5 Upcoming Indie Games You Haven't Heard Of

We're in an era of gaming where indies are more and more accessible to create than ever before. That means that so many indie games are launching on the regular. Because of this, there are a ton that fall through the cracks.

Instead of making a list of the most anticipated indie games coming out in 2026, this is a list of all the indie games launching this year that you probably haven't heard of. The list is in no particular order, so this isn't me picking favorites!

Check out five indie games coming out this year that honestly, I can't wait to tell you more about.

5 - Coffee Talk Tokyo

May 21, 2026 - Chrous Worldwide Games

The Coffee Talk franchise is among the coziest I've seen in a while. You are quite literally running a fictional coffee shop in Seattle, and are making drinks and talking to your regular customers.

Coffee Talk Tokyo now takes that same concept and translates it over to a Japanese atmosphere. Things are culturally different, which definitely will make for all-new narratives and stories.

There is currently a demo you can check out that puts you right in the heart of what's expected when it officially launches.

4 - Bubblegum Galaxy

March 11, 2026 - Smarto Club

I don't see too many indie games that really eat up the freedom the devs have. Bubblegum Galaxy doesn't just do that, but it gives me massive Katamari vibes in a way that feels synonymous with older PS2 games.

You're rebuilding the galaxy and designing planets at your job, where you're also able to walk around and chat with your co-workers. The cozy atmosphere and chill gameplay with minimal rules look adorable.

Even though things are adorable, that doesn't mean something dark doesn't lurk beneath. There is also a demo that you can check out for a better idea of how the gameplay is!

3 - Spaceman Memories

Coming Soon - NerdyPunkDev

Lots of indie games tend to go the retro route, but there's just something sweet and nostalgic about the way Spaceman Memories presents itself. It uses ancient Japanese folklore and mysticism to make up the many strange creatures and monsters that spaceman Ichiro 94 needs to fight after mysteriously landing back home after a mission.

It looks like the narrative isn't the only thing developer NerdyPunkDev focused on. The artwork looks excellent, with 2D gameplay and 3D pixel art. Even the turn-based combat featured in the trailers looks absolutely sick.

Even though there isn't an official release date on Steam, there is a demo you can enjoy to get a taste of what to expect.

2 - Emberville

2026 - Cygnus Cross

Emberville is expected to come out later this year, and it looks like it's a little bit everywhere, in a good way. Even though you awaken with no memories, you'll still try to help a town with all their isssues and help rebuild it.

Getting to know the people of Emberville isn't just for your own gain, but to help it restore itself and become a living, breathing hub shaped by your choices. There's a lot of gameplay in a prison area called the Vitromotus, with tunnels, ruins, bosses, monsters, and more.

Fighting isn't everything you'll do, you can also customize and level your character, playing as new classes and getting new experiences. You'll also be able to customize your own space in town, just to make things more fun.

1 - No Vacation for an Executioner

March 2026 - JayO

I had to put No Vacation for an Executioner at the top of this list because it just looks insane. If you're not focusing on the very PS2 graphics, then you're trying to get the hang of the odd gameplay style reminiscent of the first Resident Evil and Silent Hill .

You're a frustrated executioner in the 17th century, who must survive by any means necessary, with battle mechanics that seem more like quick-time events than anything. It's important to note that even though the game looks like a soulslike, it isn't in gameplay.

However, you can definitely expect there to be at least four endings you can check out! Right now, there is a demo out that you can play for a feel of the controls and overall vibe.

This story was originally published by GameDaily on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add GameDaily as a Preferred Source by clicking here.