10 Best Indie Games on Switch UK 2022 | Hollow Night, Stardew Valley and More

If you’re still not familiar with Minecraft, the simplest way to describe it is that it's like a video game LEGO set. The entire world is made up of blocks that you can destroy and move around, allowing you to build fantastic structures – or simply go on adventures with your friends, exploring mines and much much more.

It may not be common knowledge, but the most popular game of all time is, in fact, an indie game. Before being bought out by Microsoft in 2014 for $2.5 billion, the team that developed Minecraft was made up of only a handful of people. It may not technically qualify as an indie game now by the strictest of definitions, but it is certainly one at heart.

Hollow Knight is one of the most visually stunning indie games on the market today, and if the screenshots remind you of a cross between the films of Tim Burton and Studio Ghibli, just wait until you see it in motion.

You play as an adorable nail-wielding bug exploring the once-thriving kingdom of Hallownest, uncovering its secrets as you progress. The locations are varied and beautiful while the combat is some of the most satisfyingly challenging we've found. A true gem.

Everything in Enter the Gungeon revolves around guns and puns, where guns fire bullets and bullets fire guns. Don't let the cute pixel art style fool you, this is a devilishly difficult roguelike reminiscent of old bullet-hell games, where the screen is literally filled with projectiles at times.

The tongue-in-cheek fun prevents the game from ever becoming too frustrating though, and it's some of the best fun you can have locally with a family member or friend. You'll die a lot, but you'll also find yourself dodging and weaving through the levels like a pro quicker than you think.

The titular Stardew Valley is easily one of the most relaxing locations in any game, indie or otherwise, so if you're looking for something to play while wrapped up with a nice hot chocolate on a cold evening, then we can think of none better.

You inherit your grandfather's old tools and farm plot and are tasked with turning the overgrown fields and run-down buildings into a thriving home. In the town itself, there are over 30 characters for you to interact with, and you can even date, settle down and start a family with one of them if you wish.

A lot of the time, if you went back and played the now-retro games from your childhood, you'll find they're not quite how you remember. The controls are a little more clunky and the sprites aren't quite as good as you imagined. Shovel Knight perfectly captures the feeling of playing an old 90s platformer without the headaches.

While there is a local multiplayer mode, we would say this is much more of a single-player experience than something you should go into planning on playing with a friend. It's a nice extra, but very much not the main event.

One of the biggest indie darlings of recent years is Untitled Goose Game, where you and a friend play as a goose, wandering around a picturesque British town causing all sorts of mayhem. 

Untitled Goose Game is pure unadulterated fun, and you'll be rolling around on the floor laughing after you've stolen the farmer's hat for the tenth time in a row. It's not the longest game in the world, but if you're looking for something silly and entertaining, this is well worth your time.

From the exquisite art design to the incredible voice acting, Hades is an incredible game that has a level of polish some larger game studios would kill for. You play as Zagreus, the immortal prince of the underworld, who's trying to escape the clutches of his father, the titular Hades. 

All the Greek greats are here – you'll battle with the Furies, talk with the Gods and pet Cerberus on the head. Repeatedly. It's an undoubtedly incredible piece of art, but this title could prove a tad too difficult for some gamers and may cause some frustration. 

If you're looking for a visually stunning, hand-drawn and immaculately animated adventure, then Ori and the Blind Forest is well worth your time. The story is told fantastically and is a deeply emotional tale revolving around love and sacrifice

The gameplay isn't bad by any stretch, but some players will find the controls a little loose and combined with Ori's small size on the screen, this can cause some frustrating deaths. If you're a fan of storytelling, though, then you should play this one for sure.

If you grew up in the 90s, Streets of Rage should be a name that you're familiar with. You and up to three friends battle your way through a gorgeous comic-book-styled city backed by over-the-top artwork and with plenty of special moves. 

While incredibly fun if you're a fan of the genre, or remember the games from your youth, we're not sure there's too much here for newer players. It's a must-buy if you're a fan of the franchise, but others may be left wanting more.

Rivals of Aether takes some of the best mechanics from Super Smash Bros. Melee, originally released on the GameCube, and brings them into the modern age with beautiful pixel art sprites. It's a fighting game where your goal is to knock your opponent off stage using a variety of special moves.

It's a quality game, but the physical copy is only available in a limited run, so while it's worth it if you're an avid collector, the price is undoubtedly high for an indie game. If you're a little late and the physical copies are sold out, you can pick up a Nintendo eShop Card and find it online.