Indie Games with Amazing Story

If you’re in the mood for an indie game with a compelling narrative behind it, these story-rich games are a perfect place to start. Go from surviving the zombie apocalypse to fulfilling dying wishes while exploring the Wyoming wilderness.

Inside

From Playdead Studios, Inside is a haunting indie game that, despite its emphasis on puzzle-solving and platforming, is driven by its storyline. Play as a solitary boy running from some (as yet) unknown force, needing to solve challenges to escape. The atmosphere ­– created by soft, unsettling music and monochromatic, gritty visuals – enhances the creepy storyline.

Inside released in 2014, but Steam reviewers highly recommend avoiding spoilers before playing the game. Unlocking and understanding the full storyline is doable, including a secret ending.

“Incredible game and art piece altogether,” reviewer Kirby653 writes. “Definitely do NOT look into it. It was worth the buildup.”

Cozy Grove

A much comfier option, Cozy Grove is a life simulator where in addition to finding companions, decorating your space and more, you also have a 40+ hour campaign to work through that is chock full of adventure and side quests. As you wander the haunted forest, your job is to bring color and life back to the island by interacting with the spirits – all of which have intriguing backstories to unravel. Cozy Grove is a beautiful world and story to get lost in.

Overboard!

Overboard! is a story-driven game where you write the tale and decide your own fate. Set on a cruise ship, you play as a character who has murdered her husband and now has eight hours to get away with the crime. In this visual novel, your choices set the narrative in motion.

This game is highly replayable, which is unique for a story-driven game – there are always different characters you can trust, actions you can take and successful endings to discover.

The Walking Dead: The Game

Possibly more loved than the TV show and comics it was inspired by, Telltale’s The Walking Dead saga is lauded as one of the best story games of all time. These are visual novels that delve into the themes of TWD ­– the bloody, heart wrenching and terrifying. With quick action prompts and choices that may influence who lives and dies, you truly feel the pain and fear of the zombie apocalypse.

“Absolutely has the best and most emotional story to offer with the choices presented giving you the feeling of ‘why tf would I do that?!’ moments,” commentor Krotilian writes.

To The Moon

From Freebird Games, To the Moon is an indie RPG. As scientists fulfilling people’s dying wishes, you dig into the lifelong backstory of one particular dying man who only wants to go to the moon. This is also a great alternative if you prefer a game that isn’t combat-driven. Praised for its phenomenal soundtrack and writing, To the Moon is an emotional rollercoaster that fans find unforgettable.

Katana ZERO

Instead of solely revealing the story through unearthed clues and in-game dialogue, Katana ZERO pursues an alternate path. The narrative is woven throughout this graphic novel-like game that is rife with platforming and combat using cinematic sequences. All of these combine to reach an epic conclusion.

The game bears striking similarity to Hotline Miami with its bloody, gritty themes. However, the art style and atmosphere are a fresh twist.

Firewatch

Firewatch is a story-rich mystery game set in the dense wilderness where your only connection to the outside world is the person on the other end of the radio – a connection that you can foster or destroy with your choices. As you attempt to discover the strangeness outside your watchtower, you have an intricate narrative to unwind. With beautiful visuals (particularly how they animate sunlight), Firewatch offers the whole forest to lose yourself in.

“The story is great, and it really makes you invested in it,” Steam reviewer TuckerPlayer says, “I once accidently finished the whole game in one sitting just because it was such a good game.”