Best Indie Games on Switch

The Switch is the home of indie games — its portable form factor suits them perfectly, and the eShop is full of small, brilliant titles that often cost a fraction of a full release. This guide rounds up the best indie games on Switch, with a deal-hunter's eye on value.

For the full catalogue ranked by critic score, see the best Switch games list; for current indie discounts, the eShop deals page.

Essential Indies

• Hollow Knight — a vast, atmospheric Metroidvania and one of the best-value games on the platform.
• Hades — a roguelike action game with superb combat and writing.
• Celeste — a precise, moving platformer about climbing a mountain.
• Stardew Valley — the farming life-sim phenomenon; endless content for a tiny price.
• Dead Cells — a fast, replayable roguelike Metroidvania.

Story and Atmosphere

• Disco Elysium — a deep narrative RPG with no combat at all.
• Outer Wilds — an open-world mystery best played knowing nothing.
• Undertale and Deltarune — genre-bending RPGs with heart and humour.

Pick-Up-and-Play

• Vampire Survivors — absurdly moreish and very cheap.
• Tetris Effect: Connected — the definitive modern Tetris.
• Untitled Goose Game — a comedy stealth-puzzle about being a horrible goose.

Why Indies Are Great Value

Indie games launch cheaper than AAA titles and discount frequently and deeply — 50-75% off is common in sales. Because so many are short-to-medium length, the cost-per-hour of fun is excellent. Several are also among the best free Switch games when they go free-to-play or get free updates.

Getting the Best Price

The best time to buy an indie is during a big seasonal sale (see our eShop sale guide), when discounts stack deepest. Always check the price history on the game page first — some indies are permanently cheap and rarely go lower, while others see genuine all-time lows only a couple of times a year. Watch the live eShop deals and set wishlist alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best indie games on the Switch?

Hollow Knight, Hades, Celeste, Stardew Valley and Dead Cells are widely regarded as the best indie games on Switch. For something story-driven, Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds stand out. See the best Switch games list for the full critic-ranked catalogue.

Are indie games cheaper than big Switch games?

Usually, yes. Indie games launch at lower prices than AAA titles and discount more frequently and deeply, often 50-75% off in sales. Check the price history on any game's page to confirm the current price is a genuine low.

Are there free indie games on Switch?

Yes. A number of indie and indie-style games are free-to-play on the eShop. See the complete free Switch games list to find them.

When is the best time to buy indie games on Switch?

During the big seasonal eShop sales, when indie discounts are deepest. See our guide to the eShop sales for the cycle, and check the live deals for what is on sale right now.