Multiplayer Indie Games That Deserve Your Attention

20 August 2025

Let’s face it—nothing beats the joy of jumping into a game with your friends or teaming up with strangers to battle it out for glory. But here's the thing: not all multiplayer experiences come from big-budget AAA titles. Some of the most creative, chaotic, and downright fun games are made by small, passionate indie teams.

So if you're tired of the same old shooters or want to spice up your game night, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving deep into the world of multiplayer indie games that absolutely deserve your attention. These aren’t just hidden gems—they’re the kind of games that’ll make you say, “Where has this been all my life?”

Ready? Let’s go!

Why Indie Multiplayer Games Hit Differently

Before we get into the juicy list, let’s talk about why indie games are worth your time in the first place.

Indie developers don’t have to play it safe. They experiment, they take risks, and they pour their soul into creating something unique. Because of that, their multiplayer games often offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else. They're quirky, wholesome, weird, chaotic—you name it.

And without the pressure of appeasing investors or following formulas, indie games often focus on what actually matters: fun, creativity, and community.

1. "Among Us" – The Deception Game Turned Global Phenomenon

We can't talk about indie multiplayer without giving props to Among Us. Yes, it blew up in 2020, but it actually launched in 2018 with barely a whisper. The idea is simple—you and your crew are stuck on a spaceship, and someone’s an imposter... or two. The goal? Complete tasks or find the sneaky backstabber(s) before it’s too late.

It’s like a virtual game of Mafia or Werewolf but with adorable little astronauts and a lot more betrayal. Perfect for groups, and even better with voice chat.

What Makes It Special?

- Super easy to pick up.
- Hilarious social dynamics.
- Perfect for casual and hardcore players alike.

Try It If You Like: Party games, BLUFFING your friends, or silently judging everyone from the shadows.

2. "Overcooked! 2" – The Ultimate Kitchen Chaos Simulator

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a kitchen with your friends while the floor is literally collapsing under you? Overcooked! 2 simulates that madness—and somehow makes it a blast. You and your teammates juggle chopping, cooking, and serving orders on time, all while navigating whacky level designs that include moving trucks, rafts, and teleporters.

Prepare for laughter, shouting, and the occasional passive-aggressive “Why didn’t you wash the dishes?!”

What Makes It Special?

- Couch co-op at its finest.
- A perfect mix of teamwork and mayhem.
- Wholesome graphics with high-stakes gameplay.

Try It If You Like: Cooking shows, multitasking, or yelling “WE NEED MORE ONIONS!”

3. "Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime" – A Glorious Space Date

Don’t let the cute looks fool you—Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime tests friendships like no other. You and your partner(s) control a circular spaceship with different stations: weapons, shields, navigation, etc. But here’s the twist—only one person can be at a station at a time. So you’re constantly running around, coordinating who does what.

Think of it as a relationship-building (or breaking) simulator disguised as a stunning neon shooter.

What Makes It Special?

- Cooperative gameplay that encourages communication.
- Adorable aesthetic with intense action.
- Fantastic for couples or two-player sessions.

Try It If You Like: Couch co-op, relationship therapy (kidding…sort of), or colorful arcade games.

4. "Move or Die" – Fast, Frantic, and Fantastically Fun

Have you ever wanted a game that moves at the speed of caffeine? Move or Die is a 4-player party game where rules change every 20 seconds—from playing tag to jumping challenges to floor-is-lava situations.

The name says it all. Stay still, and you die. It’s chaotic, competitive, and insanely addicting.

What Makes It Special?

- Quick game rounds with ever-changing rules.
- Excellent variety and replayability.
- Perfect for trash-talking with buds.

Try It If You Like: Competitive chaos, party games, or being very loud while gaming.

5. "Phasmophobia" – Ghost-Hunting With Friends (Or Foes?)

Looking for something a little spookier? Phasmophobia is a 4-player co-op horror game where you and your ghost-hunting crew use real equipment to investigate haunted locations. It’s atmospheric, creepy, and better with voice chat—which the ghosts actually listen to.

