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The Steam platform is known for its vast library of games, ranging from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. However, with thousands of titles available, some amazing games often get overlooked. While popular titles tend to dominate the charts, there are many hidden gems that can offer equally captivating and rewarding experiences. Steam is home to an endless number of games, but the hidden gems often get overshadowed by more mainstream titles.
The games listed above are just a few examples of the incredible experiences that may not have gotten the recognition they deserve. Whether you’re into puzzle-solving, emotional storytelling, or unique survival mechanics, these underrated gems offer something for everyone. By diving into these lesser-known titles, you’re likely to discover new worlds and experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Why Do Hidden Gems Matter?
Hidden gems are often the games that don’t make it to the mainstream spotlight. They can be indie titles, niche genres, or simply games that didn’t get the marketing push they deserved. These games tend to fly under the radar, but once discovered, they offer a unique and refreshing gaming experience. Playing hidden gems gives you the opportunity to discover something new, often at a fraction of the cost of big-name titles.
Many hidden gems also come from indie developers who pour their creativity and passion into making something distinctive. These games often feature innovative mechanics, unique art styles, and gripping narratives that set them apart from the usual releases.
Top Steam Hidden Gems You Should Play
Below are some of the best underrated games on Steam that deserve more attention.
1. “Slay the Spire”
Genre: Roguelike, Deck-Building
Developer: MegaCrit
Release Year: 2017
“Slay the Spire” is a roguelike deck-building game that combines strategy with card-based mechanics. In the game, you select one of several characters, each with a unique deck of cards, and navigate through randomly generated levels filled with enemies, events, and treasures. Each run is different, offering a new challenge every time you play.
The depth of strategy in “Slay the Spire” is unmatched, with countless combinations of cards and relics to experiment with. Whether you prefer a slow, methodical approach or fast, aggressive playstyles, the game offers plenty of ways to craft your deck and adapt to challenges. Despite its critical success, it remains a hidden gem for many players who might not have heard of it.
2. “Gris”
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Developer: Nomada Studio
Release Year: 2018
“Gris” is an emotional, visually stunning platformer that takes players through the journey of grief. The game features a protagonist named Gris, who embarks on a surreal adventure through a world that mirrors her emotional state. The game is as much about exploration as it is about conveying emotions through art, music, and narrative.
The watercolor art style is breathtaking, and the soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly. Gris has a unique approach to storytelling, as there are no spoken words or text to guide the narrative. The game relies on the atmosphere and visual elements to tell Gris’ emotional journey, making it a must-play for fans of emotional, art-driven experiences.
3. “The Talos Principle”
Genre: Puzzle, First-Person
Developer: Croteam
Release Year: 2014
“The Talos Principle” is a first-person puzzle game that explores themes of philosophy, consciousness, and artificial intelligence. Players take control of a robot named Elohim and solve a series of increasingly complex puzzles across various environments. As the game progresses, philosophical questions arise, forcing players to consider the nature of existence, free will, and the meaning of life.
The puzzles in “The Talos Principle” are both intellectually challenging and satisfying to solve, making the game an excellent choice for fans of puzzle-solving and narrative-driven experiences. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated among casual gamers, offering a deeply philosophical journey wrapped in engaging gameplay.
4. “Papers, Please”
Genre: Simulation, Puzzle
Developer: 3909
Release Year: 2013
In “Papers, Please,” players take on the role of a border-crossing immigration officer in a fictional Eastern Bloc country. Your task is to review documents and allow or deny entry to people trying to cross the border. As the story unfolds, the moral dilemmas of your job begin to weigh on you, forcing tough choices that impact the outcome of the game.
The game is a unique blend of puzzle-solving and narrative choices. Every decision you make can have far-reaching consequences, and the atmosphere of oppressive bureaucracy adds to the game’s immersive experience. “Papers, Please” remains a hidden gem because it doesn’t fit into traditional gaming genres but delivers a powerful experience through storytelling and thought-provoking choices.
