Top 7 Indie Mech Games

Article Key Points

Mech games are a popular genre in anime, science fiction, and video games, with titles like Armored Core and Front Mission as great examples.

Indie developers are producing affordable and user-friendly mech games specifically designed for fans of retro mech games, offering them distinctive gaming experiences. These mech games encompass a variety of gameplay styles, including tactical strategy, turn-based combat, top-down shooters, and auto battlers, providing a wide array of options for mech enthusiasts.

Mechs have always been an integral aspect of popular culture, particularly in the realms of anime, science fiction, and video games. Notable game series, such as FromSoftware's Armored Core and Square Enix's Front Mission, exemplify the successful execution of mech-based games.

Nowadays, with indie games soaring in prominence and continuously gaining traction, numerous developers are channeling their passion for vintage mech games and the genre itself. This results in the creation of affordable, one-of-a-kind experiences that are easily accessible and definitely worth the investment.

7. Battle Grid

Battle Grid

Platform(s) PCReleased October 25, 2023Developer Barking DogsGenre(s) Roguelite, Bullet HellSteam User Rating 83% (November 3, 2023) See at Steam

Battle Grid is an exciting game inspired by Vampire Survivors, where players must construct a formidable team of mechs that cannot be defeated. To achieve this, players must collect resources and level up by defeating swarms of aliens. Drawing parallels with popular auto battlers like Teamfight Tactics and Despot's Game, Battle Grid introduces unit synergies among the mechs, elevating the strategic aspect of the gameplay.

What sets Battle Grid apart in a crowded market is its unique fusion of arcade-style action gameplay and the tactical mechanics commonly seen in auto battlers. This combination helps the game distinguish itself and stand out among its competitors. Additionally, Battle Grid is highly accessible due to its affordable price point, allowing a wider audience to enjoy its captivating gameplay.

6. Brigador

Brigador

Platform(s) PCReleased June 2, 2016Developer Stellar Jockeys, GausswerksGenre(s) Shooter, Action, Real-Time StrategySteam User Rating See at Steam

With its abundance of random generation and frantic top-down shooter combat, this older indie mech game offers players the opportunity to pilot a mech as a freelance mercenary. It boasts a captivating grim-dark storyline and intense combat that will surely delight fans of top-down shooters and arcade-style games.

Brigador provides players with a wide range of customization options, both in terms of gameplay and settings. From the mech's loadout to the numerous mech and weapon choices available, players have extensive control over their gaming experience. While the game offers a campaign with over thirty missions, it is in Freelance Mode where Brigador truly shines.

5. Mainframe Defenders

Mainframe Defenders

Platform(s) PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, LinuxReleased February 25, 2020Developer Synthetic DomainGenre(s) Turn-Based Strategy, Indie GamesSteam User Rating See at Steam

Featuring retro graphics reminiscent of ASCII art, this turn-based tactics mech strategy game may not appeal to everyone. However, for those who appreciate the old-school visuals or can overlook them, Mainframe Defenders offers an immensely tactical experience with a strong emphasis on customizing units.

Although the chunky user interface may appear daunting at first, the gameplay in Mainframe Defenders is straightforward and beginner-friendly. The true strategic depth and challenge lie in effectively managing a squad of customizable mechs, upgrading them, and equipping them with suitable gear to accomplish missions and discover new mechs.

4. Mech Engineer

Mech Engineer

Platform(s) PCReleased December 16, 2020Developer KiberKrekerGenre(s) Management, Strategy, Simulation, Indie GamesSteam User Rating See at Steam

With its RTS mechanics and resource management, Mech Engineer is a highly intricate science fiction strategy game. It offers a unique and exclusive experience, although some may find it challenging to access. In this game, players must carefully consider heat generation, weight, and energy management as they build mechs. Despite having limited control over their units in real time, Mech Engineer's distinct visual style immerses players in a dark and gloomy atmosphere, especially appealing to enthusiasts of grim-dark science fiction. While players can give general orders to their squad of mechs, the gameplay revolves around resource management and customizing units.

3. Gearbits

Gearbits

Platform(s) PC, LinuxReleased October 10, 2023Developer Quackpond GamesGenre(s) Third-Person Shooter, ActionSteam User Rating 97% (November 3, 2023) See at Steam

Gearbits is a mech-themed third-person shooter that offers a captivating narrative campaign comprising twenty missions. In addition, it includes a wave survival mode to further enhance the game's replay value, all at an incredibly affordable price point. Drawing inspiration from FromSoftware's beloved Armored Core series, Gearbits provides a fantastic and economical alternative for those seeking thrilling third-person mech action.

With an array of distinct weapons and the opportunity to unlock and pilot ten unique mechs, Gearbits ensures an engaging experience throughout its meticulously crafted campaign. Each mech possesses its own set of strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a diverse gameplay experience. While the visuals may appear simplistic, Gearbits is an astounding indie title, guaranteed to delight fans of Armored Core and 3D third-person action games.

2. Mechabellum

Mechabellum

Platform(s) PCReleased May 11, 2023Developer Game RiverGenre(s) Strategy, Action, SimulationSteam User Rating 88% (November 3, 2023) See at Steam

Mechabellum is a mech-themed strategy auto battler that places a strong emphasis on PvP gameplay. However, it also offers AI opponents and an engaging survival mode, ensuring an enjoyable experience for single players as well. In Mechabellum, players are tasked with constructing powerful mech armies and employing strategic unit purchases and positioning to outsmart their opponents. The game's focus lies in skillful unit placement, complemented by a beacon system that enables players to control the movement of their army. PvP matches in Mechabellum demand careful observation of the opponent's tactics and effective counters to create the ideal combination of units. For auto battler enthusiasts seeking a PvP-focused and strategically-rich gameplay, Mechabellum stands as one of the top choices.

1. Into The Breach

Into the Breach

Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, macOS, StadiaReleased February 27, 2018Developer Subset GamesGenre(s) Turn-Based StrategySteam User Rating See at Steam

Developed by Subset Games, the creators of the successful indie strategy game FTL: Faster Than Light, Into The Breach is a distinctive and captivating turn-based tactics rogue-like with puzzle elements. What sets this game apart is its provision of abundant information to players, empowering them to make well-informed decisions for every move. Furthermore, the game offers the flexibility to undo moves and reset turns, fostering a spirit of experimentation and enabling players to strategize and uncover the most efficient moves.

Ideal for enthusiasts of mechs and turn-based tactics, Into The Breach features a wide array of mech squads waiting to be unlocked, each with their own unique move-sets that cater to different playstyles. The substantial variety in mechs, equipment, and pilots ensures that the game possesses an impressive level of replay value, making it a rare gem in the gaming world.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the indie mech games that are being developed. These games offer a unique and affordable gaming experience that is not available in AAA titles. I am particularly interested in Battle Grid, which combines arcade-style action gameplay with the tactical mechanics of auto battlers. I also appreciate the customization options in Brigador, which allow me to tailor the game to my liking. Finally, I am intrigued by the retro graphics of Mainframe Defenders, which give the game a unique and nostalgic feel.

Overall, I believe that indie mech games are a great option for gamers who are looking for a unique and challenging gaming experience. These games are affordable, accessible, and offer a variety of gameplay styles. I encourage gamers to check out these games and support the developers who are creating them.