Last year was chock-full of big-name releases, and the release calendar of AAA games is looking a little quieter for 2024. But that doesn’t mean that 2024 isn’t looking great. To usher in the new year, we put together a list of our most anticipated indie games of 2024.
13 Promising Indie Games To Wishlist in 2024
The following games are listed in order of their expected release dates (as listed by their developer or publisher) at the time of press.
Pacific Drive
I love road trips. Growing up, I often spent hours in the car with my family as we moved or traveled. Sometimes, when we’d pull into a rest stop, my dad would give me and my sister a dollar each, with the mission to find “the best thing.” Nowadays, whether I’m alone listening to music or talking the hours away, I treasure the unique feeling of having a little world of my own as landscapes pass by.
It’s no surprise, then, that I’m attracted to road-trip-type games like Kentucky Route Zero and Glitchhikers, especially when they incorporate survival elements. During the early COVID pandemic, I binged Overland, a game that involved characters trying to escape an apocalyptic horde of zombies.
Pacific Drive, the upcoming debut title from Ironwood Studios, was created during those times, and tasks players with taking up a first-person POV on a road trip of escape. It looks like it’ll bring a level of realism similar to games like The Long Dark, complete with flat tires, buzzsaws, and fuel requirements.
Release Date: February 22, 2024
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5
– Written by Amanda Tien
Death Trick: Double Blind
Because I moved around a lot growing up, I, through a series of public school requirements, had to do the Freshmen Science Fair as a junior in high school. I was deeply annoyed by the whole situation (and was just an angry teenager in general), and refused to do any actual experiments. Instead, I challenged myself to create a 1980s text-based adventure game in 2008.
I wrote and coded an in-depth murder mystery set at a circus. The main character was an Asian American acrobat who had witnessed a crime from high in the air. When the judges came by my table, they asked what my hypothesis was. I said, “Can I make a video game? Yes, I can.” They narrowed their eyes and moved on. I passed the class, though needless to say, I did not win any awards at the Science Fair.
When I found out about Death Trick: Double Blind, coming out soon from Misty Mountain Studio, I was ecstatic. I have frequently gone on record of how much I love detective video games. Death Trick: Double Blind bills itself as a non-linear visual novel that moves between two characters’ perspectives as players search for a missing star magician from a circus. It’s the kind of game I’ve been wanting to play since I was 16 years old, typing in commands to guide players to the Big Top.
Release Date: Q1 2024
Platforms: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch
– Written by Amanda Tien
Penny’s Big Breakaway
Outside of Nintendo, Double Fine, and occasionally Sony, fans of classic 3D platformers typically have to look to indie studios for new experiences that remind us of the glory days of Banjo-Kazooie, Sonic Adventure, and Jak & Daxter. Penny’s Big Breakaway, however, could very well be the next major moment for the genre.
The debut title from developer Evening Star, which is helmed by Sonic Mania director Christian Whitehead, appears to have all the makings of a great 3D platformer: a colorful, vivacious art style; an upbeat soundtrack; plenty of collectibles and secrets; an expressive protagonist/mascot; sharp jumping mechanics; and a variety of gameplay challenges unique to each level. No one will know just how good the game will be until we actually have controllers in our hands, but judging from the eye test, everything seems promising.
Penny’s Big Breakaway feels like a rare example of a debut game from a recently formed indie studio that may well be a sure thing. I might eat crow about this later, but given Whitehead’s past success and the already delightful trailers I’ve seen so far, I feel confident in Penny’s Big Breakaway at least being solid, if not very good.
Release Date: Early 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
– Written by Sam Martinelli
Botany Manor
Botany Manor is for those of you who always wanted a garden but never had the means. This upcoming puzzle game from Balloon Studios and Whitethorn Games tasks the player with cultivating and documenting the flora of a gorgeous 19th-century mansion. From deciphering flower seeds to finding optimal soil compositions, Botany Manor promises to test your inner Mark Watney (minus the whole Mars thing).
