Indie games have been a refreshing and amazing addition to the gaming community. These indie games are a breath of fresh air; something new to play aside from the usual triple-A games. They are created with so much passion by independent developers or small gaming communities that you can literally feel their blood, sweat, and tears being put into their games. And if you haven’t tried any indie games, then you’re definitely missing out on a lot of amazing games.
If you’re looking into indie games you want to try out on your PS4, then you’re at the right place! We’re going to dig through a list of some of the best indie games on the PS4 for you to try out. We’ve listed a variety of genres that may or may not entice you to play. So, let’s get into it!
PS4 Indie Games
The PlayStation 4 houses some of the best indie games on the market, and with a lot more coming out, it was a challenging task to narrow down the choices. But don’t worry! We’ve narrowed it down to the 17 best indie games with varying genres to try on the PS4. So, keep on reading to check out our top picks.
Note: If you’re curious about how we chose the best indie games, check out our criteria below.
Our Criteria for the Best Indie Games
- The game should be developed by an independent developer or a small game development company without substantial financial backing.
- The game can be published by a minor to a large company.
- The game has received some degree of success.
- The game can either be popular or lowkey.
- The game should have at least a 70% and above Metacritic score
- The game should have mostly, very positive, to overwhelmingly positive Steam reviews.
Top 17 Best Indie Games to Try on the PS4
Here, we’ve listed down our top 17 picks for the best indie games on the PS4.
1.Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer/Publisher: ZA/UM, Humble Bundle
Genre: Role-playing, Puzzle Game
Platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Metacritic Score: 91%
Steam Review: Very Positive
In Disco Elysium, you play as a hungover amnesiac detective attempting not only to solve a murder that occurred just outside his hotel room but also to reclaim his forgotten memories.
Disco Elysium is among the most interesting games I’ve tried. But it would be safe to say that this game isn’t for those who are looking for a lot of action. This is because the majority of this game is a bunch of dialogue, which can get boring for those who look for thrills in a game. However, if you’re into more intellectual games, then you’re going to like Disco Elysium.
In this game, you will have to use your detective skills to figure out a lot of puzzles, talk to different characters, and you’ll have to choose which political side you’re on. Moreover, you’re going to choose which type of detective you want to be from over 24 “personalities” you can upgrade. You can be the type of detective who uses his fists more than his wits, a detective who chooses to stay on the safe side, or even a detective who never misses a beat in terms of investigating. It’s all up to you.
Although this game isn’t very action-packed, it’s definitely not for those who have a weak stomach because this game discusses a lot of mature themes that aren’t for kids. So, play at your own risk.
If you want to read a more detailed review of Disco Elysium, check out our review here.
2.Inside
Release Date: July 8, 2016
Developer/Publisher: Playdead/Playdead
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Platform Game
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Mac operating systems
Metacritic Score: 87%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
The next game on our list is Playdeads’ Inside. In this game, you will be playing a young boy who’s trying to survive the nightmarish place he was thrown into without explanation. Here, you are faced with multiple puzzles and challenges that if you fail to solve and get through, you’ll be killed in various gruesome ways.
After the release of Inside and Limbo—which is Inside’s predecessor— we’ve noticed that Playdead has quite an obsession with making young boys suffer through scary and brutal challenges. But what sets Inside apart from Limbo is its emphasis on a better story. Limbo focused more on the puzzles, while Inside features not only great puzzles and challenges but also a fantastically written story that’ll leave you wondering.
Inside is a game for those who want to feel the rush of adrenaline, who are always looking for puzzles to solve, and who want to get that creepy and gruesome feel from a game.
For more details about Inside, check out our review here.
3.Stardew Valley
Release Date: February 27, 2016
Developer/Publisher: ConcernedApe/ConcernedApe
Genre: Simulation, Farming, Role-playing game
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Vita, iOS, Android
Metacritic Score: 89%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
A big turn from the scary game, Inside, we have Stardew Valley. Stardew Valley is a fun, quiet, and chill farming simulation game where you can customize your character to your liking.
In Stardew Valley, you get to play your customized character, who just inherited his/her grandfather’s farm along with a ton of tools and cash. Here, you set out on your journey of flourishing the farm, making connections with the townspeople around you, and even getting married if you want to.
