Indie Games I'm Most Excited About in 2026

Release Date: May 25, 2026 (early access)
Developer: Paralives Studio, Alex Massé and team
Publisher: Paralives Studio
Platforms: PC, macOS

I have been eagerly following the development of Paralives for a while now. It may, in fact, be the game I’ve most looked forward to ever. It’s the indie Sims competitor of my dreams. The graphics are utterly charming, and it really seems like the devs have thought of every detail, down to aesthetically pleasing clutter and asymmetrical socks. The building and decorating look highly satisfying, and the skill progression and social interactions look in-depth and rewarding.

The game was initially scheduled to release last December, but was delayed to March. My fingers are crossed that it’s not delayed again, because if it is, I may just burst from anticipation.

See here for a list of features that will be available on day one of Early Access, along with those that will be added later.

Release Date: 2026
Developer: Chucklefish, Robotality
Publisher: Chucklefish
Platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Witchbrook, the magic school sim developed by the creator of Stardew Valley, is another upcoming release that feels like it was designed specifically for me. Additionally, I love to support Chucklefish because they are a no-crunch studio.

The game is set in the seaside city of Mossport, where you will enroll at Witchbrook College as an aspiring witch. There, you will learn new magical abilities to support yourself, make friends, and find romance. You can engage in various activities between classes and renovate your cottage and the surrounding garden. The best part? Witchbrook features co-op for up to four players!

While Chucklefish games all have a similarly adorable pixelated art style, each has its own unique charm, and Witchbrook is no exception. If I knew nothing else about the game, I’d be interested on a visual basis alone.

Witchbrook is slated to release sometime this year, although we don’t have an exact date yet.

Release Date: February 13, 2026
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Publishers: THQ NORDIC, Amplifier Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

I’ve mentioned before that horror games aren’t my cup of tea, but I make a few exceptions— one of them being the Little Nightmares series, which I would define as cozy horror. I absolutely love Little Nightmares, so when I found out the developer was putting out a co-op game, I was intrigued. They promise “a more terrifying journey than ever before”, so let’s hope it’s not too much for me to handle.

Although not a Little Nightmares title, Reanimal contains similar elements of atmospheric tension and troubled children searching for hope in a world of twisted monsters. It’s fully playable in single player, as well as local and online co-op.

I can’t wait to explore another delightfully chilling world from Tarsier Studio, and this time with my spouse and friends!

Release Date: 2026
Developer: Mr. Podunkian
Publisher: Mr. Podunkian
Platforms: Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS

Sunkissed City is a life sim from former Stardew Valley developer Mr. Podunkian. Everyone is trying to create the next Stardew Valley, but those who already made Stardew Valley seem the most likely candidates. As the title implies, however, Sunkissed City is not the rural farming adventure we’re used to, although the pixellated graphics are visually similar (but, like Witchbrook, distinct enough to give it its own unique feel).

It’s still classified as a farm life sim because you grow plants in urban gardens; it also features a dating mechanic. The developer was apparently inspired by Persona (which I’m also a big fan of) for the urban setting and character artwork.

Your job with the Pico megacorporation will send you to Apollo City, where the streets are packed with monsters, the wildlife is becoming wilder, and residents are getting sick with a mysterious illness. It will feature both solo play and co-op multiplayer. According to PCGamesN, the character customization is quite impressive, too.

There’s no exact release date yet, but the game is scheduled to drop sometime this year.

Release Date: March 2026
Developer: Mega Crit
Publisher: Mega Crit
Platforms: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows

Deckbuilders are another genre I’m not overly fond of, but the ridiculously addictive roguelike Slay the Spire is an exception.

Like the first, you’ll craft your deck, battle bizarre creatures, and discover powerful relics as you ascend the spire. Beyond that, there doesn’t seem to be much information available; based on the trailers and the information provided, however, it appears not to fix what isn’t broken.

Like the first game, Mega Crit will release the sequel in Early Access and work with fans to develop it.