It’s a golden age for indie RPGs on Steam, and 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for fans craving fresh combat mechanics and unforgettable stories. From anime-inspired adventures to retro pixel art epics, the best upcoming indie RPGs are pushing boundaries with unique turn-based systems and bold narrative choices. Whether you’re a JRPG veteran or new to the scene, these ten titles are at the top of every wishlist for good reason.
Why 2024 Is a Huge Year for Indie RPG Innovation
Steam’s indie RPG lineup this year is packed with games that don’t just imitate the classics – they remix, reinvent, and often outshine them. Developers are experimenting with everything from tactical quick-time events to unconventional party-building, blending nostalgia with modern design. The result? No two games on this list feel alike.
Let’s dive into the most anticipated releases making waves in community discussions and topping Steam wishlists:
Top 10 Upcoming Indie RPGs on Steam (2024 Edition)
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SaGa Emerald Beyond – The latest entry in the legendary SaGa series, this RPG offers branching storylines and a deep, turn-based combat system that rewards creative strategy. Its unique timeline mechanic lets you plan out combos and react to enemy moves in real time.
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Kingdoms of the Dump – A quirky, retro-inspired RPG with pixel art charm and a tactical battle system. Explore trash-themed kingdoms, recruit oddball allies, and uncover a surprisingly heartfelt story.
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Runa – Dive into a hand-drawn fantasy world where elemental magic and turn-based battles take center stage. Runa’s branching narrative and puzzle-filled dungeons set it apart from the pack.
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Infinite Alliance – This anime-inspired RPG features party-based combat with combo attacks and character-driven story arcs. Its vibrant visuals and dynamic soundtrack make every battle memorable.
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Zerra’s Adventure – A colorful, retro-styled RPG with timed turn-based combat. Zerra’s Adventure stands out with its customizable party and exploration-driven quests.
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SacriFire – Blending 2D pixel art and 3D environments, SacriFire offers real-time turn-based hybrid combat and a mature, branching narrative inspired by classic JRPGs.
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Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – Created by veterans of the Suikoden series, this game features over 100 recruitable characters, strategic six-character battles, and a sweeping, epic story.
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Witch and Lilies – A yuri-themed RPG with relationship-driven storytelling and tactical turn-based combat. Build bonds between party members to unlock powerful abilities and story paths.
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Sea of Stars – Inspired by Chrono Trigger, this RPG boasts timed hits, combo attacks, and stunning pixel art. Its heartfelt narrative and innovative combat make it a must-play for fans of classic JRPGs.
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Alterium Shift – Choose from three protagonists and experience branching storylines in this retro-inspired RPG. Its turn-based combat and party synergy mechanics offer plenty of depth for strategy fans.
The Standouts: Unique Combat Systems That Redefine Turn-Based Play
SaGa Emerald Beyond is already being hailed as one of the all-time greats for its innovative battle system. Fans on r/rpg_gamers can’t stop raving about its flexible formation mechanics and deep combo potential. If you love strategizing every move and adapting mid-battle, this one is unmissable.
Kingdoms of the Dump takes inspiration from SNES-era classics but adds a quirky twist: you play as sentient trash in a world where garbage has heart. Its grid-based combat rewards creative positioning and environmental interaction – think EarthBound meets Final Fantasy Tactics with a dash of dark humor.
Runa stands out with its blend of Nordic folklore and elemental magic. Here, battles aren’t just about brute force; you’ll need to balance resource management and clever spell synergies as you unravel its mysterious world. JRPG fans looking for something outside traditional fantasy tropes will find plenty to love.
Infinite Alliance brings together heroes from across dimensions in classic turn-based style but throws in tag-team attacks reminiscent of fighting games. Its vibrant cast and branching storylines promise high replay value – perfect for those who want their choices to truly matter.
If you’re hunting for originality in both gameplay and storytelling this year, these four titles alone could keep your backlog busy until 2025!
Narrative-Driven Adventures With Heart (and Humor)
Zerra’s Adventure may look like a lighthearted romp at first glance but quickly reveals surprising narrative depth beneath its charming pixel art exterior. Its turn-based battles feature timing-based mechanics that reward skillful inputs – keeping encounters fast-paced without sacrificing strategy.
SacriFire, meanwhile, leans into dark fantasy with lush hand-drawn visuals and real-time/turn-based hybrid combat. The game’s moral dilemmas shape both your party’s fate and the world around them. If you crave story-rich experiences where every decision counts (and gorgeous boss battles), keep SacriFire high on your radar.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a love letter to the classic JRPGs of the late ’90s, but with a modern edge. Boasting a massive cast of over 100 playable characters, this game’s turn-based system is all about creative party combinations and synergy attacks. The layered storytelling and branching quests ensure you’ll want to see every possible outcome. If you grew up on Suikoden or crave sprawling narratives, this is your next obsession.
Witch and Lilies brings a fresh twist to the genre with its blend of magical girl anime aesthetics and deep relationship mechanics. Here, combat success isn’t just about stats – it’s about how your bonds with teammates evolve over time. Each choice in dialogue or battle can lead to new abilities and story paths, making every playthrough unique. Fans of character-driven RPGs will find themselves hooked by its charm and replayability.
Sea of Stars has already wowed early players with its stunning pixel art, evocative soundtrack, and Chrono Trigger-inspired combat system. What sets it apart is the focus on timing-based inputs during battles – land your strikes perfectly for bonus damage or defense, keeping you engaged every round. The story weaves together themes of friendship, sacrifice, and cosmic mystery, making it as emotionally resonant as it is fun to play.
Alterium Shift delivers classic turn-based RPG action with a twist: you choose between three protagonists whose stories intertwine but diverge dramatically based on your decisions. The combat feels snappy thanks to quick-time event elements that demand attention without overwhelming you. Its branching narrative structure means your choices truly shape the world – ideal for completionists who love uncovering every secret ending.
Why These Games Deserve Your Wishlist Spot
The 2024 lineup isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s proof that indie devs are rewriting the rulebook on what makes a great RPG. Whether it’s Saga Emerald Beyond’s tactical depth, SacriFire’s moral complexity, or Kingdoms of the Dump’s irreverent humor, each title brings something bold to the table. These games are topping Steam indie RPG wishlists for good reason: they’re designed by passionate teams who understand what makes our favorite genre tick.
If you’re ready to discover your next adventure (and maybe even a new all-time favorite), keep an eye on these ten standouts as their release dates approach. Indie RPG fans have never had so many reasons to be excited – so fire up that wishlist and prepare for some unforgettable journeys!
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