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Best games by Self Published
15th Feb 2026
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The world of gaming is brimming with innovative ideas and unique experiences, often bubbling up from independent developers who strike out on their own. This list celebrates the best games that have emerged from the self-published realm, titles where passionate creators have bypassed traditional publishers to bring their visions directly to players. From charming pixel art adventures to complex strategy simulations and everything in between, these games showcase the creativity, dedication, and raw talent that define the independent spirit in the gaming industry. These titles are a testament to the power of self-reliance and the commitment of individuals to deliver unforgettable gaming moments. Now it's your turn to contribute! Take a look through our curated selection, and don't hesitate to vote for your favorite self-published games. Your votes help highlight the gems that might otherwise go unnoticed and help fellow gamers discover their next obsession. Let your voice be heard!
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#11.
TOONCOP (2023)
11/14
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TOONCOP (2023) thrusts players into a chaotic cartoon apocalypse as a fearless enforcer. This fast-paced horde shooter pits you against waves of mischievous toons escaping their shows and wreaking havoc. The core gameplay revolves around intense action, chaining weapons and abilities to survive. Players fight for XP and cash with the ultimate goal to climb the ranks. The game's skill-based system avoids random loot boxes, adding a layer of competition by letting players hit score targets to unlock them. This game clearly belongs on the "Best games by Self Published" list. The announcement is explicit in stating that the game is "a work in progress made by a solo developer." This level of individual creation and direct distribution fits the criteria for a self-published title. TOONCOP's development, constant updates, and the direct interaction encouraged with the community through social media hashtags are all key signs that the game has not been published by any major game studio.
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Transmissions: Element 120 (2016)
Transmissions: Element 120 is a thrilling, short single-player adventure rooted in the Half-Life universe. Armed with an innovative gravity-defying weapon, players navigate a mysterious location, leaping across buildings and surviving breathtaking falls. The core narrative revolves around uncovering your purpose and destination, all set against an ambiguous date and place. This title earns its place among the best self-published games due to its impressive technical achievements and dedicated solo development. It goes beyond simple fan fiction by incorporating a suite of improvements to the aging Source Engine, including enhanced dynamic lighting, the Source Shader Editor, improved physics support, and refined AI. The project is a testament to the developer's passion and technical skills in pushing the engine to its limits, offering a unique and polished experience crafted outside the traditional studio system.
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Twixel (2016)
Twixel, released in 2016, is a brutally difficult and surprisingly addictive arcade game that takes inspiration from Super Hexagon, throwing players into a minimalist world where they control two independent pixels. The challenge lies in simultaneously maneuvering these pixels to avoid an onslaught of symmetrical and asymmetrical obstacles that pulse in sync with the fantastic music by Robin Ogden. Players can choose between 2D and 3D graphics, and work their way through three difficulty levels, hyper modes, and even an extreme level boasting over 100 unique obstacles. Sharing scores via social media is built-in, with later planned updates to integrate leaderboards. Twixel deserves a spot among the best self-published games because it embodies the spirit of independent game development: a singular, focused vision executed with polish and care. It offers a novel twist on a familiar formula and delivers a punishing but fair experience that keeps players coming back for "one more try". Its unique control scheme, combined with the mesmerizing visuals and dynamic music, creates a captivating and challenging experience that highlights the potential for innovation and creativity outside of established studios, and its trading cards and achievements round out the experience.
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Puppet Blaster (2018)
Puppet Blaster (2018) throws players into a surreal and chaotic desert arena swarming with ghoulish adversaries. Waking up disoriented, you're immediately thrust into a fight for survival, armed with twin blasters and a uniquely bizarre control scheme. You manipulate a diminutive, yet surprisingly aggressive, action figure whose arms are directly linked to your movements, allowing for pinpoint accuracy and a satisfying level of visceral control. It's a cathartic experience, blasting these goofy ghouls right in their dumb, undead faces. Puppet Blaster earns its place among the best self-published games for its sheer audacity and inventive gameplay. It's a pure VR experience, unburdened by the constraints of traditional game design. The novel control method, coupled with the game's unapologetically absurd premise, creates a memorable and genuinely fun shooter. It showcases the power of independent developers to push boundaries and offer players truly unique and unforgettable virtual reality encounters.
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Artifacts (2020)
Delve into the ruins of a forgotten kingdom in Artifacts (2020), an indie action-adventure platformer where exploration is key. Unearth a vast interconnected world sprawling across nine distinct biomes, from shadowy caves to colossal fortresses. The game emphasizes freedom, offering open-ended level design that encourages players to forge their own path, venturing wherever their curiosity leads. This journey is marked by finely-tuned 2D platforming, artifact collecting, and combat built around synergy, as you gather over 50 unique artifacts that grant new movement options and abilities, crafting unique builds with each life. Artifacts perfectly embodies the spirit of self-published games. The project is built by an independent team who created an entirely unique experience through a clear vision. This game demonstrates artistic freedom, pushing creative boundaries with features like an outstanding soundtrack. The focus on open-ended exploration, emergent gameplay fueled by synergistic item combinations, and brutal-yet-rewarding death mechanic, all combine to form an experience unlike anything found in big studio releases, making it a standout example of self-published creativity.