As you go through your journey, you also progress as a farmer who becomes even more well-versed in five different aspects, which we’ll leave for you to get to know. Moreover, as you continue to progress, you also access different regions, customize and upgrade your skills, and a lot more.
Stardew Valley is a great first-timer game because it’s very chill and you can learn to play it as you go.
To read more about the amazing story of Stardew Valley, read our review here.
4.Celeste
Release Date: January 25, 2018
Developer/Publisher: Extremely OK Games, Ltd./Matt Makes Games Inc.
Genre: Action-Adventure Game
Other Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Google Stadia, Mac operating systems
Metacritic Score: 88%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
Celeste is a game where you play as Madeline. In this game, you will have to strive and climb up a very challenging mountain while trying to battle your inner turmoil to successfully reach the top. You will have to defy multiple challenges, unearth many mysteries, and solve the mountain’s secret.
Celeste is a really interesting platformer that provides you with an unforgettable mountain climbing experience. Many individuals can connect with Madeline’s struggle, which is beautifully depicted through her journey. The game makes every effort to motivate players whether it be by inspirational messages, or by granting them flexibility and adaptability
While the game is quite challenging, the challenges you have to get through are put into smaller pieces to make it less frustrating. But despite that, the game helps you get through each obstacle because Celeste is a game about encouragement and getting past your demons. Moreover, Celeste offers comfort for those who are struggling in life because it tackles certain topics that can help you get through certain life blocks.
5.Hades
Release Date: September 17, 2020
Developer/Publisher: Supergiant Games/Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike, Shooter, Fighting, Action, Role-Playing Game
Other Available Platforms: macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Metacritic Score: 93%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
Looking for a hacking and slashing game with a bit of Gods and Goddesses? Then you’re going to love Hades.
Hades is a game where you play as the son of Hades, Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld. In this action-packed RPG game, your goal is to get out of Hades’ grasp and find your mother, Persephone, in the mortal world. You will literally be hacking and slashing your way out of the underworld just to get away from your father.
As you get through the challenges that you will face as you escape the underworld, you get to learn a lot more about our underworld prince. Moreover, you boost your skills and experience with each successful escape.
Hades is undoubtedly one of the greatest roguelike titles, in my opinion. The game includes a superb storyline with an interesting story progression. The gameplay is some of the best, and the storyline is just as good or even better. So, try out Hades now!
6.Hollow Knight
Release Date: February 25, 2017
Developer/Publisher: Team Cherry/Team Cherry
Genre: Metroidvania
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Metacritic Score: 90%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
The Hollow Knight will lead you on a mysterious rollercoaster trip as you explore twisting tunnels, old towns, and hazardous wastelands, fight corrupted monsters and strange bugs, and solve historical mysteries at the center of the kingdom.
You go from not understanding a single thing about the universe to steadily taking over the world of the unfathomable. Hollow Knight is a gorgeous gem with amazing design ideas, engaging gameplay, and a much greater plot to enjoy.
Hollow Knight is an incredibly wonderful and unique adventure within one of the most interesting realms ever placed in a video game.
Read our Hollow Knight review for more details about the game.
7.Stray
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Developer/Publisher: BlueTwelve Studio/Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Platform, Simulation Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Metacritic Score: 83%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
Stray is one of my personal favorite indie games because I am an absolute sucker for animals. Although, some might argue that Stray isn’t an indie game, but it actually is. Stray even won the Best Debut Indie Game award at The Game Awards 2022.
As the game’s name implies, you take on the role of a stray cat attempting to make your way through a heavily guarded metropolis full of machines, robotic systems, and mutated microbes. And with your drone, B-12 buddy, you go on to take on the metropolis to find your way back to your family.
Stray offers a wonderfully, devastating plot about an adorable stray feline simply attempting to survive the world it was tossed into. Stray features sporadic simple puzzles along with elements of action, adventure, and stealth. The game is fantastic because, despite the game’s simplicity, none of the following elements are out of proportion or overdone.
8.The Pathless
Release Date: November 17, 2021
Developer/Publisher: Giant Squid/Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Action-Adventure, Platform Game
Available Platforms: iOS, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Metacritic Score: 81%
Steam Review: Very Positive
Do you want to become an archer with a badass eagle? Then The Pathless is just the game for you!