5. “Outer Wilds”
Genre: Exploration, Adventure
Developer: Mobius Digital
Release Year: 2019
“Outer Wilds” is an open-world exploration game that takes place in a solar system stuck in a time loop. Players take control of a space explorer, embarking on a journey to uncover the mysteries of the universe. As the player explores various planets, they discover clues that lead to an ultimate understanding of the solar system’s history and the cause of the time loop.
The game features a non-linear structure that allows players to explore at their own pace, making every discovery feel personal. The unique time loop mechanic, in which the player must restart after 22 minutes, creates a sense of urgency while maintaining a relaxed and exploratory atmosphere. “Outer Wilds” is a beautifully crafted game that is often overshadowed by other more popular titles, making it a hidden gem worth playing.
6. “Sunless Sea”
Genre: Survival, Roguelike
Developer: Failbetter Games
Release Year: 2015
“Sunless Sea” is a roguelike survival game set in a dark, mysterious underground ocean. Players navigate a ship across the ocean’s depths, facing challenges such as hunger, insanity, and dangerous creatures while trying to unravel the story behind the sea. The game’s narrative is rich, with every journey revealing more about the world and the events that led to the present.
The writing in “Sunless Sea” is superb, with the game’s text-driven storytelling drawing players into its eerie atmosphere. The game’s survival elements make every decision feel weighty, and its combination of exploration, storytelling, and survival mechanics makes it a standout indie game. Despite its brilliance, “Sunless Sea” is often overlooked, making it a must-play hidden gem for fans of atmospheric survival experiences.
7. “A Short Hike”
Genre: Exploration, Adventure
Developer: Adamgryu
Release Year: 2019
“A Short Hike” is a charming exploration game that allows players to explore a peaceful, colorful island as a bird named Claire. Players can hike, swim, and fly across the island, completing small tasks and meeting quirky characters along the way. The game’s relaxing pace and inviting world create a sense of calm and wonder.
The game is relatively short, but it’s filled with heart and character. It’s perfect for players who want to unwind and explore at their own pace, with no pressure or combat to worry about. “A Short Hike” stands out as a hidden gem due to its simple yet captivating gameplay, making it a perfect experience for those looking for a serene adventure.
8. “Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc”
Genre: Visual Novel, Murder Mystery
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Release Year: 2010
“Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc” is a visual novel that blends murder mystery with courtroom drama. The game takes place in a high school where a group of students are forced to participate in a deadly game. The objective is to commit a murder and get away with it without being caught by the others. After each murder, a trial is held, and players must gather evidence and solve the mystery.
The game is filled with twists and turns, and the characters are uniquely eccentric. Its combination of suspense, mystery, and dark humor makes it an incredibly entertaining and unpredictable experience. Despite its massive cult following, “Danganronpa” remains relatively unknown to many players, making it a hidden gem worth exploring.
9. “Invisible, Inc.”
Genre: Tactical, Stealth
Developer: Klei Entertainment
Release Year: 2015
“Invisible, Inc.” is a turn-based tactical stealth game where you control a team of spies infiltrating highly secure corporate locations. The game’s mechanics revolve around stealth, planning, and resource management. Players must navigate a series of procedurally generated levels, avoiding guards and security systems while hacking computers, stealing valuable data, and completing objectives.
What sets “Invisible, Inc.” apart is its compelling combination of strategy and stealth. The game is unforgiving, with each decision mattering, and one wrong move can lead to disaster. It’s an intense, challenging experience that rewards tactical thinking and adaptability. While Klei Entertainment is known for its other titles like “Don’t Starve,” “Invisible, Inc.” remains a hidden gem for fans of stealth and strategy games.
10. “Faster Than Light (FTL)”
Genre: Roguelike, Space, Strategy
Developer: Subset Games
Release Year: 2012
“Faster Than Light” is a real-time strategy roguelike game set in space. Players command a spaceship as they traverse a procedurally generated galaxy, facing off against enemies, gathering resources, and upgrading their ship. The goal is to reach the final sector and defeat the enemy flagship, but every journey is fraught with danger.
The beauty of “FTL” lies in its deep strategic gameplay. Managing your crew, balancing resources, and choosing the right upgrades for your ship are critical to survival. The random events and encounters provide a unique experience with each playthrough, offering high replayability. Despite being a favorite among roguelike fans, “FTL” often goes unnoticed by those outside of the genre, making it a hidden gem that should not be missed.
