On Steam, everything that is free is not necessarily good … But sometimes, some nuggets exceed all expectations. This is precisely the case for these 11 independent games, offered without paying a penny, which prove that generosity is not dead. And the craziest is that they are all available now.
RPG of action, psychological horror, explosive strategy, poetic games or pixel nostalgic art: this selection crosses genres to offer an overview of what the indeed scene is better … without ever touching the wallet.
An exiled heir, an astral ghost and a meowing cat to open doors
From the first minutes, Shards of the Banized Plant a dark and captivating decor. You play a fallen prince in a world of ruins and betrayals. The synopsis sets the tone: “A fallen king, a cursed queen and a thirsty usurper in power have plunged the country into ruin. As an exiled heir, you have to get up, face powerful enemies and reconquer what is right.”
Still stranger, Incorporeal offers you to go out … of your own body. Developed by students from the Vancouver Film School, this Dungeon Crawler pushes you to explore catacombs by separating your soul from your carnal envelope. While your mind flies between the traps and the enemies, you will have to make sure not to leave your defenseless body. A game of tension and agility that renews the genre.
Conversely, Light of Coco adopts a more tender tone. You play a little kitten there that must use its meowing to interact with the decor. Activate totems, open passages, purify the world … Everything goes through the voice of the feline. It’s cute, but far from being simplistic: an adventure full of emotions and poetry.
Underground horrors, flying and critical penguins of modern society
In a more creaky register, Line consumption is a real curiosity. This 30-minute short game is defined itself as “an independent, experimental and entirely free independent game on the food industry, false advertising and the harms of modern life. A 30-minute sarcastic experience designed to make you think, and not tire you.”
Another strange atmosphere with Vigilwhere you are stuck in an underground center to move boxes … while a disturbing automaton observes you. He only moves when you look away. Guaranteed anxiety.
Chillors lovers will continue their descent into horror with Ravenousa game where you play Louis, a child prisoner of a monster. To save your sister, you will have to solve puzzles in a freezing house. The atmosphere is heavy, but greeted for his mastery.
And to blow a little? Let yourself be tempted by Bouncemastersa little arcade game in which you catapult a penguin around the world, Yeti Sports way. It’s colorful, stupid, addictive … and perfect for a quick break.
Pixel nostalgic art, basis to defend and shots on asteroids
If you grew up with retro RPGs, Nakuma could well awaken some memories. With his Pixel Art style and his classic improvement system, he assumes his Old School inspirations: “Nakuma is a solo role -playing game that emphasizes the acquisition of equipment and experience points by beating monsters on a variety of different cards.”
In a completely different style, Lazergrl Mixture strategy and multiplayer arcade. The concept is simple: “Find the right balance between building your own base and destroying that of your opponent.” A clever mixture of bomberman and real -time strategy game.
Finally, Googunners! offers you to shoot everything that moves in space, with an RNG component and turrets that evolve with each wave. It’s chaotic, energetic, and it quickly becomes competitive.
These 11 free titles offer a striking overview of the creativity of the independent scene. Their common point? All have received “positive” or “very positive” opinions on Steam, and would largely deserve to appear alongside paid games. The hardest part in all of this? Find time to play it.