Indie Recommendations for December 2025
The end of the year brings festive treats and new wishlists
The month of gifts is here, but also the month your digital library demands space. December 2025 isn't just about the AAA titles you've seen in trailers. The indie scene delivers experiences ranging from cosmic chills to cooperative battles with gods. Release dates can change, but here you'll find verified information from official sources. Let's see what's worth adding to your wishlist this month.
ROUTINE
Release date: 4 December 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (also available on Game Pass at launch)
ROUTINE is a first-person survival horror game with a story set on an abandoned lunar base, built with an 80s retrofuturism that doesn't betray the classic dread of the genre. After a long and much-anticipated development, the title embraces a claustrophobic atmosphere and the suspense of exploring degraded technology. If you like Alien Isolation and Dead Space for tension and atmosphere, ROUTINE promises an elegant mix of investigation and escape.
Cloudheim (Early Access)
Release date: 4 December 2025 (Early Access on PC)
Platforms: PC via Steam and Epic Games Store; console versions announced for 2026
Cloudheim combines four-player co-op with an action RPG that focuses on combo attacks, crafting, and a chaotic physics system. The aesthetic is Nordic, inspired by post-Ragnarok myths, and the idea of upgrading your own 'shop in the sky' offers a satisfying progression structure. If you want co-op for friends who love melee, crafting, and fighting corrupted deities, Cloudheim is worth following from day one.
Night Swarm
Release date: 4 December 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5
Night Swarm comes as a vampire-themed roguelite where you play as a young vampire lord. The combination of bullet-heaven elements, RPG, and a permadeath system controlled by progression makes the title attractive for those looking for dynamic runs and gradual power building. The visual style and combat tempo promise short, intense rounds, perfect for end-of-year sessions.
FEROCIOUS
Release date: 4 December 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam) at launch
FEROCIOUS is an indie FPS with dinosaurs that combines survival, exploration of mysterious ruins, and control of prehistoric beasts. The tone is that of a violent 'lost world', with survival elements. The title was previously delayed but has received a firm date for early December, and the press materials show a game with big ambitions for a small studio. If you want an adrenaline-filled single-player experience and no predator scares you, FEROCIOUS deserves to be on your watchlist.
THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE HERE! (Xbox release)
Release date: 9 December 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Microsoft Store
Platforms: available on PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch; the Xbox port now appears in the official calendar
Not all indie recommendations have to rob you of sleep. This title, created by Coal Supper and published by Panic, is a 'slapformer' comedy with British humour included, small, brave, and extremely well-received by critics. If you've missed games that make you smile instead of raising your pulse, the Xbox version in December gives you the opportunity to play it on console.
That's all, folks!
December 2025 is full of indie titles worthy of attention. Here are five games covering horror, co-op, roguelite, survival FPS, and absurd comedy. All dates and platforms have been verified on the games' official pages or through publisher announcements. I'll remind you of one essential thing: releases can be rescheduled, even at the last minute, so keep calm and GAME ON! I still have titles on my list to play from the previous year…