But video games aren’t just all AAA titles with budgets in the tens and hundreds of millions. We’re swimming in hotly anticipated indie games that have filled up our wishlists. Below are 12 indies coming out this summer we can’t wait to play, ordered by their release dates. (And for the purpose of this list, we stuck to games with confirmed release dates, so no games like Orbitals with just “summer 2026” release windows.)
1
Stonemachia
Release date: May 26
Where to play: Windows PC
Stonemachia is a Soulslike, but instead of playing as a Tarnished or stylish hunter, you play as a chess piece — specifically, a lowly pawn who can transform into other chess pieces in battle. The architecture and open levels of Stonemachia look right at home next to a Soulslike like Elden Ring, while some enemies are inspired by Italian art and folklore. You can try out a demo for Stonemachia ahead of its Steam release.
2
868-Back
Release date: May 28
Where to play: Windows PC
Your goal in 868-Back is to “dismantle capitalism one server at a time,” so, yeah, I’m sold. It’s a roguelike where each run finds you setting out to hack into mega corporations and steal data they have on ordinary people. Runs play out over server grids, and digital enemies (who almost look like Pac-Man’s ghosts) chase you around trying to disconnect you. Get a taste of its hacking-infused runs via 868-Back’s demo on Steam.
3
The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time
Release date: May 28
Where to play: Windows PC
The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time is a very meta deduction puzzle game that wants you to answer: “What is the Greatest RPG of All Time?” It’s set in the ending of a “lost non-existent 90s JRPG.” The game will even include fictional bonus content for its made-up RPG, like a manual and documentary clips about the game, which you’ll use to uncover its secrets.
4
Mina the Hollower
Release date: May 29
Where to play: PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Mina the Hollower is Yacht Club Games’ first non-Shovel Knight game. It’s an action-packed 2D platformer with 8-bit graphics straight outta the Game Boy Color era. You play as a mouse, equipped with a whip and more weapons, and take full advantage of her burrow ability by escaping underground to dodge enemies or access gated areas. After a recent preview, Polygon said, “There’s a level of depth to [Mina the Hollower] that already goes far beyond retro nostalgia recreation.”
5
My Little Puppy
Release date: May 29
Where to play: PS5, Switch
My Little Puppy originally was released last year on Steam, but escaped the attention of even this dog game lover. I won’t have that happen again this summer as it arrives on PS5 and Switch. My Little Puppy follows Bong-gu the Welsh Corgi in dog heaven as he catches his human’s scent and sets off to find him. It’s an emotional adventure (obviously) and Bong-gu will seek out help along the way. Also John Wick shows up?
6
Calx
Release date: June 4
Where to play: Windows PC
I very much enjoyed Sable and its Moebius-inspired visuals, and the upcoming Calx shares a similar eye-catching aesthetic. It’s a gorgeous exploration-focused game that finds you venturing across a corrupted alien planet. Movement is heavily emphasized, but you also solve puzzles and take down enemies. Calx will come to consoles later this year, but you can check out a demo on Steam now.
7
Swan Song
Release date: June 4
Where to play: Windows PC
Though described as “cozy,” expect Swan Song to get heavy. It’s a puzzler set entirely in a music box and, as you solve puzzles, you “uncover a touching story of family, loss and grief.” The puzzles are infused with music and find you guiding a swan out of the magical music box. Explore the demo on Steam to get a feel for the puzzles (and to get your groove on).
8
Denshattack!
Release date: June 17
Where to play: PS5, Switch 2, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Denshattack! undoubtedly earns that exclamation point in its title; from its reveal, the wild 3D platformer instantly became one of our most anticipated games of the year. The premise is simple: control a high-speed train in kinetic platforming gameplay, kickflipping and railgrinding your way through Japan. See what the excitement’s all about via its demo not just on Steam, but also on Nintendo eShop for Switch 2.
9
D-topia
Release date: July 14
Where to play: PS5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Indie publisher Annapurna Interactive is already having a great summer after the release of Mixtape, and will look to follow that up with D-topia. It’s a puzzle adventure game that grapples with the difficulty of trying to craft a utopia, and wonders what a utopia would even look like. You play as a facilitator who helps people whose problems can easily be solved by technology, exploring the tension between humans and technological tools, like AI. (Very timely!) Dive into D-topia’s demo on Steam.
Release date: June 22
Where to play: Switch, Windows PC
Dark Scrolls’ release date was recently pushed back a month to June 22 to avoid coming out right next to Mina the Hollower, and you can see why. They both have similar art styles and retro platforming gameplay. Dark Scrolls is a fantasy roguelike that can be played solo or in co-op multiplayer with nine distinct heroes to choose from. Player choice and the quests you tackle will shape your runs as they play out over hand-crafted rooms.