15 Hidden Gem Video Games You Need to Discover
In the vast universe of video games, some hidden gems manage to slip under the radar. While AAA titles dominate the spotlight, there are plenty of lesser-known games that offer unique experiences, creative storytelling, and addictive gameplay. Whether you’re looking for an indie darling or a forgotten classic, here are 15 hidden gem video games that you absolutely need to discover.
1. Hollow Knight
This indie masterpiece is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania that combines challenging platforming, tight combat, and a hauntingly atmospheric world. Hollow Knight puts you in the shoes (or should we say exoskeleton?) of a small insect warrior exploring the forgotten kingdom of Hallownest. Its deep lore, intricate level design, and stunning hand-drawn art make this a must-play for fans of the genre.
2. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a mind-bending exploration game that sends you on a journey through a solar system caught in a time loop. Each time you die, the loop resets, giving you a chance to uncover more secrets and piece together the cosmic mystery. With its unique take on exploration and storytelling, Outer Wilds is one of those rare games that leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve finished it.
3. Celeste
On the surface, Celeste looks like a retro-style platformer, but it’s much more than that. The game tells the story of Madeline, a young woman climbing a mountain while dealing with her own mental health struggles. Its challenging, precise platforming is balanced by a moving narrative, making it both a test of skill and an emotional journey.
4. Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter is an action RPG set in a gorgeous, pixel-art world filled with mystery and danger. Inspired by the 16-bit era, it combines fast-paced combat with thoughtful exploration. The game is deliberately vague, with no spoken dialogue, leaving players to unravel its story through environmental clues. The striking visuals and atmospheric soundtrack make this a hidden gem that deserves more love.
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5. Slay the Spire
Fans of roguelike games and deck-building strategy will find Slay the Spire irresistibly addictive. You build a deck of cards as you ascend a tower, battling enemies, acquiring new abilities, and tweaking your strategy on the fly. Its combination of tactical depth, randomness, and endless replayability makes it a gem in the indie gaming world.
6. Spiritfarer
In Spiritfarer, you play as Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased, guiding spirits to the afterlife. This beautifully animated game is more about managing emotions than managing resources, as you build relationships with each spirit before saying your final goodbyes. Its mix of farming, crafting, and narrative-driven exploration creates a meditative, heartfelt experience that will touch your soul.
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7. Katana ZERO
This stylish, fast-paced action game features slick pixel art and brutal combat. Katana ZERO has you slashing your way through enemies as a sword-wielding assassin with time-manipulation powers. The story is filled with mystery, twists, and psychological tension, and the gameplay offers a satisfying challenge. Think Hotline Miami, but with katanas and slow-motion action.
8. Return of the Obra Dinn
An indie puzzle game like no other, Return of the Obra Dinn puts you in the shoes of an insurance investigator tasked with solving the mystery of a missing ship. Using a magical pocket watch, you can revisit the moments of each crew member’s death. The game’s monochromatic art style and non-linear storytelling create an immersive, cerebral experience that will leave you feeling like a true detective.
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9. A Short Hike
Sometimes you just need a game to help you relax, and A Short Hike is perfect for that. You play as a bird named Claire, exploring a peaceful island on a journey to reach its peak. With charming visuals, a laid-back atmosphere, and hidden secrets waiting to be discovered, this little game is a breath of fresh air in a world of high-stakes action.
10. Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that blends teenage drama with eerie, otherworldly mysteries. The game follows a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift while on a trip to an abandoned island. Its unique dialogue system, moody atmosphere, and engaging narrative make it a standout in the indie horror-adventure genre.
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11. Dead Cells
A rogue-lite action-platformer with a focus on fast, fluid combat, Dead Cells is all about hacking, slashing, and dying—only to rise again for another run. The game’s tight controls, gorgeous pixel art, and vast array of weapons and upgrades make each run feel fresh and exhilarating. If you love games that test your reflexes and adaptability, Dead Cells is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
12. The Witness
From the mind of Braid creator Jonathan Blow, The Witness is a first-person puzzle game set on a mysterious, deserted island. The puzzles are all about perspective and visual logic, often forcing you to rethink how you interact with the world around you. It’s the kind of game that makes you feel both incredibly smart and completely baffled in equal measure.
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13. Moonlighter
In Moonlighter, you get to live out the fantasy of being both a shopkeeper and a dungeon-crawling hero. By day, you run a shop, selling items you’ve collected, and by night, you venture into dungeons to gather loot and fight monsters. This game is a charming mix of business simulation and action RPG, with addictive gameplay loops that keep you coming back for more.
14. Gris
A visually stunning platformer, Gris tells a wordless story of loss, grief, and recovery through gorgeous watercolor-like visuals and a haunting soundtrack. The game’s puzzles and platforming sections are relatively simple, but the experience is more about the emotional journey than the challenge. It’s an artistic, meditative game that feels like playing through a living painting.
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15. Into the Breach
From the creators of FTL: Faster Than Light, Into the Breach is a tactical turn-based strategy game where you control mechs defending Earth from giant alien creatures. What sets this game apart is its tight, puzzle-like mechanics, where every move counts, and the randomly generated levels offer endless replayability. With its pixel-art aesthetic and deep strategic gameplay, it’s a hidden gem that strategy fans need to play.
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