In the wake of numerous astonishing indie game releases last year, one might assume it’s challenging for 2022 to reach the same level. Surprisingly, this year is equally brimming with impressive gaming experiences. Independent creators bring forth a slew of triple “I” games, ranging from action-packed kung fu epics to unsettling yet charming community builders. In chronological order of release dates, here’s our most anticipated indie games list for 2022.
Sifu
Release Date: February 8
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
February is set to be a gaming extravaganza with titles like “Dying Light 2: Stay Human,” “Horizon Forbidden West,” “Destiny 2: The Witch Queen,” and “Elden Ring” all slated for release. However, we’re keen on spending the first half of February dodging fists and kicks, navigating the breathtakingly designed criminal underworld of Sloclap’s “Sifu.”
Tunic
Release Date: March 16
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
What do you get when you mix a small fox, a sword and shield, a beautiful world, and intense combat? One of our most anticipated games of 2022: “Tunic.” The official release date was unveiled at The Game Awards, leaving fans with just a few months of anticipation. Tunic’s previous demos showcased its cleverly designed world and intense combat, and we hope to discover more beloved elements in the full game.
Weird West
Release Date: March 31
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Although initially scheduled for January, “Weird West” is still fast approaching. This action RPG combines immersive simulation with dual-stick shooting, plunging you into a realm of cowboys, undead, and dusty landscapes. The game seems determined to earn its title by blending expected Western tropes with peculiar horror elements. Intrigued after a hands-on experience, we’re ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of Weird West.
Sons of the Forest
Release Date: May 20
Platforms: PC
Endnight Games’ 2018 release, “The Forest,” combined engaging survival mechanics with a disturbing world and narrative. With the upcoming sequel, “Sons of the Forest,” the developers seem poised to deliver even more spine-chilling fun. Details about this sequel are scarce, but the trailer showcases new building possibilities, unsettling mutated enemies, and powerful weapons. We’ll have to wait for the release to uncover the unsettling narrative twists awaiting players in “Sons of the Forest.”
Bear and Breakfast
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Switch, PC
If you prefer your forest-building experiences cozy rather than nauseating, give “Bear and Breakfast” a try. Playing as a bear named Hank, you discover a rundown inn in the forest and feel inspired to turn it into the best lodge within your capabilities. Your task is to personally transform this dilapidated place into the best retreat you can manage.
Cult of the Lamb
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: PC
Look! Our woolly leader, rejoice! “Cult of the Lamb” lets you build a community, gather resources to construct essential buildings, and immerse yourself in a captivating hand-drawn world. The catch? You’re the leader of a dark cult, performing rituals to please mysterious deities and battling other cult leaders to gain more authority. The quest to become a powerful lamb is set to begin sometime this year, planned for PC release initially, but we hope to see “Cult of the Lamb” on other platforms.
Dordogne
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Switch, PC
“Dordogne” is a painterly journey of memories, following Mimi as she relives her childhood in the southern France countryside. A recent extended gameplay demo showcased players walking along leafy country paths, observing plants, capturing beautiful watercolor landscapes, recording the sound of distant bells, and then documenting all these experiences in a worn-out notebook. With its watercolor aesthetic, relaxed gameplay, and personal story, “Dordogne” seems to be a poignant and serene game.
Lil Gator Game
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Switch, PC
From its vibrant world to the personified protagonist, “Lil Gator Game” exudes delightful energy with a hint of irreverent humor. The game caught our attention with a short demo released last year. In this game, you embark on a childlike quest, trying to distract your sister from her homework to play with you.
Navigating this world, defeating cardboard enemies, and interacting with quirky NPCs is a joy, making it one of our most anticipated indie games this year.
Little Devil Inside
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Since the debut of “Little Devil Inside” two years ago, we’ve been eagerly awaiting to see what adventures unfold for this lost little cat in a cyberpunk world filled with robots. During Annapurna’s first dedicated showcase, we got a glimpse of the cat hero making friends with a helpful robot, encountering suspicious NPCs, and navigating a perilous world. “Little Devil Inside” is set to release in 2022, and while we await another trailer and an exact release date, our curiosity continues to grow.
Loot River
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Few games seamlessly integrate puzzle-solving into action, but “Loot River” does so in a clever way. As you traverse a river teeming with hostile creatures and fast-paced conflicts, you’ll transition from one battle to another by altering the world itself.
Floating on the water’s surface are Tetris-like blocks you manipulate with one hand while using the other to strike enemies. Even the best players should expect to die frequently, finding themselves in a narratively rich hub where the story unfolds.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Night School Studio’s acclaimed work, “Oxenfree,” surprises us with the sequel “Oxenfree II: Lost Signals,” set to land on PC and consoles later this year. Originally planned for a fall 2021 release, we know little about the sequel. However, it promises to unfold within the supernatural space of its predecessor. Protagonist Riley sets out to investigate unexplained radio signals in her hometown, but things quickly spiral out of control. As you progress, the decisions you make will impact everything.
Planet of Lana
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Now with composer Takeshi Furukawa, known for his work on “The Last Guardian,” “Planet of Lana” is shaping up to be a standout in our must-play games of 2022. This sci-fi story revolves around a girl and her benevolent companion, facing a group of chilling machine threats in her magnificent world. While violence doesn’t seem to be the key to overcoming these threats, what we’ve seen of “Planet of Lana” so far showcases puzzle challenges and quiet journeys.
Somerville
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
While awe-inspiring events may be unfolding around you, extraordinary alien technology shrouds the horizon, but “Somerville” focuses on the smaller things. Don’t expect to single-handedly fend off invasions or become Earth’s ultimate super-defense force. “Somerville” explores how this extraordinary situation affects ordinary people. Your mission in this game is to repair your family after incredible circumstances and uncover some of their secrets.
Stray
Release Date: 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Since its debut two years ago, “Stray” has kept us waiting to see what adventures unfold for this lost cat in a cyberpunk world filled with robots.
Annapurna revealed some information about the game during its first dedicated showcase. We saw the cat hero making friends with a useful robot, encountering suspicious NPCs, and navigating the dangerous world. “Stray” is set to release in 2022, and while we hope to see another trailer and an exact release date soon, our anticipation remains high.
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