Exciting Indie Games to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond
If you’re looking to expand your gaming wishlist with some exciting indie titles, you’re in the right spot. We’ve compiled a list of the most anticipated indie games set to launch in 2026 and beyond, featuring a diverse array of genres that are sure to pique your interest.
With the Wholesome Snack showcase set to deliver even more indie gems during the Game Awards season at the end of 2025, there’s plenty to be excited about. From brain-teasing puzzlers to thrilling roguelikes, there’s something here for everyone to look forward to.
Recent indie releases have been fantastic, and if you’re in the mood for something to dive into right now, the Indie Spotlight series has plenty of recommendations. But for what’s on the horizon, check out this roundup of upcoming indie games arriving in 2026 and beyond.
Release date: January 20, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**Mio: Memories in Orbit** is a fresh Metroidvania where you step into the shoes of an android named Mio. Set against the backdrop of a derelict spaceship known as the Vessel, which has become overgrown with vegetation, you’ll navigate its depths and uncover lost memories to learn more about this technological ark and its rogue AI.
Release date: February 11, 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Lost and Found Inc** from Bit Egg Inc lets you play as Ducky, a duck-turned-human intern at a magical startup run by Goddess Mei. This hidden object game involves helping townsfolk find lost items while also assisting a small dragon in regaining its powers.
Release date: March 12, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
**Replaced** by Sad Cat Studio is a 2D sci-fi action platformer set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1980s. You play as Reach, an AI trapped in a human body, navigating the aftermath of a nuclear disaster in Phoenix City. Expect a blend of cinematic platforming and free-flowing action in this stylish adventure.
Release date: March 19, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2
With a hand-drawn black and white art style reminiscent of 1930s cartoons, **Mouse P.I. For Hire** is a first-person shooter where you play as Jack Pepper, a private investigator mouse. Set in Mouseburg, you’ll tackle gangs and corrupt cops while solving a missing persons case that unfolds into a larger conspiracy.
Release date: March 2026
Platform(s): PC
Following the success of the original, **Slay the Spire 2** from Mega Crit returns you to the Spire with new slayers, enemies, events, treasures, and bosses. Built on a new engine, this roguelike deckbuilder promises fresh strategies and deck-building opportunities as it heads into Early Access.
Release date: May 25, 2025
Platform(s): PC
**Paralives** is an upcoming sandbox life sim that aims to capture the essence of games like The Sims. In this open-world town, you can build and decorate your home while living out the life of your Parafolk, from finding love to building a career.
Release date: Spring 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
In **KONBINI: One Store. Many Stories**, you play as college student Makoto Hayakawa, working in a small-town convenience store in the early ’90s. You’ll manage deliveries, stock shelves, and interact with a variety of characters, each with their own stories.
Release date: Spring 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**Denshattack** takes the concept of skateboarding to new heights with a gravity-defying train. Set in vibrant Japanese cities, you’ll embark on a quest to thwart the sinister Miraido corporation, encountering quirky characters and unique bosses along the way.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Arcane Eats** is a delectable roguelike deckbuilder where you play as a chef crafting a cuisine deck filled with mythical ingredients and culinary spells. Team up with your cooking crew to prepare meals for a variety of fantasy characters.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
From the creators of Sticky Business comes **Thrifty Business**, a management sim where you run a ’90s-inspired thrift store. With a colorful pixel art style, you’ll customize your shop, organize items, and connect with local customers.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth** invites you to follow Moomintroll as he wakes up early from hibernation to find himself alone in a frosty landscape. Explore a cozy world, solve puzzles, and make friends in this adventure inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin stories.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Spirit Crossing** from Spry Fox is a co-op MMO set in the stormy Crosslands, a realm between the human and spirit worlds. Build a home, gather flowers, fish, and interact with others as you assist lost spirits.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Find Your Words** is a cozy adventure from Capybara Games, inspired by the experiences of two dads with non-speaking children. Set at a summer camp, you’ll explore, make friends, and discover different ways to communicate.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**Mixtape** is a narrative adventure that follows a group of friends on their last night together, filled with musical reenactments of their shared memories.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
From the makers of Art of Rally, **Over the Hill** is an open-world driving adventure set across various biomes. Drive classic cars from the ’60s to the ’80s, explore stunning landscapes, and team up with friends to tackle challenges.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Final Sentence** offers a unique twist on the battle royale genre by combining it with typing mechanics. Compete against 40 to 100 players while typing accurately to survive.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**My Eerie Lair** is a cozy furnishing experience where you play as a vampire trying to win over your kidnapped beloved by decorating your spooky castle.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Switch
For a relaxing puzzle experience, **The Gecko Gods** lets you explore a mysterious island as a little gecko. Solve puzzles, climb cliffs, and uncover the lore of the land while on a quest to save a friend.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Toem 2** is the sequel to the charming photo adventure where you once again take on the role of a photographer, capturing images to uncover secrets and help friends.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Switch
**Neverway** is a life sim with a nightmarish twist, where you escape a dead-end job to farm and craft while dealing with the consequences of becoming the herald of an immortal god.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**Grave Seasons** combines farming with a slasher twist, as you tend to your fields while uncovering a serial killer in your town. Form romantic relationships, but be cautious of who you trust.
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
**Map Map** is a cartography adventure where you explore islands and fill in your map with landmarks and ruins, testing your navigation skills along the way.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**CatchMaker** is a 3D adventure where you explore a magical island full of bugs, matching them up to help them find love while discovering their stories.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
For a cozy experience, **Hozy** lets you restore your hometown by cleaning and decorating rooms, bringing back memories and stories.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**OKUse** is a spiritual journey where you play as a monk traveling through Japan, writing Haiku-like poems to connect with nature and unlock new paths.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
**The Mermaid’s Mask** is a follow-up to the murder-mystery game Tangle Tower, where you join Detective Grimoire and Sally to investigate a mysterious death aboard a strange submarine.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**Rebounder** features a vibrant “pulp-print” style and is a precision platformer inspired by speedrunning mechanics, offering quick levels and fast respawn rates.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**Haunted Paws** is a co-op horror game where you and a friend play as puppies on a mission to rescue your human from a haunted mansion, using your canine skills to navigate challenges.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**Curiosmo** is a whimsical space sim where you create your own solar system, combining asteroids and stardust to build planets and bring life to your universe.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S
**Crescent County** is an open-world delivery life sim where you play as a courier on a motorbroom, customizing your ride and apartment while building relationships with locals.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**Wylde Society** is a life sim where you manage a magical boarding house, hosting events and matchmaking while embracing your witchy side.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
**Loose Leaf** is a tea witch simulator where you manage a tea room, brewing the perfect cup while helping guests with their troubles through tarot readings.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
During the Wholesome Direct 2023, we got a glimpse of **I Am A Caterpillar**, where you play as a caterpillar determined to avoid transformation and shape your own destiny in a colorful world.
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
**Way to the Woods** follows two deer on a journey through an abandoned world, inspired by beloved animated films, as they seek their way home.
