19 Underrated Video Games You Need to Try
In a world filled with gaming blockbusters, it’s easy to miss out on some real hidden gems. While everyone’s busy talking about the latest AAA releases, there’s a whole collection of underrated games that bring fresh ideas, unique storytelling, and gameplay experiences that stand out from the crowd. These lesser-known titles offer a lot of fun without all the hype, and they might just become your next favorites. Here’s a list of 19 underrated games that deserve a spot in your rotation—grab a controller, give them a try, and see what you’ve been missing out on.
1. A Plague Tale: Innocence
Set in 14th-century France, A Plague Tale: Innocence follows two siblings as they escape soldiers, plague-ridden rats, and secrets in a war-torn world. This game nails atmospheric storytelling and offers a dark, emotional journey with stealthy, puzzle-driven gameplay. The characters and their journey feel raw and real, adding depth that makes every encounter meaningful. The visuals are stunning, with scenery that feels like a moving painting. It’s a tale of survival, loyalty, and courage that’s easy to get lost in.
2. Hollow Knight
In Hollow Knight, you explore the ancient, ruined kingdom of Hallownest in a beautifully dark 2D metroidvania adventure. Though it has gained a cult following, it’s still a title that’s gone unnoticed by many mainstream gamers. Its hand-drawn art, haunting soundtrack, and challenging yet fair gameplay make it a modern classic. Every area of Hallownest is filled with secrets, lore, and hidden bosses that make exploration rewarding. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves atmospheric, challenging games with a heart.
3. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade dives into mental health in a way that’s deeply immersive, following a Celtic warrior named Senua as she battles her own inner demons. The game blends Norse mythology with a compelling look at psychosis, creating a uniquely intense experience. It’s a psychological action-adventure that uses binaural audio to make you feel like you’re right there with Senua, hearing her fears and doubts. The visuals, audio, and combat are meticulously crafted, making every moment feel deeply personal.
4. Katana ZERO
This neo-noir action platformer combines fast-paced, one-hit-kill combat with a story of a hitman unraveling his own dark past. Its stylish visuals and killer synth soundtrack give it a vibe like no other. Each level plays out almost like a puzzle where you plan your moves to perfection. The dialogue choices and story twists bring depth that you don’t often find in a fast-action game. It’s short but endlessly replayable, and the story will keep you guessing till the end.
Follow us for more of these articles.
5. Celeste
Though it’s known in indie circles, Celeste still doesn’t get the love it deserves from the wider gaming community. This platformer follows Madeline as she climbs Celeste Mountain, battling not only the terrain but also her own inner struggles. The controls are tight, the difficulty is just right, and every level feels like a challenge and a reward. The narrative about mental health, self-doubt, and resilience is woven in beautifully. If you’re up for a challenge with a powerful story, this game is a must.
6. The Outer Wilds
Imagine a game where every 22 minutes, the universe resets, and your goal is to uncover the mysteries of a long-lost alien civilization. The Outer Wilds is an open-world puzzle game that blends exploration with time loops, pushing you to piece together clues before everything resets. The unique story and non-linear gameplay make it a true hidden gem. The sense of wonder and discovery is unparalleled as each planet offers its own quirky mysteries. It’s a quiet masterpiece that lingers in your mind long after you stop playing.
Follow us for more of these articles.
7. Dead Cells
For fans of roguelike action, Dead Cells is a gem that somehow still flies under the radar for many. Combining elements of metroidvania and roguelike gameplay, this game’s combat is fast, furious, and incredibly satisfying. Each run is different, with randomly generated levels and weapons that keep things fresh. The pixel art style and moody soundtrack add atmosphere, making it a perfect “just one more run” game. It’s a tough but addictive experience that rewards skillful play.
8. Oxenfree
If you’re into supernatural stories with a twist, Oxenfree is a narrative-driven game where dialogue choices shape the experience. It follows a group of friends who accidentally open a rift to a ghostly dimension while on a small island. The story is spooky, thought-provoking, and perfectly creepy without being overly scary. Its dialogue system is fluid, making conversations feel natural and impactful. For fans of mystery and the supernatural, it’s a gem that’s easy to overlook but hard to forget.
Follow us for more of these articles.