I had a blast with Botany Manor when I demoed it at PAX East 2023. It remains to be seen whether the game will deliver an intriguing narrative, but based on the charming visuals and challenging puzzles alone, this is one to watch.
Release Date: Spring 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox One & Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch
– Written by David Silbert
Hades 2 (Early Access)
Could a more perfect COVID game have existed than 2020’s Hades, from Supergiant Games? The metaphor spins itself: a devilish roguelike about escaping the eternal doldrums of the Greek underworld (complete with annoying family members and a messy bedroom) to reach, if only for a moment, a glimpse of sunlight and hope for brighter days ahead. I snagged Hades shortly after getting back into gaming, and it was the first game I poured triple-digit hours into since the O.G. pixelated Spelunky. With stunning panache in art direction and animation, musical bangers aplenty, tight controls, a gameplay loop rewarding both experimentation and mastery, and an unbelievably horny and charming cast of characters, Hades has kept its place at the top of its genre.
So, I’m pumped as hell, pun intended, for Hades II. Supergiant’s first-ever sequel appears to combine all the downright mythical qualities of its earlier hit with a witchy female protagonist (with anime-style heterochromia and a ghost arm, yes please) facing off against the Titan of Time, backed by all-new godly powers. The final release date hasn’t been set, but like its predecessor, Hades II will first be available via early access. Keep an eye out for the opportunity to contribute to the game’s development in Q2 2024 on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Release Date: Q2 2024
Platforms: PC via early access; other platforms TBD
– Written by Ben Rashkovich
Demonschool
If Persona 3 Reload represents the future of Atlus’ flashy, fast-growing Persona franchise, then Demonschool represents its quieter, quainter past.
No, Demonschool isn’t actually a Persona game. It’s being developed by Necrosoft Games in partnership with Ysbryd Games (known for 2023’s World of Horror). But the DNA is there: tactical, position-based combat; brooding, blood-soaked hallways; and, of course, deliciously dark characters.
Demonschool’s battle system impressed me at PAX East 2023; the game strikes just the right mix of challenge and flair, letting players dish out massive, pre-meditated combos to demonic foes. And though I only experienced a sliver of the game’s narrative, the writing felt faithful to its spiritual inspiration. Who knows if a small studio not named Atlus can pull off a Persona-like RPG, but if there ever was a contender, look no further.
Release Date: Q3 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox One & Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch
– Written by David Silbert
Paper Trail
Paper Trail has cozy gamers excited to start a new adventure. In this top-down puzzle game, you play as Paige, an aptly named young academic leaving home to attend university. Throughout Paige’s journey to school, she uncovers secrets, explores new areas, and solves challenging puzzles. In Paper Trail, you’ll meet new characters along the way who introduce Paige to the world she thought she knew.
I am excited for this upcoming indie from the London-based Newfangled Games, in large part because of the gorgeous printmaking and watercolor aesthetic. It’s no secret I’m a sucker for a unique art style, and I think others will enjoy the vibes too when Paper Trail releases sometime this year.
Release Date: TBA 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox One & Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
– Written by Allison McDaniel
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Despite appearances, I’m actually a simple man. I see Metroidvania; I play Metroidvania. I see hand-drawn Japanese mythology-inspired game; I play hand-drawn Japanese mythology-inspired game. Ergo, I see Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus; I play Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. Simple.
This upcoming title from Squid Shock Studios—comprised of, among others, members of the team behind Another Metroid 2 Remake—gives even more reason to be excited. From the trailers and promotional content we have, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus seems to take heavy inspiration from the esteemed likes of Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisp, with an emphasis on precision platforming, white-knuckle combat, and strong vibes.
We don’t know much else about the game, but I’m excited to sit down with it when it releases sometime this year.
