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Best Indie Games on Nintendo Switch in 2023

Best Indie Games of 2023

Best Indie Games on Nintendo Switch in 2023

What are the best indie games you can play on your Nintendo Switch in 2023? Check out our picks, including Hades, Undertale, and more.

Rumors are rife that Nintendo will soon announce its next console, which will succeed the Nintendo Switch. It’s a good time, then, to do a recap of some of the best game experiences that can be had on this hybrid console. Read on to find out the best indie games on Nintendo Switch in 2023.

We’ve picked out the cream of the crop and accounted for gameplay diversity, so there’s bound to be something for you no matter what kind of game you like to play.

But that’s us. Is there an indie game on Nintendo Switch that you think deserves to make the cut? Let us know in the comments below!

Sea of Stars

If you grew up on classic SNES role-playing games like Chrono Trigger, then Sea of Stars will likely scratch that same itch for you on the Nintendo Switch. A vast adventure awaits you as you explore and engage in turn-based combat (that still invites a bit of timed action).

Sea of Stars comes from the developers of The Messenger, which was a retro-themed platformer. Sea of Stars is set in the same world as The Messenger, but does not require you to have played that game to enjoy it.

Hades

Head to the Underworld of Greek mythology in this action rogue-lite, in which you must fight your way out of the realm of the dead with divine weapons and boons.

Hades has been developed and written with replayability in mind, so it doesn’t matter how many times you fail – there’s always something new to keep discovering and experimenting with in subsequent runs.

When you’re not hacking and slashing through the denizens of the Underworld, you’ll find yourself conversing with Greek gods and learning about their big, dysfunctional family.

Cocoon

Cocoon released to thunderous acclaim, and that should come as no surprise, given that it comes from Jeppe Carlsen, lead gameplay designer of Inside and Limbo.

A strange but alluring puzzle game, Cocoon has you leaping from one world to another, and then carrying that very same world in your hands to solve more puzzles.

Playing the game already? Check out our walkthrough to find out how to solve the game’s many puzzles.

Undertale

Undertale can be said to have claimed the throne of the best significant indie games of the 2010s, and given the gargantuan size of its fandom, it’s not a claim made lightly.

This tale of a human trapped in a world of monsters might seem simple at the outset, but its memorable characters and sense of role-playing exploration have captivated hearts for years.

Neon White

A more recent game on this list, Neon White combines a variety of styles into a coherent whole: it’s a speedrunning first-person shooter that’s also got roguelite progression and cards and parkour and a story involving assassins in Hell? It all works, trust us – or it wouldn’t be one of the best indie games on the Nintendo Switch today.

Neon White is fast-paced, requiring not only fast reflexes but also quick thinking, because the ‘Soul Cards’ you acquire can be used to attack foes – or can be discarded to gain a movement advantage. Choose wisely.

Stardew Valley

Too much action for you so far? How about relaxing on a farm and mingling with the locals of the nearby town? Stardew Valley may have started life as a throwback to the classic Harvest Moon games, but it’s become a force of its own, and it’s easily on the of the best indie games out there today.

Stardew Valley is all about transforming your environment into a thriving farm – which means doing everything from clearing the land to planting seeds and harvesting crop. There’s a variety of peaceful (and not so peaceful) activities to do here, all building on your actions.

Celeste

If you’re craving for some hardcore jumping action, then you can’t jump much higher than Celeste. With tight controls and impeccable level design, Celeste presents hundreds of challenges to beat as you take the protagonist Madeline to the top of Celeste Mountain.

It’s not all jumping, though – there’s a cast of characters to meet, who will be instrumental in aiding Madeline on her journey to survive her inner demons.

It’s a tougher entrant on the list, but well worth the satisfaction of beating it.

Dead Cells

Love Castlevania? You’ll be right at home with Dead Cells, a rogue-lite action-platformer where you’ll explore a dangerous castle – with no checkpoints. The game features deliberate action gameplay inspired by the Dark Souls games, and over 150 weapons to experiment with in your (many) attempts.

All said and done, weapons and abilities notwithstanding, you’ll find that what takes you to victory is your own skill and reflexes.

Slay the Spire

More trying again? Don’t mind if we do. Slay the Spire is a deckbuilding roguelike, where you build a deck out of hundreds of possible cards, and defeat enemies on the path you choose as you traverse up the titular Spire.

You’ll have to form clever strategies with the cards you have on hand, and figure out how to adapt to the new enemies and bosses you encounter – all with the risk of having to start all over again. You can also find powerful relics on your adventure, but you might end up with more than you bargained for.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a grand action-adventure game that takes you through a ruined world of insects, offering Souls-inspired action and Metroidvania-inspired adventure.

There’s a vast, handcrafted world to openly explore, full of curious (and creepy) characters also deadly enemies. Survival will depend both on your skill, and your in-game charms and abilities. When you’re not fighting, you’ll find yourself wandering through a dilapidated kingdom brought to life with hand-painted artistry.

Thank you for reading our article on the Best Indie Games on Nintendo Switch in 2023! You’ll find other interesting articles on indie games below!