Summary
Sometimes, an indie game comes out of nowhere and takes the internet by storm.Inscryptionis one of those games. Developed by Daniel Mullins, this wicked game is a combination of an escape room puzzle game and a deck-building roguelike. The story takes place in a cabin where the player is trapped and forced to play a card game with a shadowy figure.
Over the course of a wild adventure, players will have to win card battles with the figure while also trying to get out of the cabin. There are so many elements to the game that those who fall in love with it have plenty of options when it comes to findinggames similar toInscryption.
Updated Jul 19, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:Inscryption is one of the many titles that make players feel glad that indie gaming has become a mainstay in the industry. The sheer amount of love and creativity on display here is apparent for everyone to see.
Unlike most AAA games that just stick to what works, Inscryption takes risks time and time again to ensure that things remain fresh and engaging until the very end. Fans of this title will be more than happy to check out other games like Inscryption, which captivates players with an incredible atmosphere coupled with a satisfying gameplay loop.
Players who want to unnerve and fascinate themselves in the same way asInscryptiondid will findOmorito be right up their alley. Unlike the roguelike card game,Omorihides its sinister influences for the most part, pacing out its scares while telling one of the best narratives in video game history.
Players can’t help but fall in love with the main cast in both Headspace and the real world, with the plot twist breaking players as the game crescendoes to a wonderful climax. It’s an engaging psychological horror game that sports an emotional ending much likeInscryption.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntwas one of the best video games ever made. It became so popular that even a simple card game featured in the title became a huge phenomenon that prompted CD Projekt Red to make Gwent more accessible to the masses.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Gamefleshed out this minigame, letting players enjoy this title in its entirety as players compete against others in fun battles where strategy is the key to victory. Official support for this title is no more, but players can still jump into this title and enjoy some fun card battles with other people as they reacquaint themselves with the rules of the game.
Puzzle adventure
Platforms
Windows, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS
While it’s not among the card games likeInscryption,There Is No Game: Wrong Dimensionmatches some of the ridiculousness that players get fromInscryption’s blending of genres and art styles. The point-and-click adventure game takes players on a journey to try to play “the game,” while a voice consistently tries to stop the player from doing so.
While attempting to gain access to the game, players will open a dimensional rift that will force them to experience sequences that are inspired by many games that came before this one. If players want to try something less scary and more lighthearted thanInscryption,There Is No Game: Wrong Dimensionis the title for them.
Mystery adventure
Windows, macOS
Mullins has a history of developing solid games. While it doesn’t necessarily fall under the core genres ofInscryption,The Hexis worth checking out if players are fans of Mullins' work. This mystery adventure takes place at a tavern where six characters, all of whom used to live lives as video game protagonists, are being investigated for possibly planning the murder of one of their fellow patrons.
Players are tasked with learning about each of these characters by reliving elements of their past, therefore exploring the genre they came from. The goal of the game is tofigure out who is the future murderer, and who will be their victim.
Devolver Digital, the publisher ofInscryption, had a solid year of indie game releases in 2021. This included another deckbuilding roguelike they released earlier in the year calledLoop Hero. In this world, however, players are in charge of everythingbutthe hero.
Trapped in an endless loop thanks to The Lich, players must place cards that include buildings, enemies, or terrainto help the heroget loot that will help make the next loop easier than the last. The goal ofLoop Herois to conquer a few tough bosses and end the cycle once and for all.
As mentioned earlier,Inscryptionis one of the best indie card games to come out in 2021. One of the best card games to come out a year prior wasMonster Train. The main campaign revolves around players trying to climb four levels of a train that is filled with monsters.
Players must attempt to get to the top to protect the pyre from the enemies that want to break it. The single-player mode is also paired with a few modes that pit players against other gamers in challenges and real-time combat.
WhileInscryptioncertainly focused on the card game element the most, there is also the fascinating escape room element. Those who enjoy this may enjoy other puzzle games withescape room-like elements. One of the most famous examples regarding this subject isThe Roomseries.
Each entry in the franchise has its own plot in which players are trying to solve the mystery. In most scenarios, players will be given a contraption that they will need to tinker with and use clues to unlock different elements of the contraption. It’s perfect for players who want to experience an escape room from the comfort of a device.
Roguelike deck-building
Windows
WhileInscryptiononly has players controlling one character at a time,Trials of Fireis a tactical game that has users control three heroes of their choosing. This deck-building roguelite has players going on an adventure through the Ashe wastelands.
The game involves exploring a world while not in combat and hunkering players down to wield three players in battle. Each hero has their own deck, so it creates unique opportunities to strategize specific outcomes. There is both base game content and seasonal campaigns that the player can go on.
Returning to the card-basedRPG format, another great story-driven narrative to try out is a game calledBlack Book. Based on Slavic mythology, players take on the role of Vasilisa, a young sorceress who is serving those in the “dark forces.”
After she gives up everything to marry the person she loves most, they mysteriously die and leave Vasilisa heartbroken. Because of this, she decides to set off on a journey to find an artifact that can grant any wish called the Black Book. The gameplay revolves around fighting demons, performing exorcisms, and helping people along the way.
There are somepsychological horrorelements toInscryption, so if players are looking for an indie gem that spooks them,Fran Bowis worth giving a try. Another point-and-click adventure game, the story follows a young girl named Fran who has had to deal with the trauma of seeing the gruesome death of her parents.
Fran winds up in an asylum where she tries to escape to find Mr. Midnight, her black cat that was given to her by her parents. This 2D-animated game has a plethora of puzzles to solve as players go through it with the occasional mini-game to help pick up the action.
