Anticipation is at an all-time high for indie games in 2025, with Steam’s wishlist charts acting as a barometer for what the global gaming community is most eager to experience next. As major publishers continue to dominate headlines, it’s the indie developers who are capturing hearts and attention through innovation, artistry, and fresh gameplay concepts. This year, several indie titles have not only climbed but surged past significant wishlist milestones, signaling a shift in what players are searching for: originality, emotional storytelling, and unique mechanics.
Why Steam Wishlists Matter More Than Ever
The Steam wishlist isn’t just a personal backlog tool – it’s a critical metric that can make or break an indie game’s success. High wishlist numbers boost visibility on the platform, attract publisher interest, and often correlate with strong day-one sales. For developers operating without blockbuster budgets, reaching major wishlist milestones is both a badge of honor and a strategic advantage. In 2025, several standout titles have leveraged this system to secure their place among the year’s most anticipated releases.
“A big wishlist count on Steam can be the difference between obscurity and overnight success for indies. “
The Top 7 Upcoming Indie Games Dominating Steam Wishlists (2025)
Let’s dive into the seven indie games that have achieved major wishlist milestones this year – each title offering something distinct yet universally appealing:
Light No Fire
Studio: Hello Games
Wishlist Milestone: Top-tier placement on Steam’s charts
Why It Matters: After redefining procedural exploration with No Man’s Sky, Hello Games returns with Light No Fire, promising an open-world fantasy adventure where every mountain can be climbed and every forest holds secrets. Its blend of survival mechanics and boundless exploration has resonated deeply with players seeking true freedom in their adventures.
Blight: Survival
Studio: Haenir Studio
Wishlist Milestone: Consistently trending in Steam’s top wishlists
The Buzz: Set in an alternate medieval Europe ravaged by supernatural plague, Blight: Survival stands out as a four-player co-op experience blending brutal combat with atmospheric horror. Its realistic visuals and emergent gameplay have helped it build a fervent following even before release.
Blue Prince
Studio: Dogubomb
Award Momentum: GOTY contender buzz on Reddit and forums
The Hype Factor: This oddball roguelite puzzle adventure has captured imaginations thanks to its surreal art style and clever mechanics. Players are already debating strategies and sharing theories online – always a sign of an engaged community ready to support launch day success.
If you’re interested in how these trends compare to previous years or want more insight into how wishlists translate into real-world outcomes for indies, check out our deep dive here: How Indie Game Wishlists on Steam Drive Discovery and Success in 2025.
Diversity of Experience: From Cozy Cats to Medieval Lords
This year isn’t just about dark fantasy or high-stakes adventure – there’s also room for charm and whimsy among the most anticipated indie titles.
- Little Kitty, Big City: Delivering cozy vibes reminiscent of Untitled Goose Game but with feline flair. Play as an adventurous cat exploring vibrant city streets filled with secrets.
- Manor Lords: For strategy fans craving historical realism. Build your medieval city brick by brick while balancing economics and diplomacy.
- The Plucky Squire and Hollow Knight: Silksong: Both offer visually striking worlds – one blending storybook magic with action-platforming twists; the other continuing Team Cherry’s legacy of soulful metroidvania design.
Together these seven games exemplify why upcoming indie games in 2025 are setting new standards for creativity on PC and beyond. In part two of this article we’ll take a closer look at what makes each game tick mechanically – plus strategies developers use to harness wishlist momentum into lasting success.
What Sets These Indie Standouts Apart?
Each of the top 7 most wishlisted indie games for 2025 brings something unique to the table, reflecting the diversity and innovation that define the indie scene. Light No Fire dazzles with its seamless blend of survival and fantasy, while Blight: Survival leans into gritty, cooperative horror. Blue Prince is already a cult favorite among puzzle aficionados, its bizarre charm sparking endless theories across gaming communities.
Little Kitty, Big City offers a wholesome sandbox experience, inviting players to explore urban environments through the mischievous eyes of a cat. Its laid-back pace and playful mechanics are a refreshing contrast to more intense titles on this list. Meanwhile, Manor Lords stands out with its detailed medieval city-building and real-time tactical battles, an impressive feat for a solo developer project that continues to climb wishlist charts.
The Plucky Squire, with its innovative transitions between 2D storybook pages and 3D worlds, is poised to become a genre-defying hit. Finally, Hollow Knight: Silksong, perhaps the most anticipated metroidvania sequel of the decade, has maintained massive momentum thanks to Team Cherry’s reputation for rich lore and challenging gameplay.
Indie Game Discovery: Why Now Is the Best Time to Explore
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AAA releases or uninspired by formulaic sequels, these upcoming indie hits offer an antidote. The current wave of highly wishlisted titles demonstrates that smaller studios are not only capable of competing with industry giants, they’re often leading in terms of creativity and community engagement.
The wishlist phenomenon isn’t just about numbers; it’s about signaling collective excitement and influencing what gets surfaced on Steam’s front page or featured during events like Next Fest. As more players discover these gems through curated lists and community recommendations, we’re seeing a virtuous cycle where visibility breeds even greater anticipation, and ultimately, success for developers who take risks.
How You Can Support Indie Success on Steam
- Add games you’re curious about to your wishlist, even if you’re undecided about buying on day one. It helps developers immensely.
- Share trailers or demo impressions on social media or forums.
- Participate in playtests or leave feedback if invited; early community input can shape final releases.
- Dive into genre crossovers, don’t be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone!
If you want more tips on supporting indies or understanding how wishlists impact game launches, our guide breaks down proven strategies from developers themselves: How To Get Your Indie Game Wishlisted On Steam: Proven Tips From #WishlistWednesday.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indie Game Trends on Steam
The surge in anticipation for titles like Blight: Survival, The Plucky Squire, and Hollow Knight: Silksong suggests that 2025 is shaping up as one of the strongest years ever for indie releases. With players prioritizing originality and depth over sheer scale, we’re likely to see even more diverse projects hitting major milestones in coming months.
If you haven’t yet explored this year’s most anticipated indie offerings, or want to keep tabs on new entries shaking up the charts, now’s the perfect time to expand your horizons. The next breakout hit could be just a click away on your wishlist.
Which upcoming indie game are you most excited to play?
These 7 highly anticipated indie games have reached major Steam wishlist milestones for 2025. Let us know which one you’re looking forward to the most!
About the Author
