5 Best Indie Games of 2024 You Must Play

Casey ScheldDecember 31, 2024

2024 might have been the year of the AAAA (just ask Ubisoft about their title Skull and Bones), but the video game indie scene was absolutely thriving.

Before you pay $70 (or even more!) for the next big blockbuster, check out the 5 best indie games of 2024 you must play.

5 Best Indie Games of 2024 You Must Play

Berserk Boy

Living up to their title, BerserkBoy Games went berserk at the beginning of the year with the excellent platformer Berserk Boy.

Players will slowly amass a number Berserk Orbs to take down Dr. Genos, giving players flame drills, lightning speed, ice kunais, and other feats.

This alone would already be enough to make Berserk Boy stand out, but this platformer expertly weaves these abilities into each stage, encouraging high skill play and replayability.

But that’s not all! Berserk Boy’s also got a killer presentation with excellent spritework and a soundtrack from industry legend Tee Lopes we still listen to on occasion.

“Berserk Boy’s platforming action manages to eclipse its inspiration, leading to an experience that is an absolute must for fans of the genre.” – Casey Scheld, Berserk Boy Review

Berserk Boy is available for the Nintendo Switch and PC.

Webfishing

When everything’s gone sideways, sometimes a back-to-basics approach to game design like the one in the ironically named lamedeveloper’s Webfishing is just what the doctor ordered.

A multiplayer online casual fishing game, the chance to take it slow, chillax, and make friends is today’s catch of the day.

There are nearly 100 different creatures to catch, and players can upgrade and customize their fisherman along the way as they make friends.

Webfishing is available for the PC.

Mouthwashing

Wrong Organ and CRITICAL RELFEX’s first-person horror title Mouthwashing promised “extreme violence, gore, mutilation, and worse on PSX-style characters” – and it absolutely delivered.

Still not sold?

This title succinctly presents a tale aboard the interstellar Pony Express Tulpar freighter where Murphy’s Law is alive and well. Featuring a crew of five, players will get a chance to know their weaknesses before too long, with desperation and emotions running hot.

While it can be uncomfortable to play at times, Mouthwashing leaves a lasting impact that horror fans – or even those looking for a captivating tale – will absolutely devour.

“Despite Mouthwashing’s unsettling atmosphere, this immersive tale will make you want to take responsibility for the Tulpar – just make sure to approach with a fresh, open mind.” – Casey Scheld, Mouthwashing Review

Mouthwashing is available for the PC.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines

Medallion Games and Super Rare Originals’ Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines entered the multiverse of madness with Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines, delivering a standout platforming experience in 2024.

Not only do Pablo and newcomer Luna have the proper equipment for the job, each of Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines’ varied stages flow incredibly well. Learning each of its mechanics as players set out to stop Vyr keeps things fresh, and power-ups like the Electro Pulse add even more multiverse wrinkles we just couldn’t get enough of.

Of course, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines truly shines with its sheer charm, warming our jaded hearts and giving us hope for creativity and passion in the gaming space! The dad jokes were just an added perk.

“Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is twice as nice, with pixel-perfect physics between two playable characters. While most enemies don’t put up much of a fight, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines channels the best platformers for a dog-gone good time.” – Casey Scheld, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Review

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is out for the Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The Plucky Squire

Oozing creativity and charm on literally every in-game page, All Possible Futures and Devolver Digital’s The Plucky Squire was a real page-turner.

(We’re not done with the dad jokes just yet!)

The adventures of Jot and his friends throughout a storybook that is filled with so much charm and care as we took on the malevolent Humgrump.

Featuring a mix between 2D and 3D worlds, The Plucky Squire kept us captivated with puzzle solving, boxing badgers, jetpacks, and other neat twists we won’t spoil.

“The Plucky Squire oozes creativity and charm on every page. It stands aside Balatro and Animal Well as one of the best indie games of the year.” – Johnny Hurricane, The Plucky Squire Review

The Plucky Squire is available for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.