5 Best Indie Games of 2022

Indie games are a symbol and a sign of what makes video games and gaming exceptional. They're original, creative, and don't mind taking chances. Whether developed by a team of experts or by a single developer,  Indie games open gamers' eyes to a whole new world of gaming. The best independent games raise the bar of what can be done in a video game to the absolute limit. There's a never-ending supply of terrific indie games to select from, ranging from social experiences to brilliantly original storytelling adventures.

Since, Indie games cover a wide range of genres, from grim crime dramas, and fast-paced top-down shooters to mind-bending puzzles as well as farming sims, there is a game for everyone. So buckle up for a nostalgic ride as we jump right into the five best indie games of 2022. 

5. Inscryption

Inscryption is a deck-building roguelike that manages to stand out from the crowd despite the overcrowded market. At first sight, Inscryption appears to be a simple card game, but there is much more to it than meets the eye. 

The initial gameplay is a combination of Slay the Spire and lane-based card games. However, the horrific nature of sacrificing smaller creatures to play larger and better monsters to take out your rival makes it a little more morbid. Inscryption's surprise twists, turns, and eerie atmosphere are what makes it a truly unique experience. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that they give a whole new dimension to the Roguelike experience.

To add to the eerie mood, the frightening log cabin you're playing inside is actually a component of an escape room game in which you must read clues to find your way out of the game. What appears at first to be a straightforward mystery soon becomes evident, and solving it requires an unexpected journey. Inscryption is a fascinating game if you're a fan of dark mysteries and conspiracies.

4. Spelunky 2

Another NES gem from the golden period of indie development is Spelunky. This game is one of the best dungeon crawlers ever. You will experience an overwhelming quantity of dangers, hazards, enemies, and even companions who can turn on you and kill you at any point. A treasure hunter descends into randomly generated levels that alter every time you die. However, with each death, you'll get better at spotting lethal traps and dealing with dangerous monsters. There were four worlds in the original Spelunky with four levels each, but in Spelunky 2, there are branching routes. 

You can pick between multiple worlds to explore and up to 16 different places depending on your choices. Additionally, new doorways have been added to each level, allowing you to enter caves behind the main area, where new treasures and traps await. Players can also explore Spelunky 2‘s caverns in online co-op with a friend. They can also compete for the highest score in the Daily Challenge mode, which offers the same cave layout to everyone. There are odd enemies and delightfully aggravating deaths in this bizarre game. This makes advancing through the game's levels and unlocking new secrets all the more satisfying.

3. Stardew Valley

The easiest way to describe Stardew Valley is to think of it as a small-town life simulator. It's a lovely role-playing management game that taps into the popular Harvest Moon games' farming strengths. The calm, almost lethargic farming simulator serves as a reminder of the importance of taking time to sit back, relax, and watch things develop around you.

You'll start out in Stardew Valley with an inherited farm that needs a lot of work. Your attention will turn to an exploration of the world around you as you plant new crops and bring life to your land. Players must prioritize their tasks because they only have so much time in a day. Players must select what they value and pursue it. Whether it's farming crops, aiding the town's residents, or exploring caves for resources. Once the novelty of your simple farming life has worn off, you may start applying Stardew Valley mods to spice things up a bit more.

2. Valheim

Valheim stands out from the crowd of co-op survival games because of its stunning visual style and mystical Norse context. The game went viral almost immediately after its release. Instead of sending the player into the wilds and hoping for the best, Valheim knows how to reward them. You'll still be on your own, gathering materials to upgrade your weapons and explore new areas. Valheim finds a way to make the experience gratifying, whether it's through massive boss fights or simply sailing across the ocean.

Because the survival principles are merciful, you can build mead halls and roundhouses in relative peace while enjoying the sunset streak across the sky as the mist drifts in. Vikings looking for a challenge, on the other hand, can set sail over the procedurally generated wilderness, wading through marshes and scrambling over icy mountains in order to battle a succession of Valheim bosses and return home with hordes of trophies and riches. Valheim supports up to ten people in co-op, providing you and your friends a limitless, randomly generated environment to thrive in. This degree of quality is uncommon in a survival game. Valheim is deserving of its reputation.

1. Hades 

If nothing else, Hades exemplifies how far solid game design can go. What's surprising is how Supergiant kept the roguelike genre alive and well, cementing Hades as one of the best roguelikes ever made.

One of the things to appreciate about Hades is how well the developer integrated the aesthetics and gameplay into the plot.  As Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld, you'll undertake a daring escape from your father's kingdom.  With each failed effort, you'll become tougher and more adept at using your growing armament. You navigate from room to room, defeating bad guys and collecting rewards. Zagreus is one of the most well-rounded characters in video games, and his quest for answers offers a basic but captivating premise for the game.  

When it comes to gameplay, Hades' cast of fighting gods really brings the game to life with their harsh, tough-as-nails battle. You'll love every chance you get to talk to your Olympian cousins, especially since doing so unlocks gameplay perks and exposes you more about Supergiants unique take on Greek mythology.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five best indie games of 2022.? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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