Welcome, fellow gamers, to a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of indie gaming on the PlayStation 5. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, indie developers are pushing boundaries and delivering experiences that rival even the biggest AAA titles. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the best indie games available on the PS5, each offering its own unique blend of creativity, innovation, and gameplay. Get your game controller and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
The PlayStation 5 has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry, boasting impressive graphics, lightning-fast load times, and immersive gameplay experiences. While AAA titles often dominate the spotlight, indie games have been quietly carving out their own niche on the platform, offering players a refreshing alternative to the blockbuster juggernauts.
Best Indie Games on PS5
Let’s kick things off with a diverse selection of indie gems that have captured the hearts of players worldwide. From atmospheric puzzlers to adrenaline-fueled action adventures, there’s something for everyone on this list.
20.
Art of Rally
Publisher | Funselektor Labs |
Developer | Funselektor Labs |
Genre | Driving/Racing |
Release | 10/6/2021 |
Rating | 4.5 PS Store |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch, Linux, Android |
Get ready for an exciting rally experience with the art of rally, brought to you by the creator of Absolute Drift. Compete on colorful and artistic tracks from a top-down perspective, striving to reach the top of the leaderboards by participating in daily and weekly challenges. Explore the golden era of the rally in Career mode, traversing 72 stages in locations such as Finland, Sardinia, Norway, Japan, Germany, and Kenya. Drive vintage cars from the 1960s to the 1980s, including Group B, Group S, and Group A vehicles.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are driving modes suited to your skill level, allowing you to utilize rally-driving techniques like the Scandinavian flick and handbrake turns. Compete in daily and weekly challenges to climb the leaderboard, and capture your best moments with the integrated Photo and Replay mode. Will you master the art of rally?
19.
Deliver Us The Moon
Publisher | Wired Productions |
Developer | KeokeN Interactive |
Genre | Adventure |
Release | 4/24/2020 |
Rating | 71 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch, Linux |
Deliver Us The Moon is an enthralling sci-fi adventure game that plunges players into a quest to rescue humanity from impending doom. Set in a near-future world facing a crisis of dwindling resources, the game follows a lone astronaut on a vital mission: to explore a deserted lunar colony, humanity’s final chance for survival. Navigate through lunar terrains, solve puzzles, and uncover the secrets surrounding humanity’s struggle for survival. Will you triumph in safeguarding humanity, or will you become lost in the vastness of space forever?
18.
Chorus
Publisher | Deep Silver |
Developer | Deep Silver |
Genre | Action, Adventure |
Release | 12/3/2021 |
Rating | 73 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows |
Chorus is an action-packed space shooter game featuring stunning visuals and high-energy gameplay. Players assume the role of Nara, a skilled pilot on a mission for redemption, battling against waves of enemies in intense space skirmishes. Join Nara on a thrilling journey across the cosmos as she seeks to destroy the dark cult responsible for her creation. With the help of her sentient starfighter, Forsaken, players will unlock powerful weapons and abilities to combat foes across vast space stations and enigmatic realms.
Engage in epic dogfights amidst breathtaking cosmic landscapes and intricate environments, mastering unique combat mechanics and extraordinary powers like teleportation and telekinesis. Players will team up with Nara to join resistance groups, taking on tough opponents and uncovering the secrets of a complex universe.
17.
The Gardens Between
Publisher | The Voxel Agents |
Developer | The Voxel Agents |
Genre | Adventure, Puzzle |
Release | 6/16/2022 |
Rating | 75 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Windows, Mac, Switch, IOS, Android |
The Gardens Between is a captivating puzzle game that invites players on a fantastical journey through time and nostalgia. Following the adventures of two friends, Arina and Frendt, players explore surreal island gardens adorned with objects from their shared past. As they traverse these enchanting landscapes, they reminisce about their friendship, confronting emotional hurdles along the way. In this peculiar world where time behaves uniquely, players manipulate time to solve puzzles and advance through each island. Featuring stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay, The Gardens Between offers an unforgettable experience perfect for puzzle game enthusiasts.
16.
