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Some of the best experiences in gaming come from indie developers. Free of the shackles that come with being a large dev team, indie developers can pursue their own unique visions. The results are often beautiful, ranging from cutesy pet sims to the most unsettling horror games you can imagine. These are just as amazing as any AAA experience, minus the AAA budget. Whether you’re looking for cheap holiday gifts or just want something special for that gamer in your life, it doesn’t get much better than these indie gems on Steam. Here are five great indie games you can gift on Steam without trashing your wallet, in no particular order.
A Short Hike
- $4.79 (down from $7.99)
A Short Hike is what it sounds like, a brief journey up a mountain. The highlights here are the cutesy aesthetic, impeccable music, and overall cozy atmosphere to the journey. Whether you’re fighting your way through a snowstorm, scaling a rock wall, digging for treasure, or flying around, you’re going to have a good time. There’s no real risk of failing and minimal frustration to be had, making it a great game for kids as well as casual gamers. Anyone with a taste for short, adorable titles can enjoy A Short Hike, making it a great indie game if you’re looking for an affordable Steam gift.
Undertale
- $2.99 (down from $9.99)
When it comes to indie games, it doesn’t get much better than Undertale. This RPG tells the tale of a human who falls underground into the world of monsters, including some you should never kill. It’s gorgeous, bizarre, and has a tremendous emotional impact. It’s the perfect gift for an RPG enthusiast looking for something a bit different or players who want a tale that takes the impact of their actions seriously. Undertale‘s writing and music alone are enough to land it on many players’ top 10 lists. It would be a great pick at any price, but when you can get it for so little on Steam, it’s a must-not-miss.
It Steals
- $4.24 (down from $4.99)
Lethal Company is one of the most talked-about indie horror titles around, but it’s not the first game from developer Zeekerss. It Steals is a creepy, jump scare-filled game that leapt onto many players’ radars when Markiplier featured it. There are several modes, but the most basic sees you exploring a dark maze while trying to collect blue orbs. Unfortunately, you aren’t alone. The Steam page describes It Steals as “an experiment in paranoia in five parts.” If you’re looking for a gift that will make someone’s skin crawl and keep them looking over their shoulder, snap this cheap indie up from Steam today.
Tales of the Black Forest
- $1.19 (down from $3.99)
RPG Maker games and the like are often criticized for being simple, repetitive, and shallow. Tales of the Black Forest is anything but that. It’s one of the best cheap indie games around and demonstrates exactly what a talented developer can do. The cute-creepy aesthetic is a big draw, but the game’s greatest strength is its story. A dark power looms over a Japanese town, and Kihara Kashin needs to find a way out. The rest of the plot is best left unspoiled. If you know someone who loves story-driven games with deep themes and a classic look, Tales of the Black Forest is a fantastic Steam gift.
Wobbledogs
- $6.79 (down from $19.99)
If monsters and mysteries aren’t your thing, Wobbledogs might be. Great sim games are common. Great sim games where you crossbreed mutant dogs to perfect your own strain of weird, dysfunctional, adorable pups are not. It’s a lighthearted sandbox experience that kids and adults will both enjoy. These dogs are indeed wobbly, and you’ll grow attached to their journey from egg to adulthood. With vibrant colors, lovable animals, and a surprisingly deep breeding sim, Wobbledogs is an easy pick as one of the best cheap indie games you can gift on Steam.
