2026 is already shaping up to be a huge year for PlayStation 5 games. But while blockbuster titles dominate headlines, it’s the indie scene that might quietly steal the show.
From cozy café conversations with Yōkaito brutal Soulslike combat, stop-motion co-op adventures, and retro-inspired action games, PS5 continues to prove it’s not just home to AAA giants; it’s also a thriving hub for creative, ambitious indie developers.
Here are 11 indie games coming to PS5 in 2026 that deserve a spot on your radar:
1. Coffee Talk Tokyo (PS5) – May 21, 2026
The beloved series returns with Coffee Talk Tokyo, inviting players to serve warm drinks to supernatural customers in a peaceful late-night café. Set in Japan and filled with Yōkai and other mystical beings, this narrative-driven experience continues the franchise’s relaxing formula of conversation, connection, and comfort.
If you love slow-burn storytelling and lo-fi vibes, this is one of 2026’s most soothing PS5 indie releases.
2. Fishbowl (PS5) – April 2026
Fishbowl may sound whimsical, but it’s an emotional coming-of-age story centered on grief and healing. Developed by the two-person studio imissmyfriends, this visual novel unfolds over a month, combining slice-of-life storytelling with sorting-and-matching puzzle mechanics.
Its central theme, taking life one day at a time, already makes it one of the most heartfelt indie games to watch in 2026.
3. Hela (PS5) – 2026 (TBD)
Don’t let the name fool you; Hela isn’t about fire and brimstone. Instead, this wholesome 3D co-op adventure casts you as a tiny familiar mouse helping a sick witch restore balance to her village.
Featuring local split-screen and online co-op, potion brewing, environmental puzzles, and stunning Scandinavian-inspired landscapes, Hela could be one of the most charming cooperative games on PS5 next year.
4. Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories (PS5) – April 2026 (TBD)
Set in early 1990s Japan, Inkonbini is a cozy slice-of-life narrative game that unfolds inside a small-town convenience store. You manage daily shop routines while forming meaningful connections with customers through branching dialogue choices.
It’s meditative, nostalgic, and deeply human — perfect for players who enjoy story-rich indie games focused on everyday moments.
5. Mina the Hollower (PS5, PS4) – Spring 2026
From Yacht Club Games (creators of Shovel Knight), Mina the Hollower blends retro 8-bit aesthetics with modern action-adventure design. Armed with her Nightstar whip and burrowing abilities, Mina explores the cursed Tenebrous Isle in a quest filled with dungeons, enemies, and secrets.
With music contributions from legendary composers Jake Kaufman and Yuzo Koshiro, this is easily one of the most anticipated indie action games of 2026.
6. Mortal Shell II (PS5) – 2026 (TBD)
The sequel to Cold Symmetry’s dark action RPG returns with faster combat, upgraded finishers, and even firearms. Mortal Shell II removes the stamina gauge, speeding up encounters while retaining its brutal, haunting atmosphere.
Fans of Soulslike games should keep this on their must-play list for 2026.
7. Mouse P.I. For Hire (PS5) – March 19, 2026
Blending 1930s cartoon aesthetics with noir detective storytelling, Mouse P.I. For Hire is a first-person shooter that looks like it leapt straight out of a vintage animation reel.
Expect jazz, machine guns, smoky narration, and unpredictable chaos in Mouseburg, one of the most visually distinctive PS5 indie games arriving in early 2026.
8. Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse (PS5, PS4) – March 5, 2026
In this vibrant 2D roguelike, you control a magical hat that possesses enemies and uses their abilities to explore ruins and rebuild a ruined village.
Playable solo or with up to four players in multiplayer mode, Never Grave balances charm, chaos, and strategic combat in equal measure.
9. Ontos (PS5) – 2026 (TBD)
From Frictional Games—known for SOMA—comes Ontos, a sci-fi horror experience set on a desolate moon base. As the spiritual successor to their acclaimed psychological horror, this narrative-driven game promises unsettling exploration, moral dilemmas, and a deeply disturbing mystery.
If you’re searching for atmospheric horror games on PS5 in 2026, this one should be high on your list.
10. Out of Words (PS5) – 2026 (TBD)
Featuring handcrafted stop-motion visuals, Out of Words follows two protagonists without mouths on a quest to restore their voices. Designed as a co-op platformer, players must communicate and coordinate carefully to solve environmental puzzles.
Its tender emotional core and unique art direction make it one of the most visually striking indie games coming next year.
11. Over the Hill (PS5) – 2026 (TBD)
From the creators of Art of Rally, Over the Hill swaps speed for serenity. This exploration-focused driving game emphasizes scenic wilderness, dynamic weather, terrain deformation, and cooperative discovery.
It’s not about racing; it’s about the journey, vehicle upgrades, and soaking in breathtaking environments with up to three friends.
Emmanuel Umahi
