May is shaping up to be a hell of a month for indie games. Between big AAA releases, it’s easy to miss the gems quietly making waves in the indie scene—but trust me, this month’s lineup is too good to slip under your radar. From grim prison roguelites to nostalgic soccer memories, here’s a rundown of five standout indie games landing this May that deserve a spot in your backlog (or better yet, your weekend plans).

Despelote

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Out now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2367820/despelote/

Sometimes a game doesn’t need flashy combat or complex systems to leave an impression—it just needs heart. That’s where Despelote comes in. Set in early 2000s Ecuador, this narrative-driven experience captures the raw magic of childhood through soccer. You roam the streets with a ball at your feet, navigating life’s small dramas and moments of joy as a kid swept up in the chaos and beauty of the world cup season. It’s more about vibe than scoreboards, and it’s hitting players hard with waves of nostalgia. If you want something tender and offbeat, this one’s a must.

Kiborg

PC (Steam) | Out now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2405060/KIBORG/

If you’re craving something a bit more punchy—literally—look no further than Kiborg. This rogue-lite beat ‘em up throws you into a dystopian prison turned reality TV spectacle, where inmates brawl for a shot at freedom. Expect blisteringly fast combat, brutal stakes, and a relentless loop of upgrades, retries, and chaos. It’s part Streets of Rage, part Hades, all wrapped in a grim cyberpunk package. The action is sharp, the stakes are high, and the “just one more run” feeling hits hard.

Moroi

PC (Steam) | Out now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2518410/Moroi/

Moroi is not for the faint of heart—and that’s exactly why you should play it. This top-down action RPG leans deep into the gothic, serving up a surreal, haunting world filled with unsettling characters and grim choices. Multiple endings mean your decisions matter, and the atmosphere oozes dread in all the best ways. It’s the kind of game that lingers in your mind long after you close it, perfect for fans of dark, cerebral indies like Darkwood or Pathologic.

Triage

PC (Steam) | Out now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3507500/Triage/

Speaking of Pathologic: meet Triage, a free indie inspired by the cult classic, where you play a doctor during an otherworldly outbreak. With limited resources and a town on the brink, you’ll be forced into tough moral decisions that test your ethics and sanity alike. Who gets medicine? Who’s left to fend for themselves? It’s a grim balancing act, and it’s free—so you have zero excuse not to dive in and ruin your evening in the best possible way.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo

PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | May 28
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2870350/Pipistrello_and_the_Cursed_Yoyo/

Finally, we’ve got something to brighten the mood. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a love letter to classic Game Boy Advance-era platformers, starring a plucky protagonist armed with—you guessed it—a cursed yoyo. Expect tight platforming, charming pixel art, and just enough cursed mischief to keep things spicy. Whether you’re a retro fan or just need something lighthearted in between the heavier stuff, this one’s worth circling on your calendar.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of innovation in this month’s indie slate, and these five games prove it. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming nostalgia, brutal brawls, or morally crushing decision-making, May’s indie scene has you covered. Don’t let them get lost in the shuffle—your Steam library (and maybe your soul) will thank you.