Indie RPGs are not nearly as common as one may think, especially incredible ones likeSea of Stars. They’re a rarity, largely because they require so much time and resources to make. Fortunately, there are a handful that not only perfectly encapsulate the very best aspects of the genre, but can absolutely go toe-to-toe with the AAA RPGs currently on offer.
From 90s-inspired JRPGs to single-player meta MMOs, the very best indie RPGs encompass a wide range of gameplay styles, levels of ambition and scale, and sub-genres. Many of these indie RPGs could very easily be classed as some of thebest indie gamesof all time. Fortunately, they’re all currently available across a wide range of platforms, ensuring that players sick of modern AAA RPGs, or those just looking for a change of pace, have plenty of options.
10CrossCode (Radical Fish Games)
A Meta Single-Player MMO
CrossCodeis a game within a game, putting players in the role of Lea as she attempts to navigate her way through an MMO while searching for answers.It’s a very meta game, but one executed extremely well, with every aspect of an MMO replicated perfectly, such as other players running around, bustling towns, MMO-style quests, and more. For those who love the general idea of an MMO, but would rather play alone,CrossCodedelivers that experience in an incredibly satisfying way.
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When players aren’t engaging in the beautifully written and often hilarious story, they’ll be exploring interconnected areas full of monsters to kill, quests to complete, and loot to discover. These are all incredible locations to explore, largely thanks to the phenomenal pixel art aesthetic as well as the overall compelling level design.CrossCodealso featuresZelda-like dungeons with some challenging yet fair puzzlesto solve. If that isn’t enough to convince someone to play it,CrossCodealso reviewed incredibly wellat launch and remains a popular title on all platforms.
9Outward (Nine Dots Studio)
A Co-Op RPG That Doesn’t Hold Your Hand
Outwardis a lesser-known, yet nevertheless intriguing, RPG with a soulslike twist. It’s a challenging game that,much likeDragon’s Dogma 2, puts as big of a focus on the journey as it does the destination. It’s a vast, open-area game in which players start with absolutely nothing and must decide which of the many possible stories they want to pursue. There’s an impressive level of freedom inOutward, allowing players to really craft their own story, rather than be railroaded down a specific path.
What makesOutwardcompelling is its approach to difficulty. It balances survival elements with a well-crafted yet challenging combat model that can make even going from one town to another a dangerous endeavor. Fortunately, there’s co-op, both online and locally, for those who still like to play on a couch together, which not only improves the overall experience but alleviates some of the challenge.Outwardis a great, third-person open-area RPGand well worth checking out for soulslike fans.
8Wildermyth (Worldwalker Games LLC)
A Procedural Storytelling RPG Where Choices Matter
Wildermythis about as close to a true single-playerDungeons and Dragonsroleplaying experience as one can getas it completely simulates the life and death of a band of heroes. It is a procedurally generated experience in which players stand with a group of nobodies and work their way across the land, turning them into legends. Every choice that’s made will significantly impact the journey, with character deaths having a ripple effect not just on the other members of the party, but the world itself.
With procedurally generated story moments, no two playthroughs are the same.Wildermythalso allows players to put their favorite characters into a pantheon of heroes. They can then use them in future playthroughs, allowing them to live on far beyond just their first adventure.Wildermythreally is one of thebest RPGs of all time, andthe perfect experience for those who want a story-focused RPG that they can shape and mold through their choices.
7Edge of Eternity (Midgar Studio)
An Indie Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chroniclesis one of the greatest JRPG series available, so it’s no surprise that it has inspired an indie RPG or two. By far the most ambitious one isEdge of Eternity, a gorgeous sprawling third-person JRPG set in a lush fantasy sci-fi world. With an epic journey to embark upon full of memorable characters,Edge of Eternityis about as close an indie game can get to replicating a cinematic JRPG experience.
Edge of Eternityeven features music by Yasunori Mitsuda, the legendary composer of theChrono TriggerandXenoblade Chroniclessoundtracks.It is great to see an indie RPG attempt to replicate the stylings of modern JRPGsas opposed to those from the SNES era, especially for newer players who prefer their cinematic quality. That positionsEdge of Eternityas the best choice for those who want a grand non-pixel art JRPG experience.
6Bloomtown: A Different Story (Lazy Bear Games/Different Sense Games)
Persona 5 Meets Earthbound
Bloomtown: A Different Storyis an RPG that combines the best elements fromPersona 5andEarthbound, giving players a staggeringly good coming-of-age JRPG experience filled with monster collection, turn-based battles, life-sim elements, and a phenomenal jazzy soundtrack.Bloomtownis definitely asurprisingly overlooked RPGeven despite the fact that, in many ways, it manages to offer a better experience than even some of the bestPersonagames.
