The Ultimate Compilation of Epic Indie Games for Your Nintendo Switch

Huge AAA titles are typically the center of attention in the gaming industry, stealing the spotlight and gaining the admiration of fans. However, indie games have the potential to deliver just as much entertainment. The size of the development teams does not determine the quality of the game; indie releases can be just as impressive as those from major studios. In fact, some of the most outstanding games in recent years have been created by independent developers.

Since indie games heavily rely on word of mouth and positive reviews for sales, they often go unnoticed by players who would otherwise enjoy them. The Nintendo Switch, in particular, offers a wide selection of fantastic indie games for fans to delve into. These games showcase the importance of indie game development, as they incorporate unique ideas that AAA developers, who prefer to play it safe, would never consider integrating into their games.

Updated on August 12, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Nintendo Switch's days are numbered as the console enters its twilight years. It's only a matter of time before Nintendo unveils its successor, building upon the success of one of its most lucrative products. Following the disappointment of the Wii U, both Nintendo executives and fans were thrilled with the global triumph of this unique blend of portable and home gaming. The console's appeal was further bolstered by Nintendo's groundbreaking decision to loosen restrictions on third-party developers, paving the way for the release of numerous beloved indie titles.

13 Night In The Woods - A Story-Driven Adventure

Night in the Woods, an engaging game with a captivating storyline, will undoubtedly captivate players. Set in the quaint town of Possum Springs, this game revolves around a group of anthropomorphic characters who must navigate the numerous changes that have taken place over the years. The game boasts a straightforward yet exceptional concept, which is enhanced by its remarkable writing throughout.

12 Cadence Of Hyrule: Crypt Of The NecroDancer Featuring The Legend Of Zelda - A Fun Rhythm-Based Dungeon Crawler

The game's approach to addressing real-world issues is remarkably praiseworthy, highlighting the adeptness with which it handles its overarching themes. Those seeking an independent game with an engaging narrative will undoubtedly appreciate the captivating nature of Night in the Woods.

Crypt of the NecroDancer successfully fuses rhythm-based gameplay with features of a roguelike dungeon-crawler, resulting in a phenomenal game that has garnered widespread acclaim. The game's straightforward yet captivating gameplay loop, combined with a rich collection of incredible melodies, propelled it to become a sensational success. So much so that Nintendo reached out to the developer to create a crossover game incorporating elements from The Legend of Zelda franchise.

11 Katana ZERO - Hardcore, Fast-Paced Action

Cadence of Hyrule, an extraordinary Switch exclusive that fans should absolutely not miss out on due to its distinctive gameplay. The series' familiar melodies have been ingeniously reimagined, allowing players to unleash their inner rockstar as they effortlessly defeat hordes of adversaries by matching their rhythmic beats.

Katana ZERO offers an exhilarating experience for players seeking a high-stakes, relentless action game. Embark on a thrilling journey as you assume the role of a enigmatic assassin, whose deadly missions provoke the wrath of formidable enemies and even the individuals who originally enlisted your services.

10 Stardew Valley - Not Just A Farming Simulator

Slice and dice your way through hordes of foes without a scratch, experiencing the exhilaration of an outstanding title. It's not just about showing off your skills; it's about surviving each level unscathed. Any misstep will reset your progress back to the start of every stage!

Stardew Valley exemplifies the appeal of indie games, as it meticulously fashions each aspect with a genuine passion. Beyond being a farming simulator, it offers a plethora of delightful features such as fostering relationships, mining, and engaging in fundamental combat.

9 Celeste - A Platformer With Depth

Stardew Valley offers players regular breaks with its short days, motivating them to keep playing just a little longer. This delightful and enjoyable experience possesses immense replay value, making it one of the most beloved indie games.

Celeste swiftly became a prominent indie game, owing to its exceptional gameplay as a captivating platformer. Filled with thrilling and demanding levels, Celeste necessitates quick reflexes to conquer the formidable peaks of the eponymous mountain.

8 Slay The Spire - Every Card Matters

Madeline, the protagonist of Celeste, is exceptionally portrayed, exhibiting remarkable personal development as she confronts and surmounts her inner struggles. With its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay, Celeste leaves little room for dissatisfaction, making it undeniably one of the finest indie games accessible on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Slay The Spire is an exceptional deck-building game with a rogue-like twist, perfectly tailored for the Switch. MegaCrit executed an impressive job in crafting a game that seamlessly adapts to the platform's pick-up-and-play nature, which it is renowned for.