It’s perfect for a night in with friends when you want to be scared together (and maybe scream like toddlers at the smallest noise).

What Makes It Special?

- Immersive ghost-hunting mechanics.
- Voice recognition adds a scary twist.
- Best played in the dark with headphones.

Try It If You Like: Paranormal shows, co-op horror, or adrenaline-fueled bonding.

6. "TowerFall Ascension" – Retro Archery Battle Royale

If you love couch multiplayer with a retro vibe, TowerFall Ascension should be on your radar. It’s a competitive archery brawler where 2-4 players battle it out in fast-paced arenas.

Arrows are limited, wall-jumping is essential, and matches can end in seconds. It’s pure skill, grit, and pixelated glory.

What Makes It Special?

- Tight, fast, and satisfying gameplay.
- Great for local multiplayer showdowns.
- Classic arcade feel with modern polish.

Try It If You Like: '90s arcade games, precision combat, or proving that you're the best among your friends.

7. "Heave Ho" – Physics-Based Friendship Testing

You know that feeling when you’re trying to high-five someone but miss dramatically? Heave Ho captures that energy and multiplies it by 100. In this co-op game, players are disembodied heads with long noodle arms, trying to swing, grip, and fling each other across dangerous gaps. It’s ridiculous in all the right ways.

You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, and at some point, you’ll probably yeet a friend into a pit by accident (or not-so-accidentally).

What Makes It Special?

- Hysterical physics-based mechanics.
- Forces teamwork in the best way possible.
- Surprisingly heartwarming… unless you’re the one falling.

Try It If You Like: Silly co-op, funny fails, or games that require a bit of coordination (and a lot of patience).

8. "Unrailed!" – Build Train Tracks Before the Train Wrecks

Unrailed! is what happens when Minecraft and Overcooked have a baby. You and your friends have to build a train track in real time—gathering resources, clearing paths, and placing tracks before your train derails. It sounds simple, but the speed ramps up, and chaos ensues quickly.

It’s a true test of multitasking, strategy, and surviving the chaos… together.

What Makes It Special?

- Perfect balance of planning and panic.
- Super addictive gameplay loop.
- Great for both couch and online co-op.

Try It If You Like: Time management games, building under pressure, or trains. (Who doesn’t love trains?)

9. "Stick Fight: The Game" – Stickman Silliness Done Right

Think back to those doodles you made in math class—now imagine them coming to life and beating the pixels out of each other. That’s Stick Fight: The Game in a nutshell. It’s a 2-4 player brawler with simple stick figures in fast, weird, and often absurd levels.

One minute you’re fighting on a collapsing bridge, the next you’re dodging snakes. It's unpredictable, hilarious, and full of "Did-I-just-do-that?!" moments.

What Makes It Special?

- Fast-paced, fun, and totally off the rails.
- Easy to learn, hard to stop playing.
- Lots of unexpected elements that keep you on your toes.

Try It If You Like: Random fun, quick brawlers, or chaotic good energy.

10. "We Were Here" Series – Puzzling Communication is Key

Ready to test your problem-solving skills and communication with a friend? The We Were Here series is a set of co-op-only first-person puzzle games where two players are split up in separate locations and must rely entirely on walkie-talkies to solve puzzles together.

You can't see each other, and you’re often describing wildly abstract things... which makes for some hilarious "Wait, WHAT do you SEE?!" conversations.

What Makes It Special?

- Requires strong communication and trust.
- Deep puzzles that make you feel like geniuses (or the opposite).
- Great narrative woven through chilling environments.

Try It If You Like: Escape rooms, brain teasers, or yelling weird symbols into a mic.

Wrapping It Up: Small Studios, Big Fun

Multiplayer indie games might not get the splashy trailers or million-dollar marketing, but they offer something even better—authentic, engaging, and innovative gameplay that brings people together. Whether you’re looking to laugh until your stomach hurts, scream in fear, or strategize your way through chaos, this list has a little something for everyone.

So next time you fire up your game night, skip the usual suspects and give one of these indie marvels a shot. You might just find your next obsession, and hey—your friends will thank you for introducing something new.

Game on, folks!