Best New Indie Games to Play in 2026: PEAK, Tape to Tape, Mycopunk and More

Indie games continue to deliver some of the most unusual and creative experiences in gaming, from chaotic multiplayer adventures to experimental horror and fast-paced arcade sports. This week brings several notable releases and announcements, including the console launch of PEAK, the full release of hockey roguelite Tape to Tape, and new developments for cooperative shooter Mycopunk.

With Steam Next Fest showcasing thousands of playable demos, gamers also have plenty of opportunities to discover upcoming projects before their official launches. Here's a look at the indie games worth watching, including new releases, upcoming adventures, and unusual concepts that stand out from traditional blockbuster titles.

PEAK Arrives on Consoles With Cross-Platform Multiplayer

The cooperative climbing game PEAK is expanding beyond PC, arriving on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed through a collaboration involving Aggro Crab and Landfall, the game challenges players to work together to climb dangerous mountains while managing survival mechanics, limited resources, and unpredictable obstacles.

Its appeal comes from the combination of teamwork and chaos. Players must help each other reach higher ground, but mistakes can quickly turn an ordinary climb into a hilarious disaster. Daily changes to mountain layouts also encourage players to return for new challenges.

Cross-play support makes the console release particularly appealing to groups of friends who use different gaming platforms.

The game reportedly surpassed 23 million sales on Steam following its original release. Its console editions are priced at $10, while the original PC version launched at a lower price.

For players who enjoy cooperative games that create memorable moments through unpredictable situations, PEAK offers a distinctive alternative to conventional action adventures.

Tape to Tape Brings Roguelite Progression to Arcade Hockey

Tape to Tape combines arcade hockey with roguelite mechanics, creating a sports game that emphasizes experimentation, upgrades, and unusual opponents.

The game has now left early access on Steam and is also available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Players select a team with its own characteristics and playstyle before taking on a series of increasingly unusual challenges. As they progress, they can unlock players, abilities, and upgrades that change how their team performs.

The story adds a humorous twist, sending players on a mission to stop an enemy team of so-called evil golfers from ruining hockey. Opponents can include unexpected characters and unconventional teams, keeping matches different from traditional sports simulations.

Its roguelite progression system encourages players to experiment with combinations of abilities and build a team capable of overcoming tougher challenges. Local multiplayer supports up to 10 players, making it an option for large groups looking for a chaotic couch-gaming experience.

The full release also brings improvements to the visuals, audio, gameplay mechanics, and campaign structure.

Mycopunk Delivers Cooperative Shooting and Creative Weapon Builds

Another indie game attracting attention is Mycopunk, a cooperative looter shooter developed by Pigeons at Play and published by Devolver Digital.

The game takes place on a planet threatened by a dangerous fungal infection. Players work together to fight infected enemies while collecting equipment and experimenting with increasingly powerful weapon configurations.

One of its distinctive mechanics involves enemies made up of separate components. Instead of simply shooting at everything in sight, players can target specific parts to disable particular threats. Enemies may also pick up dropped weapons, creating additional challenges during firefights.

Weapon customization is another major feature. An upgrade grid gives players opportunities to experiment with different combinations and develop specialized builds.

The game has left early access on Steam and is available on PlayStation 5. It is also included with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, according to the reported release information.

For gamers who enjoy team-based combat, unusual enemy designs, and build experimentation, Mycopunk is worth considering.

Cucina Stellata Offers a Different Kind of Horror

Not every interesting indie release relies on combat or multiplayer. Cucina Stellata takes a more unusual approach, combining psychological horror with a cooking theme.

Set in the Italian countryside during the 19th century, the game uses an unsettling atmosphere and disturbing sound effects to build tension. Its culinary elements offer a different angle on the horror genre, making it stand apart from games focused entirely on survival or combat.

The game was announced and released during the Critical Reflex Time showcase and is available on Steam as a free title. Players who want to support its developer can also purchase an optional supporter pack.

For horror fans looking for something short, unusual, and atmospheric, Cucina Stellata could be an interesting addition to a Halloween gaming playlist.

