In this article, I will take a look at some of the most interesting looking indie RPGs of 2018. While there’s always a chance that release dates may slip, they’re all currently scheduled to be released in 2018. First up, it’s Death Trash
Ones to watch: The Top Indie RPGs of 2018
Death Trash is grotesque but in a good way
Death Trash takes inspiration from games such as PlaneScape Torment, Ultima and the early Fallout games. It is a violent cyberpunk RPG but one with a great emphasis on the story and world-building. There’s plenty of body horror. In this game, combat will be gory and language will be coarse. Even the equipment and scenery will be filthy, covered by a mixture of gore, body fluids and graffiti. I can’t wait.

Enter a nightmare labyrinth in Crypt Underworld
Crypt Underworld is a Kickstarter-funded sequel to Crypt Worlds, a game that was described as “reflecting pool of the futility we all experience”. In this first-person RPG, you enter a nightmarish labyrinth where nothing really seems to matter, until your actions bring the world to an abrupt end. The game has been in development for a few years now, so it’ll be nice once it’s finally been released. Check out the trailer below.
Family comes first in Children of Morta
Children of Morta is a charming indie RPG featuring detailed pixelated art. Its story spans generations, following an adventuring family. Explore Diablo-like procedurally generated dungeons and you might fight some items worthy of becoming your next family heirloom. It is in development by 11 Bit Studios. Check out the trailer below.
Desert Child takes top spot for coolest indie game of 2018
This quirky hoverbike racing RPG will tell the rags to riches tale of an aspiring hoverbike racer who dreams of wining the Solar Championship Cup. I love the cool art style and seems to take inspiration from anime shows such as Cowboy Beebop. It is being developed by Oscar Brittain. I love this game’s soundtrack. You can find a free demo of the game on Game Jolt.
Take a trip to a dystopian future in Long Gone Days
Long Gone Days is a dystopian RPG which combines pixellated graphics with anime character art. It tells the story of Rourke, a soldier who abandoned his post after he learns the truth about a covert op he took part in.

My Time at Portia is the sedate workshop-running RPG you’ve always wanted
Instead of being an adventurer, in My Time at Portia you inherit your father’s workshop. This RPG will focus on village life and reminds me a bit of the Harvest Moon games. Can you balance running a successful business with finding romance? It’s being developed by Pathea Games. I hope you enjoy watching the sedate trailer below.
Pirates and mercenaries abound in Griftlands
Griftlands is a turn-based RPG by Klei Entertainment, the makers of Invisible Inc and Don’t Starve. Negotiation is apparently going to be as important as combat. It’s an interesting sci-fi setting where the main characters are pirates and mercenaries.
No Truce With the Furies will be wonderfully weird
There are a lot of urban RPGs out there but there aren’t many which feature an Inventory for your thoughts and Skills that you can have a conversation with. It looks to be both bizarre and brilliant. It’s another game inspired by PlaneScape Torment and features dialogue-based combat. So weird, so wonderful.
Enter the dark world of Vampyr
This dark horror RPG was not what I was expecting next by Dotnod, the developers of the lovely teen drama game, Life is Strange. I’m really looking forward to Vampyr being released and like the moral complexity that they’re aiming for. Head to the 1918 flu-struck streets of London and you may never want to leave.
Kingdom Come Deliverance is already here, so what are you waiting for?
Kingdom Come Deliverance has just been released and if you haven’t bought it already, there’s no time like the present. As a Kickstarter backer of this game, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s the best realistic medieval RPG set in Bohemia that you’ll play all year, so go get it!
Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire is coming for you…and you…and you!
The brilliant Pillars of Eternity was a well-written CRPG by Obsidian. Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire will be more of the same, so that is a very good thing. It has recently been confirmed that Pillars of Eternity II is heading to consoles as well as PCs. Return to the world of Eora and revisit the rich narrative, beautiful environments, and tactical combat that made the original such a joy to play.
Which indie games are you most looking forward to in 2018? Please comment below & let us know!
So, did you like this article? If so, you could read the Kingdom Come Deliverance Review next. Alternatively, you could try the Smoke and Sacrifice Coming to Consoles article.
One response to “Here are the top indie RPG games of 2018”
Pillars of Eternity II sounds good. If they learn anything from their first two games and from the recent success of Divinity Original Sin 2, they would make a great game