Furi
Publisher | The Game Bakers |
Developer | The Game Bakers |
Genre | Action, Shooter |
Release | 5/17/2022 |
Rating | 77 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
Furi is a thrilling action game where players face off against tough bosses in high-speed combat. Set in a stylish world with a captivating soundtrack, it’s a game that requires skill and precision to conquer. Players must break free from captivity by defeating the jailer and engaging in intense sword fighting and dual-stick shooting gameplay. Designed by Takashi Okazaki, the game features an original soundtrack by artists like Carpenter Brut and Danger, adding to the adrenaline-fueled experience.
15.
Citizen Sleeper
Publisher | Fellow Traveller |
Developer | Gareth Damian Martin |
Genre | Role Playing Games |
Release | 3/31/2023 |
Rating | 79 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch |
Citizen Sleeper is an immersive adventure game centered on themes of identity and survival. As a digitized consciousness in an artificial body, you’re pursued by a corporation eager to reclaim you. Set in the vibrant yet unfamiliar world of the Eye, you must forge alliances, navigate factions, and uncover secrets to outwit your hunters and ensure your survival. The PlayStation version offers an expanded storyline, introducing new characters and locations, and enriching the lore of Erlin’s Eye.
Inspired by tabletop roleplaying games, the gameplay revolves around using dice, clocks, and drives to shape your destiny in a dynamic environment. Interact with diverse characters like salvagers, engineers, and hackers, each with their own stories and motivations. Delve into the station’s digital archives using your unique abilities, unlocking hidden areas and corporate secrets. Amidst themes of exploitation and freedom, chart your own path and defy the system that sees you as mere property.
14.
Subnautica
Publisher | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
Developer | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
Genre | Action, Adventure |
Release | 5/14/2021 |
Rating | 80 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac |
Subnautica immerses players in an underwater survival adventure, challenging them to explore a vast and perilous alien ocean. Stranded in an unfamiliar world, players must dive into the depths to uncover its mysteries while managing oxygen levels and encountering diverse marine life. From vibrant coral reefs to treacherous trenches, players navigate various environments, gathering resources to craft tools and equipment for survival. As they delve deeper, they can build bases to store resources and explore further into the mesmerizing depths of Subnautica’s ocean world.
13.
Sifu
Publisher | Sloclap |
Developer | Sloclap |
Genre | Action |
Release | 2/6/2022 |
Rating | 81 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
Sifu is an action-packed martial arts game where players step into the role of a young fighter seeking revenge. In the Arenas Expansion, players face off against enemies in 15 dynamic locations with 5 game modes and 120 challenges, offering intense combat experiences. As players progress, they contemplate the concept of one life being enough to master Kung Fu while pursuing vengeance against their family’s killers. Players must hone their skills in fast-paced battles, learning to dodge, parry, and strike effectively in diverse environments like nightclubs, galleries, and office buildings.
Adaptation and resourcefulness are crucial for survival, with players utilizing throwable objects and environmental elements to gain an advantage. Through practice and perseverance, players unlock unique skills and master powerful Pak Mei Kung Fu techniques on their journey for justice.
12.
Outer Wilds
Publisher | Annapurna Interactive |
Developer | Mobius Digital |
Genre | Adventure |
Release | 9/15/2022 |
Rating | 82 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
Outer Wilds is an exploration game that sends players on a thrilling journey through a solar system stuck in a time loop. Join the Outer Wilds Ventures space program and explore mysterious ruins, solve puzzles, and brave perilous environments across various planets. Dive into the secrets of the Dark Bramble, unravel the mysteries of ancient structures, and uncover clues to break the time loop. Each planet offers evolving challenges and dangers, requiring specialized gear and the ability to decipher alien languages. With its captivating mystery and open-world design, Outer Wilds promises an unforgettable adventure of discovery and danger in the vastness of space.
11.
