11 Indie and AA Games You Can’t Miss This Summer 2025
Get ready for a summer full of surprises in 2025! While everyone’s talking about the big AAA releases and the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it’s actually the indie and AA gems that are making the hottest waves this season. From wild roguelikes to chill bookshop sims, there’s something here for every kind of player. Let’s dive into 11 fresh games you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
- Indie and AA games leading the summer 2025 lineup
- Key releases and their platforms
- Short descriptions highlighting unique gameplay
- Links to demos and more info, where available
The Alters
Ever wondered what it’d be like to work with alternate versions of yourself? That’s exactly what you’ll do in The Alters. As Jan Dolski, stranded and fighting for survival, you’ll build a base and collaborate with your own clones, each with a unique personality. Expect deep storytelling and tough choices. Available now on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
BloodRush: Undying Wish
If you’re a fan of Bloodborne or just crave frantic action, check out BloodRush: Undying Wish. This hack-‘n’-slash roguelike keeps you bleeding out unless you keep up the carnage—think Crank with swords! The pixel art is stunning, and you can already try a demo on Steam:
BloodRush: Undying Wish Demo.
Wheel World
Love open-world adventures? In Wheel World (previously Ghost Bike), you’ll save the world on two wheels. Customize your bike, explore, and enjoy a story that’s shifted to a lighter, more joyful tone about biking freedom. Play it July 23 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. For more details, check the developer update on Steam:
Wheel World on Steam.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Fans of retro action, rejoice! Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the classic side-scrolling formula back, complete with modern pixel art. If you loved the old NES titles, this one’s for you. Want to get a taste of the challenge? Try the Steam demo:
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Demo.
Launching July 31 on almost every major platform.
Panta Rhei
Time-bending puzzles and roguelike combat await in Panta Rhei. Step into the shoes of Phi and manipulate time to overcome both enemies and obstacles. The unique art style is reminiscent of Cocoon, and you can already play the demo here:
Panta Rhei Demo.
Available July 31 for Windows PC.
Artis Impact
In Artis Impact, join Arkane and her AI buddy Bot as they explore a world filled with rogue AI and delicious potato croquettes. Expect a cool mix of turn-based battles and cozy daily activities like cooking. Out August 7 on Windows PC.
Tiny Bookshop
Book lovers, this one’s for you! Tiny Bookshop lets you run your own cozy bookshop in a seaside town. Decorate your mobile store, hunt for rare books, and recommend titles to locals. The stress-free gameplay makes it a perfect chill-out title. Available August 7 on Windows PC.
Sword of the Sea
If you loved Abzû or The Pathless, Sword of the Sea is a must-play. Glide on your Hoversword, surfing across waves of sand in a beautifully stylized world. It’s all about movement and restoring an ancient ocean. Ride out August 19 on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC.
The Knightling
Ever wanted to use a shield like Captain America? In The Knightling, your shield is both weapon and surfboard! The open world is packed with platforming fun and PS2-era vibes. Check out the Steam demo:
The Knightling Demo.
Release date: August 28 on all major platforms.
Hirogami
Step into a world made entirely of origami in Hirogami. Transform into different paper creatures to solve puzzles and fight digital threats. Want to fold into action? Try the demo on Steam:
Hirogami Demo.
Out September 3 for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC.
Hell is Us
Looking for something dark but less punishing than a typical Soulslike? Hell is Us focuses more on exploration than brutal combat, with enemies that stay dead and a mysterious, war-torn world to uncover. Take on the journey September 4 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
Indie Summer 2025: One to Remember!
So, whether you’re into deep stories, fast action, or just want to relax in a virtual bookshop, this summer’s lineup has something for you. Don’t sleep on these indies and AA titles—they’re the real stars of 2025!
