I'm just gonna dump my big list of indie games I've played that have also not been mentioned and hope someone finds a fun recommendation or two:
Slay the Spire —the game that pioneered the roguelike deckbuilder genre. It's got a sequel rn but that's still in Early Acess so I didn't add that one.
The Binding Of Issac — one of the pioneers/heavy hitters of the base roguelike genre. Because it's an Edmund Mcmillen game though, I gotta provide a content/sensitivity warning because he has a very "edgy" style when it comes to overall theming.
Subnautica — Survival base-building game where you crash-land in an alien ocean. It was not designed to be a horror game however it ticks off many of the boxes of one because thalassophobia go brrrrrrrrrr
OUTER WILDS — Space exploration game with a deeply emotional story. Go into this one as blind as possible; I cannot elaborate further because blinking while evoking this game's name can probably be considered a spoiler.
Kenshi — Gritty sandbox game that takes place on a moon that has been hit by the apocalypse at least twice. Great for those that enjoy taking an hour to design their character only to watch them die to bandits 5 minutes later.
Crypt of the Necrodancer — Rhythm-based Dungeon Crawler that features bosses with shitty music puns for names.
Mindustry — Automation + Tower Defense but after a certain point you can also start building your own units and cause problems for the enemy.
Monster Train 2 — Roguelike Deckbuilder + Tower defense. I recommend the second one because it's literally just the first but better.
Lobotomy Corporation — SCP management simulator for people that enjoy existing in a perpetual state of stress and also don't value their time. If you're considering this to play the sequel, just skip to said sequel (listed directly below this). Autism is not just recommended, but in fact required to play this game imo.
Library of Ruina — Deckbuilder with a unique battle system and good story that's worthwhile experience if you're able to decrypt the cosmic horror that is the UI.
Book of Hours — Continuing with the book theme is Book of Hours. You play as a librarian trying to restore the Hush House, and you do that by reading books and gaining power. Warning: This is a notes-taking game.
Manifold Garden — Abstract Recursive Puzzle game with a nice soundtrack and a lot of swagger in its art style and mechanics. Very short experience, but it definitely leaves an impression. I'd definitely recommend picking this up if it goes on sale.
Planet Crafter — Automation + Basebuilding game where you're trying to terraform a dead planet into a habitable one.
Nine Sols — A combat-heavy, story-rich metroidvania where you play as an anthropomorphic cat who doesn't believe in human rights (this is relevant to the larger story) It's got a great artstyle and banger soundtrack, though this one's got a gore warning that's for sure.
Dorfromantik — "Relaxing" hexagonal puzzler that has you trying to craft scenic landscapes by matching tiles.
[EDIT] In Stars and Time — Play as a goober named Siffirin who has to contend with a time loop while also unpacking the fourteen-thousand pounds of emotional baggage they've been carrying with them.
The End Is Nigh — A hard-as-balls platformer developed by Edmund Mcmillen (same creator as The Binding of Issac). I gotta give it to TEIN, no game has made me hate it quite in the same way that this one does. In fact I limited myself to playing only this game while working on my final coding project because I'd reach a point where I'd rather do anything else than play it. In fact, here are real reviews written by real people:
I also rate it 9/10. Go play it and suffer.
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