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Here, I've brought together some of the most exciting upcoming indie games for 2026 to help you fill up your wishlists and keep track of all that's ahead.
With a host of new games in the indie scene on the way, I've brought together some highlights that are coming in the near future in order of release date so you can easily see what's dropping soon, as well as some upcoming releases landing later in the year and beyond. With picks across all platforms, you're sure to find something to look forward to here.
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Wax Heads
Release date: May 5, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
Wax Heads from developer Patattie Games is a new narrative "cozy-punk" sim that will see you take up the job of trying to help out a struggling record store. As you get to know the locals and regulars who pop by, you can puzzle your way to working out the perfect musical recommendations for your customers. With a eye-catching art style and music at its heart, Wax Heads looks like one to watch out for.
Mixtape
Release date: May 7, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2
Mixtape is a new narrative adventure from Artful Escape developer, Beethoven and Dinosaur. Described as a musical retrospective, the story follows a group of friends as they head to a party on their last night together. As they make their way, you'll be taken back through musically-infused reenactments of their formative memories together.
Everything is Crab
Release date: May 8, 2026
Platform(s): PC
Everything is Crab is a new animal evolution roguelite from developer Odd Dreams Digital. Playing a bit like Spore, you make choices to bring to life your own unique crab-like creature in every run, both in terms of their look and what abilities they have. With so many combinations and possibilities to play around with, you make your own ecosystem with various evolutionary stages.
Call of the Elder Gods
Release date: May 12, 2026
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
From the same developer behind 2020's Call of the Sea, Call of the Elder Gods is a first-person puzzle game that follows the story of professor Harry Everhart and student Evangeline Drayton. Both are experiencing some strangeness at Miskatonic University. As they work together to get some answers, you'll try to uncover ancient secrets.
Thrifty Business
Release date: May 18, 2026
Platform(s): PC
From the same developer behind Sticky Business comes Thrifty Business, a new management sim that sees you run your very own '90's-inspired thrift store. With an invitingly colorful pixelated art style, it promises to be a laid back experience where you can customize your store, organized and place pre-loved items, and get to know the local customers.
Paralives
Release date: May 25, 2025 [Early Access]
Platform(s): PC
Set to release in Early Access, Paralives is a new upcoming sandbox life sim that looks set to be one to watch if you enjoy games like The Sims. In an open-world town filled with shops, parks, and more, you can build up your own home, decorate to your heart's content, and play out the life of your own Parafolk - finding love, making a family, developing your career, it's all up to you.
Echo Generation 2
Release date: May 27, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S
Echo Generation 2 is a new sci-fi deckbuilding RPG that sees you build up a three-person party from six different characters who all have their own abilities, card decks, and playstyles. As you progress through each chapter which explores the perspectives of different heroes, you start to unravel a mystery that connects them.
Denshattack!
Release date: June 17, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2
We've all heard of grinding and kickflipped on a skateboard, but what about a gravity-defying train? In Denshattack, that's exactly what you do. Slated to arrive sometime this Spring, the colorful new adventure sees you set out in custom ride (which is that gravity-defying train) as you go on a quest to stop and defeat "the sinister Miraido corporation". Set across some of Japan's biggest cities, you can expect to meet a cast of misfits and go up against distinctive bosses as you try to build up your reputation and take on other reimagined trains.
Grave Seasons
Release date: August 14, 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
If you love farming with a dash of something spooky, Grave Seasons looks like the slasher Stardew Valley of your dreams... and nightmares. Not only will this adorable pixel RPG see you tending the fields as a doting farmer, you'll get to know the locals and try to root out a serial killer who's been committing murders in the town. Oh, and you can also form a romantic relationship with one of the residents if you so wish, just be careful, because you could end up dating the serial killer.
TBC 2026
Woodo
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2, Switch
Woodo from developer Tiny Monks Tales is a charming new puzzle adventure with charming, cozy vibes. Described as being like a "3D coloring book you can touch", Woodo sees you put assemble wooden pieces of hand-crafted dioramas that start to come alive with color as you piece them together. The 3D art style is very delightful, and it looks set to offer up a laid-back experience.
Arcane Eats
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
Arcane Eats promises to be one very tasty new roguelike deckbuilder. Served up from developer Wonderbelly Games, you take on the role of a chef who puts together a cuisine deck made up of mythic ingredients, kitchen tools, and culinary spells. Then, together with your cooking crew, you'll make meals for a host of fantasy characters.
Big Walk
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
If you loved the 2025 multiplayer phenomena that was Peak, then chances are Big Walk will be right up your street. Developed by the minds behind Untitled Goose Game, Big Walk is a charming-looking co-op game where you are your friends set out on a big hike together. The open world that you'll need to explore is packed with puzzles and cool discoveries to find. You'll also need to work to keep in contact via a variety of tools and toys.
Spirit Crossing
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
Spirit Crossing from Cozy Grove creators Spry Fox is a new co-op MMO set in the stormy Crosslands. As a realm that sits between the human and spirit worlds, you'll be able to make yourself a home in the shared, ever-changing landscapes, gather flowers, take part in fishing tournaments, and interact with others in various ways as you help out lost spirits.
Over The Hill
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
From the makers of 2020's Art of Rally comes a new driving open-world adventure in Over the Hill. Set across various biomes inspired by real-world locations, Over The Hill lets you get behind the wheel of cars from the '60s through to the '80s, and you can simply enjoy driving around the landscapes to explore, or play with pals and work together to overcome challenges.
My Eerie Lair
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
My Eerie Lair promises to be one for all of the dark romantasy fans out there. Described as a cozy furnishing experience with a twist, you take on the role of a vampire who's trying to win the heart of his kidnapped beloved by decorating his eerie castle into their dream home. Yes, if you enjoy decorating with a relaxing albeit dark vibe, this is one to watch out for.
