There are so many upcoming indie games to look forward to this year. In fact, some have long since been among the most anticipated new games for 2023, with the recent Nintendo indie showcase at long confirming release dates for the likes of Mineko's Night Market, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, and more. With a variety of wonderful indie gems on the horizon that are to arrive across all platforms, there's sure to be something in this roundup for you to add to your wishlist.
From delightful puzzlers to farming sims, RPGs, and even a rather intriguing new driving adventure in the shape of Pacific Drive, there's no shortage of great upcoming indie games to watch out. This year is already going strong, with the release of some memorable indie games such as Season: A Letter to the Future, Tchia, and Dredge. And that barely scratches the surface of just how many fantastic indie games have already come our way in 2023.
Below, you'll find a list of some of the most exciting upcoming indie games for 2023 and beyond, all in release date order for easy browsing.
2023
Roots of Pacha
Release date: April 25, 2023
Platform(s): PC
Imagine Stardew Valley but make it prehistoric and you're not a million miles away from Roots of Pacha, a delightful new farming sim from developer Soda Den. Set in the stone age, you'll join a community where you can find love, befriend animals, and help a village grow and thrive by discovering and growing plants and herbs. With other activities such as fishing and the chance to explore all of the secrets tucked away in caves, Roots of Patcha looks set to scratch our agricultural itch.
Mail Time
Release date: April 27, 2023
Platform(s): PC (Switch and PS4/PS5 at a later date)
Mail Time (opens in new tab) instantly charmed us with its cottagecore vibes and delightful concept. Taking on the role of a newly trained Mail Scout complete with a stylish mushroom hat, you set about delivering letters in the setting of Grumblewood Grove to earn yourself Mail Scout badges. Among our pick of the 7 upcoming cozy games to keep on your radar last year, Mail Time features a cast of wonderful animal characters who all have their own stories to tell. Along with character customization and hidden trinkets to find and collect, the world of Grumblewood Grove looks set to encourage us to relax and take everything at our own pace.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Release date: August 18, 2023
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
With every trailer we see of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (opens in new tab), our sense of anticipation only grows. In what is a spiritual successor to Jet Set Radio, developer Team Reptile will be taking us to a metropolis in an alternate future where we can choose our own character and explore the streets freely in style. Featuring a "unique trick system" with wallrunning, grinding, sliding, and more, the trailers have shown off how we can perform tricks using BMX bikes and skateboards (opens in new tab) as we try to get our name out there by tagging the streets with graffiti. It also features funky as hell music from Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma that we frankly can't get enough of.
Paper Trail
Release date: August 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Paper Trail looks like a charming new puzzle adventure that takes place in a paper world. Since everything is made of paper, the world itself can fold, rotate, and spin around to allow you to create paths and puzzle your way through locations. Developed by Newfangled Games, Paper Trail is set to explore the story of Paige who's just about to leave home for the first time to pursue her studies as an up and coming academic. It certainly has a unique design and concept that has caught our attention, with the added bonus of secrets to uncover.
Mineko's Night Market
Release date: September 26, 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
A narrative-driven sim that wants us to "enjoy all the cats" in its world? Where do we sign up? We've had our eye on Mineko's Night Market (opens in new tab) for a long time, and for good reason. As a game that's said to celebrate Japanese culture, developer Meowza Games' upcoming adventure is set to explore a heart-warming story about friendship and tradition as Mineko, a young girl who's newly arrived in her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island. You can craft all sorts of items with resources around the world and sell them at the weekly night market, where you can also take part in games such as parades, cat racing, and stage performances. Alongside befriending the locales, Mineko's Night Market looks set to offer puzzles, exploration, and more.
TBC 2023
Way to the Woods
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Way to the Woods (opens in new tab) is an upcoming adventure that follows the journey of two deer in an abandoned world that head out to find their way home. A trailer for the game back in 2019 quickly captured attention thanks to its beautiful, intriguing backdrop and the companionship of the deer and fawn protagonists at the heart of the experience. Said to draw inspiration from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Last of Us, Way to the Woods happily made an appearance towards the end of 2022 during the Wholesome Snack showcase to enchant us all over again.
