Best Indie Games That Merge Genres

Summary

Indie games blend genres for experimental gameplay.
Slay the Spire fuses deck-building with dungeon-crawling.
Forgotten City mixes RPG, puzzle, and roguelike elements.

In the world of AAA gaming, it might seem like innovation is scarce due to the need to satisfy shareholders and an extensive audience for higher earnings. Yet, it’s the independent game sector that truly pushes boundaries, especially when blending different genres altogether.

Indie games are a rich source of experimental ideas, blending various genres such as deck-building with roguelike dungeon crawls, space exploration with puzzle horror, and so on. The games on this list have been ranked based not only on their quality but also on how effectively they integrate these hybrid genres.

8. Slay The Spire

Dungeon-Crawling Roguelike With A Helping Of Deckbuilding

Currently, deck-building games are dominating the independent gaming market as one of the most favored subgenres. However, it’s worth noting that Slay the Spire deserves considerable recognition for demonstrating the versatility and excellence of the deck-builder format when combined with other genres.

For the game “Slay the Spire“, the dungeon-crawling roguelike aspects are vital in ensuring the game’s high replay value and endless combinations. The game masterfully creates a desire for “one more try” and rewards unusual builds and bold, creative card selections. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for newcomers to the genre.

7. Into The Breach

4D Chess That Blends Grand Strategy With Puzzle And RPG

In the independent gaming sector, Subset Games are undoubtedly revered figures. They were instrumental in kick-starting the indie revolution in the early 2010s and have consistently produced games that offer complex mechanics yet retain a simple elegance, making them timeless classics. One of their finest creations is “Into the Breach”.

In the game titled “Into the Breach“, players assume command over a team of mechanical units on a board reminiscent of a chessboard. Their mission is to safeguard structures from insectoid creatures known as bugs. Initially, it appears to be a straightforward strategy game; however, the complexity grows significantly as elements of role-playing games (RPG), grand strategy, and puzzle gaming are seamlessly integrated into the experience. The result is an exceptionally challenging yet highly satisfying tactical gaming experience that stands among the best in its genre.

6. The Forgotten City

Roguelike Meets Puzzles And RPG Elements

In the realm of gaming, it’s widely acknowledged that independent studios are incomparable when it comes to fostering creativity, despite having smaller budgets. For instance, “The Forgotten City” began as a mod for “Skyrim,” but its complete version, set in Ancient Rome, showcases the incredible ingenuity of indie developers and deserves wider attention from gamers.

In a blend of first-person role-playing games, puzzle adventures, and roguelike elements, The Forgotten City presents an engaging narrative about a contemporary explorer trapped in a time loop within a sunken Roman city. To unravel the enigma, players must employ wit with time mechanics, delve into exploration, and strategically manipulate ingenious gameplay mechanisms. This exceptional game is undoubtedly one of the standouts from the 2020s gaming landscape.

5. FTL: Faster Than Light

Perfectly Mixes Roguelike With Strategy

While Subset Games undoubtedly solidified their standing as one of the top players in the industry with the release of Into The Breach, it was their groundbreaking game, FTL: Faster Than Light, that catapulted them onto the global stage.

In this space-themed game, players find themselves in charge of a spaceship, its team, and a hazardous voyage through the galaxy, aiming to dodge a menacing enemy fleet. It’s an incredibly challenging game where every resource is valuable, choices are tough, and the difficulty level is renowned for being steep. However, it offers immense satisfaction, making it a popular choice in numerous Steam collections.

4. Inscryption

Roguelike And Deckbuilding With Horror Flavor

Daniel Mullins is well-known in the independent gaming community as a trailblazer. His games are not afraid to go against the norm and shatter conventional boundaries so significantly that they can never be restored, frequently incorporating horror elements, and this quality is particularly evident in Inscryption.

In the game named Inscryption, players find themselves in a wooden cabin facing an enigmatic character known as Leshy. He invites them for a lethal card game. Initially, it seems like just a card game, but Inscryption unveils itself to be far more than that. Disclosing any further details might ruin the surprise. To truly appreciate its depth, one must experience it firsthand.

3. Stardew Valley

A Perfect Marriage Of Life-Sim, Farming Sim, And Visual Novel

Many gamers nostalgically recall their times playing Harvest Moon on the GameCube, which they remember alongside games like Animal Crossing. However, the farm-simulation genre seems to have hit a roadblock, as no major studios have managed to create a worthy successor to this beloved game.

Step into the world of “Stardew Valley”, a farm-simulation game that could very well be hailed as the finest ever created. This unique title masterfully blends elements of RPG, life simulation, visual novels, and farm simulation to create an exceptionally engaging depiction of rural living. The game’s enduring appeal has fostered a dedicated community who have tirelessly produced comprehensive guides to ensure new farmers get off to the right start in their first few years on the farm. This game is a shining example of indie gaming’s creativity and one of the top games of the 2010s.

2. Hades

A Masterful Blend Of RPG, Visual Novel, And Roguelike Genres

In simpler terms, Hades was a massive hit when it launched in 2020, solidifying Supergiant Games as stars within the indie gaming world. Previously known for their adored creations, with Hades, they took center stage globally and delivered one of the finest games of the 2020s, leaving many AAA developers in awe.

Hades is an engaging game that combines elements of action, role-playing, visual novels, and roguelike genres, offering a captivating journey through the underworld as player-character Zagreus repeatedly attempts his escape from the depths of Tartarus. This persistent challenge, set against the backdrop of the gods’ disapproval, keeps players hooked. It stands out as one of the finest roguelikes ever created, and continues to be a benchmark in the genre to this day.

1. Outer Wilds

Sci-Fi Exploration Meets Roguelike

The acclaim surrounding “Outer Wilds” has become almost mythical, and its devotees are unwavering in their appreciation for the game. Onlookers may struggle to understand the appeal, but this is because “Outer Wilds” is a game centered on exploration. To disclose details about it freely risks ruining some of its most impactful experiences.

Without a doubt, Outer Wilds masterfully combines sci-fi exploration with roguelike elements in a unique, engaging, and emotionally impactful manner that continues to delight gamers worldwide. It stands tall among the best games ever created, making it a worthy addition at the top of this list.

2025-07-04 09:34