floating enemy.

Developer Four Quarters’ ambitious redefinition of what an RPG can be paid off in Loop Hero, which RandomHR praises for being “the best” for them “this year.” The dystopian title tasks players with using landscape cards that can boost various attributes like HP, attack, and defense.

It’s crucial to think about which attributes to prioritize when placing the cards, which depends on the kind of monsters that show up and the class one’s hero is. The automated nature of combat prevents players from interfering, which means the outcome of each battle is entirely dependent on whose stats are better. It’s a title that seems complicated and intimidating at first but is actually really easy to get into once players get a good grasp of its basic concepts.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Kena leaning down and smiling at the Rot in Kena: Bridge of Spirits.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is rightly included in obeyer10’s list of the “must play indie games of 2021,” as developer Ember Lab was able to deliver what they promised and more through the gorgeous game. The first thing that draws players’ attention to the title is obviously its striking graphics, which looks more like something that would typically be seen in AAA games.

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Its beautiful world is only made better by its charming characters, especially the hilariously-named “Rot,” which are adorable companions that help Kena along the way. As a spirit guide, it’s Kena’s job to help people cross over after their deaths – it’s a premise that can unsurprisingly result in some tear-jerking moments that will stay with players long after they’ve put down their controllers.

Death’s Door

The reaper walking through a garden in Death's Door.

As a reaper working for the Reaping Commission Headquarters, it’s the player’s job to help lost souls in Death’s Door. Things aren’t as simple as they seem, though, and the protagonist soon finds that something sinister is lurking behind the bureaucracy. MilkyPsycow includes the title in their “best indie games of 2021” and says they “would recommend” it to their friends.

Developed by Acid Nerve, the delightful top-down RPG is packed with beautifully-designed levels that are the perfect mix of bleak and oddly charming. Its comedic dialogue and lovable protagonist will likely keep players entertained from start to finish.

Eastward

A top-down view of a retro-styled village and the words "Eastward."

Developer Pixpil’s Eastward thrusts players into a lively world full of mysterious monsters and wild characters. Its retro-styled stunning visuals will constantly impress players as they travel from one location to another. It’s a title that’s “definitely up there” for awdesn, which is probably the same case for other fans who waited a long time for the RPG.

It follows the story of an odd pair, John and Sam, as they venture out to the forbidden areas to satisfy their thirst for adventure. Players can switch between the two during combat, with John mostly useful for melee attacks through his frying pan, and Sam having impressive magical powers that can slow down enemies. Its captivating story, unforgettable characters, and beautiful locations will excite any indie fan.

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