If there’s one thing my Nintendo Switch has seen a lot of, it’s indie games.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about diving into games that aren’t afraid to experiment, to tell new stories, and to challenge conventional gameplay mechanics.
Below, I’ll share with you a list of 25 indie Nintendo Switch games that have not just passed the time, but have genuinely enriched my gaming life.
From heart-pounding adventures to serene farming simulators, these titles have kept me glued to my console.
Why I Started Playing These Indie Nintendo Switch Games
My journey into indie Nintendo Switch games wasn’t planned; it was born out of curiosity and a desire for something different.
After years of playing blockbuster titles, I craved new experiences—stories and gameplay that could surprise, challenge, and move me in unexpected ways.
This curiosity led me to the indie scene on the Nintendo Switch.
And it wasn’t just about the games themselves; it was about the community that surrounded them. Whether I was chatting with fellow gamers online or teaming up with friends for multiplayer madness, indie games had a way of bringing people together in a way that felt special and inclusive.
So, that’s why I started playing these indie Nintendo Switch games. Not because I was bored or looking for something to pass the time, but because I was hungry for new experiences, for stories and gameplay that could surprise, challenge, and move me in unexpected ways.
My Top 25 List of Indie Nintendo Switch Games
1. Stardew Valley
Let’s kick things off with a game that captured my heart from the moment I started playing: Stardew Valley. As a city slicker turned farmer, I found myself completely immersed in the charming world of Pelican Town. From planting crops to raising livestock, there’s no shortage of things to do in this relaxing farming simulator.
2. Celeste
Next up, we have Celeste, a challenging platformer that combines tight controls with a touching story about overcoming adversity. As I guided the protagonist, Madeline, through treacherous levels filled with deadly traps, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment with each successful jump.
3. Hollow Knight
Venture into the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest in Hollow Knight, an atmospheric action-adventure game that oozes with charm and mystery. With its stunning hand-drawn art style and tight gameplay mechanics, exploring the depths of this insect-infested kingdom was a journey I won’t soon forget.
4.Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling of Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition. As I guided Ori, a guardian spirit, through a lush forest teeming with danger, I was captivated by the game’s stunning art direction and heartwarming narrative.
5. Undertale
Undertale is a quirky RPG that subverts traditional genre conventions with its clever writing and memorable characters. From befriending monsters to navigating morally ambiguous decisions, my time spent in the world of Undertale was filled with unexpected twists and turns.
6. Hades
Descend into the underworld and battle your way out in Hades, a roguelike dungeon crawler that’s as challenging as it is addictive. With its fast-paced combat and dynamic storytelling, I found myself constantly coming back for one more run to see if I could escape the clutches of the god of the dead.
7. Cuphead
Step into the surreal world of 1930s animation in Cuphead, a run-and-gun action game with a unique hand-drawn art style. As I faced off against a colorful cast of bosses inspired by classic cartoons, I was blown away by the game’s attention to detail and old-school charm.
8. Dead Cells
Prepare for a relentless onslaught of enemies and obstacles in Dead Cells, a challenging roguelike metroidvania that rewards precision and perseverance. With its tight controls and procedurally generated levels, I found myself addicted to the thrill of exploration and discovery.
9. Into the Breach
Command a squad of mechs and protect humanity from an alien invasion in Into the Breach, a turn-based strategy game that puts your tactical skills to the test. As I plotted my moves to outsmart the relentless alien horde, I was impressed by the game’s deep gameplay mechanics and strategic depth.
10. Golf Story
Tee off for an unforgettable golfing adventure in Golf Story, a charming RPG that combines sports gameplay with quirky humor and engaging storytelling. Whether I was perfecting my swing on the green or uncovering secrets hidden across the course, I couldn’t help but smile at the game’s lighthearted charm.
11. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Return to the enchanting world of Ori in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, a breathtaking sequel that expands upon the original’s gameplay and narrative. As I started on a new journey filled with perilous challenges and heartwarming moments, I was blown away by the game’s stunning visuals and emotional depth.
