Steam, the renowned digital distribution platform for video games, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. While big-name titles often dominate the spotlight, there's an abundance of lesser-known games that offer unique and captivating experiences.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of underrated games on Steam that deserve your attention. These hidden gems may not have the marketing budgets of AAA games, but they shine just as bright in terms of creativity, innovation, and pure enjoyment.
1. "Hollow Knight" by Team Cherry
Delve into the haunting world of Hallownest, where you'll explore intricate landscapes, battle challenging enemies, and unravel a deep lore through cryptic storytelling in this beautifully hand-drawn 2D action-adventure game.
User Base: Over 3 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Action, Adventure, Metroidvania
Steam Link: Hollow Knight on Steam
2. "Stardew Valley" by ConcernedApe
Escape to the countryside and cultivate your own farm in this charming simulation RPG. Plant crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and befriend the quirky townspeople as you create your own rural paradise.
User Base: Over 10 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Simulation, RPG
Steam Link: Stardew Valley on Steam
3. "Oxenfree" by Night School Studio
Embark on a supernatural adventure as Alex, a teenager who inadvertently opens a ghostly rift on an abandoned island. Navigate a suspenseful narrative while using a unique dialogue system that shapes the outcome.
User Base: Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Adventure, Mystery
Steam Link: Oxenfree on Steam
4. "Cuphead" by Studio MDHR
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, 1930s-inspired cartoon world of Cuphead. Take on challenging boss battles and run-and-gun levels in this visually striking and challenging platformer.
User Base: Over 6 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows
Genre: Run and Gun, Platformer
Steam Link: Cuphead on Steam
5. "Undertale" by Toby Fox:
Rewrite the rules of traditional RPG combat as you navigate a whimsical and emotional journey filled with witty humor and meaningful choices, where your decisions shape the outcome of the story.
User Base: Over 5 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: RPG
Steam Link: Undertale on Steam
6. "Hades" by Supergiant Games:
Descend into the underworld as Zagreus and battle your way out through dynamic combat encounters. Explore a rich narrative while facing off against mythological creatures in this engaging roguelike.
Platform Support: Windows, macOS
User Base: Over 2 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Roguelike, Action, Dungeon Crawler
Steam Link: Hades on Steam
7. "Hue" by Fiddlesticks Games:
Manipulate colors to solve puzzles and uncover the secrets of a mysterious world. This artistic and imaginative puzzle-platformer challenges you to use perception and creativity to progress.
User Base: Over 200,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
Steam Link: Hue on Steam
8. "Firewatch" by Campo Santo:
Immerse yourself in a captivating narrative as you take on the role of a fire lookout named Henry. Traverse the Wyoming wilderness and engage in conversations that shape the story's direction.
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Base: Over 2 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Adventure
Steam Link: Firewatch on Steam
9. "Celeste" by Maddy Makes Games:
Scale the treacherous Celeste Mountain in this challenging platformer that boasts precise controls, a touching narrative, and a personal journey of self-discovery.
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Base: Over 2 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Platformer
Steam Link: Celeste on Steam
10. "Ori and the Blind Forest" by Moon Studios:
Embark on a visually stunning journey as Ori, a guardian spirit, in this enchanting platformer. Navigate the breathtaking environments and unravel a heartfelt story.
Platform Support: Windows
User Base: Over 3 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Platformer, Metroidvania
Steam Link: Ori and the Blind Forest on Steam
11. "Bastion" by Supergiant Games:
Dive into a post-apocalyptic world and guide the Kid through vibrant landscapes, battling foes with an arsenal of unique weapons. The narrator's voice adds an immersive layer to the experience.
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Base: Over 3 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Action RPG
Steam Link: Bastion on Steam
12. "Night in the Woods" by Infinite Fall:
Join Mae, a college dropout, in her hometown as she reconnects with old friends and explores the mysteries surrounding the town in this narrative-driven adventure.
User Base: Over 500,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Adventure
Steam Link: Night in the Woods on Steam
13. "Katana ZERO" by Askiisoft:
Step into the shoes of a samurai assassin with time-manipulating abilities. Engage in fast-paced action sequences and make choices that influence the story's progression.
User Base: Over 500,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Action, Platformer
Steam Link: Katana ZERO on Steam
14. "The Witness" by Jonathan Blow:
Traverse a visually stunning island, solving intricate puzzles that challenge your logic and observation skills. Unravel the mysteries of the island's past through exploration and contemplation.
User Base: Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
Steam Link: The Witness on Steam
15. "Baba Is You" by Hempuli Oy:
Challenge your understanding of game mechanics in this unique puzzle game where the rules are malleable and can be rearranged to solve each level's challenges.
User Base: Over 500,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Puzzle
Steam Link: Baba Is You on Steam
16. "Axiom Verge" by Thomas Happ Games:
Explore an alien world as Trace, a scientist trapped in a mysterious realm. Uncover secrets, battle bizarre creatures, and manipulate glitches to your advantage in this Metroidvania adventure.
User Base: Over 500,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Action, Adventure, Metroidvania
Steam Link: Axiom Verge on Steam
17. "Hotline Miami" by Dennaton Games:
Experience neon-soaked brutality in this top-down shooter where you'll engage in intense, fast-paced action. Navigate intricate levels, plan your attacks, and enjoy a gripping narrative.
User Base: Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
Genre: Action, Top-Down Shooter
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Steam Link: Hotline Miami on Steam
18. "Soma" by Frictional Games:
Immerse yourself in a psychological horror experience as you explore a mysterious underwater facility, facing existential questions and challenging moral dilemmas.
User Base: Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Horror, Adventure
Steam Link: Soma on Steam
19. "Hyper Light Drifter" by Heart Machine:
Venture into a post-apocalyptic world as the Drifter, battling through hordes of enemies and uncovering the secrets of a lost civilization in this visually captivating action RPG.
User Base: Over 500,000 copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre: Action RPG
Steam Link: Hyper Light Drifter on Steam
20. "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons" by Starbreeze Studios:
Embark on an emotional journey as you control two brothers on a quest to save their ailing father. The unique dual-control mechanic adds depth to puzzles and interactions throughout the game.
User Base: Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
Platform Support: Windows
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Steam Link: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons on Steam
Conclusion:
These 20 hidden gem games offer a diverse range of experiences, from emotionally charged narratives to challenging gameplay mechanics, ensuring that there's something for every type of gamer to enjoy on Steam. While blockbuster titles often steal the limelight, these underrated games showcase the creativity, innovation, and pure enjoyment that can be found in lesser-known titles.
So, the next time you're browsing through the Steam store, consider giving one of these hidden gems a chance – you might just discover a new favorite that you'll cherish for years to come.
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