This year has been another great one for indie games so far and it seems the trend is keeping up in this second half.
To organize myself, I decided to make a list of the indie games I’m most looking forward to that are still planned to come out this year. Emphasis on indie!
1. Orbitals – Releasing on September 3rd for Switch 2
Grab a friend and launch into Orbitals, an intergalactic 2-player co-op adventure set in a wholly new retro anime world.
Team up as Maki and Omura, two inseparable explorers with a whole lot more determination than experience. You’ll brave the perils of space in search of help for their crumbling station home, now trapped within a supernatural cosmic storm.
Our duo must venture beyond the storm and into the unknown in a desperate bid to save their home. It’ll take brains, bravery, and teamwork to make it through!
Orbitals has been on my radar since I saw it in one of the Nintendo Directs this year. The 80s/90s anime aesthetic feels so nostalgic for me and I think the game will look great, judging by the trailers.
Plus, it seems Orbitals will offer a free “Global Friend’s Pass” which allows a second player to join in without having to buy a copy of the game themselves (as long as the first player owns one) – though you do need a Nintendo Online subscription to play together online. Plus it looks like there will also be a demo on release, though only for local co-op. (source)
Wishlist it on the Nintendo eShop. The game will also have a physical release!
2. Magical Blush – Releasing on September 10 for PC
Magical Blush is a top-down action-adventure where fast-paced elemental combat meets Metroidvania-style exploration. Chain spell combos, exploit elemental weaknesses, rescue survivors, and battle the powerful Elemental Lords as you explore the wondrous world of Wyn.
Undoubtedly one of my favorite demos of the year, Magical Blush is coming out so soon and I’m excited! I actually received a copy of the game to review, so I will publish a review after release.
I’ve been super interested in action-adventure games this year and Magical Blush has so many elements (pun not intended) that make it a well-rounded, fun to play game for me (judging by the demo): the exploration, variation in combat with the spells mechanic, different biomes, head-scratching puzzles, beautiful graphics with a banger soundtrack.
Fingers crossed that the full game will also feel fun to play!
Wishlist it on Steam.
3. Dressmaker – Releasing on September 21 for PC
Become a dressmaker! Choose fabric, cut out patterns, and sew them all together to satisfy (or sabotage!) townsfolk in this cozy crafting game inspired by real dressmaking.
If you’ve read more than a couple of posts in the blog you might be able to tell that Dressmaker is right up my alley. I love cozy shop management games with a tactile element, bonus points if I don’t have the skills to do the thing in real life.
Wishlist it on Steam.
4. TOEM 2 – Releasing on September 29 for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Step back into the shoes of a curious photographer and set off on a brand new adventure all about uncovering hidden details, helping friends along the way, and documenting the world’s little wonders in TOEM 2, the sequel to the acclaimed TOEM.
I played the first TOEM this year and absolutely loved it, so getting its sequel is a no-brainer for me. Plus I really want to see in action the changes they made to the previous art style, now a mix of 2D and 3D.
Wishlist it on Steam.
5. Colorbound – Releasing in October for PC, PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Series, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
In Colorbound, color is more than just hue. As Anku, an Aymara boy with a unique gift, you’ll harness the power of color to shape the environment itself, uncovering hidden paths to navigate challenging and complex puzzles.
I fell in love with Colorbound playing its demo. It was one of those rare ones where I played it until I hit the wall, but it left me wanting more. So I’m really glad that it’s coming very soon!
The demo is still available for now. If you like cute puzzle games that are not too stressful, I definitely recommend giving it a try.
Wishlist it on Steam.
6. Wetter – Releasing on November 11 for PC
Explore a misty, rainy island region. Discover cozy havens and uncover lost memories to see the world in a new light. What will you make of your past?
Wetter has been on my radar for a few months but it was only very recently that I got to experience it a little bit through its playtest. And coincidentally, the main character is also called Luna!
I liked the setup of the story, where you lost your memories many years ago and only now you’re able to dig deeper to uncover your past. All with a very rainy backdrop.
Wishlist it on Steam.
7. Bulbo’s Belief System – Releasing in November 2026 for PC
Bulbo’s Belief System is a puzzle-platformer where knowledge is both a tool and an obstacle. Bulbo believes everything he’s told, letting him see, move, and interact, but he can forget! Erase walls from existence, ignore gravity and manage conflicting beliefs to solve cute mind-bending challenges.
Another demo that I mentioned in my last Next Fest recap, and another head-scratching puzzle that I just wanted to play one more level…
Wishlist it on Steam.
8. Grave Seasons – Releasing during Fall 2026 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch
Grave Seasons is a narrative farming sim with a terrifying twist – someone in the town is a supernatural serial killer. Farm, romance, and investigate your way through the unsettling town of Ashenridge.
Initially set to release in August and then delayed to Fall 2026, Grave Seasons might be the game on this list that people in the indie community are hyped about. “Cozy horror” seems to be trending these days and I’m really interested to see how Grave Seasons is going to play like.
Wishlist it on Steam.
9. Milki Delivery – Releasing in 2026 (release date to be announced)
Rebuild a community one bottle at a time in this tiny delivery adventure with your pet cow Milki. Gather resources and upgrade your barn, then bike along dirt paths, breezy meadows, and seaside docks to bring fresh milk back to the sleepy countryside.
Milki Delivery is an upcoming game by Blibloop and Doot, who also worked on Minami Lane and Kabuto Park previously, two short and (super) sweet games, so it’s no surprise that I’m keeping a close eye on this release. They posted on social media that the date announcement is coming… I’m excited!
Wishlist it on Steam.
Are you looking forward to any games still releasing this year?
-Luna
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