Upcoming indie games for 2024 and beyond
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When it comes to upcoming indie games, there's no shortage of exciting new experiences to look forward to. We've already seen some fantastic releases this year, with the likes of Dungeons of Hinterberg and Flock - to name a few - but there's still yet more to come this year and beyond. From narrative adventures to cozy life sims and platformers and much more set to land across all platforms, there's sure to be something here to add to your wishlist.
With more new games for 2024 on the near horizon, and others set to launch next year and beyond, there's dating sims, roguelike deckbuilders, and everything in between to keep an eye out for. While you wait, we've also been busy tucking into the most recent releases, so be sure to what we've been enjoying so far with our Indie Spotlight series for more recommendations.
Read on below as we take you through some of the most exciting upcoming indie games.
2024
The Plucky Squire
Release date: September 17, 2024
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
The Plucky Squire from developer All Possible Futures looks absolutely magical. With its enchanting concept, The Plucky Squire will see us jump from 2D to 3D as the small but mighty hero Jot, who discovers the world that lies outside of the pages of his storybook home. The debut trailer certainly left a lasting impression, with Toy Story vibes and elements that bring to mind the nostalgic 2D platforming sections of Super Mario Odyssey. After leaving the storybook and emerging into the 3D world of the bedroom, we got to see how Jot can shift between dimensions by jumping onto the surfaces of different objects. It really does look like it has the makings for one creatively charming platforming adventure.
Neva
Release date: October 15, 2024
Plaform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Neva from Gris developer Nomada Studio is a new action adventure that looks utterly beautiful. Following the emotional story of Alba, a young woman who forms a connection with a wolf cub after something traumatic happens to them. Now setting out together to journey through a world that is said to slowly be decaying, we'll see how they grow and learn to work together to get through dangerous situations and try to make a new home for themselves.
Date Everything
Release date: October 24, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Date Everything from developer Sassy Chap Games looks like a riot. Described as a sandbox dating simulator, it features 100 full voiced dateable characters. And as the name implies, you really will be dating everything, with magic glasses known as "dateviators" bringing all manner of objects in your home to life and making them dateable. What's more, they all have their own stories to tell, and it'll be up to you decide whether they become your lover, friend, or even enemy.
TBC 2024
Parcel Corps
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC
Parcel Corps from developer Billy Goat Entertainment looks like quite the ride. As a freelance bicycle messenger, you'll pedal around New Island trying to help one of three courier corporations becomes the best in the business. When things take a turn, though, you'll soon find yourself wrapped in trying to put a stop to the "maniacal plan" of a crude oil CEO and save the world... as you do. Parcel corps looks like a colorful, cycling fest we can't wait hop into.
The Gecko Gods
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Switch
If you're looking for a relaxing puzzle-based experience, The Gecko Gods might just be one to add to your wishlist. Playing as a little gecko, you can explore a mysterious island and make the most of the lizard's agile movements to climb cliffs and yes, even eat bugs. Setting out on a quest to save their friend, The Gecko Gods sees you solve puzzles across crumbling ruins and discover the lore of the land as you explore. There's no way we can pass up the chance to play as a little gecko protagonist.
The Mermaid's Tongue
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
The Mermaid's Tongue is a follow-up to the excellent 2019 murder-mystery detective game, Tangle Tower from developer SFB Games. Bringing back main sleuths Detective Grimoire and Sally, you'll set out with the pair set to investigate the murder of Magnus Mortuga, who was the captain of the "world's strangest submarine". Strange things are evidently going on, with the mention of a possible curse. How intriguing. As you hunt for clues, you'll be able to once again interact with a variety of objects, which are all now in 3D, and try to complete puzzles as you try to get to the bottom of the case. With a free demo currently on Steam, the new detective adventure looks set to scratch our gumshoe itch.
Ghost Bike
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Ghost Bike is a new adventure from Nidhogg developer, Messhof. Playing as a streetwise kid from Freehub City, you set out to bring back Ghost Bikes, who are said to be magical couriers that rode between the world of the living and the world of the dead. With races along with a variety of different challenges to take on, you can explore what is described as a "semi open-world" and discover bike parts to customize your pair of wheels. It looks like one very stylized, intriguing action-adventure with a unique concept at its heart.
Tiny Glade
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC
Calling all building fans! If you enjoy creating your own homes or cities, then how about bringing together your very own little castles? Tiny Glade from developer Pounce Light is an upcoming sandbox builder is all about taking everything at your own pace and experimenting to bring to life your own cozy dioramas. Oh, and you can pet sheep - an added bonus.
Afterlove EP
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
Afterlove EP is described as a mixture of narrative adventure, dating sim, and rhythm game that will explore an emotional story. Taking place in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, After Love EP follows Rama, a young musician dealing with the loss of their girlfriend Cinta who recently passed away. With beautiful art that's brought to life by artist Soyatu and original music from Indonesian band L'alpahalpha, the upcoming adventure is said to feature multiple possible endings and story paths based on the choices you make.
