Some of the best indie games coming up for release in 2021. Check back at the end of the year as I will be updating the list with what came out and was great :) Similar to last year’s.
“Set amidst a surreal dreamscape filled with long-abandoned ruins of great civilizations past, you play as Rei, a Voidrunner determined to stop at nothing to save her planet from falling prey to the Ultravoid’s path of eternal hunger.
“Fight through mobs of grotesque creatures, grind rails with sheer delight, grapple to wild heights, take down enormous bosses, and surf the ashen clouds of shattered, bygone worlds swallowed by the void.”
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5
Release: December 2, 2021
“A coming-of-age tale of discovery through exploration across a strikingly rendered open world desert. Go on a deeply personal journey across an alien planet as the young Sable, exploring ancient monuments, ruined architecture, and ships fallen from the cosmos, all while learning the history of its inhabitants and discovering her place in the world.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release: September 23, 2021
“A story-driven action adventure set in a charming world rich with exploration and fast-paced combat. Players find and grow a team of tiny spirit companions called the Rot, enhancing their abilities and creating new ways to manipulate the environment.”
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5
Release: September 21, 2021
“A platform-adventure game featuring beautiful hand-painted art and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The game tells the story about Hoa, a little girl who lost her family, and her journey through a breathtaking and magical world back to her homeland.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5
Release: August 24, 2021
“A third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by nothing but unassuming droids and dangerous creatures.
“See the world through the eyes of a stray and interact with the environment in playful ways. Be stealthy, nimble, silly, and sometimes as annoying as possible with the strange inhabitants of this foreign world.”
If you’re interested to see how far this project has come you can see some of the old footage here.
Platforms: Windows, PS5
Release: 2022
“A third-person open world survival horror action RPG set in a universe you’ve never experienced before. Play as one of the Forsaken, the last frontier of humanity against the growing horrors of the Omnistructure. As you find yourself stranded in a faraway outpost, you must adapt in order to survive. The world won’t wait for you though, you must venture into the unknown – your faith will decide your fate.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox, PS4
Release: 2021
“A handcrafted puzzle adventure game made entirely out of paper. Along with atmospheric music made by Floex, it creates a mysterious and unique paper world, shrouded in shadow and light.
“Papetura tells a story about lonely paper creature Pape, trapped in a flowery prison. One day Pape escapes and finds little Tura, a magical being that he’ll take care of. Together they will have to face dark and flaming monsters which will try to burn down their beloved paper world.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: May 7, 2021
“A fast-paced single-player spaceship shooter with deep exploration in space and on planets, tons of loot, RPG elements, mining, and crafting. Experience a thoughtful story, set in a vivid, handcrafted open world full of secrets, puzzles, and perils.
“Discover alien species, unveil mysteries, find hidden treasures, and defend your valuables against outlaw gangs. But don’t get cocky: there will be some high-risk/high-reward areas waiting for you where grabbing that ultra-special gear and getting out alive will require some serious piloting skills and all your talent for improvisation.”
Platforms: Windows (early access, PS4/Xbox to come)
Release: January 18, 2021
“You hit the road. Adventure. Freedom. Escape. Run. Flee the Regime. Try to survive.
“On this risky road trip to the border, you’ll meet incredible characters, and discover their intertwined stories and secrets in an ever-evolving adventure. But every mile opens up a choice to make. Your decisions will change your adventure, change the people you meet, maybe even change the world.
“There are thousands of roads across the authoritarian nation of Petria. Which one will you take?”
Platforms: Windows, consoles TBA
Release: 2021
“A Tropical Open-World adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Use Tchia’s special ability to take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele.
“Just jamming by yourself or playing alongside NPCs, your fully playable ukulele will be a trusty companion throughout the game. Use it at key story moments during rhythm sections, or play unlockable melodies at any point in the open world to trigger special events such as attracting animals, triggering rainfall…
“Take Tchia on a heartfelt adventure and meet a diverse cast of characters inspired by New Caledonian cultures. Fully animated cutscenes voiced in traditional language will punctuate your journey while an original orchestral score infused with local sounds creates a unique and immersive world.”
Platforms: Windows, Stadia
Release: TBA