The state of PC gaming doesn't exactly fill me with confidence, considering the string of broken launches, cash grabs, and straight-up scams we've had to deal with in the last few years. Despite having more powerful hardware and advanced development techniques than ever before, AAA games are increasingly characterized by unoptimized performance and visuals that seem to be going backward.

I feel such an environment calls for a compilation of some underrated games and indie titles from the last 15 years that PC gamers can turn to for a guaranteed fun time. Instead of getting disappointed yet again with another AAA title in 2025, let's revisit some classic gems that flew under the radar for one reason or another.

10 Europa (2024)

Relax in a wondrous anime world

Europa is a very recent title, but it has already made it to my list of lesser-known games that deserve more love. If you're exhausted from intense multiplayer battles and halfhearted, never-ending narratives, Europa promises a relaxed and deeply emotional experience. A short and sweet campaign of three hours takes you on a breathtaking journey on Jupiter's moon, where you fly and glide to explore the ruins of a strange world.

The soundtrack is pure bliss; you will find yourself vibing with the laid-back gameplay and soothing narrative. Armed with a jetpack, your character's journey is one of discovery, reflection, and responsibility. You can disable some of the enemies or obstacles in the Zen mode for an even more meditative game flavor.

9 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch (2021)

Take back Torch City

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch might sound like a weird game, but it excels at so many different things that it deserves a spot on your backlog. First, it's a gorgeous Metroidvania made in Unreal Engine 4, boasting highly detailed textures and a beautiful dieselpunk world. Second, the arcade-style combat powered by a huge mechanical fist, drill, and whip is incredibly satisfying. And third, the story is surprisingly good for a side-scroller featuring a bunny in a robot suit.

8 The Medium (2021)

Medium in name, high in experience

No one can fault The Medium for not being innovative. This psychological thriller employs unique dual-reality gameplay that lets players experience two parallel worlds simultaneously. As you explore the physical and spiritual world, uncovering what happened at the Niwa Resort, the atmospheric narrative, combined with the haunting soundtrack, will make for a deeply chilling experience.

The singular gameplay might feel weird initially, but if you stay with the game, you'll find the experience worth your time. As you get deeper into the story and utilize your unique abilities to fight the dangers of the spirit world, the game will prove to be one of the best horror experiences you've ever had.

7 Pathologic 2 (2019)

Survive by any means necessary

A modern reincarnation of the 2005 original, Pathologic 2 tells a deeply unsettling tale about surviving a plague in a small town. It's a survival thriller at its core but challenges you to endure the ordeal rather than enjoy any semblance of victory. Its harsh mechanics and moral dilemmas will leave a lasting impression on you, and I guarantee it will be one of the strangest games you've ever played.

The brutal atmosphere, chilling soundtrack, and surreal storytelling create a world that feels dying yet brimming with life. The combat is meaningful, and every action you take is charged with an unfamiliar urgency. To survive the plague, you must do whatever it takes — kill, steal, conspire, strategize.

6 Echo (2017)

Don't let the echoes see you

Echo is yet another fantastic game that flew under the radar. The core objective here is reviving a long-lost life while battling AI copies of yourself who can turn your every move against you. I still remember launching it for the first time and feeling out of place in the grand palace where the game was set. The opulent and desolate expanse fills you with dread as the palace "reboots" periodically, allowing you a few moments of darkness where the copies can't observe your movements.

As you fight to uncover your past and that of the man you need to revive, the game becomes a frantic chase where you rethink your every move. Echo doesn't fully deliver on its massive potential, but it deserves a play through by anyone who loves a novel gameplay mechanic wrapped inside an intriguing story.

5 Detention (2017)

Enter a world like no other

Another horror entry on the list, Detention, is a psychological horror experience unfolding in a 1960s Taiwan high school. This 2D side-scroller and point-and-click experience is charged with East Asian elements and Taiwanese cultural references. Set in a tumultuous period in Taiwan, where the country grappled with martial law for decades, Detention places you in the shoes of two students escaping supernatural monsters.

The game excels in telling a haunting tale filled with ominous creatures, terrifying puzzles, and a unique soundtrack. The cardboard-style animation and unique art design also deserve a shout-out because they accentuate the atmosphere of the narrative. Give this one a shot if you want a completely different experience from what we've been receiving from AAA games of late.

4 Axiom Verge (2015)

On the verge of greatness

There has been no dearth of Metroidvanias in the recent past, but 2015's Axiom Verge still stands out, especially for sci-fi fans. Set in a futuristic labyrinth, the game tasks you with finding the truth about your situation after a lab experiment gone wrong. You have unique weapons to wield, powerful abilities to channel, and the trump card of breaking the game itself to corrupt enemies and survive puzzles.

Despite being one of the best games of 2015, Axiom Verge failed to garner as much renown as it deserved. You can help mend that, in your own little way, by trying it out in the current Steam winter sale. Oh, and one more thing: a single developer created it.

3 Gone Home (2012)

A home run

Gone Home is a special game; it resembles walking into someone's life more than playing a character. As you return home after a year abroad, you find your family isn't at home. The house is empty, but everything is seemingly still in its place, waiting for you to uncover what happened while you were gone.

Focusing on environmental storytelling, the game doesn't handhold you at any point. As you explore every room and piece the clues together, the emotional story takes shape organically, allowing you to absorb the narrative like never before. Some might call it a simple walking simulator, but Gone Home is a masterclass in narrative subtlety.

2 Singularity (2010)

A singular FPS experience

Singularity is an often-overlooked FPS that blends gripping action with a time-bending narrative. Set on a mysterious island during the Cold War, the game allows the player to manipulate time itself. Whether rewinding decayed objects to their original state or aging enemies into dust, the gameplay keeps things fresh as you uncover the truth behind the singularity.

The eerie atmosphere, tight shooting mechanics, and sci-fi and historical story keep you hooked. As you travel between 1950s Russia and the present day to prevent the titular tragedy, you need to grapple with forces from the past and the future. The game's Unreal Engine 3 graphics surprisingly hold up to this day, easing newer players into one of the most refreshing games of the 2010s.

1 VVVVVV (2010)

Press V to turn switch gravity

VVVVVV is a quirky and often challenging platformer that stands out for its minimalist design and a clever gravity control mechanic that allows you to make the player "jump" from the floor to the roof and vice versa. Its retro-inspired visuals and catchy soundtrack give it an unmistakable charm, while the increasingly difficult levels keep you on your toes.

What truly earns VVVVVV a spot on this list is the welcome difficulty, rewarding precision, and commitment to player freedom. It’s a short but satisfying experience for those who love a unique platformer built around unique gameplay.

Indie games put the AAA gaming scene to shame

If it weren't for indie games, the backlash against AAA games would have been even worse, considering gamers wouldn't have anything to keep them happy and busy. The indie scene makes me wonder why we still see debacles like Concord — despite endless budgets and resources, AAA studios and publishers have consistently failed to deliver on their promises.

If you've been disillusioned with big-budget titles, it's time to try these underrated gems. Who knows, maybe you'll discover your new favorite PC game or a new regular for your Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.