5 Best Indie Fighting Games You Should Play

It's time to talk about the best indie fighting games available on the market, after talking about the best indie strategy games. The fighting game genre has a long history and continues to evolve over the decades. In addition to the cornerstones of the genre such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken, there are also some little hidden gems among indie games, like these that we have decided to show you in this article that any lover of the genre will surely be able to appreciate.

5. Lethal League Blaze

Lethal League Blaze presents an exhilarating 2D ball game where players engage in high-speed exchanges, with up to four participants hitting the ball back and forth. As the game progresses, the ball rapidly accelerates, intensifying the challenge. In this dynamic gameplay, getting struck by the ball inflicts damage upon your character, emphasizing the importance of precise swings using various tools such as ping pong paddles, skateboards, or even massive hammers.

The key to success in Lethal League Blaze lies in harnessing the unique abilities of your chosen character. These abilities play a crucial role in altering the trajectory of the ball, ensuring your safety, and keeping your opponent under constant threat. By mastering the distinct attributes and capabilities of your character, you can develop strategies, learn effective matchups against other characters, and truly embrace the essence of a competitive fighting game. Lethal League Blaze offers an adrenaline-fueled experience that combines the thrill of sports with the strategic depth of a fighting game.

4. Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Prepare to put your execution skills to the test as you assume the role of various adorable creatures like ponies, deer, and alpacas in Them's Fightin' Herds. At first glance, some may not take Them's Fightin' Herds seriously due to its charming and endearing cast. However, dismissing it based on aesthetics would be a mistake, as the game is packed with unique moves that can only be executed by these non-bipedal characters, making it a truly distinctive experience.

Them's Fightin' Herds is a four-button fighting game that offers a plethora of mechanics like cross-ups, push blocks, launchers, and air combos. Whether you prefer simple combos or intricate high-execution techniques to showcase your skills, this game has something to cater to your preferences. One standout feature is the unique magic mechanic, represented by a bar above your super meter. Each character possesses their own set of special abilities that draw upon this magic meter, which operates differently from the burning meter found in other fighting games. Furthermore, each character's magic bar functions in a unique manner, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

3. Rivals Of Aether

Rivals of Aether is a pixel art masterpiece that offers a unique and compelling brawling experience if you're looking for a redesigned Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While Rivals of Aether is inspired by Super Smash Bros., it would be dishonest to call it a clone because it offers its own genius to the genre. Rivals of Aether sets itself apart with its fluid combat mechanics, ensuring battles feel seamless and engaging. The game includes plenty of modes that add depth and variety to the gameplay, keeping players occupied for hours on end. Furthermore, Rivals of Aether's character designs are nothing short of outstanding, with each fighter exuding their own distinct personality and style.

The presence of beloved characters like Ori and Sein, as well as Shovel Knight, adds to the allure of the experience. Controlling these renowned figures from the Rivals of Aether universe offers a new dimension of excitement and familiarity for fans. Rivals of Aether demonstrates that indie games have the capacity to create outstanding and original fighting game experiences. Its pixel art aesthetics, interesting gameplay mechanics, and unique characters make it a remarkable title that lovers of the genre should not neglect.

2. One Strike

One Strike is a captivating fighting game set in feudal Japan, where the objective is to eliminate your opponent with a single, decisive strike. The game offers an incredibly intense fighting experience, requiring you to carefully consider each move you make. One miscalculated step could result in the loss of your own head. The core mechanic of One Strike revolves around this high-stakes gameplay, which contributes to its success. Moreover, the game is visually stunning, showcasing limited but beautiful backgrounds that bring traditional Japanese art to life through pixel art. The attention to detail in the visuals enhances the overall experience.

In addition to its appealing aesthetics, One Strike features a broad cast of characters, each with its own distinct playstyle. This improves the gameplay by adding depth and variety, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and find their particular combat techniques. Furthermore, the game provides a variety of modes to keep players engaged and delighted, as well as an amount of stuff to explore. Despite its indie origins, One Strike skillfully captivates players with its engaging gameplay mechanics and visually appealing graphics, successfully holding their interest throughout the gaming experience. It is a little yet wonderful jewel that provides aficionados of the genre with an immersive experience.

1. Blade Strangers

A fantastic way to attract attention to your game is by assembling a diverse and intriguing lineup of characters, and this is precisely what makes crossover fighting games so popular in the genre. Blade Strangers, a 2D fighting game, showcases this concept flawlessly by incorporating characters from a wide range of indie titles. If you've ever dreamed of witnessing Gunvolt from Azure Striker Gunvolt clash with Quote from Cave Story, or if you've yearned to control the iconic Shovel Knight as he battles Isaac from The Binding of Isaac, then Blade Strangers is the game that fulfills your desires.

In terms of gameplay, Blade Strangers takes a slightly slower pace, complemented by various universal mechanics that facilitate ease of learning. It strives to be an accessible title, featuring a special move button that requires only a single press in combination with a direction. Every character also has useful tools like an anti-air attack, overhead move, armored move, wake-up reversal, offensive cancel, and guard cancel. Once you understand these mechanics, you'll be familiar with a large section of the roster. This component of the game is especially enticing to people who prefer to play defensively and profit from their opponents' blunders. Whether you're a lover of indie games or simply looking for a new and exciting fighting experience, Blade Strangers has a stunning blend of diverse characters and intuitive gaming mechanics that will pique your interest.