10 Best Indie Action Games of All Time

The indie game scene has grown significantly over the years, thanks to platforms like Steam and consoles’ digital stores. These platforms have made it easier for independent developers to reach a wide audience. Many indie games have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, proving that great games don’t always come from big studios.

Additionally, Indie games often have unique ideas and creative gameplay because the developers have the freedom to try new things. They often immerse players in unique gameplay, imaginative worlds, and engaging stories. Now, here are the 10 best Indie action games of all time.

10. Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is a rogue-like dungeon crawler where players fight through procedurally generated levels, battling a variety of enemies. As they do so, they also collect loot along the way. The game offers adrenaline-pumping combat and a wide range of unique weapons. To survive, you must have quick reflexes and strategic thinking to dodge incoming fire and defeat enemies. Each playthrough offers different challenges and opportunities due to the randomly generated levels.

9. Terraria

Terraria is about exploring, building, and battling in a randomly generated 2D world. The game offers a mix of exploration, crafting, building, and combat against a variety of creatures. Now, you start with basic tools and must gather resources to craft items and build structures. 

The game also allows for multiplayer, letting players team up to tackle challenges together. Terraria is known for its combination of building, exploration, and combat, which has captivated players for a long time. 

8. Blasphemous 2

Blasphemous 2 is a dark and moody action-platformer where players control The Penitent One. The game takes place in a nightmarish world filled with eerie landscapes and grotesque creatures as players uncover ancient secrets and fight to survive. The game features intense combat and tricky platforming.

Players can choose from different weapons and abilities to defeat enemies and navigate dangerous environments. Blasphemous 2 also has complex levels and tough boss fights that test players' skills. Blasphemous 2 is known for its detailed pixel art, challenging combat, and rich story. Its blend of gothic horror and demanding gameplay makes it a standout in the action-platformer genre.

7. Celeste

Celeste is a challenging platform game where you help a young woman named Madeline climb a mountain. The story is about facing personal struggles and finding inner strength. The game has tight controls and focuses on timing and skill. You must jump, dash, and climb through difficult levels to survive. Celeste features one of the best designs and fair but tough gameplay. Its combination of challenge and emotion makes it a top game in the platformer genre.

6. Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is a top-down, fast-paced action game set in a retro world. Players take on the role of an unnamed protagonist who receives mysterious phone calls instructing him to carry out violent missions. The game is renowned for its brutal, high-speed combat and retro aesthetic. It offers intense action and an unforgettable soundtrack. The game's fast-paced gameplay and distinctive visual and audio design make it a standout title in the action genre.

5. Hyper Light Drifter 

Hyper Light Drifter is an action RPG with a top-down gameplay set in a post-apocalyptic world. Now, players take on the role of the Drifter, a character suffering from a deadly illness. They must explore vast landscapes, battle fierce enemies, and uncover hidden secrets.

The gameplay features fast-paced combat that requires precision. To survive, you must employ strategy and a blend of exploration and puzzle-solving. Now, the Drifter can use various weapons and abilities, which can be upgraded as players progress through the game. The game is known for its challenges, making it worth your time in the Indie action games. 

4. Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors is a unique rogue-like action game that blends simple mechanics with addictive gameplay. You must survive a wave of enemies in the game as you collect power-ups and abilities. Set in a dark, gothic world, Vampire Survivors features pixel-art graphics and a haunting soundtrack that enhances its creepy atmosphere. 

Furthermore, each playthrough presents different challenges and opportunities, making every session feel fresh and engaging. The game offers easy accessibility, replayability, and a satisfying progression system that keeps players hooked.

3. Hades

Hades is an action rogue-like dungeon crawler offering a thrilling and immersive experience. Players control Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades. Now, the guy attempts to escape the Underworld to discover the truth about his lineage. In his journey, he follows an exciting, fast-paced combat with a rich narrative. 

Hades is highly acclaimed for its tight combat mechanics, deep story, and excellent voice acting. It creates a compelling and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more. Moreover, its unique blend of mythology, intense action, and character development makes it stand out in Indie action games.

2. Dead Cells

When listing the best Metroidvania games, Dead Cells is a standout action platformer that cannot be overlooked. This indie game is renowned for its procedurally generated levels, offering players a fresh experience with every run. With a variety of weapons and abilities, the game's fast-paced combat is both challenging and exciting. As a roguelike, each playthrough is unique, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay. Dead Cell is a top choice for any indie game enthusiast with its replayability, precise controls, and dynamic combat.

1. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight stands out in the Metroidvania action-adventure games with its immersive 2D experience. The game features a hauntingly beautiful underground world. In the game, players explore vast interconnected areas, battling enemies and uncovering secrets.

The game features challenging combat, platforming, and a deep, atmospheric world. If you love exploration, Hollow Knight emphasizes exploration and skilful navigation. Many players applaud the game for its art style, difficulty, and expansive world. Certainly, Hollow Knight is a favorite among fans of action and exploration.

So, what’s your take on our picks for the 10 best Indie action games of all time? What are some of your favourites? Let us know over our socials here or in the comments below.