11. “Oxenfree”
Genre: Adventure, Horror
Developer: Night School Studio
Release Year: 2016
“Oxenfree” is a supernatural thriller that combines an engaging narrative with intriguing mechanics. The game follows a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift while visiting a haunted island. Players control Alex, one of the teens, and must interact with the environment and other characters to uncover the mysteries of the island and close the rift.
What sets “Oxenfree” apart from other narrative-driven games is its real-time dialogue system, where your choices affect relationships and story outcomes. The atmosphere is eerie and tense, and the writing is top-notch, offering a compelling experience that combines supernatural horror with psychological depth. Despite its smaller release, “Oxenfree” is a standout experience for fans of story-rich games.
12. “Heat Signature”
Genre: Action, Strategy, Stealth
Developer: Suspicious Developments
Release Year: 2017
“Heat Signature” is a top-down, action-packed strategy game where players infiltrate space stations and ships to complete missions. The game’s core mechanics focus on stealth, using a combination of futuristic weapons, gadgets, and environmental hazards to complete objectives. Players can choose how to approach each mission, whether it’s through brute force or stealth.
The game’s fast-paced action and tactical planning make it highly addictive. The procedurally generated missions and the ability to control a variety of different characters add replayability. “Heat Signature” is one of those hidden gems that offers a unique take on stealth gameplay, blending strategy and action in a way that few games do.
13. “The Stanley Parable”
Genre: Narrative, Adventure
Developer: Galactic Cafe
Release Year: 2013
“The Stanley Parable” is a narrative-driven adventure game that explores the concept of choice and free will in gaming. Players take on the role of Stanley, a man whose office building is mysteriously empty. As Stanley navigates the building, a voice narrates his actions, guiding him through various scenarios. However, players can choose to deviate from the narrator’s instructions, leading to different outcomes and endings.
The game is an experiment in storytelling, offering numerous paths and possibilities that make every playthrough unique. Its meta-commentary on video game tropes and player agency makes it a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Despite its innovative nature, “The Stanley Parable” remains a hidden gem for many players who haven’t yet experienced its brilliant narrative design.
14. “Stardew Valley”
Genre: Simulation, Farming
Developer: ConcernedApe
Release Year: 2016
While “Stardew Valley” has gained significant popularity in recent years, it was once an underrated gem that went unnoticed by many players. In this simulation game, players inherit a run-down farm and must restore it to its former glory by planting crops, raising animals, and engaging with the local community.
What makes “Stardew Valley” so captivating is its blend of farming simulation with RPG elements. Players can build relationships with townsfolk, take on quests, and explore caves full of monsters. The game is relaxing, yet filled with rewarding tasks that make it easy to get lost in its world. Despite its immense popularity now, “Stardew Valley” remains an indie masterpiece and a must-play hidden gem.
15. “Celeste”
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Release Year: 2018
“Celeste” is a platformer that combines tight, challenging gameplay with a heartfelt narrative. Players control Madeline, a young woman who sets out to climb the titular Celeste Mountain. Along the way, she encounters numerous obstacles that test her skills and resilience.
The game’s platforming mechanics are some of the best in the genre, with precise controls and challenging levels that feel rewarding to complete. However, “Celeste” also tells a deeply personal story about mental health, self-doubt, and perseverance, making it a powerful experience both emotionally and gameplay-wise. Despite being an indie title, “Celeste” has become a classic in the platforming genre and is an absolute hidden gem for anyone looking for a challenging yet meaningful experience.
Conclusion
Steam is filled with a treasure trove of hidden gems that often go unnoticed amidst the noise of more popular titles. These games offer unique experiences, whether it’s thought-provoking narratives, innovative mechanics, or gameplay that stands out from the crowd. By taking the time to explore these underrated gems, you’ll uncover worlds, stories, and mechanics that you might have otherwise missed. So the next time you’re browsing Steam, consider diving into one of these titles—they may just become your next favorite game.
