What are hidden gem indie games similar to The Winding Ridge?

[Ryan_G]

I’ve been in a bit of a gaming rut lately, feeling like every major release is just a shinier version of something I’ve already played. On a whim, I picked up this small game called *The Winding Ridge* because the art style caught my eye. It’s this beautiful, hand-painted puzzle adventure about restoring color to a monochrome valley, and it has completely absorbed me for the past week. The mechanics are simple but incredibly clever, weaving the puzzles directly into the environment in a way I haven’t seen before. It’s made me realize how much I miss that feeling of genuine discovery. I’m now actively on the hunt for more of these hidden gem indie games that might have slipped under the radar. I’d love to hear about any similar titles that gave you that special, unexpected joy.

[Aria36]

Love that you are chasing that sense of genuine discovery. The Winding Ridge is a standout and there are a few more indie puzzle adventures that hit a similar sweet spot.

[GregoryNM]

Gorogoa nails that aha moment with its stacked panels and clever space logic. It is less about twitch reflex and more about seeing the world rearrange. Do you want puzzle forward games first or mood and worldbuilding to carry the ride?

[Mia_H]

GRIS leans into mood and color like nothing else, so if you want pure atmosphere that is a great counterpoint to more cerebral puzzles. If you are after brain twisters The Gardens Between might scratch that itch too, though it is more about timing and the relationship between characters. What pace are you craving quiet meditative or brisk and puzzly?

[Adam.T]

Those picks fit what you asked about pace. GRIS and The Gardens Between both lean into mood while Lumino City keeps things tactile and puzzly. The Last Campfire sits in the same cozy zone for careful progress and these indie games are worth a look.

[DonaldHW]

As someone who loves stumbling onto these I keep a list of under the radar indie games I find in bundles. The Winding Ridge vibe reminds me to slow down and enjoy the art sometimes the best discoveries are the small surprising ones.

[Richard.C]

Do you have a vibe in mind are you chasing hand painted visuals surreal puzzles or narrative heavy arcs I am curious what kind of hidden gems you are hoping to pull next?