In the vast world of video games, it’s easy for some incredible titles to be overshadowed by major releases or simply get lost in the noise of an oversaturated market. As a result, there are many underrated games that don’t get the attention they truly deserve, despite offering incredible experiences. Whether it’s due to limited marketing, niche appeal, or simply being released at the wrong time, these hidden gems often provide unforgettable adventures, compelling stories, and innovative gameplay. If you’re looking to expand your gaming library beyond the mainstream, here are the top 10 underrated games you need to play.
Hollow Knight – A Stunning Metroidvania
Hollow Knight is an incredible Metroidvania-style game that remains one of the best-kept secrets in the indie gaming world. Set in a beautifully dark, interconnected world, you control a small knight exploring a crumbling kingdom. With tight controls, challenging combat, and a hauntingly atmospheric world, Hollow Knight offers a deeply immersive experience. While it received critical acclaim, it didn’t achieve the widespread popularity of other games in the genre, making it an underrated masterpiece you need to experience.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter – A Haunting Mystery
If you’re a fan of atmospheric, story-driven games, then The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is one you can’t miss. This first-person mystery game challenges you to solve the disappearance of a young boy named Ethan in a visually stunning, open world. The game features an engaging narrative that explores themes of loss and the supernatural. Despite its small-scale release, its beautifully crafted environments and psychological story make it a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
Outer Worlds – A Sci-Fi RPG with Wit and Depth
While Outer Worlds may not have reached the level of mainstream attention it deserves, it remains one of the most underrated sci-fi RPGs of recent years. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this space-faring adventure features witty dialogue, branching narratives, and tactical combat. Set in a retro-futuristic universe run by corporations, the game allows you to shape the story with your choices and interactions. With its humor, deep world-building, and rich gameplay, Outer Worlds is an absolute must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – A Journey Through the Mind
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an emotionally gripping action-adventure game that blends incredible visuals with a compelling story about mental illness. You play as Senua, a Celtic warrior journeying into the Norse underworld to save the soul of her lover. Along the way, you experience Senua’s struggle with psychosis, portrayed through auditory hallucinations and deeply atmospheric gameplay. This unique blend of action and mental health exploration makes it one of the most underrated experiences of its generation.
The Talos Principle – A Philosophical Puzzle Game
For fans of deep, thought-provoking puzzles, The Talos Principle is an underrated gem that blends challenging gameplay with profound philosophical themes. As a sentient AI navigating a series of increasingly complex puzzles, you must explore the nature of existence, consciousness, and the meaning of life. The game’s beautifully designed environments and intricate puzzle mechanics make it a must-play for those who enjoy games with both intellectual and mechanical depth.
Prey (2017) – A Sci-Fi Horror Experience
Despite being developed by Arkane Studios, the creators of Dishonored, Prey (2017) didn’t achieve the recognition it deserved. Set aboard a space station overrun by hostile alien forces, Prey offers a mix of survival horror, exploration, and immersive sim mechanics. The game excels at creating a tense atmosphere, challenging players to use their wits and creativity to survive. With its open-ended level design, engaging narrative, and psychological horror elements, Prey is an underrated sci-fi gem you need to experience.
Return of the Obra Dinn – A Unique Detective Adventure
If you’re looking for a truly unique and innovative game, Return of the Obra Dinn is an indie masterpiece that should not be overlooked. In this detective adventure game, you must investigate the mysterious disappearance of the crew of the Obra Dinn, a ship that has mysteriously returned to port. The game’s minimalist, monochromatic art style, combined with its complex deduction-based gameplay, makes it stand out from other mystery games. Return of the Obra Dinn is a brilliant example of how creativity and attention to detail can lead to an unforgettable gaming experience.
Nier: Automata – A Thought-Provoking Action RPG
Nier: Automata is an action RPG that’s both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. The game combines fast-paced combat with a deep narrative that touches on existentialism, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity. While it didn’t receive the mainstream success it deserved, Nier: Automata offers one of the most emotionally powerful and philosophically complex gaming experiences in recent memory. The game’s multiple story paths, rich world-building, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for RPG fans.
A Plague Tale: Innocence – A Gripping Tale of Survival
Set in medieval France during the Black Death, A Plague Tale: Innocence follows two siblings trying to survive in a world plagued by both human cruelty and supernatural forces. This third-person action-adventure game blends stealth mechanics with gripping storytelling, creating a harrowing survival experience. While it may not have received the mainstream attention it deserved, A Plague Tale: Innocence features impressive visuals, a compelling narrative, and emotional depth that make it an underrated gem in the action-adventure genre.
Deadly Premonition – A Cult Classic That Defies Expectations
Often hailed as one of the most unique and bizarre games ever made, Deadly Premonition blends survival horror, open-world exploration, and quirky characters with a deep, mysterious storyline. Set in a small town with strange happenings and a murder investigation at its core, the game is widely regarded as a cult classic. Its offbeat humor, eccentric gameplay mechanics, and compelling narrative make it an unforgettable experience, despite its often polarizing reception. Deadly Premonition is a must-play for gamers looking for something truly unique.
Also Read: The Impact Of Virtual Reality On Modern Gaming
Conclusion
There are countless hidden gems in the gaming world that deserve more attention, and the top 10 underrated games you need to play are just a small sample of what the industry has to offer. Whether you’re into Metroidvania, RPGs, or mystery adventures, these titles provide innovative gameplay, engaging stories, and unforgettable experiences. If you haven’t played these underrated gems yet, now is the time to dive in and discover why they’re considered some of the best-kept secrets in the gaming world.
