Top 5 Indie Games to Play in May 2024

As the days grow longer and spring blossoms into summer, there's no better time to dive into the world of indie games - especially when the weather in the UK prevents you from doing much else. Here are the top five indie games we're playing right now:

1. Wytchwood

Developer: Alientrap
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-drawn world of Wytchwood, a crafting adventure game where you play as the mysterious old witch of the woods. Gather ingredients, brew potions, and cast spells to solve puzzles and aid the quirky characters you encounter. Wytchwood combines whimsical storytelling with a rich, enchanting atmosphere, making it a perfect game to unwind with this May.

Looking for more Witchy games? Grab our October 2022 edition of Patch Magazine for lots more suggestions. 

2. Spirittea

Developer: Cheesemaster Games
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch

Inspired by classic life-simulation games and Studio Ghibli’s magical worlds, Spirittea puts you in the shoes of a writer who moves to the countryside to cure writer’s block. Instead, you discover a world of spirits who need your help. Manage a bathhouse for spirits, solve their problems, and uncover the secrets of the town. Spirittea offers a charming and relaxing experience that’s sure to capture your heart.

3. Venba

Developer: Visai Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Venba is a narrative cooking game where you play as an Indian mother who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Using cooking as a narrative device, you’ll recreate lost recipes, restore family connections, and explore themes of love, loss, and home. With its vibrant art style and evocative storytelling, Venba serves up a deeply emotional and culturally rich experience.

In our January 2023 edition of Patch Magazine, we feature a recipe for Chicken Rasam as featured in the game, from one of the creatives working on Venba. Get your issue here!

4. Dordogne

Developer: Umanimation, Un Je Ne Sais Quoi
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Dordogne invites you to explore the picturesque French countryside through the eyes of Mimi, a woman revisiting her childhood memories. This narrative adventure game blends stunning watercolor visuals with heartfelt storytelling as you solve puzzles and uncover the stories hidden in the landscapes of Dordogne. It’s a perfect game for those who appreciate artful, contemplative experiences.

Dordogne is featured in our article "Discover games with striking visuals" in the April 2023 edition of Patch Magazine. Get your copy here to read about the other recommendations.

5. Cocoon

Developer: Geometric Interactive
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

From the lead gameplay designer of Inside and Limbo, Cocoon is a puzzle-platformer that challenges you to think outside the box. As a mysterious creature emerging from a cocoon, you must explore interconnected worlds, each with its own unique mechanics and secrets. Cocoon promises a thought-provoking and visually stunning journey, perfect for fans of innovative puzzle games.

Whether you're in the mood for whimsical crafting in Wytchwood, the soothing management of Spirittea, the emotional narrative of Venba, the artistic adventure of Dordogne, or the innovative puzzles of Cocoon, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, clear your schedule, grab your controller, and dive into these indie gems.

Happy gaming!