Pacific Drive
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS5
Pacific Drive (opens in new tab) is an upcoming run-based survival driving game, and after checking it earlier this year, we're already keen to get behind the wheel. Coming to us from developer Ironwood Studios, Pacific Drive takes place in a reimagining of the Pacific Northwest in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, which is full of hazards and strange anomalies. After finding yourself in this zone with a station wagon that serves as your only companion and means of survival, you set out to learn more about this mysterious place and try to navigate all of its dangers with every run you take.
The Plucky Squire
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
The Plucky Squire (opens in new tab) from developer All Possible Futures looks absolutely magical. With its enchanting concept, The Plucky Squire will see us jump from 2D to 3D as the small but mighty hero Jot, who discovers the world that lies outside of the pages of his storybook home. The debut trailer certainly left a lasting impression, with Toy Story vibes and elements that bring to mind the nostalgic 2D platforming sections of Super Mario Odyssey. After leaving the storybook and emerging into the 3D world of the bedroom, we got to see how Jot can shift between dimensions by jumping onto the surfaces of different objects. It really does look like it has the makings for one creatively charming platforming adventure.
In Stars and Time
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
In Stars and Time (opens in new tab) has found a firm place on our wishlist thanks to its art style, concept, and cast of characters. Described by developer insertdisc5 as a "time-looping RPG adventure" - which honestly holds our attention all on its own - In Stars and Time follows the story of protagonist Siffrin and their friends who form a found family that set out to put a stop to an evil king. This is no simple task, as it turns out, when the clock resets and Siffrin is stuck in a seemingly endless time loop. With turn-based combat, a party of adventurers at your side, and the opportunity to make new discoveries with each loop, In Stars and Time sounds like an intriguing upcoming release we can't wait to jump into.
Cocoon
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Cocoon (opens in new tab) is a new puzzle adventure from Limbo and Inside lead gameplay designer Jeppe Carlsen that shows a lot of promise. As a little insectoid-like protagonist, Cocoon's puzzles are wrapped up in various worlds that are each contained within different orbs that you carry on your back. Coming into contact with alien environments left behind by long-gone civilizations, it will see you set out to uncover a mystery and take on unique battles against guardians that protect every world you explore. We can't help but be intrigued by the "world-leaping mechanic" of Cocoon and the sense of mystery at the heart of it.
Another Crab's Treasure
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
You know what they say, one crab's trash is another crab's treasure. Okay, maybe they don't say that about crabs per se, but it's definitely true in the case of Another Crab's Treasure (opens in new tab). Developer Aggro Crab is bringing us a new souls-like experience under the sea as a crustacean called Krill who's on the hunt for treasure to buy back his repurposed shell. In the polluted underwater world, trash is considered to be a valuable resource that's used for just about everything, but it also brings with it an infection known as the Gunk which threatens the ocean. If you're on the lookout for a new souls-like experience – featuring a whole lot of crabs, no less – this is one adventure to watch out for.
Dordogne
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Dordogne (opens in new tab) is an upcoming narrative adventure that's beautifully brought to life in a painterly watercolor world. But its charm doesn't begin and end with its dreamy art style - developer Un Je Ne Sais Quoi promises to let us explore a touching story that revolves around family and the relationship between 32-year-old protagonist Mimi and her grandmother. Set in the french region the game is named after, we'll make our way through quests as we explore Mimi's life in the past and present and add to her journal through our activities along the way. If you enjoy narrative-focused experiences, this could very well be one for you.