7 Hollow Knight - A Big Accomplishment On A Small Budget

Completing all four acts can be time-consuming, but many playthroughs do not make it past the first act, leaving players eager to make another attempt at conquering the game's tower. The availability of four unique characters, each with multiple deck-building choices, significantly enhances the game's replay value.

Hollow Knight, similar to many other indie games, was developed on a remarkably tight budget. What sets it apart from its counterparts, though, is the astonishing financial success achieved by its small team. Taking place in the subterranean realm of Hallownest, Hollow Knight is a 2-D Metroidvania game that unfolds through captivating side-scrolling gameplay.

6 Hades - Enjoying Endless Runs

For those brave enough to face its stressful boss battles, Hollow Knight offers a highly rewarding experience. Despite its challenging nature, this game stands out as one of the finest Metroidvanias in recent memory if players demonstrate perseverance and determination.

Hades, released in 2020, emerged as a game-changer and continues to hold its position as an exceptional rogue-like game. Developed by Supergiant Games, this hack-and-slash masterpiece delivers immensely gratifying combat encounters as players navigate through various rooms, driven by the quest to break free from the depths of the underworld.

The game has a robust narrative and provides ample replayability, ensuring players remain captivated for countless hours. Moreover, its portability allows players to easily pick it up and indulge in quick gaming sessions on the Switch. Therefore, Hades serves as an exemplary option for any Switch owner.

5 Undertale - Choices With Major Consequences

Undertale is an enticing RPG that stands out for its unique approach to deconstructing the genre. While the graphics may be relatively simple, the captivating gameplay more than compensates for it. Moreover, the delightful music adds to the overall experience, but it is the captivating story that truly sets Undertale apart. Players assume the role of a young child who becomes lost in the Underground, a fascinating realm teeming with mysterious monsters.

Choices made during the course of the game radically alter the plot and different endings take place depending on how a player handles battles.

4 Divinity: Original Sin 2 - An RPG Above Its Station

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is widely recognized as one of the finest indie RPGs in recent memory and has received high praise from fans as one of the greatest RPGs overall. The port to Nintendo Switch further magnifies the game's excellence by providing the opportunity to enjoy it on the move.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 provides the option for players to embark on their journey through the game's world either on their own or alongside friends in a cooperative mode. Rivellon, the game's well-crafted setting, creates an exceptionally immersive and engaging experience.

3 Wargroove - A Love Letter To A Classic Game

Chucklefish, the publisher behind Stardew Valley, presents Wargroove as their second in-house game. This turn-based tactical combat game diverges from the traditional war series and embraces a fantasy backdrop.

2 Cuphead - Running And Gunning In The 1930s

Apart from a diverse selection of commanders and a plethora of formidable units to select, players will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by a compelling storyline that encompasses the entire gaming experience. Moreover, the excitement extends beyond the single-player campaign, with numerous additional activities to engage in, such as online multiplayer matches, a mind-boggling puzzle mode, and even the opportunity to forge one's own epic battles.

2 Cuphead - Running And Gunning In The 1930s

Cuphead utilizes the timeless charm of traditional cartoon visuals to present a captivating and distinctive narrative. Although the artistic decisions were what initially captivated numerous gamers, it is the fact that Cuphead has established itself as one of the premier contemporary run-and-gun games that has truly captured their hearts.

1 Shovel Knight - Retro Platforming Fun

Take charge of Cuphead as players, with a companion in the form of his brother Mugman, embark on a mission to retrieve souls for the Devil. Utilize a diverse range of abilities to accomplish this task in an entertaining and demanding game that will captivate enthusiasts of the run-and-gun genre.

Shovel Knight, successfully crowdfunded by Yacht Club Games, exceeded the expectations of its backers by offering much more than anticipated. This retro platformer not only boasts exceptional level design and captivating characters but also delivers an unexpectedly enjoyable combat experience. As a result, Shovel Knight has spawned two distinct spin-off games, solidifying its status as a beloved title.

Shovel Knight not only offers an enticing new game plus option, which significantly raises the difficulty level, but also provides an array of DLC options for players who crave more even after completing the original game.