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There’s no universal ranking of great game music, but these ten indie soundtracks make a strong listening shortlist. They range from intimate piano and chiptune to dark synths and sweeping orchestral writing, so you can choose by mood as well as by game.
Ten indie game soundtracks worth hearing
The selections below are editorial recommendations, not a definitive ranking. “Indie” covers a wide and changing field, and the label is not always a precise boundary. The point here is variety: each score offers a distinct musical palette or relationship to its game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Volume Alpha | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Original Video Game Soundtrack Blue and Pink Translucent Blend Colored... | $31.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Bloodborne Vol. II (Original Soundtrack) | $38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Celeste — Lena Raine
Raine’s score follows the game’s climb through a shifting range of moods. The official Steam soundtrack listing includes pieces such as “First Steps,” “Resurrections,” “Reach for the Summit,” and “Confronting Myself.” Those titles suggest the score’s emotional arc, from tentative beginnings toward urgency and resolve. Steam lists the soundtrack as downloadable additional content and credits Raine as artist and composer; its release date is 21 June 2019.
The soundtrack received the ASCAP Composers’ Choice Award 2018 for Video Game Score of the Year and the GDC Choice Awards 2019 for Best Audio. It was also nominated for Best Music at the 2019 BAFTA Games Awards and Best Music/Score at The Game Awards 2018.
#1 Best Overall
- Genre: Soundtrack
- Number of Discs: 1
- Number of Tracks: 12
- Album Title: Minecraft Volume Alpha
- Music Artist/Band: C418
2. Hollow Knight — Christopher Larkin
Larkin’s score gives the game’s ruined kingdom room to breathe. Steam describes music that begins with soft piano notes and grows toward orchestral scale as the kingdom’s fate unfolds. That gradual expansion makes it a natural pick for listeners who want atmosphere that can turn solemn and grand without losing its sense of mystery.
3. Undertale — Toby Fox
Undertale pairs a chiptune-oriented sound with music closely associated with its characters. Its melodies are concise and distinctive, helping the score feel personal even when it shifts tone. It suits listeners who like retro game sounds used for more than nostalgia.
4. Bastion — Darren Korb
Korb combines acoustic and electronic elements for a sound that feels rugged without being stripped down. The mix gives the score a strong identity while leaving space for the game’s changing environments and action.
5. Transistor — Darren Korb
Transistor takes Korb’s palette in a different direction, bringing electronic and orchestral elements together. GamesRadar has described its style as “Old-world Electronic Post-rock.” It’s a good choice if you want something more layered and stylized than straightforward ambient or orchestral game music.
Rank #2
- Limited Edition of 1000
- Blue & Pink Translucent Blend Colored Vinyl
- Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart Exclusive Vinyl Colorway
6. Journey — Austin Wintory
Wintory blends orchestral and electronic textures into a score associated with exploration and self-discovery. It’s an inviting pick for listeners who want music that feels expansive and cinematic, with a sense of movement rather than a constant push toward action.
7. Ori and the Blind Forest — Gareth Coker
Coker’s score moves between soothing melodies and epic orchestral passages. That contrast makes it appealing if you want a soundtrack that can feel tender one moment and full-scale the next.
8. Hotline Miami — Various artists
Rather than a single-composer score, Hotline Miami draws on multiple artists for a synth-heavy electronic sound matched to fast action. Its sharper, more driving energy makes it the pick here for listeners after something intense and propulsive.
9. Hyper Light Drifter — Disasterpeace
Disasterpeace’s ambient, synth-driven music suits a game built around enigmatic exploration. Choose it for a more atmospheric electronic listen, with texture and mood taking precedence over a conventional orchestral sweep.
10. Fez — Disasterpeace
Fez offers a retro-leaning electronic palette. It’s a natural companion to Hyper Light Drifter if you enjoy Disasterpeace’s approach, but want a different take on nostalgic game sounds.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which soundtrack should you try first?
| If you want… | Start with… |
|---|---|
| Piano that grows into an expansive score | Hollow Knight |
| Character-linked melodies and chiptune flavor | Undertale |
| A blend of acoustic and electronic sounds | Bastion |
| Layered electronic and orchestral writing | Transistor |
| Exploration with a cinematic feel | Journey |
| Soothing themes alongside orchestral peaks | Ori and the Blind Forest |
| Driving synth-heavy energy | Hotline Miami |
| Ambient, synth-driven exploration | Hyper Light Drifter |
| Retro-leaning electronic music | Fez |
| A score with a clear emotional progression | Celeste |
Two more soundtracks to consider
Hades — Darren Korb
If you want another example of Korb’s range, the official Hades Original Soundtrack album features two and a half hours of music, additional vocals by Ashley Barrett, and a standalone-listening remaster. Selected pieces were recorded with orchestral accompaniment at Abbey Road Studios. The album page gives its release date as 18 September 2020.
Stardew Valley — Eric Barone
For a gentler, cozy alternative, consider Stardew Valley. Its soundtrack is associated with seasonal themes and a relaxing, upbeat character, making it a useful change of pace from the more dramatic or action-focused selections above.
Where to listen or look for a physical edition
For digital listening and purchase options, Celeste has a downloadable soundtrack listing on Steam, while Hades is available as an album through Supergiant Games’ Bandcamp page. Soundtrack vinyl is also a real collecting category: specialist retailers such as Fangamer and iam8bit carry game-music releases, and boutique labels have issued limited-edition pressings. Availability changes, so check the exact title, edition, pressing, and current stock before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