12. Spiritfarer
Experience a heartfelt tale of friendship and loss in Spiritfarer, a cozy management game where you play as the ferry master to the deceased. As I guided spirits to their final resting place and helped them fulfill their last wishes, I was moved by the game’s touching story and beautiful art style.
13. Katana Zero:
In this stylish action-platformer, I played as a katana-wielding assassin who could manipulate time to overcome his enemies. With its fast-paced gameplay, slick visuals, and gripping narrative, Katana ZERO kept me hooked from start to finish.
14. Bastion
Journey to the floating world of Caelondia in Bastion, an action RPG with a unique narration mechanic that reacts to your every move. As I explored the shattered remnants of civilization and uncovered the secrets of the past, I was drawn in by the game’s atmospheric world and captivating soundtrack.
15. Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge is a retro-inspired metroidvania that pays homage to classic 8-bit games. With its sprawling world to explore and arsenal of weapons to uncover, I found myself lost in the game’s labyrinthine corridors and mind-bending puzzles.
16. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Join the shovel-wielding hero, Shovel Knight, on a quest to defeat the evil Enchantress and save his beloved. With its pixel-perfect platforming and charming retro aesthetic, I found myself reminiscing about the glory days of 8-bit gaming as I battled my way through each challenging level.
17. Firewatch
Firewatch is an adventure video game with a gripping story, set in the wilderness of Wyoming. It’s a narrative-driven adventure game that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As I explored the secrets of the forest and formed a bond with my unseen companion, I was drawn into the game’s immersive world and compelling story.
18. The Messenger
The Messenger is a fun and exciting retro-style action game that takes you on a journey through different times and places. With its tight controls and clever level design, I found myself hooked on the game’s addictive gameplay and charming sense of humor.
19. Hyper Light Drifter
Explore a beautiful, mysterious world plagued by an ancient curse in Hyper Light Drifter, an action RPG that blends fast-paced combat with atmospheric exploration. As I journeyed through the game’s haunting landscapes and battled hordes of otherworldly creatures, I was mesmerized by its stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack.
20. Night in the Woods
Experience a coming-of-age story like no other in Night in the Woods, a narrative-driven
adventure game that follows the journey of Mae, a young cat who returns to her hometown and reconnects with old friends. As I explored the charming town of Possum Springs and delved into Mae’s personal struggles, I was drawn in by the game’s relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.
21. Gris
Gris is nothing short of a moving painting. Its stunning watercolor world, which evolves as you progress, symbolizes the protagonist’s journey through grief. The game’s minimalistic approach to storytelling—relying on its art, animation, and music—creates a profound emotional impact without uttering a single word.
22. Dead Cells
Dead Cells offers a thrilling blend of roguelike and Metroidvania gameplay, making each run through its ever-changing castle a fresh challenge. Its fluid combat and expansive array of weapons and abilities kept me coming back for “just one more try,” each death a lesson learned in how to proceed further next time.
23. Cuphead
Cuphead is a testament to the artistic and technical prowess of indie developers. Its 1930s cartoon aesthetic is flawlessly executed, complementing the tough but fair gameplay. Mastering each boss’s patterns felt like a dance, with triumphs over the game’s notorious difficulty spikes feeling immensely satisfying.
24. Don’t Starve Together
Don’t Starve Together brought me and my friends together in a fight for survival against the elements, monsters, and starvation. Its Tim Burton-esque art style and open-ended gameplay made each session unique and unpredictable. Working together to gather resources, craft items, and explore the mysterious world was as fun as it was challenging.
25. Fez
In this mind-bending puzzle-platformer, I rotated 2D levels to reveal hidden paths and secrets in a 3D world. With its clever mechanics and retro-inspired visuals, Fez offered a unique and engaging gameplay experience that kept me hooked until the very end.
Each of these indie Nintendo Switch games brought something unique to my gaming experiences, from challenging my reflexes and problem-solving skills to touching my heart with their stories.
Indie games have a special way of pushing boundaries, and on the Switch, they’ve found a perfect home.
I can’t wait to see what’s next. Will we get even cooler games? More exciting stories? Whatever happens, I know indie Nintendo Switch games will keep me hooked.
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