Spirittea
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
Sometimes spirits need help and a place to unwind, too. Spirittea (opens in new tab) from developer Cheesemaster Games instantly gives us Spirited Away vibes and that only adds to its appeal. Set in a town full of troublesome spirits up to all sorts of mischief after people stopped worshipping them, and that's where you come in. Alongside helping the spirits solve their problems, you'll also be taking charge of a rundown bathhouse in need of some care. When we're not keeping the bathhouse clean and organized, or pampering any spirit visitors and ensuring they have a comfortable stay, we can also spend our time befriending the locals. Spirittea looks set to scratch our management sim itch.
Afterlove EP
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
Afterlove EP (opens in new tab) is said to be a game that is a mixture of narrative adventure, dating sim and rhythm game which looks set to tell an emotional story. Taking place in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, After Love EP follows Rama, a young musician dealing with the loss of their girlfriend Cinta who recently passed away. With beautiful art that's brought to life by artist Soyatu and original music from Indonesian band L'alpahalpha, the upcoming adventure is said to feature multiple possible endings and story paths based on the choices you make.
Planet of Lana
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The beautiful hand-drawn world of Planet of Lana (opens in new tab) looks set to take us on one intriguing journey. The upcoming cinematic puzzle adventure from developer Wishfully follows a young girl and her faithful companion as they set out on a rescue mission on a planet that's said to have fallen into a state of disharmony. With mention of a "faceless army", machines, and unknown creatures, Planet of Lana will see us take on puzzle challenges, navigate action sequences, and overcome scenarios that require stealth. There's certainly a lot of mystery surrounding its story that will be exciting to uncover.
Thirsty Suitors
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
Thirsty Suitors (opens in new tab) is a diverse, story-driven adventure featuring turn-based battles against exes, skateboarding, and action-packed cooking. If that isn't enough to sell you on Outerloop Games' RPG, the demo surely will. In fact, we loved our hands-on time with the game so much last year, we didn't want it to end. Thirsty Suitors follows the story of Jala who returns to her hometown after a messy breakup and explores themes such as family, relationships, culture, and more. It's definitely one upcoming adventure we can't wait to see more of this year.
The Gecko Gods
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
If you're looking for a relaxing puzzle-based experience, The Gecko Gods (opens in new tab) might just be one to add to your wishlist. Playing as a little gecko, you can explore a mysterious island and make the most of the lizard's agile movements to climb cliffs and yes, even eat bugs. Setting out on a quest to save their friend, The Gecko Gods sees you solve puzzles across crumbling ruins and discover the lore of the land as you explore. There's no way we can pass up the chance to play as a little gecko protagonist.
The Star Named EOS
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
The Star Named EOS (opens in new tab) is the next game from the delightful Behind the Frame developer Silver Linings Studio. The first-person narrative puzzle adventure sees you take on the role of Dei, a young photographer who's following the footsteps of his Mother's adventures through a series of photos and letters that were sent to him as a child. With a family mystery at the heart of the experience, The Star Named EOS will let us try to solve puzzles, recreate photos, and explore a hand-drawn world where we can capture snapshots. A relaxing adventure about family with mystery and photography? Yes please.
Venba
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
Venba (opens in new tab) is an upcoming narrative cooking game that explores love, loss, and family. Taking on the role of an Indian mother who immigrates to Canada with her family in the '80s, you'll set about cooking authentic south-indian dishes and try to restore lost recipes that were damaged in the move. With branching conversations and a soundtrack inspired by indian musicals, Venba looks set to serve up a wonderful cooking experience that explores how food can connect us.
Fall of Porcupine
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Fall of Porcupine (opens in new tab) is a narrative adventure that follows the story of a pigeon doctor by the name of Finley. Set in the small town of Porcupine that's home to a cast of residents, any responses you choose when you strike up a conversation will influence your relationship with those you meet. As a game that explores an unhealthy healthcare system with plenty of mysteries to uncover, you'll also spend your time caring for patients and exploring the old hospital and town. With similar vibes to Night in the Woods, you can already check out a demo that serves as a prologue to the upcoming adventure.
Keep track of all of the releases on the horizon with our roundups of upcoming Switch games, upcoming PS5 games, upcoming Xbox Series X games, and upcoming PC games.
