Indie games have become a major force in the gaming world, offering fresh ideas, compelling storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Unlike big-budget AAA titles, indie games are often labours of love—crafted by small teams or even solo developers who prioritise creativity and player engagement over market trends.
For Australian gamers, indie titles offer something special: games that can often be more affordable, locally developed, and sometimes better suited to regional preferences in gameplay and culture. Here are ten must-play indie PC games that deserve a spot on every Aussie gamer’s hard drive.
Let’s start with a homegrown gem. Hollow Knight is an action-adventure Metroidvania set in a hauntingly beautiful insect kingdom. With precise combat, atmospheric art, and deeply layered lore, it’s no wonder this Adelaide-developed game became a global sensation. A must-play for fans of Dark Souls or Metroid.
This narrative-driven RPG is unlike anything else. You play a troubled detective trying to solve a murder in a crumbling city. With no combat and a heavy emphasis on dialogue, philosophy, and role-playing, it’s ideal for those who love story-rich experiences. Think of it as Planescape: Torment meets modern literature.
This pixel-perfect platformer is about climbing a mountain—literally and metaphorically. While its tight controls and challenging gameplay are excellent, the emotional core of the story dealing with anxiety and self-doubt is what elevates Celeste to greatness.
Explore the depths of an alien ocean in this survival adventure. Combining crafting, exploration, and a slowly unfolding narrative, Subnautica is thrilling, terrifying, and serene in equal measure. Bonus: it runs surprisingly well on mid-tier Aussie gaming rigs.
This roguelike deck-building game is easy to pick up but endlessly addictive. With its blend of strategy, randomness, and progression, it’s perfect for players who enjoy Hearthstone, FTL, or turn-based tactics.
Another Aussie-made masterpiece, Untitled Goose Game lets you terrorise a small English village as a mischievous goose. Equal parts hilarious and charming, it’s a brilliant example of how indie games can subvert expectations and go viral doing so.
Blending Metroidvania exploration with roguelike mechanics, Dead Cells is known for its responsive combat and challenging gameplay. Constant updates and DLC keep it fresh, making it a go-to for fans of action-platformers.
A “dystopian document thriller,” this game puts you in the role of a border checkpoint officer in a fictional communist state. It’s bleak, thought-provoking, and surprisingly emotional—perfect for gamers who enjoy morally complex scenarios.
If you love building, logistics, and optimisation, Factorio is your dream game. Start with a pickaxe and end with sprawling, automated megafactories. It’s a deep rabbit hole for problem-solvers and tinkerers.
This time-looping space exploration game is as much about discovery as it is about atmosphere. You explore a miniature solar system with its own mysteries and physics, trying to solve a cosmic puzzle before time resets. It’s one of the most profound gaming experiences available.
Australia has a vibrant and growing indie development scene. Keep an eye on locally made games via:
Screen Australia’s Games Fund
Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW)
Australian Game Developers Association (IGEA)
Supporting indie devs—especially Aussie ones—helps grow a sustainable gaming ecosystem right here at home.
Final Thoughts
Indie games prove that you don’t need a million-dollar budget to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re into heart-pounding roguelikes, touching narratives, or quirky puzzles, these indie titles offer something fresh for every Australian gamer.
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