Now that the buzz of Summer Games Fest has settled, it’s time to turn our attention to the delightful lineup of games heading our way in July (and yes, there’s plenty more on the horizon, but we’ll save that for next month). July used to be a bit of a snooze for game releases, but those days are behind us. Thanks to the rise of indie publishing and how accessible platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store have become, smaller studios now have a real shot at getting their games into players’ hands – and we’re all the better for it.
As we always do, we’ve gone ahead and collated the best-looking indie games hitting digital shelves this month. There are plenty of great games coming out all the time, but these are our picks for the best July indie games to keep an eye on.
Missile Command Delta – 8th July
Missile Command Delta is a modern reimagining of the classic Missile Command, throwing you into the thick of a relentless missile barrage. But it’s not just about defending your base; there’s a whole mystery to uncover as you play. As the chaos unfolds, you’ll gradually reveal additional enemy types and even venture into a mysterious underground bunker in search of answers about what’s really going on.
Every Day We Fight – 10th July
Every Day We Fight is another exciting strategy title from Hooded Horse, a publisher that’s been on an absolute roll lately. This time, you’re stuck in a time loop, guiding a small band of resistance fighters as they try to survive wave after wave of a mysterious alien threat. Visually, it’s striking and gameplay-wise, it promises a compelling blend of turn-based tactics and real-time action.
Atomic Owl – 15th July
Atomic Owl is a neon-drenched roguelike bursting with style, where you play as one seriously furious bird. Armed with slick, transforming weapons, you’ll battle through waves of uniquely designed enemies in a bid to survive and complete your mission. It looks absolutely stunning, and we can’t wait to see if the gameplay soars as high as the visuals.
Neon Abyss 2 – 17th July
In a curious twist of fate, Neon Abyss 2 is also a slick, neon-soaked roguelike, but this time, you’re not a bird. You’re a quirky little cyberpunk warrior armed to the teeth with an over-the-top arsenal of guns and swords, taking on the so-called new gods of a high-tech dystopia. Expect tons of build variety to mess around with, a killer soundtrack, and heaps of replayability.
Runa Illustra – 17th July
Runa Illustra hands you a magic pen and challenges you to prove it really is mightier than the sword – though, to be fair, a little magic definitely helps. You’ll need to master powerful spells to tackle tricky challenges and puzzles, and the best part? You actually get to draw many of those spells yourself. It’s a super creative concept from a solo developer, and you can try it out right now thanks to a playable demo.
Kick’n Hell – 21st July
Kick’n Hell is a wild blend of parkour, combat, and psychological horror, and easily one of the strangest genre mashups we’ve seen. The twist? Kicking is your only means of interaction. Whether it’s navigating obstacles or taking down enemies, it all comes down to your feet. Your ultimate goal? Kick your way out of hell and square off against Satan himself. It looks brutally challenging, so it won’t be for everyone, but if it plays well, it could build a serious cult following.
FUMES – 28th July
Back in the golden days of gaming, car combat was all the rage with vehicles strapped with absurd weapons and chaos around every corner. FUMES is bringing that glorious madness back, complete with a chunky retro-era aesthetic and a healthy dose of over-the-top action. You’ll be delivering bizarre packages and competing in even more bizarre races, all while blowing stuff up in style. If you’ve got fond memories of Twisted Metal or Vigilante 8, this one’s going to hit you right in the nostalgia.
