Steam wishlists have become a crucial barometer for indie game success in 2025, offering both developers and players a glimpse into which titles are generating genuine excitement. This year has seen a handful of standout indie games rise rapidly in wishlist rankings, thanks to a mix of innovative gameplay, savvy marketing, and authentic community engagement. Let’s explore the top five indie games surging on Steam wishlists right now and examine what’s driving their remarkable momentum.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – The Most Wishlisted Indie Game of 2025
No conversation about trending indie games is complete without mentioning Hollow Knight: Silksong. Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel has shattered records, recently topping 5.2 million Steam wishlists, making it not only the most anticipated indie title but also the most wishlisted game scheduled for release in 2025. Its predecessor, Hollow Knight, set a high bar with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. Silksong’s magnetic pull is fueled by its lush hand-drawn visuals, intricate Metroidvania design, and the community’s insatiable hunger for new lore and challenges.
Team Cherry’s strategy has been one of selective reveals and high-impact demo showcases at major events like Steam Next Fest. By keeping details scarce but tantalizing, they’ve cultivated an aura of mystery that keeps fans engaged and discussion lively. This approach demonstrates how wishlists can be supercharged by anticipation and community-driven hype.
Little Kitty, Big City – Cozy Exploration Captures Hearts
For those seeking a lighter tone, Little Kitty, Big City represents the new wave of cozy adventure games dominating wishlist charts. Players guide an adventurous feline through a vibrant cityscape packed with secrets, puzzles, and charming interactions. The game’s appeal lies in its whimsical art direction and low-stress gameplay loop, which resonates with fans of titles like Stray and Untitled Goose Game.
The developers behind Little Kitty, Big City have leaned heavily into social media virality and community challenges, sharing adorable cat antics and sneak peeks that are highly shareable. Their presence during events like Steam Next Fest brought in thousands of new wishlists overnight. This success story highlights how relatability and meme-worthy content can convert casual interest into wishlist action.
Top 5 Indie Games Surging in Steam Wishlists (2025)
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Hollow Knight: Silksong – Team Cherry’s highly anticipated sequel leads the indie scene with over 5.2 million Steam wishlists as of October 2025. Building on the success of the original, Silksong’s deep lore, challenging platforming, and atmospheric world have driven unprecedented hype, making it the most wishlisted indie game of 2025.
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Little Kitty, Big City – This charming adventure lets players explore a bustling city as a mischievous cat. Its cozy visuals, playful mechanics, and viral demo have fueled a surge in wishlists, resonating with fans of wholesome, exploration-driven indie titles.
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Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns – The latest expansion for the hit roguelike, Vampire Survivors, introduces new weapons, characters, and chaotic action. Its addictive gameplay loop and regular content updates have kept the community engaged and propelled wishlist numbers throughout 2025.
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Nine Sols – Developed by Red Candle Games, Nine Sols blends fast-paced action-platforming with rich East Asian mythology. Its unique combat system and hand-drawn art style have captivated players, making it a standout among 2025’s most anticipated indie releases.
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The Plucky Squire – This inventive action-adventure game seamlessly transitions between 2D storybook and 3D worlds. Its creative mechanics, whimsical narrative, and eye-catching visuals have driven a rapid increase in wishlists, cementing its place as a must-watch indie title for 2025.
Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns – Evolving the Roguelike Formula
Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns builds upon the runaway success of its predecessor by introducing frenetic new gameplay modes and an arsenal of outlandish weaponry. The original Vampire Survivors became a viral sensation for its accessible yet addictive roguelike mechanics. Operation Guns amplifies this formula with co-op play and even deeper customization options.
The developers have maintained constant dialogue with their player base via Discord and regular development updates, ensuring that fans feel invested in the game’s evolution. Strategic participation in Steam Next Fest and clever use of influencer partnerships have driven wishlist numbers higher each month. This case exemplifies how listening to community feedback and iterating rapidly can keep an indie title trending well past its initial reveal.
Nine Sols – Handcrafted Mythology Meets Precision Combat
Nine Sols stands out as a unique blend of Eastern mythology and Sekiro-inspired action-platforming. Its striking visual style and challenging combat have earned it a devoted following. The developers’ transparent development process – sharing behind-the-scenes art and design decisions – has fostered a loyal community that actively spreads word-of-mouth buzz.
By releasing an extensive demo during key events and engaging directly with fans on platforms like Reddit, Nine Sols has steadily climbed the wishlist charts. The game’s success underscores the power of authenticity and open communication in building anticipation for an indie release.
Rounding out the list is The Plucky Squire, a game that has enchanted players with its seamless transitions between two-dimensional storybook pages and vibrant three-dimensional worlds. This inventive adventure draws players into a whimsical universe where creativity and interactivity are at the forefront. The game’s demo, featured prominently during Steam Next Fest, became a viral hit, captivating both seasoned gamers and newcomers with its unique mechanics and playful art direction.
The developers behind The Plucky Squire have strategically leveraged influencer playthroughs and developer diaries to demystify their creative process. By offering early access to select content creators and fostering an inclusive online community, they’ve transformed anticipation into active engagement, and ultimately, into wishlist surges. Their approach demonstrates how transparency and interactive marketing can amplify an indie game’s reach far beyond traditional channels.
What Drives Wishlist Momentum for Indie Games?
While each of these titles brings something distinctive to the table, several common threads run through their success stories:
- Event-driven exposure: Participation in high-visibility showcases like Steam Next Fest consistently leads to spikes in wishlists, as demos offer hands-on proof of concept.
- Community-first mentality: Developers who maintain open lines of communication, through Discord, social media, or dev blogs, build trust and foster grassroots marketing.
- Distinctive identity: Whether it’s Silksong’s atmospheric world or Little Kitty, Big City’s feline charm, a strong visual and thematic identity helps games stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
- Content creator partnerships: Early access for influencers drives organic reach and creates authentic buzz among target audiences.
For indie studios looking to replicate this momentum, focusing on these pillars, while ensuring gameplay innovation, can make all the difference. For more insights on maximizing discoverability and converting interest into wishlists, check out our guide on how game wishlists power indie success on Steam.
The Road Ahead: Indie Innovation Remains Unstoppable
The stories behind Hollow Knight: Silksong, Little Kitty Big City, Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns, Nine Sols, and The Plucky Squire reveal not just fleeting trends but foundational shifts in how indie games capture attention in 2025. As player expectations evolve and communities become ever more influential in shaping success stories, these titles exemplify the agility and creativity that define the modern indie movement.
If you’re eager to discover more hidden gems or want tips on boosting your own wishlist numbers as an aspiring developer, explore our latest recommendations for the best indie games to add to your wishlist this week.
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