2025's Best Indie Games Are Discounted In Steam's Winter Sale

"2025 has been the most incredible year for indie gaming. Rather than one ultra-standout game, like last year's Balatro ( 15 percent off), we've been treated to a wide array of small-team, small-budget creations that have broken through to wider attention. And right now, nearly all of them are available at a decent discount in Steam's Winter Sale."

"Every year seems to have an indie climbing hit, and this year it's the wonderful Peak. Ideally played in co-op, you and some buddies attempt to climb a mountain with the constant risk of making a mistake and pulling all your friends into disaster. And earlier this year it added cannibalism! Peak is currently 38 percent off, making it only $5."

"One of the most striking and astonishing games in 2025, Eclipsium takes the walking simulator and turns it into a breathtaking work of horror and surrealism, with artwork like nothing else that's ever existed. I spoke to the developer about how it was created here. At 20 percent off, it's yours this holiday for just $10. One of the most popular indie games of 2025, roguelite beat 'em up Absolum is absolutely drowning in incredible reviews. It comes from the same team that brought us 2020's Streets of Rage 4 ( 65 percent off), and likely would have scooped a bunch of awards this year if a certain other game hadn't stolen them. Its already bargain price is now 20 percent lower, at $20."

2025 delivered a wide range of notable small-team, small-budget indie games that reached broader attention and are currently discounted in Steam's Winter Sale. The year emphasized variety rather than a single dominant release, with many accomplished titles vying for attention. Peak emerged as a cooperative climbing hit featuring high-risk mechanics and a recent cannibalism update, now 38 percent off at $5. Eclipsium reimagined the walking simulator as a surreal horror experience with unique artwork, priced at $10 after a 20 percent discount. Absolum, a popular roguelite beat 'em up from the Streets of Rage 4 team, is currently $20.

Read at Kotaku