In The Pathless, you play to become a master of archery who will have to traverse a mystical realm to get rid of the curse of darkness that may grip the realm into chaos. In this game, you will have to slowly learn the ropes of the realm and execute awesome shots with its unique archery system. Plus, you’ll have to forge a connection with your eagle. But what’s even better than having an eagle companion is that you don’t really have a map to follow. So, you have to create your own path through the ancient land you’re traversing.
So, discover the land’s secrets and solve through its mysteries to unearth the evil that’s lurking in the shadows.
9.What Remains of Edith Finch
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Developer/Publisher: Giant Sparrow/Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Action-Adventure, First-Person Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, iOS
Metacritic Score: 89%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
In What Remains of Edith Finch, you play as Edith, who’s trying to figure out the long and dark history of her family and why she was the last one in her family left alive.
This game is a collection of different, interesting, yet entertaining stories that you will have to figure out. You will be exploring the long history of the Finch house state and with each story inside the house, the game will let you experience the life of a family member on the day of their death. Each story is different, with different tones and gameplay, depending on which Finch member’s life you’re living through.
This is a beautifully emotional game that can turn quite dark at times. It was created with stunning graphics, which I definitely enjoy. More so than that, the storyline was incredibly good and entertaining to the point that I couldn’t put the game down even after hours of gameplay.
10.Outlast
Release Date: September 4, 2013
Developer/Publisher: Red Barrels/Red Barrels
Genre: Action-Adventure, Horror, Survival, Puzzle Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Classic Mac OS
Metacritic Score: 80%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
Looking for a game that can scare the sh*t out of you? Then Outlast is the game you’re going to want to try!
Outlast is a game where you play as Miles Upshur, an investigative journalist who’s trying to explore Mount Massive Asylum to uncover its dark history and mysteries. Mount Massive Asylum is an abandoned mental hospital, that was recently opened by a research party. However, the asylum has been working in secrecy, until now. But the question is, can you survive long enough to get to the truth of the place?
Outlast is definitely one of the scariest indie games on the market and has very terrifying monsters of the mind. It’s one of those games in which you only have three options on how to survive (or not): run, hide, or die. This game will definitely keep you up at night thinking about the terrifying things and truths you’ll uncover inside the asylum. So, can you survive breaking inside?
11.A Plague Tale: Innocence
Release Date: May 15, 2019
Developer/Publisher: Asobo Studio/Focus Entertainment
Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth, Survival, Horror Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
Metacritic Score: 81%
Steam Review: Very Positive
In A Plague Tale: Innocence, you’re going to follow the journey of Amicia and her little brother, Hugo, as they survive through the different horrors this unforgiving world is throwing at them.
This game follows these two siblings during the plague that destroyed the Kingdom of France. You, your brother, and the other children you’re going to join forces with will have to travel through the region of the disease.
A Plague Tale: Innocence tackles a lot of mature and gorey themes that might not be suitable for certain audiences, so play at your own discretion. But if you’re the target market of this game, then you’re going to experience a very tragic and dark story of two siblings trying to survive. It has some of the best graphics coming from a small company, which is very impressive. It does end on a cliffhanger, so you’ll definitely have to play its sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem.
12.Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Developer/Publisher: Ninja Theory/Ninja Theory
Genre: Action-Adventure, Puzzle, Fighting, Hack and Slash Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Metacritic Score: 83%
Steam Review: Very Positive
The game centers on Senua, a Pict warrior who must travel to Helheim by overcoming supernatural opponents and their obstacles in order to save the soul of her deceased lover from the goddess Hela. The game is set in a dark fantasy world that draws inspiration from Norse mythology and Celtic culture.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice tackles a lot of mature themes that might not be for everyone. However, it does have some of the best storylines in an indie game. The puzzles were not hard, but they were not easy either. What I really liked about the game is the plot of Senua crossing to Helheim to save her lover’s soul. The narrative of lovers going to extraordinary lengths to save each other from desperate circumstances has been told since the dawn of language. But what makes this game even better is how the game showed Senua’s struggles throughout the game, which I won’t spoil.
This game is an incredible masterpiece that is definitely part of my “must-try” games. Additionally, the graphics are just *chef’s kiss.*
13.Journey
Release Date: June 11, 2020
Developer/Publisher: thatgamecompany/Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Adventure, Platform, Art Game
Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, iOS, Microsoft Windows
Metacritic Score: 92%
Steam Review: Very Positive
The game, Journey, is a wordless story told through the actions of your character. You start by a small dune in a vast desert where you have to explore the ancient and mysterious world.
