Creating beautiful experiences doesn’t require millions of dollars and hundreds of developers!
Nothing demonstrates the power of your next-generation console quite like the shiny, triple-A titles. As compelling and dazzling as big-budget productions can be, there’s something special about seeing smaller-scaled passion projects become a reality. Free from the constraints of corporate investors, the best indie games on PS5 often bring the most original and creative ideas to life.
Surprisingly, they often rival their blockbuster counterparts in terms of visuals and art direction. And when it comes to gameplay, they simply blow major releases from deep-pocketed publishers out of the water! Ready to discover some outstanding examples?
What are the best indie games on PS5 to play in 2024?
Our lineup of the best indie games on PS5 offers a variety of experiences for different tastes. Naturally, our ranking is based on our subjective views, so don’t hesitate to share your own favorites in the comments!
Chained Echoes
We’re kicking off our list of the top PS5 indie games with Chained Echoes. At first look, it’s clear that it’s a love letter to ’90s JRPGs. Its creator, Matthias Linda, drew inspiration from classics such as Xenogears, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy VI.
Set in the war-torn continent of Valandis, you’re tasked with resolving the conflict among three kingdoms. The title mixes elements of both science fiction and fantasy, seamlessly weaving together dragons, magic, and mechas. It boasts a compelling storyline, a diverse ensemble of heroes, and gameplay that strikes a balance between retro feel and modern solutions.
SIFU
Are there any kung fu movie buffs here? If so, SIFU is sure to be of interest to you. In this outstandingly great beat ’em up title, you play as a fighter on a quest for vengeance against the assassins who murdered your family. You’re up against packs of enemies, so you’ve got to dodge, parry, and use your environment to get the upper hand.
If you fall in battle, you’ll be brought back to life, but there’ll be a cost. Every death ages you, granting access to stronger attacks while reducing health. There’s a limit to this circle, though: once you become too old, death is permanent. That feature creates a certain degree of pressure, which is not often seen in triple-A titles. Truly one of the most unique independent games on the market.
Cult of the Lamb
Next on our list of standout PS5 indie games is Cult of the Lamb. Created by Massive Monster, this hybrid of a dungeon crawler and a colony sim grabbed the hearts of gamers worldwide upon its debut in 2022. Although it’s not as popular as it used to be, it still receives regular updates, including free content and DLCs.
As you play, you assume the role of a cult leader, a cute little sheep who doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice its flock for power or make them eat their waste just for fun. Between recruiting followers and expanding your sanctuary, you’ll embark on expeditions to secure valuable resources and confront formidable enemies. With these two sides to the gameplay, this title is bound to keep you entertained for a while!
Sea of Stars (Included with PS+)
In contrast to many other titles on our list, Sea of Stars stands out as one of the relatively new indie games on PS5. For those familiar with The Messenger, it’s worth noting that this one shares the same universe, but it’s set thousands of years before its events. The storyline centers on the Solstice Warriors, who harness the moon and sun’s power to combat the evil Fleshmancer.
With its pixel-art visuals, the game pays homage to retro classics from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. Nevertheless, it also integrates modern gameplay mechanics, providing a nostalgic yet enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking to play Sea of Stars without paying the full price, you can opt for a PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium subscription and access it through its catalog. Explore the top deals for membership plans below.
Tunic
Carrying on with our list of independent games, we have Tunic. It may look innocent enough with its adorable fox protagonist and vibrant, gorgeous visuals, but don’t let that fool you. Underneath lies a challenging adventure that will put your skills and patience to the ultimate test.
In Tunic, you’re thrown into a world teeming with monsters and puzzles without much guidance. Instructions are in an illegible language, leaving you to figure things out on your own. You’ll need to carefully explore every nook and cranny to uncover secrets and gather items to progress. In short, if you’re fond of the old-school Zelda games, this one will hit the spot for you.
Stray
Ever wondered what your cats are up to while you’re busy working to keep their food bowls full? Well, they’re probably not roaming through a futuristic city, having all sorts of adventures. But that’s the premise of Stray, a charming third-person (cat) game. There, you find yourself lost in a decaying cybercity, trying to make your way back home.
With its emphasis on vertical exploration, you’ll experience highs and lows as you navigate the cityscape. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles, sneak around, and outwit your enemies. And yes, there’s a truly revolutionary feature: a dedicated button for meowing. Those indie devs know what the crowds crave.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Included with PS+)
When you glance at screenshots or trailers of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, you might easily mistake it for a Disney animation. The visuals are truly stunning, both in the environment and character departments. Even more remarkable is that this is the debut game from Ember Lab, and they not only developed it but also published it.
The narrative follows Kena, a young Spirit Guide, on her quest to find the sacred Mountain Shrine. Luckily, she’s not alone, as she’s accompanied by the Rot, who assist her in exploration and combat. Speaking of battles, they’re fast-paced and require reflexes. Undeniably, fans of soulslike games will enjoy them!
Inscryption
Inscryption takes the third spot on our list of the top PS5 indie games. Coming from the mastermind behind Pony Island, you know you’re in for something unique. This title is a concoction of various genres and influences, blending elements of the best card battlers, roguelike, adventure, board game, and found footage horror.
As you play, you find yourself trapped in Leshy’s hut, and the only way out is to defeat your not-so-friendly host in a card battle. If things go according to plan, great, but if Leshy gains the upper hand, it might get tricky. Luckily, you can sacrifice parts of your body to turn the tide. After all, who needs eyes or hands, right?
Stardew Valley
Even though it was released in 2016, Stardew Valley ranks second in our ranking of the best indie games on PS5. Often, simplicity is the key, and you don’t need flashy graphics or complex gameplay mechanics to make a title successful. At first glance, SV may seem like just another of many farming simulators, but ConcernedApe poured his heart and soul into its development, and that passion shines through.
Despite the influx of new games, players keep returning to Pelican Town to tend their crops, explore the mines, and build relationships with the residents. The release of update 1.6 led to a new record for concurrent farmers on Steam. The patch is not yet out on consoles. However, when it does become available, newcomers will have a perfect opportunity to experience the game for the first time.
Hades
Undoubtedly, it’s no surprise that Hades tops the list of PS5 indie games. Like Stardew Valley, it’s another older release that has maintained its appeal over time. Developed by the same team behind the acclaimed Pyre, it follows Zagreus, the son of god of the dead, as he attempts to escape the ever-changing underworld.
In true roguelike fashion, you navigate through procedurally generated levels and face increasingly difficult enemies. Eventually, you will meet your demise, only to start the cycle all over again… and again… But with each attempt, you grow stronger and wiser, ready for another go. In addition to its addictive gameplay loop, this title features a compelling narrative that will keep you coming back for more.
That concludes our list! What are your top choices among the new indie games on PS5? Or perhaps you have a soft spot for older releases? Comment below!
