April 2026 was a remarkable month for indie games, offering a diverse array of creative titles that often fly under the radar. From a cooking RPG to a horror throwback, here are 11 indie gems we recommend you check out.
People of Note
Imagine mixing Guitar Hero with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and you get People of Note. In a world where music equals power, you play as Cadence, a musician dreaming of winning the Noteworthy Song Contest. This turn-based RPG features rhythm-based attacks and genre-blending, with original tunes that will stick with you.
Mouse P.I For Hire
This boomer shooter stands out with its 1930s rubber hose art style. You play as Jack Pepper, a mouse detective blasting through levels with inventive weapons like the Devarnisher and a Tommy Gun. The ink-splattering enemies and noir setting make it a blast.
Origament
A papercraft platformer where you play as a scrunched-up letter. Fold into a paper plane to fly, or a boat to sail across levels. Each transformation requires momentum, making it one of the most original origami platformers around.
Dosa Divas
This vibrant RPG centers on two sisters using a giant mech to revive global cuisine. Turn-based combat is enhanced by cooking and eating dosas, celebrating South Asian culture in a delicious genre twist.
Super Alloy Crush
An early-access roguelite 2D action-platformer with chunky 16-bit pixel art. Play as cosmic hunters Kelly and Muu, bashing through planets with a techno soundtrack. Customize builds with Tech Arts and Chips in this Mega Man X tribute.
Ground Zero
A survival horror homage to classic Resident Evil, set in Seoul after a meteorite strike. Fixed camera angles, puzzles, and inventory management explore varied locations like mines and amusement parks, offering a fresh take on the genre.
The Day I Became A Bird
A short, sweet story about Frank's first crush, Sylvia, who loves birds. Help him learn about birds through collectibles and QTEs, with puzzle sections reflecting his lessons. It's a storybook come to life in about an hour.
Skull Horde
A top-down autobattler with Diablo-style dungeon crawling. Play as a necromancer's skull, building an army of skeletons. As runs get tougher, unlocking biomes keeps the gameplay rewarding and addictive.
Replaced
After delays, this cinematic platformer delivers a stunning HD-2D cyberpunk aesthetic. Counter-based combat reminiscent of Batman: Arkham Asylum, though AI themes are surface-level, the action remains engaging.
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilage
An 8-bit tribute to classic Castlevania, with 21 challenging stages across carriages and rowboats. It explores faith and danger, much like Shovel Knight did for its genre in 2014.
Special Mention: Constance (Nintendo Switch)
Previously on PC, this Metroidvania offers a beautiful hand-drawn world with a gentler difficulty curve than Hollow Knight. Themes of burnout and self-care enhance this brush-fuelled adventure, one of the best in its class this year.