Loco Motive
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Switch
Loco Motive is a pixelated murder mystery from developer Robust Games that takes place onboard an express train in the 1930s. Described as a slapstick comedy adventure with plenty of surprises in store, it sounds as though Loco Motive will take us on quite a ride with point-and-click puzzles, lots of characters to meet, and a crime to investigate as three different protagonists in an interlinking story.
TBC 2025
Slay the Spire 2
Release date: TBC 2025
Platform(s): PC
As a follow-up to the stellar roguelike deckbuilder released in 2019, Slay the Spire 2 from developer Mega Crit will see you return to the Spire in the sequel, with new slayers, enemies, events, treasures, and bosses to face. With various strategies to try out and decks to build, the sequel has been built on a new engine and is set to release in Early Access. The devs are even teasing new ways to play, but we'll have to wait and see just what those are.
Tales of the Shire
Release date: TBC 2025
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
If you've ever wondered caught yourself wishing you could live out the cozy life of a hobbit in The Lord of the Rings, then Tales of the Shire is to make that a reality. Developed by Weta Workshop, the upcoming life sim will see you make and play as your very own hobbit in the Shire, where you can decorate your own hobbit hole, garden, fish, cook, and get to know the community.
TBC
Wanderstop
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Wanderstop is new narrative game from the creator of The Stanley Parable that looks as cozy as it sounds. You take on the role of Alta, a former fighter who opens up her own tea shop in a magical forest... but rather curiously, it's not something she wants to do. As a management experience, you'll grow your own ingredients for tea and brew them together as you serve and meet travelling customers who pass through. It sounds a little bit like Coffee talk in the sense that you'll learn the stories of those you meet and try to make the right cup of tea for them.
Map Map
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Map Map, is as the title says, is a game about maps from developer Pipapo Games. With some Breath of the Wild vibes to its world, you take on the role of a cartographer who sets out to explore islands and map them out by setting down markers in relevant locations. It's up to you to fill up the empty map with landmarks and ruins you come across by putting your sense of direction and adventurer skills to the test. Plus, you can also try and hunt for hidden treasure.
Kind Words 2 (lofi city pop)
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Kind Words 2 (lofi city pop) is a followup to 2019's Kind Words from developer Popcannibal. As a game that's all about being kind to real people, Kind Words saw you writing letters to and from other people, offering words of encouragement, or sharing fears or worries. Now, the second game will carry on the same spirit, with you still being able to write letters from your cozy bedroom, only now you can also venture outside and do a variety of activities - such as writing slam poetry in a cafe, to sharing your wishes from the top of a mountain. It's an experience that's intended to help you feel seen, heard, and less alone in this busy world of online connection.
Loose Leaf
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Loose Leaf is an upcoming tea witch simulator from Boyfriend Dungeon developer Kitfox Games. As you manage a tea room, you'll get to grips with what promises to be the most "in-depth" tea simulator, which puts you in control of elements such as the temperature and timing of your brews. As you pick ingredients and place them in your chosen cup, you'll work to unlock more recipes as you go about trying to make just the right cup of tea for your guests. But all of your visitors have troubles of their own to share, and as a witch, you'll also be able to do tarot card readings as you try to help them with their worries.
I Am A Caterpillar
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
During the Wholesome Direct 2023 we got to see I Am A Caterpillar, which is a new indie adventure coming to us from DevFatigued. You play (as you might have guessed) as a caterpillar, only this wriggly friend is quite content as they are, and doesn't want to become a butterfly. On the day your transformation is supposed to happen, you set out to do everything you can to stop it. Yes, you're going to be a bug who wants to shape their own destiny. It looks adorable, with the chance to climb across colorful environments and meet and befriend a whole host of forest inhabitants.
Way to the Woods
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Way to the Woods is an upcoming adventure that follows the journey of two deer in an abandoned world that head out to find their way home. A trailer for the game back in 2019 quickly captured attention thanks to its beautiful, intriguing backdrop and the companionship of the deer and fawn protagonists at the heart of the experience. Said to draw inspiration from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Last of Us, Way to the Woods happily made an appearance towards the end of 2022 during the Wholesome Snack showcase to enchant us all over again.
Henry Halfhead
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Henry Halfhead is an upcoming sandbox adventure from Lululu Entertainment that sees you become a character with a rather peculiar ability. As Henry, you can possess and control any object from an apple to a toaster. In fact, you can even become the bread in the toaster or the plug that powers it. Essentially, you can become anything within your reach and experiment to find creative solutions to complete challenges. With over 150 objects to play around with and a variety of mini-games to try out, it looks like a lot of fun - and also supports local co-op as an added bonus.
Sunset Hills
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Sunset Hills from developer Cotton Game follows the story and travels of Nico, a novelist who has been discharged from the army. As he sets out on a train, he go from city to city, we'll meet people he once knew, follow events, and try to solve puzzles. As he reminisces with those he was in the army with, Sunset Hill will also have you relive experiences in the war and uncover his past. With a beautiful hand-drawn style, it looks set to explore some difficult themes, but it could very well be quite the moving experience.
Keep track of all of the releases on the horizon with our roundups of upcoming Switch games, upcoming PS5 games, upcoming Xbox Series X games, and upcoming PC games.
