We all love a good blockbuster game, right? Those titles everyone’s talking about. But, here’s the thing—some of the most fun games are the ones you’ve never heard of. Yeah, I’m talking about the hidden gems. You know, the ones that didn’t make it to the top of the charts but deserve a seat at the table.

I mean, who needs another game that looks like it came out of a Hollywood pitch meeting when you can have something that feels… different? Let’s talk about 7 lesser-known games that are absolute goldmines of fun. I guarantee these will surprise you. But first, a brief tangent. (Bear with me, I promise it’s worth it.)

1. A Short Hike – The Calm Before the Chaos

Okay, so A Short Hike might not be the game to impress your FPS-loving friends, but lemme tell you—this is a vibe. Picture this: you play as Claire, a bird trying to reach the top of an island. Yeah, that’s it. Simple, right? But here’s the kicker—it’s amazing.

There’s no rush. No major battles. It’s just exploration, chatting with random NPCs, and maybe—if you’re feeling wild—flying around the island. The charm here? The game doesn’t expect you to be an expert gamer. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a mental break or just want to vibe out after a stressful week.

Why You Should Try It:

• Easygoing gameplay: There’s no pressure, just go at your own pace and explore. (I’m still convinced that my character is secretly living their best life.)
• Wholesome vibes: After 20 minutes, I’m like, “I could be on a tropical island right now…”
• Cute characters: I’ve met birds that felt like they belonged in a Sunday morning cartoon, and I’m not mad about it.

2. The Pathless – A Beautifully Surreal Journey

Listen, when I first played The Pathless, I was like, “This is the kind of game I never knew I needed.” It’s got all the big ‘wow’ moments, but with none of the stress. You’re this archer in an open world, and you need to save the land by… running around. Yep, you heard me right.

Fast-forward past three failed attempts to climb up a mountain while dodging enemies, and you’ll realize the game is all about fluid movement and solving puzzles. And if you think about it for a second, it kind of mirrors life, right? We’re all just trying to get to the top—often while dodging obstacles.

Why You Should Try It:

• Great for stress relief: The fluid movement system means running through forests feels like a dream. No pressure to kill everything in sight.
• Epic landscapes: I swear, I’ve never felt so alive in a virtual world. The view from the mountain top? Chef’s kiss.
• Magical soundtrack: Austin Wintory, the genius behind the music, seriously outdid himself.

3. Outer Worlds – The RPG You Didn’t Know You Needed

Look, I’ve played a lot of RPGs, and some are more talking than action, ya know? But Outer Worlds? Outer Worlds is the sweet spot. You get to be a space traveler in an alternate universe where corporations run everything. It’s got the classic RPG elements—quests, dialogue choices, exploring—but it’s got one major thing going for it: humor. And not the cringey, dad-joke type.

Picture it: one minute you’re taking out bandits, the next you’re debating the best kind of sandwich with an NPC (I’m not joking, it happens). Outer Worlds understands that life’s too short to take seriously, which is why I love it.

Why You Should Try It:

• Story choices that matter: You’ll find yourself stuck in a moral dilemma every five minutes. It’s like a philosophical workout.
• Witty writing: The characters are hilarious in the best way possible. Seriously, the dialogue is so good I’ve had a few “wait, what?!” moments.
• No boring side quests: Each side quest feels as important as the main story. Every random task is worth your time.

4. Dead Cells – A Rogue-like For People Who Hate Dying… But Like the Thrill Anyway

Ah, Dead Cells. When I first tried it, I thought, “Yeah, sure, another rogue-like.” But this? THIS is different. You control a character who constantly reincarnates and has to fight their way through a world of monsters. The catch? It’s tough. Really tough. And every time you die, you start over—but with new challenges. It’s the ultimate test of patience and reflexes.

After the 7th death in a row, I started making peace with the idea that I might not be good at this game. But after the 12th run, I was addicted. Addicted to failing, weirdly.

Why You Should Try It:

• Challenge level: High: The more you die, the better you get at the game. It’s like learning to ride a bike… on fire.
• Procedural generation: Every level is different. No two runs are the same, which keeps things fresh.
• Beautiful pixel art: It’s like a pixelated masterpiece on every level. It’s pretty, and I’m here for it.

5. Gris – A Beautiful, Heartfelt Journey Through Grief

Sometimes, you play a game that makes you feel too much. And I’m not talking about rage-quit frustration here. I’m talking about feeling deep emotions, like Gris did to me. The game follows a girl named Gris as she goes through various stages of grief—yes, really. But don’t let that fool you—it’s not just a sad story. It’s a journey of growth, beautifully told through visuals and sound.

I remember sitting there after my first session, thinking, “I feel like I just went through therapy… and it was worth it.”

Why You Should Try It:

• Absolutely stunning visuals: Every level is a work of art, and it’s like playing through a painting.
• Emotional storytelling: The game tells its story through movement and color—so much so that I almost forgot I was playing a game.
• Soothing vibes: If you’re in the mood for something introspective, this is your game.

6. Hotline Miami – A Fast-Paced, Violent Thrill Ride

Okay, Hotline Miami is not for the faint of heart. It’s a chaotic, violent top-down shooter where every move counts—and one wrong step sends you back to square one. Honestly, at first, I was like, “Am I supposed to be this bad at it?” (Spoiler alert: yes, I was.) But once you get the hang of it? It’s like a dance of death—and the rhythm is addictive.

I remember my first time playing… 20 minutes in, and I was already questioning my moral compass. But the fast pace kept me coming back for more.

Why You Should Try It:

• Intense action: Every level feels like a high-speed chase, and it’s wild.
• Neon art style: I can’t explain it, but there’s something hypnotic about the neon lights and blood-soaked floors.
• Great soundtrack: Seriously, the music is fire. It’s like it makes the violence feel… fun? (Yeah, I’m not proud of that.)

7. The Stanley Parable – A Game That’s All About Questioning Reality

Have you ever wanted to play a game that makes you question everything? No? Well, too bad. The Stanley Parable does exactly that. You’re Stanley, an office worker whose life is turned upside down when he realizes… he’s not actually in control. The narrator? Well, he’s there, constantly telling you what to do. But here’s the fun part—you can ignore him. The game changes based on your choices.

First time I played? I got lost. In the first 10 minutes. And that was the point.

Why You Should Try It:

• Interactive storytelling: It’s like being part of a mind-bending novel.
• Endless possibilities: Every choice leads to something new. You’ll never get the same ending twice.
• Hilarious humor: The narrator’s voice is snarky, witty, and, dare I say, perfect.

Fast forward to the end.

So, yeah. Hidden gems. These 7 titles might not be on your radar yet, but trust me—they should be. Whether you’re in the mood to explore, solve puzzles, or just want a change from the usual big-budget stuff, these games offer something fresh.

Next time you’re looking for a game to play, don’t just settle for the popular picks. You might just find your next favorite in the hidden gems waiting for you.