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Evade Zero (2020)
Evade Zero throws players into a chaotic arena battle, perfect for local multiplayer mayhem. Up to four players, each controlling a unique "ball" character, must outmaneuver their opponents using guns, dashes, and quick thinking to knock them off the stage. Featuring a vibrant pinball-inspired visual style, the game boasts twelve distinct stages, each with its own set of traps, triggers, and environmental hazards to exploit. The fast-paced gameplay, combined with the strategic use of movement and weapon usage, creates a fun and competitive experience where last one standing is the victor. This title fits squarely into the "Best games by Self Published" category because its success and development are directly attributed to an independent developer. Self-published games often benefit from a creative vision and direct player engagement, qualities evident in Evade Zero. The game's features, including robust AI for solo or under-populated matches, Steam Remote Play support, and customization options, showcase a commitment to providing a polished and enjoyable experience that wouldn't exist without the dedication of a self-reliant team.
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Escape The Tank (2021)
"Escape The Tank (2021)" is a testament to perseverance and the power of independent creation. Born from a solo endeavor, this game represents the first foray into game development by its creator, showcasing self-taught skills in a game engine. Players navigate a charming 3D platforming adventure set within the confines of a fish tank, tackling sixteen unique levels. Filled with exploration, problem-solving, and the simple joy of jumping, the game offers a surprisingly engaging experience despite its humble origins. This game's inclusion on a "Best games by Self Published" list is well-deserved. It embodies the spirit of independent development, born from a single individual's drive to learn and create. The straightforward premise, combined with the evident passion behind the project, makes it a strong example of what can be accomplished with dedication and self-reliance. Its continued development post-release also reinforces its creator's commitment to growth, exemplifying the continuous learning journey intrinsic to self-publishing.
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Corporate America (2019)
"Corporate America (2019)" is a self-published indie title built on a unique premise: a fast-paced multiplayer shooter centered around the mundane reality of modern office life. Instead of traditional weaponry, players engage in virtual combat by flinging emails at each other. The game cleverly satirizes the future of work, depicting a world where AI has displaced human labor, leaving humans to occupy meaningless positions like email correspondence. It caters to up to 15 players locally and online, which, for an indie title, is an impressive number of player options. The game fits the criteria of being self-published as it isn't published by a large corporation, but likely one or a small team of people. "Corporate America (2019)" delivers a distinct artistic vision that likely wasn't created by an established company. Its niche humor and focus on social commentary point to an independent project that allows for more creative freedom and a willingness to experiment with innovative gameplay mechanics and themes than is typically found in mainstream releases. This makes it an appropriate title to be included in the "Best games by Self Published" list.
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Gun Bots (2021)
Gun Bots (2021) is a self-published title showcasing a deeply customizable and strategic experience. Players build their arsenal of "Gun Bots" by carefully selecting components like gun controllers, frames, barrels, clips, and mods to fine-tune their combat capabilities. The game features a grid-based deployment system, allowing for tactical positioning and maneuvering through intense projectile-filled encounters across seven visually distinct worlds. The gameplay loop focuses on upgrading, leveling up, and optimizing the Gun Bot arsenal, providing a satisfying progression system. The inclusion of Gun Bots (2021) on the "Best games by Self Published" list is warranted by its ambitious scope, focused design, and comprehensive feature set that is likely a reflection of the passion of the developer. The ability to create unique bots through part customizations and strategic gameplay mechanics of level design is a strong indicator of its value for self-published projects. With the integration of the game, the level-up system, the progression in care packages, and strategic depth the Gun Bot system is a great example of a refined and compelling gaming experience.
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Rise of the High Elf King: A LEGACY OF BLOOD (2023)
Prepare to be swept away by "Rise of the High Elf King: A LEGACY OF BLOOD (2023)," a self-proclaimed spectacle of unparalleled grandeur. This 2D side-scrolling adventure places you at the heart of an epic journey, charting the protagonist's climb to power across vast territories teeming with interactable NPCs and dynamic environments. The fate of this fantasy world, filled with magic and brimming with a dark comedic undertone, rests in your hands, with distinct story endings that will have you hoping lady luck favors you in this journey. From what the author has said, this is the sort of game that could be classified as a timeless masterpiece. The game's self-published nature, coupled with its ambitious scope and promise of player agency, strongly suggests it belongs on a list of "Best games by Self Published." The project appears to be the brainchild of a single developer, Jake Welch, evident from the personal message to the potential player. The use of the RPG Maker MV engine allows for this type of game to be made. These elements of self-publishing would be great for the game to reach the hands of the players.
