Top 5 Indie Games to Warm Your January 2024

We've seen incredible games from some of the best major developers, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur's Gate 3, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. We've covered some of the best games of 2023, but we shouldn't forget titles from independent studios. Start 2024 with these amazing indie titles from last year!

Top 5 Indie Games to Warm Your January 2024

Dredge

Developer/Publisher: Black Salt Games/Team17

Release Date: Mar. 30, 2023

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Genre: Adventure, RPG, Horror

Metascore: 80

Those who want a fishing game with horror elements should dive into this title. In Dredge, Black Salt Games uses Lovecraftian horror, which plays on the fear of the unknowable. You’ll take on the role of a fisherman who sails to islands to uncover their secrets. Meet strange island inhabitants, discover unsightly creatures, witness strange phenomena at night, and unravel what’s happening in Greater Marrow. It’s a mystery you won’t want to miss. 

Against the Storm 

Developer/Publisher: Eremite Games/ Hooded Horse

Release Date: Dec. 8, 2023

Platform(s): PC

Genre: Simulation, Strategy

Metascore: 91

The Scorched Queen depends on the Viceroy settlers to build colonies in Against the Storm. Eremite Games’ rogulite city-builder allows players to build settlements from scratch for the remaining survivors of an apocalypse. Strategy is critical in Against the Storm, as players may not receive the same resources or property choices in the procedurally generated levels. Explore unknown territories, defeat evil entities, level up, and expand your empire in this incredible simulation.

Blasphemous 2

Developer/Publisher: The Game Kitchen/ Team17

Release Date: Aug. 24, 2023

Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Genre: Action, Adventure, Souls-like, Metroidvania

Metascore: 83

Blasphemous 2 picks up from the Wounds of Eventide DLC of the first game, in which The Heart in the Sky announced The Miracle’s return and the arrival of another miracle child. In the latest installment, players control a silent knight known as The Penitent One to stop the birth of The Miracle by defeating formidable bosses. Blasphemous 2 stays true to the franchise’s unforgiving boss fights, platforming, and enemies. Unlike the first game, Blasphemous 2 offers more skill upgrades, customizations, and new weapons.

COCOON

Developer/Publisher: Geometric Interactive/ Annapurna Interactive

Release Date: Sep. 29, 2023

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Genre: Adventure, Puzzle

Metascore: 88

Explore an ancient alien civilization filled with biomechanical devices, fierce bosses, and incredible biomes in COCOON. Lead gameplay designer of INSIDE and LIMBO Jeppe Carlsen offers a unique take on puzzles with this adventure. Players leap between world orbs that the character carries on their back. Gamers can also activate machinery with the orbs and manipulate them in various ways to solve puzzles. COCOON is one of the most interesting gaming experiences of 2023. 

Lethal Company

Developer/Publisher: Zeekerss

Release Date: Oct. 23, 2023

Platform(s): PC

Genre: Horror, Online co-op, Action, Adventure, First-person, PvE

Metascore: N/A

Zeekerss’ Lethal Company broke records within months of release on Steam. The title became one of Steam’s most popular games in 2023 because of its replayability, affordable price, and comedic yet horrifying gameplay. Players must gather scraps from different moons to meet the Company’s profit quota. The mission would be easy if there weren’t monsters lurking around. The only way for players to survive is by using weapons and cooperating. 

Honorable Mentions