11 Indie Games That Stood Out at DreamHack Birmingham

DreamHack Birmingham was a huge success, offering something for everyone! From exciting esports competitions and a bustling marketplace of vendors and creators, to a massive crowd of over 54,000 attendees, the event also featured a fantastic selection of indie games to discover.

I often found myself lingering at booths, chatting with developers and trying out demos. Several games really stuck with me, even after I’d left the event and was heading home.

11. Ink Strings

Connecting Dots Shouldn’t Feel This Good

Tombobulus Games

I was immediately drawn into Ink Strings. The gameplay is straightforward – you connect lines to solve puzzles. But it quickly becomes apparent that a lot of thought went into the design, creating a surprisingly calm and relaxing experience.

You can try the game online now, and it’s surprisingly captivating! New features are introduced smoothly as you play, and the game lets you explore at your own pace. I especially appreciate that it doesn’t pressure you with constant objectives – it trusts you’ll keep playing because you’re enjoying yourself.

10. Beast Breaker

Peggle, But Make It Fun

Vodeo Games

Beast Breaker first came out in 2021 for both Nintendo Switch and PC, but it was initially only available through Epic Games. I completely missed it at the time, but I recently discovered it at DreamHack and I’m really glad I did! It’s a unique game – imagine a mix of Peggle and Monster Hunter.

Okay, so imagine pinball, but instead of a flipper, I’m the ball! I launch myself at enemies, bounce around, and try to chip away at them as much as possible with every hit. But it’s way more than just mindless bouncing. I really have to think about each shot – it’s not just about racking up points, it’s about strategically breaking down bigger enemies, bit by bit, on every turn. It’s all about careful planning and making each move count.

9. NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager

Football Management Where You’re Playing the Odds

Sumo Digital

I was really hoping to see NUTMEG at DreamHack! I tried the demo a while back and, even though I’m not a football fan, I loved the management side of the game. The card game is enjoyable too, and it surprisingly brought out my competitive side.

Honestly, I’m not super focused on the football stuff itself when I’m playing. I’m way more into the flow of the game – figuring things out, sticking to a plan, and then quickly changing course when it all goes wrong. But I gotta say, the developers nailed the retro look and feel of 80s and 90s football. I even showed it to some real English football fans, and they agreed – the details are spot-on!

8. LUUP

Everything You Do Comes Back To Bite You

I checked out Wigged Out at DreamHack Birmingham, and it’s a total blast – super chaotic, bright, loud, and anyone can pick it up and play. But then I learned Encircle Games is also working on something called LUUP, which is a turn-based strategy game with a really interesting twist: every move you make just loops back around, so you have to think carefully about the consequences!

The idea seems simple enough at first, but it quickly becomes complex. Each action builds on everything you’ve done before, creating a chain of past choices you need to consider. You’re not just planning one step ahead, but thinking several moves into the future – and so is your opponent, making things even more challenging.

7. Glitch Hunt

Everything Is Trying to Work at Once

Early Sun Games

Glitch Hunt is a fast-paced game, but it’s surprisingly easy to follow. You’ll be sprinting through futuristic cities, shooting enemies, leaping over obstacles, and hacking systems – all while constantly finding new items that change up the gameplay.

What I absolutely love about this game is the hacking! It’s not just about shooting enemies; you can actually control things around you. Imagine turning enemy turrets against them, or completely changing up a battlefield to give yourself an advantage. It’s amazing because it makes you think strategically – you’re not just reacting to what’s happening, you’re actively looking for ways to turn the situation around and make it work for you.

The game also strongly emphasizes its roguelite elements. Each playthrough offers new weapons, crewmates, and character builds, encouraging experimentation. Often, unexpected combinations and interactions create exciting and unpredictable results.

6. The Drifting Crown

Roguelites and Pubs? Count Me In

Sponge Hammer Games

Roguelike games are very popular these days, so it’s hard for a new one to really grab your attention. But The Drifting Crown does just that with its fresh and interesting design.

At the start of each playthrough, you build the game world by placing tiles, which determines the challenges you’ll face. It’s enjoyable to create your own difficulties, and then try to overcome them. You’ll battle, make progress, and eventually likely encounter setbacks, leading you to start over and try a new approach.

Maybe it’s strange to feel so encouraged by the reopening of the very last pub, but I’m British, and that’s enough for me.

5. A Storied Life: Tabitha

Deciding What Someone’s Life Was Worth

Lab42

What starts as a relaxing game about packing things actually becomes a surprisingly emotional experience. You’re sorting through the belongings of someone who has died, going through each room and deciding what to keep, sell, or discard. As you handle each item, you piece together memories, and your choices become less about organizing and more about preserving a life.

This isn’t just a relaxing packing game; you’re actually choosing which memories matter most. How you organize belongings – what you save and what you let go – shapes the overall feeling of the life story you’re recreating. It’s a cozy experience, but with a surprisingly thoughtful core, and a truly original idea that I’m excited to see developed.

4. Chronicles Reborn

Another Survival Game, But There’s More

Brightwyn Games

I’m a big fan of survival games, so I’ve played quite a few. I wasn’t sure Chronicles Reborn would be anything special, but it surprised me. It includes many of the features you’d expect – collecting materials, crafting tools, exploring various environments, building a home base, and gradually becoming more powerful – but it does them well.

This game focuses a lot on making progress, particularly through finding lost knowledge. Unlike many games where you unlock things simply by collecting materials, here progress feels more connected to exploring the world and interacting with it.

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It’s not groundbreaking, and that’s okay. It’s a well-made version of a familiar concept, and a few interesting additions could really make it stand out when the final version is released.

3. The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker 2

Every Answer Raises Another Question

D’Avekki Studios Ltd

Games that use full-motion video, or FMV, have a unique charm, and Doctor Dekker 2 embraces that classic style rather than trying to update it. You take on the role of a psychiatrist, interviewing patients to uncover a mystery. As you investigate, you’ll realize that no one is telling the whole truth. The gameplay revolves around asking questions and connecting the answers, which starts off straightforward but quickly becomes a test of your ability to discern what’s real.

This game really makes you focus – you need to carefully listen to what’s said, recall important details, and piece things together on your own to figure out who to believe. When you make a mistake, it feels particularly impactful because of this. While FMV games aren’t for everyone, this one feels like a really well-defined and confident experience.

2. NINE ROUNDS RAPID

Everything Is Falling Apart, Including You

SOUTH WESTERLY GAMES

This game was wonderfully chaotic, but in a way that felt intentional. You start on a space station that’s falling apart, and everything – the enemies, the surroundings, and even how the game flows – feels a little unpredictable and unstable.

This game is a roguelite with some unique features. The most notable is its time manipulation – you can slow down, rewind, or create breathing room during battles, which really changes how you play. There’s a lot of depth in building your character too, with weapons, upgrades, and abilities that combine in many different ways, letting you customize each playthrough. It’s flexible without being overly generous – you earn your progress.

There’s a charm to its imperfect, hand-drawn look – the slightly messy lines and subtle imperfections. Even though the overall idea isn’t entirely new, it all combines to create a unique and memorable style.

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2026-04-05 19:41