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Dash Lamb (2021)
Dash Lamb (2021) presents a tightly crafted platforming experience. The core gameplay revolves around a simple, yet demanding, control scheme centered on a single action – popping bubbles. Players navigate a single screen, battling against encroaching darkness and the environment using fire sparked by the lamb's horns, all wrapped in a hyper-stylized, retro 2-bit aesthetic. The experience features an intriguing mysterious narrative, promising a rewarding challenge for those who persevere. Its accessibility, being free to play, further encourages players to engage with its difficult and rewarding structure. This title definitively belongs on a "Best Games by Self Published" list. The focused gameplay, unique visual style, and simple control scheme reveal the focused vision of a solo developer. Self-publishing gives independent creators full creative control, allowing them to push the boundaries of both gameplay and art styles. Dash Lamb exemplifies this; a refined game born of passion, showcasing the potential and innovation that self-published projects can achieve by those who prioritize their own vision.
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TOONCOP (2023)
TOONCOP (2023) thrusts players into a chaotic cartoon apocalypse as a fearless enforcer. This fast-paced horde shooter pits you against waves of mischievous toons escaping their shows and wreaking havoc. The core gameplay revolves around intense action, chaining weapons and abilities to survive. Players fight for XP and cash with the ultimate goal to climb the ranks. The game's skill-based system avoids random loot boxes, adding a layer of competition by letting players hit score targets to unlock them. This game clearly belongs on the "Best games by Self Published" list. The announcement is explicit in stating that the game is "a work in progress made by a solo developer." This level of individual creation and direct distribution fits the criteria for a self-published title. TOONCOP's development, constant updates, and the direct interaction encouraged with the community through social media hashtags are all key signs that the game has not been published by any major game studio.
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EvoGene (2023)
In a world ravaged by a meteor strike that unleashed unprecedented evolutionary forces, "EvoGene (2023)" plunges players into a thrilling 3D hack-and-slash experience. Earth transformed, now teeming with mutated creatures and Evolvers, humans gifted with new abilities. Players step into the shoes of Vail, a young Evolver tasked with investigating a gathering of Evolved creatures, navigating a desolate and dangerous landscape. The core gameplay revolves around mastering elemental counters, dodging powerful attacks, and unleashing devastating area-of-effect abilities to survive against hordes of mutated foes. Collecting EvoShards fuels progression, allowing you to level up and replenish health in a constant fight for survival. "EvoGene" earns its place among the best self-published games through its ambitious scope and evident passion. The game’s development, the setting, the mechanics show the creators vision. This highlights the dedication and commitment that define many successful self-published titles. Its potential to reach gamers is evident in its blend of satisfying combat, environmental storytelling, and a compelling evolutionary narrative. "EvoGene's" self-published status underscores the independent spirit and raw talent behind the project.
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Saint Lary's Hospital - Ay Corona! (2020)
Step into the chaotic world of St. Lary's Hospital in "Saint Lary's Hospital - Ay Corona! (2020)" and experience the frantic pace of a doctor amidst a viral outbreak. As Doctor Lary, your mission is to navigate the cough-filled corridors, dodging illness and battling the spread of the virus. You must also contend with patients hoarding precious toilet paper, collecting five rolls on each floor to advance, while being mindful of your health, which is vital. Maintain your sanitary needs, as you need to wash your hands at sinks every 30 seconds, while keeping an eye on your spray bottle and refilling at sanitizing stations every 10 seconds to stay on top of this pandemic. This game's presence on a "Best games by Self Published" list is fitting due to its unique and timely premise, coupled with the apparent independent development efforts. The core gameplay loop, centered around resource management and environmental awareness, demonstrates a clear understanding of game design principles. Its self-published nature suggests a passion project, likely reflecting the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Saint Lary's Hospital - Ay Corona!" not only offers entertainment but also a distinct and challenging experience that sets it apart from mainstream titles.
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Recon Quest (2024)
In Recon Quest (2024), players strategically command one of four unique vehicles, each tailored for a specific role in completing objectives. Players must carefully choose the vehicle that best suits the task at hand, from the agile Tank designed for vehicular combat, the swift Drone ideal for reconnaissance, the Siege vehicle excelling at base destruction, or the Builder, constructing vital structures like mini-tank factories and defensive turrets. Mastering the strengths of each vehicle, from the tank's cannon to the builder's landmines, is crucial to overcoming challenging enemies, destructible environments, and formidable bosses. This title certainly earns its place among the "Best games by Self Published" due to the creative vehicle design and tactical depth that is present within its gameplay. A self-published game is one that is developed by the same entity that publishes it. The creative approach to vehicles, each with unique capabilities, suggests a passion project where the developer has full creative control. The success of a game with this complexity in gameplay also indicates a keen understanding of game design. Because of the focus on the player's tactical decision-making and the dedication in developing four unique play styles, this game represents the spirit of self-published ingenuity.
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