Gris
Publisher | Devolver Digital |
Developer | Nomada Studio |
Genre | Action, Adventure |
Release | 12/13/2022 |
Rating | 82 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch, IOS, Android |
Gris is a visually stunning platformer game that follows the journey of a young girl dealing with grief and emotional struggles. Through breathtaking art and music, players accompany Gris as she navigates her inner turmoil and discovers newfound strength. As Gris progresses, her abilities grow, reflecting her emotional growth and resilience. The game offers a serene experience without danger or frustration, focusing instead on exploration, puzzles, and skill-based challenges. With minimal text and universal symbols, Gris provides an accessible and emotionally resonant journey for players of all backgrounds.
10.
Little Nightmares II
Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
Developer | Tarsier Studios |
Genre | Adventure, Puzzle, Action |
Release | 8/25/2021 |
Rating | 82 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
Little Nightmares II is a captivating horror game that transports players into a chilling world filled with darkness and dread. You assume the role of Mono, a young boy trapped in a distorted reality shaped by a mysterious tower’s haunting signal. Accompanied by Six, a girl in a yellow raincoat, you embark on a perilous journey to uncover the sinister secrets of The Signal Tower. Along the way, you’ll encounter terrifying adversaries and navigate through a series of harrowing challenges. Will you have the courage to confront these new nightmares and unravel the mysteries that await?
9.
Unpacking
Publisher | Humble Games |
Developer | Witch Beam |
Genre | Puzzle, Simulation |
Release | 5/10/2022 |
Rating | 84 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch, Linux, Android |
Unpacking offers a peaceful and reflective gaming experience centered around the simple act of unpacking and arranging items in various living spaces. As you progress through eight different house moves, you’ll unpack boxes and organize belongings, uncovering the stories and memories behind each object along the way. With its soothing gameplay and charming visuals, Unpacking provides a welcome escape from the busyness of everyday life, inviting players to immerse themselves in the process of creating a cozy and personalized home environment. Through its attention to detail and emotional depth, the game encourages players to connect with the characters and stories hinted at by the items they unpack, offering a unique and contemplative perspective on the simulation genre.
8.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Publisher | DotEmu |
Developer | Tribute Games |
Genre | Action |
Release | 11/15/2022 |
Rating | 85 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch, Linux, Android, IOS |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a retro-style beat ’em-up game that brings back the nostalgic feel of classic arcade games from the 90s. Players control Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as they fight their way through colorful pixel art environments, reminiscent of the beloved TMNT franchise. Developed by Dotemu and Tribute Games, the game features action-packed gameplay with each turtle having their own unique skills and moves.
Players can team up with friends for multiplayer battles against Shredder and his Foot Clan across iconic TMNT locations like Manhattan and the sewers. With its vibrant pixel art graphics and faithful homage to the 1987 TV show, Shredder’s Revenge delivers a blast of nostalgia and turtle-powered fun for fans of all ages.
7.
The Forgotten City
Publisher | Dear Villagers |
Developer | Modern Storyteller |
Genre | Adventure, Role Playing Games |
Release | 7/28/2021 |
Rating | 85 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
The Forgotten City is an intriguing adventure game set in an ancient Roman city trapped in a time loop. Players uncover the secrets of this lost civilization through exploration and solving puzzles. Instead of relying on combat, success hinges on questioning characters, utilizing the time loop, and confronting moral dilemmas. Your decisions influence the city’s destiny, making for a deep and captivating experience that prompts reflection and critical thinking. Top of Form
6.
Humanity
Publisher | Enhance Games |
Developer | THA Limited |
Genre | Action, Puzzle |
Release | 5/16/2023 |
Rating | 86 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Windows |
Humanity is a puzzle game with a twist, putting you in charge of guiding large crowds through challenging obstacles and puzzles. As a Shiba Inu, you’ll command these masses to navigate over 90 stages filled with enemies, puzzles, and boss fights. You can even create your own levels or try out those made by other players. With minimalist visuals and easy-to-use controls, Humanity offers a unique and innovative take on puzzle-solving. Plus, you can experience it all in VR mode for an even more immersive gameplay experience.
5.