Toem 2
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch
Toem 2 from developer Something We Made is the sequel to the wonderful 2021 photo adventure. Once again taking on the role of a photographer, the follow-up will see you set off on a new journey snapping pictures to uncover hidden secrets, solve puzzles, and help out friends along the way. The first game was truly a charming gem with a relaxing, laid back feel, and we have no doubt Toem 2 will be just as delightful.
Neverway
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Switch
Neverway from developer Coldblood Inc is a new life sim that brings to mind games like Stardew Valley with its own distinct nightmarish twist. After leaving your dead end job to escape to a farm as protagonist Fiona, you find yourself becoming indebted as the herald of an immortal god. With three different times of day - morning, afternoon, and night - that you can advance to as you like, you'll farm and craft to try to rebuild your life and get to know the locals (with the option to even find some romance). But with some horror elements, you'll also fight and unlock combat abilities.
Map Map - A Game About Maps
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC
Map Map, as the title says, is a game about maps from developer Pipapo Games. With some Breath of the Wild vibes to its world, you take on the role of a cartographer who sets out to explore islands and map them out by setting down markers in relevant locations. It's up to you to fill up the empty map with landmarks and ruins you come across by putting your sense of direction and adventurer skills to the test. Plus, you can also try and hunt for hidden treasure.
The Mermaid's Mask
Release date: TBC 2026
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
The Mermaid's Mask is a follow-up to the excellent 2019 murder-mystery detective game, Tangle Tower from developer SFB Games. Bringing back main sleuths Detective Grimoire and Sally, you'll set out with the pair set to investigate the murder of Magnus Mortuga, who was the captain of the "world's strangest submarine". Strange things are evidently going on, with the mention of a possible curse. How intriguing. As you hunt for clues, you'll be able to once again interact with a variety of objects, which are all now in 3D.
TBC
CatchMaker
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
CatchMaker is an upcoming 3D adventure from developer Grand Duck Games that sees you explore a magical island full of bugs to discover and catch. But that's not all, as the steward of the island, you can try to match the bugs and help them find love. So yes, you're a sort of bug matchmaker, with every date revealing more about a bug's ideal partner.
OKU
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
OKU sees you take on the role of a travelling monk who sets out on a spiritual journey across the beautiful landscapes of Japan. Writing Haiku-like poems along the way to connect with the natural world around you and unlock long forgotten pathways, you'll be able to the ride the winds to soar across meadows and rivers with Journey-like movement.
Rebounder
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Rebounder certainly stands out thanks to it "pulp-print" style, which pops with color and draws from zines and old sci-fi comics, you play as a worker who's said to be at the end of their rope who's known as a rebounder. As a precision platformer that's inspired by the hidden mechanics "speedrunners mastered in Kaizo ROM hacks", you can expect quick levels with fast respawn rates so you can get stuck into "unlimited attempts".
Haunted Paws
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Haunted Paws from developer LazyFlock is an adorable but spooky upcoming co-op horror game that sees you and a pal play as two puppies who set out to rescue their human from a haunted mansion. You'll be able to sniff around, bark, dig, and get up to all sorts of canine antics as you go up against evil creatures and try to save your human friend.
Curiosmos
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Curiosmos is an upcoming space sim from developer Celine & The Silly Stars that looks every bit as cozy and whimsical as it promises to be. In it, you can build your very own solar system, putting together planets and moons by combining asteroids with stardust, and even create the gravity and atmosphere. As you go, you'll discover how to create weather, mold landscapes with everything from volcanoes and mountains, and eventually even bring life to your universe.
Crescent County
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S
Crescent County promises to let us into an open-world on the back of a motorbroom. Dripping with colorful style, the upcoming "delivery life sim" will see you take on the role of a courier who drops off packages. You can even get stuck into some racing, and help out the locals. As you find jobs to occupy your time, you'll have many different ways to customize both your broom and your apartment. Along the way, you can get to know the people you meet and make some friends - and maybe even find love, with the promise of romance, too.
Wylde Society
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Wylde Society is the new period drama life sim from Wylde Flowers developer Studio Drydock. While the studio's previous adventure saw us take on the role of a witch in a small town who raises a farm, Wylde Society will instead put us in the shoes of Vivian, who also happens to be a witch, but is also socialite and host. You'll be running your own magical boarding house, from planning and hosting events, to matchmaking others - and you can also get up to some witchy goodness, of course.
I Am A Caterpillar
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
During the Wholesome Direct 2023 we got to see I Am A Caterpillar, which is a new indie adventure coming to us from DevFatigued. You play (as you might have guessed) as a caterpillar, only this wriggly friend is quite content as they are, and doesn't want to become a butterfly. On the day your transformation is supposed to happen, you set out to do everything you can to stop it. Yes, you're going to be a bug who wants to shape their own destiny. It looks adorable, with the chance to climb across colorful environments and meet and befriend a whole host of forest inhabitants.
Way to the Woods
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Way to the Woods is an upcoming adventure that follows the journey of two deer in an abandoned world that head out to find their way home. A trailer for the game back in 2019 quickly captured attention thanks to its beautiful, intriguing backdrop and the companionship of the deer and fawn protagonists at the heart of the experience. Said to draw inspiration from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Last of Us, Way to the Woods happily made an appearance towards the end of 2022 during the Wholesome Snack showcase to enchant us all over again.
Keep track of all of the releases on the horizon with our roundups of upcoming Switch games, upcoming PS5 games, upcoming Xbox Series X games, and upcoming PC games.
