5 hidden gems for indie lovers to pick up in Steam Summer Sale 2024

The Steam Summer Sale is an exciting time for gamers as it offers substantial discounts on a plethora of titles. While big-name titles tend to be in the spotlight, there are numerous hidden gems that indie lovers should not miss. Despite the games known from this genre being small-scale produced due to their various limitations, they have a certain appeal that many gamers appreciate and enjoy.

Here are five such gems that you should consider adding to your library this summer.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Steam Summer Sale 2024: Indie games you should get

1) Supraland

Supraland's gameplay as displayed on Steam (Image via Supra Games)

Discount: 77% off

Supraland has to be one of the most immersive games that has maintained its under-the-radar status. This first-person Metroidvania set in a kid's sandbox offers something unique and charming in terms of exploration. The developer described it as "Portal, Zelda, and Metroid in one game," which doesn't at all sound bad for a premise.

In Supraland, you will solve challenging puzzles, unlock new abilities that will provide access to previously inaccessible areas, and participate in challenges related to platforming. The combat, being just okay, is not the main point of the game. It is all about exploration and solving puzzles, which makes Supraland a real must-have.

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2) Pronty

Pronty's gameplay as seen on Steam (Image via 18Light Game Ltd., FunZone Games)

Discount: 75% off

Pronty is an underwater adventure from 2021 that's grossly underestimated and receives less publicity than it needs. This game lets you explore an ancient, great underwater city now pulsing with life in the form of mutated sea creatures. With the trusty robotic swordfish Bront by your side, you'll never back down from a challenge.

The hand-drawn art style is very endearing, and the underwater controls feel rather fluid and responsive - something that is usually a problem in under-the-sea-themed titles. The game has a somewhat long upgrade system where you can mix and match upgrades strategically for boss fights. Pronty is a hidden gem worth picking up during the sale.

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3) Jet Lancer

Jet Lancer's plane upgrade screen (Image via Code Wakers)

Discount: 75% off

With its futuristic pixelated art and high-throttle action, Jet Lancer is probably one of the greatest scrolling shooters ever made. You are thrown right into the game as a hotshot experienced pilot to save your city from various enemies, from jets to giant robots.

Flying mechanics come fluidly, with exhilarating aerial acrobatics in this game. With freedom of flight and stylish combat, Jet Lancer becomes an experience that will leave any enthusiast of high-octane action games satisfied. It's a title deserving of being on your privileged list this summer.

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4) Patch Quest

Patch Quest's gameplay as seen on Steam (Image via Lychee Game Labs)

Discount: 80% off

Patch Quest is a relatively recent release that is already heavily discounted, making it an irresistible deal. This game is a bullet-hell roguelite with Metroidvania elements, set in the mysterious lost city of Patchlantis.

In Patch Quest, you can wrangle and tame monsters, eventually using them as mounts with unique powers and attacks. These abilities also help you access new areas of the map, providing a sense of progression. The game features a home base and meta-progression elements between runs, offering an adorable yet challenging experience that is perfect for indie game enthusiasts.

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5) Ape Out

A glimpse of Ape Out as displayed on Steam (Image via Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy, Maxi Boch)

Discount: 80% off

If you have been yearning for intense, action-packed gameplay similar to Hotline Miami, Ape Out is the game for you. This game puts you in the role of an ape trying to escape captivity by smashing through obstacles and enemies.

Ape Out's visual design is minimalistic, yet stylish. Additionally, its music is dynamically scored to what you're doing in-game, so it's always different and fresh. It has simple controls but somehow provides a quite satisfying and difficult gameplay loop for you.

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These five indie gems offer a diverse range of experiences, from puzzle-solving and exploration to intense combat and strategic gameplay. Be sure to take advantage of the Steam Summer Sale 2024 to add these hidden treasures to your collection.