New year, new you! It’s January 1, and like most folks around the world, you’ve probably got at least one resolution on your list. But before you download a calorie tracker, invest in an overpriced stationary bike, or get an early start on spring cleaning, it’s important to leave wiggle room in your itinerary for self-care. For some, that means ordering takeout and watching a movie. For others (myself included), it means adding a new game to their Steam library. These new indie games, all slated for a January 2026 launch, come directly from my own Steam wishlist. 2025 was a big year for independent game studios; let’s make 2026 even bigger! Check out some of my most-anticipated indie games coming to Steam in January 2026:
Death Machine (January 6)
In the upcoming roguelite metroidvania Death Machine, players must use items to navigate a twisted, mechanical world. Manipulate ancient spirits for assistance before the machine’s forces overtake you. Per the game’s Steam listing, Death Machine marries “classic metroidvania exploration” with “exciting combat powered by a versatile roguelite item system. Each run, you can choose to focus on exploration – discovering new items and powers, hoarding skulls taken from your enemies, and making it back to take to a Sanctuary to cash in your loot with your patron.” Wishlist Death Machine on Steam here.
ODDCORE (January 7)
In ODDCORE, a retro roguelike shooter that looks like the fever dream of bowling alley carpet, players blast through endless, haunting hordes of surreal, unsettling opponents. “Expect a fast-paced FPS experience wrapped in a retro, liminal vibe,” the game’s Steam listing says. Add ODDCORE to your Steam wishlist here!
Kejora (January 8)
In this cartoony Groundhog Day-like adventure, Kejora realizes her peaceful village has been reliving the same day. In an effort to stop this, Kejora and her friends must find and eliminate the forces behind their village’s puzzling curse. According to the game’s listing on Steam, “Kejora features hand-drawn art and animation, environmental platformer puzzles, and party-based inspired gameplay with 2 supporting characters with unique skills to help Kejora in her exploration and journey.”
While Steam says Kejora is due to launch on Wednesday, January 14, an August update from the studio says it will instead launch on Thursday, January 8. Wishlist Kejora on Steam here!
Astronook (January 19)
In Astronook, players become armchair astronomers from the comfort of a cozy catbird seat that once belonged to their grandfather. With your sprawling view of the night sky. Using your in-game gear, map constellations, snap pics of planets, and marvel at the cosmos.. Unwind with some stargazing, casual astrophotography, and sentimental storytelling. Wishlist Astronook on Steam here.
Tailside: Cozy Cafe Sim (January 21)
Become a charming pixel-art barista in Tailside: Cozy Cafe Sim. In your new shop, players can brew quality cups, decorate the dining area, and stay abreast of local goings-on with the in-game newspaper. Progress through days and levels to unlock items, abilities, and more. Add Tailside to your Steam wishlist here.
Hermit and Pig (January 22)
Hermit and Pig is a turn-based RPG where players must fight opponents, forage for mushrooms, and uncover corporate conspiracies with the help of their right-hand pig. When the titular, solitudinous duo embarks on a foraging adventure one morning, one unexpected visitor pulls them from the sidelines and into the fray. Add Hermit and Pig to your Steam wishlist here.
Bladesong (January 22)
Bladesong made waves last fall after its free playable demo caught folks’ attention during Steam’s Next Fest. The hyperrealistic, detailed crafting sim touts itself as “[t]he ultimate swordmaking game.” In Bladesong, players forge impressive weapons using freeform blade shaping and modular hilts. Peddle your wares to locals, too, by masterfully assembling swords that meet client expectations. Add this eye-popping swordsmithing sim to your Steam wishlist here.
Don’t Stop, Girlypop! (January 29)
Don’t Stop, Girlypop! is a Y2K-inspired arena movement shooter. Vivid pink visuals, intense high-speed gameplay, stylish execution — Don’t Stop, Girlypop! feels like DOOM if it were set inside a Limited Too. Wishlist this high-octane first-person shooter on Steam here!
Cairn (January 29)
Reach new heights in the upcoming survival-climbing game Cairn, created by the folks behind Haven (2020). In Cairn, players must successfully scale a massive mountain. Start anywhere, strategize, and ultimately survive the brutal and unrelenting Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime. Wishlist Cairn on Steam here!
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