This game doesn’t really have a “real” plot or objective other than moving forward on your journey. It’s a beautifully designed game that I think everyone should try at least once in their life. These kinds of games are a beautiful example of “games as art” because of how the graphics were created. It’s a chill and relaxing game that really shows that simple games can also be great games.
14.Hyper Light Drifter
Release Date: March 31, 2016
Developer/Publisher: Heart Machine/Heart Machine
Genre: Action-Adventure, RPG, Platform. Fighting, Shooter Game
Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Mac operating systems
Metacritic Score: 84%
Steam Review: Very Positive
Hyper Light Drifter is where you play as a drifter where you collect all these forgotten knowledge, technologies, and broken histories. However, you are plagued by an insatiable illness, which you’re trying to explore further into the Lands of Buried Time, hoping to find a cure for.
Hyper Light Drifter is a beautifully-developed game that has one of the most beautiful pixelated atmospheres. It is very immersive, and the storyline is very intriguing. But the gameplay is hit-or-miss. Some might like the gameplay, but some would absolutely hate it. I, for one, kind of liked the gameplay.
15.Unravel
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Developer/Publisher: Coldwood Interactive/Electronic Arts
Genre: Action-Adventure, Puzzle, Platform Game
Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Metacritic Score: 81%
Steam Review: Very Positive
Unravel is a very interesting and unique game about Yarny, a character made from a single thread of yarn who is trying to explore the bigger world.
This game is very unique and breathtaking. It’s a visually stunning platformer that is full of different puzzles for you to solve. Although the puzzles can get quite frustrating because some of them are very hard. But other than that, Unravel is a very heartwarming game about the passing of time and the footprints we leave behind.
16.Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Developer/Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games/Thunder Lotus Games
Genre: Action-Adventure, Fighting, Puzzle, Open-World, Nonlinear Game
Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
Metacritic Score: 79%
Steam Review: Mostly Positive
An action-adventure game with a Norse mythology setting is called Jotun. You take on the role of Thora in Jotun, a Viking warrior who suffered an unfair death and needs to win over the gods in order to enter Valhalla.
If you don’t enjoy exploring games, this one might not be for you because it involves a lot of exploring and only limited fighting. However, if you’re into that, you’ll really enjoy this game.
When it comes to history and art, Jotun is captivating in the finest sense. When you take a reasonable amount of logic into consideration, the gameplay is neither too difficult nor too simple. But the magnificent, hand-drawn locations, together with their stunning backdrops, are the highlight of the game.
17.Detention
Release Date: January 12, 2017
Developer/Publisher: RedCondieGames/RedCandieGames, AGM PLAYISM
Genre: Adventure, Horror, Survival, Puzzle Game
Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Mac operating systems
Metacritic Score: 83%
Steam Review: Overwhelmingly Positive
You play a high school student trapped within Greenwood High School in Detention, which is situated in an isolated mountainous region. The familiar environment has undergone strange changes and is now home to sinister entities. You need to investigate the enigmatic campus’s sinister artifacts and puzzles if you want to get away.
Detention is set in martial law-era Taiwan in the 1960s. The game provides players with a distinctive gaming experience with visuals based on Taiwanese/Chinese mythology and religious themes.
This game will definitely haunt your dreams, so prepare yourself if you’re going to play Detention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PS4 Have Indie Games?
Yes. The PlayStation 4 houses some of the best indie games of the century and is one of the best platforms to play graphically intense and hardcore indie games like Outlast, Stray, and many more.
What is the Most Underrated PS4 Indie Game?
There are a lot of underrated PS4 indie games on the market, but I think A Way Out by Hazelight and EA is one of the top underrated indie games. It is a great co-op adventure game where you take on the role of two prisoners trying to escape prison. It’s a very thrilling and exciting game that I don’t think gets enough attention it deserves.
What is the Best Free PS4 Indie Game?
What the best free PS4 indie game is is a very subjective question because everyone likes different genres of games and has different needs and expectations when it comes to the games they play. However, if you were to ask me, I’d probably choose Genshin Impact because I love a good exploration game with awesome-looking characters.
Final Thoughts – Wrap Up
That’s a wrap! We hope you found the best indie game to play on your PS4! If you want to check out more indie games and indie game reviews, check out our blog here.
Happy gaming!
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