Grease Trap '99 Mixes Scottish Horror With Dark Comedy

Grease Trap '99 is another unconventional horror game, set in a fish-and-chip shop in the Scottish Highlands.

Developed by James Muirhead, the game combines retro low-polygon visuals with a mystery involving something disturbing beneath the shop's floor.

The setting gives the game a grounded atmosphere before its stranger elements emerge. Rather than relying on a large open world or lengthy campaign, it is designed as a relatively short experience that can reportedly be completed in less than an hour.

Another unusual detail is its Gaelic voice acting, with English subtitles available for players who do not understand the language.

The game is available on Steam and offers a mixture of horror, comedy, and mystery for players who prefer compact indie experiences over lengthy adventures.

Dispatch Expands to Mobile and Adds More Content

Dispatch, the superhero workplace comedy from AdHoc Studio, is also receiving new content and platform updates.

The studio was founded by former Telltale Games developers, and the game combines narrative-driven storytelling with comedy centered on the everyday challenges of working with superheroes.

According to the reported announcement, mobile versions for iOS and Android are scheduled for December 9, with the first four episodes available free on mobile.

A deluxe edition is also planned with additional features, including commentary from the cast and crew and an option to experience the game using storyboard animatics. Existing owners of the standard edition can upgrade separately.

Additional projects connected to the game include a live music event in Los Angeles and a planned hardcover art book.

For players who enjoy interactive storytelling and character-driven comedy, the expanded release could provide another way to experience the game.

Faraway Introduces a Procedurally Generated Arcade Adventure

Faraway, created by developer Steph Thirion and published by Annapurna Interactive, is another game to keep on the radar.

The arcade experience places players in control of a shooting star moving through procedurally generated space. By connecting stars into constellations, players gather the energy needed to continue their journey.

The basic concept is designed to be easy to understand, while the procedural structure and gameplay challenge offer room for players to improve their skills over time.

The game is scheduled for release on November 5, 2026, across Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with a reported price of $10.

Its minimalist premise could appeal to players who enjoy arcade games that combine straightforward controls with a high skill ceiling.

Payday: Aces High Brings Heists to Virtual Reality

Fans of cooperative crime games have another title to watch in Payday: Aces High, a virtual-reality spin-off of the Payday franchise.

Developed by Fast Travel Games, the game is designed for SteamVR and Meta Quest. Players can team up in groups of up to four to plan and carry out heists.

As in other games in the franchise, players can approach missions quietly or choose a more aggressive strategy when stealth fails. Money earned from successful jobs can be used to improve equipment and develop character skills.

The VR format is intended to make players feel more directly involved in planning and executing robberies.

The game is reported to cost $25, with a playtest scheduled to run through October 26 on Steam and Quest.

More Upcoming Indie Games to Watch

Several additional projects are also attracting attention.

• A Game About Digging A Hole Together: A cooperative digging game scheduled for December 4.
• Mouthwashing: A horror title coming to consoles on October 29.
• Croak: A platformer currently targeting a March release.
• Nyra and the Garden of Moros: An open-world action adventure in which the protagonist confronts enormous creatures and attempts to end a spreading curse.

These games demonstrate the variety of ideas emerging from independent developers. Some focus on cooperation, others explore unusual narrative concepts, and several experiment with familiar genres in unexpected ways.

Steam Next Fest Gives Players More Demos to Explore

Steam Next Fest remains an important opportunity for gamers to discover upcoming indie titles before launch. The event features a large collection of playable demos covering genres such as horror, platforming, simulation, action, and puzzle adventures.

Trying demos can help players determine whether a game suits their preferences before spending money. It also gives smaller developers a way to introduce their projects to a broader audience.

With games such as PEAK, Tape to Tape, and Mycopunk expanding their reach, alongside more experimental projects like Cucina Stellata and Grease Trap '99, the indie scene continues to offer something for different types of players.

Whether you prefer cooperative chaos, unusual sports games, atmospheric horror, or narrative adventures, this latest collection of indie releases and announcements provides plenty of options to explore in 2026.