9. Slay the Spire
Card games and roguelikes come together in Slay the Spire, a deck-building dungeon crawler with endless replayability. It’s a game of strategy where every card, relic, and decision counts as you fight your way through procedurally generated levels. Its mix of strategic planning and roguelike elements makes each run unique. While it may not be visually flashy, the addictive gameplay will keep you hooked. It’s a perfect game for anyone who loves a good tactical challenge.
10. Hyper Light Drifter
This action RPG combines beautiful pixel art with intense, fast-paced combat in a dystopian world inspired by 16-bit classics. You play as the Drifter, a wanderer searching for a cure to a mysterious illness while uncovering secrets of a crumbling world. The gameplay is challenging, but the fluid mechanics make every fight feel rewarding. With almost no dialogue, the game tells its story through visuals and atmosphere. It’s a unique experience that feels like playing an interactive work of art.
Follow us for more of these articles.
11. What Remains of Edith Finch
This narrative-driven exploration game unfolds the story of the Finch family, each member’s story told through creative gameplay mechanics. What Remains of Edith Finch combines a haunting story with beautiful visuals, creating an emotional experience that sticks with you. Each room in the Finch house holds a tale of a family member who met an untimely end. It’s a short but impactful game that will leave you contemplating life, family, and fate.
12. Firewatch
Set in the Wyoming wilderness, Firewatch is a first-person mystery that follows a fire lookout who stumbles into a conspiracy. The game’s dialogue and atmosphere create a compelling sense of isolation, with a story that unfolds through conversations with a distant supervisor. The visuals are stunning, capturing the beauty and solitude of the wilderness. It’s a slow burn, but the emotional impact is worth the journey.
Follow us for more of these articles.
13. Doki Doki Literature Club!
This visual novel starts as a simple high school romance sim but quickly spirals into a psychological horror that messes with the player’s mind. Doki Doki Literature Club! plays on genre conventions, turning a seemingly innocent setting into a disturbing experience. The unexpected twists make it a standout in the visual novel genre. It’s weird, unsettling, and unforgettable.
14. GreedFall
Set in a 17th-century fantasy world, GreedFall blends RPG elements with colonial-era exploration. You play as a diplomat navigating political intrigue, alliances, and magic as you try to broker peace with the indigenous population. Its combat and dialogue are layered with choice and consequence, creating a story that changes based on your decisions. It’s a diamond in the rough for RPG fans looking for something off the beaten path.
Follow us for more of these articles.
15. Astroneer
This colorful space exploration game lets you terraform planets, mine resources, and build outposts as you explore a procedurally generated solar system. Astroneer combines resource management with creative base-building, making it an addictive experience for players who love to create. The art style and relaxing gameplay make it perfect for unwinding. For fans of exploration and creativity, it’s an underrated experience in a vast universe.
16. Enter the Gungeon
This bullet hell roguelike throws you into a dungeon where every level is a frantic showdown with bizarre, firearm-inspired enemies. The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, with a huge variety of weapons to unlock and master. Each run feels different, making it addictive and replayable. It’s a must-try for fans of challenging, action-packed games who don’t mind a bit of silliness.
Follow us for more of these articles.
17. Moonlighter
In Moonlighter, you’re both an adventurer and a shopkeeper, balancing dungeon crawling with managing your own store. The game combines RPG elements with business simulation, letting you collect items from monsters and then sell them in your shop. The charming graphics and addictive gameplay make it a unique blend of two genres. It’s a refreshing take that’s as relaxing as it is engaging.
18. Prey (2017)
This sci-fi thriller takes place on a space station overrun with alien shapeshifters. You play as Morgan Yu, navigating the station, discovering secrets, and unlocking powers as you try to survive. The open-ended gameplay allows for experimentation and multiple solutions to every problem. It’s eerie, intense, and rewards exploration. For fans of immersive sci-fi, it’s a game that deserves a lot more love.
Follow us for more of these articles.
19. Children of Morta
This action RPG follows a family of heroes, each with unique abilities, as they battle a dark force threatening their homeland. Children of Morta combines hack-and-slash gameplay with roguelike elements, creating an emotional story about family and resilience. The pixel art style is gorgeous, and the characters’ interactions make it feel like a living, breathing world. It’s a unique, heartfelt experience that’s hard to find in traditional RPGs.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us!
