10 Best Indie Games Developed By Single Person

Creating a game alone is not a small task. It requires hard work, creativity, and dedication. Yet, some developers have managed to create incredible games all by themselves. These games became huge hits and are loved by players everywhere. But what makes these indie games so special? Many of them stand out for their unique stories, creative ideas, and fun gameplay. Below is a list of 10 amazing indie games developed by solo developer.

10. Thomas Was Alone

Thomas Was Alone is a puzzle-platformer created by Mike Bithell. This game focuses more on storytelling and is unique. You play as different rectangles, each with a special ability. Some can jump higher, while others can fit into tight spaces. The goal is to guide them to their exit points by solving puzzles. You switch between characters to use their abilities in the most clever ways. The game also has this narrator who just narrates to you the stories of these rectangles. Also, the music is calm and fits perfectly with the mood.

9. Geometry Dash

Geometry Dash is a fast-paced rhythm platformer developed by Robert Topala. You control a small cube moving through levels, dodging spikes, platforms, and other moving traps. The cube will automatically move forward, and it's up to you to tap the screen or click to jump at the right time. Additionally, every level is synced with energetic electronic music, so jumping in time helps a lot. It is a little bit challenging but somehow keeps bringing you back in with its very addictive gameplay. Levels get harder as you progress, and quick reflexes are pretty much a necessity.

8. Vampire Survivors

The gameplay for Vampire Survivors is a fast-action game, with addictive mechanics and waves of never-ending enemies against the player. It was developed by Luca Galante, aka poncle, and puts you in an endless wave of enemies The gameplay is simple to understand. Your character attacks automatically, so your focus is on moving, dodging, and collecting power-ups. You pick from a variety of weapons and upgrades during each run. These upgrades make your character stronger and help you handle bigger enemy waves. The more you survive, the more intense the battles get. You’ll face swarms of enemies, and the screen fills up with chaos.

7. Undertale

Undertale is a role-playing game developed by Toby Fox. You are a kid who falls into a world full of monsters. Your main goal is to find your way out of this place by meeting different characters. But what's unique about it is how you handle the battles. You can fight or spare the enemies. Every decision changes the story and how characters view you. Here, you decide whether you want to attack, talk, or help enemies instead. There is humor and emotion in every interaction. The game has pixel art visuals and music that fit every moment perfectly.

6. Kenshi

Kenshi, created by Chris Hunt, is a sandbox RPG with complete freedom for players. Players can do almost anything in this game. You start with nothing and must survive in a harsh world. You can be a trader, warrior, scavenger, or even build your own base. Players decide how to progress and what goals to set. The gameplay focuses on managing resources, exploring, and building a team. It supports character recruiting as well as character training through several skills. Danger prevails largely in this game, and one has to stay ready to encounter any time. It does not have any strict rules or main storyline.

5. Return of the Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn is a mystery detective game developed by Lucas Pope. You play as an insurance investigator who has to solve what happened to a missing crew. To do this, you use a special stopwatch. This stopwatch shows you the final moments of someone's life. By exploring these moments, you piece together the story step by step. The objective is to identify each member of the crew and understand how each of them died or went missing. You find clues by paying close attention to objects, scenes, and the conversations in those final moments. And its visuals are done in a unique black-and-white art style.

4. Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge is an action-adventure game side-scroller by Thomas Happ. You wake up as a scientist in some kind of bizarre, alien world after something went wrong in the lab. The game is about going through areas, fighting enemies, and unlocking upgrades. You get the tools and weapons that will allow you to enter other parts of the map.The game is very focused on exploration. There are hidden rooms, secret paths, and upgrades waiting to be found.

3. Papers, Please

Papers, Please by Lucas Pope, is a game in which you play as a border officer. You have to check people's documents and determine whether they should be allowed into the country or not. You match details like names, dates, and photos on passports. Sometimes, people have fake papers or missing permits, so you have to find mistakes. The rules change every day, so you must stay alert. You earn for every right decision; this money sustains your family to go on with life. However, you'll be making the tougher decisions. The game is sort of solving a puzzle but with so much pressure.

2. Minecraft

Minecraft, developed by Markus Persson (known as Notch), is a sandbox game that lets players build and explore virtually endless worlds. It allows players to explore and create almost endless worlds. Players gather resources, craft tools, and build shelters while dealing with hostile creatures and hunger. The game also provides options for multiplayer so that friends can collaborate on projects or embark on adventures together. For all these reasons, Minecraft has emerged as one of the most influential games of all time.

1. Stardew Valley

The final game we have on our list is Stardew Valley. This game is developed by Eric Barone, who is known by the name ConcernedApe. It is a farming game where you start with an old farm which needs fixing up. You can plant crops and water them. Harvest when they're ready. Also, you are able to care for animals. As time progresses, you can build up your farm by unlocking new tools and buildings. There is much more to do than just farm. You can mine for ores, fish in different spots, and fight monsters in caves. This game gives you the freedom to decide what to focus on each day.