Indie games really grab players with their unique style and super low hardware demands. You don’t need a high-end rig or spend a lot of money to enjoy standout experiences that even some AAA blockbusters can’t match.
Here are 5 of the best lightweight indie games on Steam in early 2021. Check them out!
Skul: The Hero Slayer
The story in Skul: The Hero Slayer is a bit… upside down. A group of adventurers teams up with the “Hero of Caerleon” and the imperial army to wipe out the demon castle. All the demons are captured except for one tiny skeleton named “Skul.” You play as this little guy on a mission to rescue your lord and save your kind.
Beyond the cool anti-hero story, the gameplay is really fun. Skul isn’t just any skeleton. It can swap skulls to gain new skills based on the head it’s wearing. The visuals are super eye-catching with flashy slash and explosion effects that really pop.
Hades
Released at the end of 2019, Hades quickly became one of the best indie games on Steam and topped sales charts. You play as Zagreus, the immortal son of Hades, fighting angry souls to escape the underworld. The gameplay feels classic but is incredibly engaging thanks to the developer’s creativity and attention to detail.
Instead of simple one-button attacks, you can pull off stylish combos in different situations, giving players lots of options to battle monsters. When you land perfect combos without wasting a hit, Zagreus gets cocky and drops cool lines like a total boss. If you love fast-paced combat, sharp retro-style graphics, and a fair price, this game is a must-play.
Phasmophobia
A co-op ghost hunting game. What’s better than partying in a haunted house with your friends? You can team up with up to 4 players to gather evidence of ghosts at various locations to sell to a ghost hunting group.
With over a dozen different ghost types, each with unique traits requiring different investigation methods, the graphics and sound are super realistic. This guarantees spooky but fun ghost hunts with your crew, where the scarier it gets, the more fun you have.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a side-scrolling action RPG. The story follows a young man who’s part Cyclops, part Ghost Rider, traveling everywhere and slicing through anything in his way. With fast pacing, diverse weapons, smooth movement, and addictive gameplay, it’s highly praised by critics.
Dead Cells also stands out with epic boss fights and charming pixel art visuals. However, many players say it’s quite challenging, so only jump in if you’re confident in your ability to handle tough battles.
Green Hell
Explore the vast Amazon rainforest in Green Hell. The in-game Amazon is called the Green Hell because once you enter, it’s almost impossible to leave. You and your teammates must explore and uncover the cause behind the death of many creatures and tribes in the jungle.
Of course, this mission is no easy feat, and many have lost their lives here. But your survival skills, judgment, and decisions will help your character overcome the challenges. The realism and brutality are what make Green Hell a success. Get ready for a journey where your most reliable tool is your own hands.
