Underrated Games You Need to Play Right Now

Video games are often shaped by major franchises. Names like Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda, and Grand Theft Auto are famous and rule the gaming world. Beneath these big titles, you’ll find many lesser-known gems just waiting to be discovered. These “hidden gem games” may not get much attention, but they provide immersive experiences, creative gameplay, and unforgettable stories that can rival popular titles.

In this post, we’ll delve into some of the best underrated video games that deserve more recognition. These lesser-known must-play titles offer fresh perspectives, innovative mechanics, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an expert gamer or just play for fun, these hidden gems show that great things can come in unexpected packages.

What Makes a Game Underrated?

Before diving into the list of underrated games, it’s important to understand what makes a game truly “underrated.” An underrated game is one that goes unnoticed, even though it’s really high-quality. These titles often lack the big marketing budgets and hype of larger games. Still, they can provide equally satisfying, if not better, experiences.

Factors that Contribute to a Game Being Underrated:

• Limited marketing: Indie games and smaller studios often lack the funds for big advertising campaigns. This makes them easy to overlook.
• Niche appeal: Some games cater to a specific audience or niche, which can limit their mainstream appeal.
• No sequels or franchises: Games without these may get ignored for popular titles.
• Misleading perceptions: Sometimes, a game’s box art, trailer, or early reviews don’t reflect the true experience, making players unsure about trying it.

Now, let’s dive into some of the most remarkable hidden gem games you should consider adding to your library.

1. Outer Worlds: A Sci-Fi RPG That Deserves More Love

Outer Worlds, from Obsidian Entertainment, is a sci-fi RPG. It takes place in a future where mega-corporations run colonies in the galaxy. It blends first-person shooter mechanics with classic role-playing elements. This creates a fun and immersive experience that fans of Fallout: New Vegas will enjoy.

Why It’s Underrated:

Outer Worlds got some praise, but it was overshadowed by bigger releases. The game’s mature humour, decision-making system, and rich narrative make it one of the best underrated video games of recent years. You can shape your character’s journey with your choices. These choices can be moral or practical. This makes the game very replayable and engaging.

Key Features:

• Branching storylines: Your decisions truly impact the game world, leading to different outcomes and scenarios.
• Rich dialogue and characters: The writing is sharp and witty, with memorable NPCs that add depth to the universe.
• Sci-Fi Setting: A visually captivating world with futuristic technologies and corporate-controlled colonies.

If you’re a fan of immersive story-driven RPGs and haven’t played Outer Worlds yet, it’s definitely one of those lesser-known must-play titles.

2. Hollow Knight: A Metroidvania Masterpiece

Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry, is often considered one of the best Metroidvania games in recent years. It’s a side-scrolling action-adventure game. It has detailed world-building, tough combat, and a stunning atmosphere. While Hollow Knight may have gained a cult following, it still remains an underrated masterpiece in many ways.

Why It’s Underrated:

Despite being beloved by critics, Hollow Knight doesn’t always top “best of” lists. It tends to be overshadowed by other indie hits. It’s an extremely detailed game, featuring hand-drawn art, tight gameplay mechanics and a world that rewards exploration. If you’ve enjoyed similar hidden gem titles that emphasize exploration and discovery, Hollow Knight deserves your attention.

Key Features:

• Challenging gameplay: Hollow Knight offers a tough but fair combat experience that will push players to their limits.
• Expansive world: The game features a sprawling world to explore, each area with its own distinct charm and secrets.
• Memorable atmosphere: The game’s soundtrack and visuals pull players into a beautiful, melancholic world.

If you haven’t experienced Hollow Knight, now’s the perfect time to dive into this underrated title that’s widely regarded as one of the best indie games of its time.

3. The Talos Principle: Philosophical Puzzles in a Stunning World

If you enjoy games that make you think, The Talos Principle is an absolute must-play. Croteam made this first-person puzzle game. It takes place in a futuristic world. You play as a robot who solves complex puzzles. While doing this, you explore deep ideas about consciousness, free will, and existence.

Why It’s Underrated:

The Talos Principle received praise for its clever puzzles and deep story. However, it didn’t reach the same mainstream success as other puzzle games, like Portal. This is sad because its mix of tricky puzzles and deep storytelling makes it special in the genre.

Key Features:

• Philosophical narrative: The game challenges you with deep questions about artificial intelligence and humanity, making it far more than just a puzzle game.
• Intricate puzzles: Every level is designed to push your cognitive abilities, requiring you to think critically and creatively.
• Beautiful environment: The game’s gorgeous world and serene soundtrack make for a calming yet thought-provoking experience.

If you enjoy games that encourage introspection while offering solid gameplay mechanics, The Talos Principle is an essential hidden gem.

4. Axiom Verge: Retro-Style Action at Its Best

Axiom Verge pays tribute to classic Metroid games. It blends retro visuals with modern gameplay. Created by Thomas Happ, the game takes you on an exciting adventure in a mysterious world. You’ll face deadly enemies, encounter strange technologies, and uncover rich lore.

Why It’s Underrated:

Axiom Verge was a success in its own right, but never reached quite the level that it deserves. Many people walked past, assuming that it was just a nostalgic throwback to older games, but it’s so much more than that. The game is notable among other action-platformers for its intricate world design, interesting tools, and engaging traversal systems.

Key Features:

• Retro visuals: The game’s pixel art style is reminiscent of the Metroid and Castlevania games of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
• Exciting combat: The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, making exploration and combat satisfying.
• Deep lore: There’s a rich backstory that slowly unravels as you explore the world, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience.

For fans of old-school action-platformers, Axiom Verge is one of the best-underrated video games you need to experience.

5. Disco Elysium: A Unique RPG With A Heavy Focus on Dialogue

Disco Elysium is a critically acclaimed RPG that takes the genre in a new direction. Developed by ZA/UM, it focuses heavily on narrative and character development, with minimal combat. Instead, players navigate complex dialogue trees, solve puzzles, and interact with characters to uncover a deep, noir-inspired mystery.

Why It’s Underrated:

Even though Disco Elysium has won many awards, some people still overlook it. They often miss it because it doesn’t have traditional RPG combat. Its unique storytelling and character-driven gameplay provide something special for anyone seeking a different RPG experience.

Key Features:

• Deep narrative: The entire game revolves around characters and looking for information, so this is a story you won’t forget.
• Complex skill system: The game’s unique skill checks and dialogue systems allow you a significant amount of agency in shaping your character and interactions.
• Rich world-building: the game’s setting, character designs and writing create an immersive world that’s full of detail and feels alive.

For an RPG with deep story choices and more talking than fighting, play Disco Elysium.

Discover the Best Hidden Gem Games: Underrated Titles You Shouldn’t Miss

The gaming industry has many great titles that often go unrecognised. From hidden gem games like Outer Worlds to indie masterpieces like Hollow Knight, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known gems waiting for you to discover. These lesser-known must-play titles offer rich narratives, immersive worlds, and gameplay that challenges and delights.

Next time you’re in a gaming slump or bored with big-name franchises, try one of these underrated games. You might just find your new favourite title, and who knows – you could be the one telling your friends about it next.