Dead Cells
Publisher | Motion Twin |
Developer | Motion Twin |
Genre | Action |
Release | 6/29/2023 |
Rating | 87 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Switch, Linux, Android, IOS |
Dead Cells is a challenging roguelike game where you play as a failed alchemic experiment stranded on a cursed island. Despite being immortal, you must inhabit new bodies each time you perish. With procedurally generated levels and permadeath, every playthrough is unique, requiring you to navigate interconnected worlds and defeat tough enemies. While combat is tough but fair, you can unlock new skills and weapons to aid your progress. It’s an adrenaline-fueled adventure with responsive controls and satisfying progression.
4.
Sea of Stars
Publisher | Sabotage Studio |
Developer | Sabotage Studio |
Genre | Adventure, Role Playing Games |
Release | 8/29/2023 |
Rating | 87 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch |
Sea of Stars is an enchanting RPG set in a magical world, boasting stunning visuals and an epic storyline. Developed by Sabotage, the game modernizes classic RPG elements like turn-based combat and storytelling, while also providing a nostalgic feel and enjoyable gameplay. It promises to immerse players in a vibrant universe filled with adventure and wonder.
3.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Publisher | Annapurna Interactive |
Developer | Giant Sparrow |
Genre | Adventure, Horror, Adventure |
Release | 7/29/2022 |
Rating | 88 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Xbox One, Windows, Switch, IOS |
What Remains of Edith Finch is a captivating narrative adventure game that invites players to explore the mysterious history of the Finch family. Set in a hauntingly beautiful environment, players follow Edith Finch as she uncovers the secrets hidden within her ancestral home. Each room holds a story, allowing players to experience the final moments of various family members’ lives through interactive vignettes. As players delve deeper into the narrative, themes of mortality, family bonds, and the unknown are explored, creating a deeply emotional and atmospheric journey.
Developed by Giant Sparrow, known for their innovative storytelling in games like The Unfinished Swan, What Remains of Edith Finch offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience that lingers in the mind long after the adventure ends.
2.
The Talos Principle 2
Publisher | Devolver Digital |
Developer | Croteam |
Genre | Adventure, Puzzle |
Release | 11/2/2023 |
Rating | 90 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, Xbox X and S, Windows |
The Talos Principle 2 is an immersive puzzle game that dives deep into philosophical questions about existence and identity. In a world where humans have disappeared but their creations remain, players dive into an intriguing journey through a perplexing megastructure. As you progress, you’ll grapple with profound themes like the purpose of civilization and the consequences of human actions. The game presents a new array of challenging puzzles, including meta-puzzles and gold puzzles, offering players the choice to tackle them all or pursue mastery.
With a character-driven narrative and multiple endings crafted by experienced writers, The Talos Principle 2 invites players to ponder the complexities of the cosmos while exploring captivating environments and uncovering hidden secrets. Plus, the game features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience.
1.
Hades
Publisher | Supergiant Games |
Developer | Supergiant Games |
Genre | Action |
Release | 8/13/2021 |
Rating | 93 Metacritic |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S, Windows, IOS, Switch, Mac |
Hades is an action-packed roguelike game that immerses players in Greek mythology, following the journey of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the underworld. With dynamic environments and intense battles against mythical creatures and gods, Hades offers a thrilling experience that has earned praise from both players and critics. Armed with mythic powers and weapons from Olympus, each escape attempt presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Players can secure powerful Boons from legendary gods, forge bonds with characters revealing the dysfunctional dynamics of the divine family, and face guardian bosses that adapt to previous encounters. With stunning hand-painted visuals, a gripping narrative, and an original score, Hades brings the underworld to life, promising an unforgettable journey through a world where anything is possible.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our journey through the best indie games on the PS5, one thing is clear: indie developers are pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, delivering experiences that rival even the biggest AAA titles. Whether you’re a fan of atmospheric puzzlers, adrenaline-fueled action adventures, or emotionally resonant narratives, there’s something for everyone in the world of indie gaming.
Why not try something different? Explore one of the indie games mentioned above and uncover a world of gaming opportunities you might not have experienced before. And don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your favorite indie games on the PS5!
Remember, the journey is just beginning. Happy gaming!