5 Hidden Indie Games You Should Play Before 2024 Ends

If you’re tired of the same old AAA titles and are looking for something fresh, you’re in the right place. Indie games often go unnoticed but can offer some of the most unique and creative gaming experiences. The year is coming to a close, but it’s not too late to dive into some hidden indie games 2024 has to offer. These must-play indie games are under the radar but packed with innovation, heart, and stunning gameplay.

In this article, we’ll spotlight five indie gems that deserve more attention before 2024 ends, complete with summaries, standout features, pricing, and where to find them.

1. “Tunche” – A Charming Hand-Drawn Action Game

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Genre: Action, Beat ‘Em Up, Roguelike

“Tunche” is an enchanting, hand-drawn beat ’em up with roguelike elements set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Developed by LEAP Game Studios, this game lets you play as one of five unique characters, each with distinct abilities, while battling your way through hordes of enemies to restore balance to the jungle.

The most striking feature of “Tunche” is its visually stunning art style, with hand-drawn animations that make every action feel fluid. The combat is both accessible and deep, with multiple layers of combos and special moves that make each playthrough exciting. Its roguelike elements mean no two runs are the same, offering plenty of replay value.

If you’re searching for an indie game that feels like a love letter to classic arcade beat ’em ups but with a modern twist, “Tunche” is a must-play indie game before the year closes out.

2. “Norco” – A Dystopian Narrative Masterpiece

Platforms: PC
Price: $14.99
Genre: Point-and-Click, Adventure

“Norco” is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure set in a dystopian, cyberpunk version of Louisiana. Developed by Geography of Robots, this game offers a beautifully bleak atmosphere combined with a complex, multi-layered story. As you unravel the mysteries in a decaying world of oil refineries and wetlands, you’ll encounter compelling characters, solve puzzles, and explore a hauntingly realized world.

The game’s powerful writing and detailed world-building set it apart from others in the genre, making it an unforgettable experience. It’s an underrated gem with a story that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

For fans of deep, thought-provoking narratives, “Norco” is one of the hidden indie games of 2024 that deserves to be on your radar.

3. “Unpacking” – A Relaxing Puzzle Game with a Heartwarming Story

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Genre: Puzzle, Simulation

“Unpacking” is one of those rare indie games that combine a simple premise with surprisingly emotional depth. Developed by Witch Beam, it’s a game where you unpack boxes and place belongings in a new home. While the concept might sound mundane, the game subtly tells a heartwarming story about the character’s life through the objects you unpack.

It’s a relaxing, zen-like experience with an underlying narrative that makes you reflect on personal belongings, memories, and the passage of time. The gameplay is stress-free and encourages you to explore the emotional journey at your own pace.

For anyone looking for a calm, introspective game to play, “Unpacking” is a hidden indie gem that might just be one of the most emotionally resonant games of 2024.

4. “Sable” – A Journey Through a Breathtaking Desert World

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Price: $24.99
Genre: Exploration, Open World

“Sable” is an open-world exploration game that invites players to embark on a coming-of-age journey across a stunning desert landscape. Developed by Shedworks, this visually distinctive game uses a cel-shaded art style that resembles a graphic novel brought to life.

In “Sable,” you play as a young girl on a rite of passage, traveling across the vast, mysterious desert on a customizable hoverbike. The game focuses on exploration, discovery, and the peaceful beauty of solitude. There’s no combat or enemies here—just an expansive world filled with ruins, puzzles, and a unique, quiet narrative. You can download this from Steam.

“Sable” is perfect for players who appreciate a slower, more reflective gaming experience. It’s a must-play indie game for those who want to get lost in a world of serene beauty before 2024 ends.

5. “Death’s Door” – A Dark and Charming Action-Adventure

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Genre: Action-Adventure, Souls-like

“Death’s Door” by Acid Nerve is an action-adventure game that blends tight combat with charmingly macabre visuals. In the game, you play as a small crow tasked with collecting souls in a mysterious and dangerous world. The combat feels responsive and rewarding, often compared to the difficulty of Souls-like games, but without feeling punishing.

The game’s unique art style and design make every environment stand out, from twisted forests to eerie temples. The narrative is equally engaging, balancing dark themes with lighthearted humor, making it an immersive experience from start to finish.

With its challenging combat and quirky charm, “Death’s Door” is one of the underrated indie games that you shouldn’t miss before the end of 2024.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out on These Indie Gems

Indie games offer something that AAA titles often miss—a personal touch. Each of the games listed here provides a unique experience that deserves your time and attention. Whether it’s the story-driven dystopia of “Norco” or the heartfelt simplicity of “Unpacking,” these games bring something fresh to the table. Plus, with 2024 winding down, it’s the perfect time to explore these hidden indie games before the year ends.

For more updates on indie and AAA titles, be sure to check out GameBuzzDaily—your ultimate source for gaming news and reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an indie game?
An indie game is a video game developed by individuals or small development teams without the financial support of large publishers. Indie games are often unique and focus on creativity, storytelling, and experimental gameplay mechanics.

2. Why should I play indie games?
Indie games offer fresh, unique experiences that big-budget AAA games often miss. These games are typically more experimental, story-driven, and have a personal touch. They also tend to be more affordable and cover a wide variety of genres, making them accessible to all types of gamers.

3. What are some of the best hidden indie games to play in 2024?
Some of the hidden indie games 2024 that deserve more attention include Tunche, Norco, Unpacking, Sable, and Death’s Door. Each game offers a unique experience, from charming hand-drawn visuals to deep, thought-provoking narratives.

4. Are indie games cheaper than AAA games?
Yes, indie games are generally more affordable than AAA titles. Most indie games range from $10 to $25, but some can even be found for free on platforms like Itch.io.

5. Where can I find indie games?
Indie games are available on various platforms, including Steam, Itch.io, PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Nintendo eShop, and even mobile app stores. They are widely accessible across multiple devices

6. Do indie games support all platforms?
Not all indie games are available on every platform, but many support PC, consoles (like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch), and even mobile devices. Each game’s availability will depend on the developer’s resources and target audience

7. Why are indie games underrated?
Indie games are often overshadowed by large AAA titles with massive marketing budgets. They typically have smaller development teams and fewer resources to promote their games, which can lead to them being less visible to the broader gaming audience.

8. How do indie developers fund their games?
Indie developers often rely on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, self-funding, small investors, or revenue from previous games. Some indie games also receive funding from indie publishers or grants designed to support smaller development teams.

9. What makes these indie games hidden gems?
These games are considered hidden gems because they haven’t received the mainstream attention they deserve. Despite being highly creative and engaging, they fly under the radar due to limited marketing or competition from larger titles.

10. Are indie games as polished as AAA games?
Indie games may not always have the high production value of AAA games, but many are highly polished and provide a unique charm. In fact, some indie games—like Hades or Celeste—have received critical acclaim for their quality and innovation.