Release Date: TBA 2024
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
– Written by Ben Rashkovich
Little Kitty Big City
Dubbed “Grand Theft Auto with cats,” Little Kitty Big City is a game I eagerly await in 2024. You play as a cat who is lost in an open-world city and decides to explore and cause chaos before heading home. Similar in vein to Untitled Goose Game, you choose whether to complete quests, help other animals, or simply cause mayhem. Not only is your kitty the star of the show, but it can collect and wear hats! As a cat lover, I need not hear more.
I need to play this game ASAP when it releases sometime this year.
Release Date: TBA 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox One & Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
– Written by Allison McDaniel
The Mermaid’s Tongue
Imagine a colorful, clever, beautiful game that you absolutely adore. Imagine you’ve told all your friends (and your mom) to play it. Now, imagine that you find out there’s a sequel coming out!?!?! Brilliant.
I’m beyond excited for The Mermaid’s Tongue by SFB Games, which reunites a duo of funny and thoughtful private investigators to solve another mystery. Tangle Tower was the best game from Apple Arcade’s launch, in my opinion: great, fully-voiced characters; entertaining puzzles; a gorgeous set design; and more, all driven forward by a riveting story of a locked-room murder mystery. A release date can’t come soon enough!
Release Date: TBA 2024
Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox One & Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5
– Written by Amanda Tien
Replaced
I remember watching the Xbox Summer Showcase in 2021 and being absolutely blown away by the reveal of Replaced by Sad Cat Studios. The captivating pixel art, the techno-noir setting, and the fast-paced action captured my attention immediately, and I’ve been patiently waiting since. In Replaced, you play as an AI forced into an organic body against its will, called R.E.A.C.H. The story from there is a mystery, but from what has been shown in the trailers, players are in for a cinematic story similar to Blade Runner.
Delayed from 2022 to 2024 to give the team more time for polish, Replaced looks to be the next great indie gem. In a recent dev blog, the game’s director talked about building brand-new technology just to make the clouds cast shadows on each other—a level of detail and care that gives me a lot of hope for what Replaced can be. After all, a game that boasts 500(!) frames of animation just for platforming is at least going to look incredible.
Release Date: TBA 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
– Written by Gary Wilson
Mina the Hollower
Yacht Club Games, makers of Shovel Knight, continue on its quest to recreate every nostalgic experience a video game player can have. Next up is Mina the Hollower: a take on the Game Boy Color games Link’s Awakening DX and Castlevania. In keeping with its retro origins, Mina is keeping all colors and designs specific to the GBC: Sprites are only allowed four colors, the gameplay will require just two buttons (and a D-pad), and the resolution will be kept to a similarly compact format.
I love Shovel Knight and its various expansions, and I cannot wait to dive into a new nostalgic well!
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux; additional platforms TBD
– Written by Gary Wilson
Haunted Chocolatier
All right, Stardew Valley fans: This is one we are VERY excited about. Haunted Chocolatier was announced in 2021 by solo developer ConcernedApe, and though we have yet to learn a release date, one can only hope it arrives soon. What we do know so far is that Haunted Chocolatier is an RPG, with gameplay and art similar to Stardew Valley. This time, however, you’ll play as a chocolatier living in a haunted castle. Gameplay will involve gathering rare ingredients, making chocolates, and selling them in your shop.
Haunted Chocolatier takes similar elements from Stardew Valley yet promises to be its own art. Though neither game is set in the same universe, the vibes seem similar so far, with an updated pixel art style and similar lo-fi jams. Haunted Chocolatier will also be combat-heavy, which I am thrilled about because I LOVE the Skull Caverns in Stardew. Could this game be a speedrunner’s dream? Hopefully!
Despite my yearning for the game, I want it to get the love and attention it deserves. ConcernedApe, if you’re reading this, please take your time, and good luck. I am rooting for you!
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PC; additional platforms TBD
– Written by Allison McDaniel
What Are Your Most Anticipated Indie Games of 2024?
Let us know in the comments!
