Indie games have become bigger than ever before. While games from the big studios continue to create massive hype in the community, indie games retain their charm thanks to brilliant features that push the boundaries of gaming. Titles like Lies of P, Fall Guys, and The Forest have been lauded for their ingenuity and have also done incredibly well financially.

As December arrives, a ton of new indie games are slated to take over the fans and keep them occupied with new challenges and exciting rewards. With so many titles to keep track of, here are 10 essential ones that should be on your list this festive season.

1. Astral Ascent

Escape an extraterrestrial prison in this pixel art platformer title as you take on bosses who represent the 12 zodiac signs. These boss fights are intense in this Hibernian Workshop title and have received incredible reviews for their intense gameplay and fun playable characters. Players can stay engaged in the game because of its numerous different endings (all 17 of them!) as they try to find new ways to escape from interstellar captivity.

2. Cuisineer

Bettlebrew Productions’ Cuisineer takes a cue from the likes of Diablo to mix dungeon-crawling combat style with the fun of managing a restaurant. The game’s art style is elevated by the appetizing looks of the Asian food items that dominate the in-game restaurant’s menu card. Those who love cooking mechanics in gaming would love to take on their foes as they search for raw materials to make food.

3. Tevi

The CreSpirit title will arrive on Steam later this month. Completely hand-drawn with beautiful biomes and intensive boss fights, this indie game can take on AAA titles in terms of what it has to offer.

4. Alien Hominid Invasion

A sequel to the 2000 classic Alien Hominid, this The Behemoth title will surely tickle the fancy of those who played the original title back in the day. Alien Hominid Invasion is a run-and-gun platformer that turns the table as players can try and invade Earth with their alien buddies instead of struggling to save it from the same.

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The devs behind this game are also involved in popular projects like Castle Crashers, making the upcoming game’s possibilities to only expand. For those who enjoy action-packed games, Alien Hominid Invasion’s art style and non-linear gameplay will be thoroughly enjoyable.

5. For the King II

Another follow-up game to a popular original. This Ironoak Games title sees players take their place in the resistance who are fighting to save themselves and from the iron yokes of a tyrannical queen. The game has abundant tabletop RPG elements and enough diverse scenarios that cater to the needs of every gamer. For the King 2/s fantasy setting promises an immersive experience.

6. Roboquest

A fast-paced Rogue-like FPS, Roboquest has elements that can hook players to its gameplay instantaneously. The game will have different character classes, a large variety of weapons, and upgrades across runs. The game looks eerily similar to Borderlands in terms of visuals and will also come with a co-op mode. If you enjoy thrilling action-packed gameplay, look no further than Roboquest.

7. Coral Island

A farming RPG that also stresses highly on relationship-building, Coral Island is expected to hit early access soon. The game combines farming and crafting with an environmentalist theme that will require players to establish strengthened relationships with others in the game. Mystical elements are in abundance in Coral Island, which will hit the right nerves for many players. DLCs promise to bring more help to environmental charities so that players can also help the planet as they chart the seas in this Stairway Games title.

8. Ratopia

From the devs responsible for Ratropolis, the newly released Ratopia focuses on resource gathering, colony simulation, and base building. Players will have to manage a sprawling rat city and make sure the city thrives as its residents experience growth along the game. The game is immersive and is best suited for those who love to nurture things until they bloom spectacularly.

9. The Last Faith

Kumi Souls Games’ The Last Faith is a titillating gothic horror title that remains one of the most anticipated releases of 2023. The game will be released next week and will combine aspects of Metroidvania with Souls-like titles. Players will have to be both merciless and precise at the same time to make sure their enemies are crushed and use a wide range of lethal weapons to dominate the bosses.

10. Small Saga

Get caught in the cliched cat-and-mouse tussle in this turn-based RPG that has been in development for a long time. Players will have to take up the role of a mouse out for vengeance after a god has stolen its tail. Using everyday objects as weapons, the mouse seeks to make the god answer for his deeds and take back what it lost. The gameplay is tight as you traverse through the London underground (playing as a wizard helps with extra tricks up your sleeve to escape sticky situations). This Jeremy Noghani indie title will surely help shed new light on the lives and struggles of mice.

Which of these are you looking forward to the most? Tell us in the comments.

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