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InBloomtown: A Different Story, players explore dungeons, taking on challenging monsters while utilizing their demons to unleash powerful abilities. Once a dungeon has been cleared, or just during downtime,fans can then take to the streets of the gorgeously crafted 1960s city engaging in a series of life-sim elementslike growing crops, going to the gym, hanging out with friends, fishing, and so much more.
5Omori (OMOCAT, LLC)
A Subversive Psychological Horror RPG
Omoriis a psychological horror RPG all about the experience of suffering from severe mental health issues. While its initial adorable aesthetic can lead to a false sense of security,it doesn’t take long forOmorito start discussing its darker themes through its beautifully written dialogue and creepy visuals. What makesOmoribrilliant is its maturely handled narrative that manages to be as thought-provoking and moving as it is unsettling.
Much ofOmoriis best experienced without any prior knowledge, simply because the game’s twists and turns are at their most effective when players don’t see them coming. However,the majority of indie RPG fans, especially those who enjoyedUndertale, will almost certainly enjoyOmori, so it’s a risk worth taking. With a well-deserved Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam,Omoriis an RPG for the ages and something everyone should experience at least once.
4Chained Echoes (Umami Tiger (Matthias Linda))
A 16-Bit Mech RPG
There are a plethora of indie titles that attempt to replicate the excellence of classic JRPGs either through visuals alone, or a combination of old-school mechanics and 16-bit art. However, few ever get it right, largely because they fail to understand how best to modernize nostalgia. Fortunately,Chained Echoes, the phenomenal mech-based JRPG, absolutely understood the assignment and delivers a truly exceptional adventurethat taps into both its inspirations and modern conveniences that improve upon them.
What makesChained Echoesstand out above its contemporaries is its complex yet easy-to-understand turn-based combat and genuinely compelling cast of charactersthat elevate an otherwise excellent 40-hour journey. It also features a memorable soundtrack and gorgeous 16-bit art that helps immerse players further into its well-designed world.Chained Echoesis theperfect indie RPG, successfully capturing what makes the genre so beloved while offering plenty of innovative features.
3Disco Elysium (ZA/UM)
One Of The Best-Written RPGs
Disco Elysiumis one of the best-written RPGs of all time, weaving compelling characters, consequential decisions, and a harrowing world through an expertly crafted mystery. It’s a dialogue-heavy experience, one in which players will be listening to the talented voice actors read out walls of text, but at no point doesDisco Elysiumever make it an eye-rolling experience. Players will long for more of its masterful writing as they explore the desolate world of Revachol.
When they’re not making life-altering choices and improvising ways of completing the next task, players will be attempting to solve one of the most memorable mysteries ever made. This takes place across the entire map, with every character, tool, and skill needed to crack the case.Disco Elysiumis one of the finest RPGs ever made asit truly embraces the role-playing aspect of its genre’s namesake.
2Undertale (tobyfox)
A Truly Iconic Indie RPG
Undertalemay be the definitive indie RPG, the title that put the genre on the map and set the bar exceptionally high when it comes to meaningful choices.It is an endlessly complex tapestry of narrative choices that lead to vastly different yet always satisfying endingssupported by inventive and genre-bending gameplay mechanics as well as one of the best soundtracks ever made. Suffice it to say,Undertaledeserves the hype and then some.
While most people have likely already given it a go,Undertaleis always worth considering when choosing which indie RPG to add to the backlog. With dozens of memorable characters, a plethora of truly mesmerizing moments, and multiple endings to experience, there are so many reasons to replay or tryUndertalefor the very first time. It is a landmark title for a reason and something that every indie RPG fan should play.
1Sea of Stars (Sabotage Studio)
The Perfect Homage To 90s JRPGs
Sea of Stars, much likeChained Echoes, is a loving homage to 90s JRPGs, sending players on a staggeringly beautiful journey through a creatively designed fantasy world packed full of memorable characters. Its gorgeous pixel art and soundtrack - with tracks from legendary composer Yasunori Mitsuda - help makeSea of Starsa breathtaking experience, butit is its complex puzzle design and intricate combat that steal the show.
Sea Of Stars DLC Is “Absolutely Coming” & Being Worked On Now
Thierry Boulanger, the creative director behind Sea of Stars, revealed in a recent interview that DLC for the game is absolutely in the works.
Like all the best indie RPGs,Sea of Starsis an innovative title that pulls off the rare feat of simultaneously encapsulating the magic of its predecessors while offering a genre-defining adventure unlike any other. There really are so few games that manage to achieve such excellence asSea of Stars, which makes playing it a must for all fans of the genre. Of course,Sea of Starsis luckily just one game in a sea of amazing indie RPGs, giving those who want something a little different plenty of options to pick from.
