Uncovering the Hidden Gems on the Epic Games Store

3 January 2025

Alright, let’s talk about the Epic Games Store. You know, that digital marketplace everyone seems to have an opinion about? Love it or hate it, there’s no denying one thing: it’s not just the home for Fortnite and free games every Thursday. Buried beneath the AAA blockbusters and hyped exclusives, there are some absolute stunners that most people haven’t even heard of. That’s right, I’m talking about the hidden gems—those indie masterpieces and overlooked titles that deserve way more love than they get.

So grab your snack of choice, sit back, and let’s dive into some of the most underrated games hiding in plain sight on the Epic Games Store. Warning: you may end up spending way too much money after reading this. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Why You’re Probably Sleeping on These Gems

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s address something real quick. Why are these games flying under the radar? Well, for starters, the Epic Games Store isn’t exactly known for its robust discovery tools. Unless you’re actively looking for something specific or happen to stumble upon it during one of their mega sales, you might never even know these games exist. And honestly? That’s a crime against gaming.

But hey, that’s why I’m here—to shine a spotlight on these underappreciated diamonds in the rough. Let’s get to it!

1. Hades – A Godly Masterpiece (Literally)

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Hades? Hidden gem? Really? Hear me out. While it’s gotten its fair share of well-deserved praise, I’m willing to bet good money that not enough people have experienced its sheer brilliance. Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler that’s basically a love letter to Greek mythology.

But this isn’t your average button-mashing adventure. Oh no, the gameplay is smooth as butter, the art style is straight-up gorgeous, and the characters? Chef’s kiss. It’s witty, it’s challenging, and it’s ridiculously addictive. Plus, flirting with Greek gods and goddesses never gets old. Trust me, if you’re not playing Hades, you’re missing out.

2. Outer Wilds – A Cosmic Mystery Worth Your Time

Ever wanted to feel like a space explorer who has no idea what’s going on? Welcome to Outer Wilds. This game is part mystery, part sci-fi, and part existential crisis all wrapped up in one. You’re thrown into a solar system stuck in a 22-minute time loop, and it’s up to you to figure out why.

The beauty of Outer Wilds lies in how it rewards your curiosity. There’s no hand-holding here. You’ll die—probably a lot—but each time you come back a little wiser (or, you know, more confused). It’s smart, it’s weird, and it’ll make you feel things you didn’t know a game could make you feel. It’s like “Groundhog Day,” but with more space and less Bill Murray.

3. Slime Rancher – The Cutest Stress Reliever Ever

Let’s tone down the drama for a second and talk about something straight-up wholesome. Slime Rancher is exactly what it sounds like: you’re a rancher, and you wrangle slimes. But don’t let the cutesy vibe fool you. This game is all about strategy, exploration, and, yes, even a bit of chaos (because slimes can be little troublemakers).

It’s the perfect palate cleanser between those intense, sweat-inducing gaming sessions. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of building their own slime empire? It’s weirdly satisfying to see your ranch grow while bouncing little blobs of cuteness around.

4. Celeste – A Platformer with Heart

Let’s get real for a second. Celeste isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. On the surface, it’s a tough-as-nails platformer that’ll have you cursing at your screen. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a deeply emotional story about battling inner demons and climbing the literal and metaphorical mountains in life.

The controls are tight, the music is hauntingly beautiful, and every death feels like a lesson rather than a failure. It’s a masterpiece that proves games can be both challenging and meaningful. Plus, it’ll make you feel like a platforming god once you finally reach the summit.

5. A Short Hike – A Mini Escape to Serenity

Need a break from the grind? A Short Hike is like a warm hug in game form. It’s a tiny open-world adventure where you play as a bird exploring a peaceful island. There’s no combat, no stress, and no rush—just pure, unfiltered relaxation.

You’ll climb mountains, glide through the air, and chat with quirky NPCs along the way. It’s short (duh), but it’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it. Sometimes, it’s the simpler things that leave the biggest impact.

6. The Pathless – Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (But with a Bow)

Ever wonder what it would feel like to be a mystical archer zipping through lush landscapes at breakneck speed? That’s The Pathless in a nutshell. It’s equal parts action and exploration, with an emphasis on fluid movement and jaw-dropping visuals.

There’s no map clutter or mini-quest spam here—just you, your bow, and a world begging to be explored. And let’s not forget your bird companion, who’s honestly the real MVP. Together, you’ll solve puzzles, take down corrupted spirits, and look ridiculously cool while doing it.

7. Spiritfarer – A Game About Death That’s Weirdly Comforting

This one’s gonna tug at your heartstrings, so consider yourself warned. In Spiritfarer, you play as Stella, a ferry master for the deceased. Your job? Help spirits come to terms with their lives and guide them to the afterlife.

But don’t let the heavy theme fool you. This game is bursting with charm, humor, and stunning hand-drawn visuals. You’ll farm, fish, cook, and build your boat while forming deep connections with the characters you meet. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet journey that’s as much about saying goodbye as it is about celebrating life.

8. Gris – Pure Art in Motion

If there’s one word to describe Gris, it’s breathtaking. This game is a visual and emotional masterpiece that feels more like a moving painting than a traditional video game. It’s a platformer at heart, but it’s more about the journey than the challenges.

As you guide the protagonist through her world, you’ll unlock new abilities and watch the environment evolve in stunning ways. Words don’t do it justice. It’s the kind of game you have to experience to truly understand. Just make sure you’ve got tissues nearby—it gets emotional.

Why Hidden Gems Matter

Look, I get it. It’s easy to stick to the big-name titles everyone’s talking about. But there’s something special about discovering a game that speaks to you on a deeper level—one that doesn’t have millions of dollars worth of marketing behind it. These hidden gems remind us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place. They take risks, break conventions, and deliver experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

And let’s be real: supporting indie developers and smaller studios is always a good move. Who knows? The next hidden gem you pick up might just become your new favorite game.

Final Thoughts

The Epic Games Store may not have the best reputation when it comes to user experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth digging through. These hidden gems are proof that there’s more to the platform than meets the eye. So next time you’re scrolling aimlessly, give these titles a shot. You might just stumble upon your next gaming obsession.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a backlog to tackle.