Top 10 Indie Games to Play in 2021
Indie games hold a special place in our heart here at Hardcore Droid. These standout titles bring amazing gameplay and stories without the backing of major game publishers. 2021 may have a lot going on, but we’re here to make sure you know what indie titles you should check out. Here’s a list of 10 of the best Android indie games you need to play in 2021.
10. Dead Cells
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a failed alchemic experiment, then Dead Cells is the game for you. This roguevania action platformer developed by Playdigious has players fight through monstrous enemies over a series of intense levels. The game follows a nonlinear progression system. Players unlock new levels with every death. In addition, players can choose between original and auto-hit game modes, set up custom touch control options and use an external controller. Fans of 2D platformers with gothic settings should definitely dive into Dead Cells.
9. Oxenfree
Nothing says disaster like a group of friends opening a ghostly rift. Developed by Night School Studios, Oxenfree has players take on the role of Alex. She is a rebellious teenager who goes to an overnight party only to open a long-lost ghost portal. In addition, players decide how Alex interacts with her peers and the phantom threat that is unleashed. Therefore relationships and the story change based on the player’s choices. Oxenfree is an immersive supernatural mystery for gamers to solve.
8. Terraria
Gamers looking to build, explore and fight will instantly fall in love with Terraria. The hit indie game developed by Re-Logic has found homes on PC, console and mobile platforms. This procedurally generated 2D hybrid action/sandbox game allows you to create your own city and combat various creatures. There are over 400 enemies and 20 biomes for players to traverse. The game also features multiplayer for friends who want to build and explore new worlds together. Terraria is such a standout title at Hardcore Droid that we even featured it in our list of the Best Indie Games for Android 2020.
7. Botanicula
Evil parasites have invaded your home tree! It’s up to you and your friends to save the last seed. Botanicula, by Amanita Design, provides players with a unique point-and-click adventure that takes place over 150 locations. The game is the winner of the IGF Excellence in Audio Award and IndieCade’s award for Story/World Design. Botanicula is a whimsical adventure for both hardcore and casual gamers alike. Players will fall in love with the quaint tree creatures as they quest to save their seed and build a new home.
6. Forgotten Anne
Gamers looking to get immersed in a meaningful story need look no further. Forgotten Anne tells the tale of a magical world called the Forgotten Lands. Everything lost and forgotten ends up there. Players take on the role of Anne, the enforcer of the Forgotten Lands. She must stop an uprising of Forgotlings who want to return to the human world. Developer Hitcents provides a game that focuses on light puzzle platforming and an entertaining story. Players looking to try Forgotten Anne can download a free demo from the Google Play store.
5. Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery
Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery sees players in the role of a private detective who receives a letter from his father asking for help. The detective travels to the town of Redcliff, only to discover the town abandoned. Players will journey through fully 3D levels as they find clues, solve puzzles and interact with the world. Developer Kiary Games promises a detective story with unexpected plot twists. Every gamer who’s dreamed of having their own Sherlock Holmes-esque adventures should play this game.
4. The Silent Age
Stuck between a dystopian future and a groovy past, one janitor stands in the way of human extinction. A dying man from the future has given Joe this lofty task. He must travel through time, from 1972 to post-apocalyptic 2012, using a portable device. This point-and-click adventure developed by House on Fire features an eerie soundtrack to immerse players in their quest. Gameplay focuses on puzzle solving and exploring the dystopian futures that will result if particular events are not prevented. The Silent Age, which received praise for its deep story, proves to be an excellent entry for all apocalypse time travel lovers to enjoy.
3. Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is the game that keeps on slaying. This deckbuilder has risen to the top of the indie charts, stretching across multiple platforms for players to enjoy. MegaCrit studio originally released Slay the Spire on PC to critical acclaim. As a result publisher Humble Bundle has since ported the game to consoles and mobile. The game features procedurally generated levels and four characters for players to choose from, each with unique cards and abilities. Players will climb the ever-changing Spire while discovering powerful relics and pick which cards will lead them to victory. Tough mini bosses appear every few levels with one major boss waiting at the end of each tier of the Spire. Strategy gamers will get lost in their quest to conquer the Spire.
2. Lucid Dream Adventure
If you’ve ever wanted to try lucid dreaming, then playing Lucid Dream Adventure won’t help. However, this game award nominee by Dali Games does give players a thriller adventure filled with dream interpretation though. The game proved so popular that it spawned two sequels. Both are available for purchase on the Google Play store. Lucid Dream Adventure follows Lucy, a little girl fighting for her dying mother. Each level is full of mini-games and escape room sequences with major secrets and artefacts to uncover. Players will point and click their way through riddles and plot twists. Along the way they’ll solve the mysteries of the dream world. Sporting HD graphics and easy controls, players shouldn’t sleep on this game.
1. Stardew Valley
No list of the best Android indie games would be complete without the hit sensation Stardew Valley. Developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone sold over 10 million copies by 2020. So of course Stardew Valley made the jump to Android and iOS. This gave all mobile gamers the chance to socialize with townspeople, raise livestock and run their own dream farm. Up to three people can play together online, and players have free reign to play the game as they wish. Choose from 12 NPCs to romance and marry, regardless of gender, and even start a family. Stardew Valley won the Golden Joystick Breakthrough Award and has been nominated for many others. These awards showcase its groundbreaking status among indie titles. Fans of open-ended games will find a happy home in Stardew Valley with over 50+ hours of content to enjoy.
Did you enjoy our list of the best Android indie games in 2021? Check out some of Hardcore Droid’s other lists like The Top 10 Best-Looking Android Games and Best Android RPGs 2021.
