ENDIX 2026 is (almost) wrapped up.
The servers might be sticking around a little longer to give people one last chance to explore, but after spending the weekend wandering its halls, getting lost in booths, and adding far too many games to our wishlists, it feels like the right time to start highlighting the ones that stuck with us most.
As a media partner, getting early access to the event was already a bit surreal. Getting to explore it properly, chat with developers, and see just how much creativity was packed into one digital space? Even better.
There were a lot of games on show.
Some looked incredible. Some were a bit rough around the edges. Some surprised us. Some confused us. And a few immediately earned a spot on our “we need to keep an eye on this” list.
This is the first half of that.
Josh’s top ENDIX picks
It was so hard to nail down a list of my top picks for ENDIX, because there were plenty of other games worth talking about as well.
Stuffed, Forgery Craft, Dreampainters, Pizza Bandits, and more all left an impression in different ways. And as a horror fan, I found Theatrum Obscurum packed with things that deserve their own spotlight. So, that’s something we’ll be coming back to.
For now, though, here are the three games I’m looking most forward to, outside of the horror genre:
Do Not Buy This Game
Do Not Buy This Game was already one of the most memorable booths we came across at ENDIX.
The demo just confirmed there’s something genuinely interesting behind the joke.
It’s clever. Properly funny. The narration lands. The stubborn, button-based back-and-forth works exactly as it should. But what really caught me off guard is that underneath all of that, there’s something a bit more relatable going on.
It taps into that fear of putting something out there. The hesitation. The self-doubt. That instinct to hold back rather than take the leap.
That gives it more weight than you’d expect from something that initially looks like a bit of chaos and a funny title.
It’s not trying to be the prettiest game at the show, and it doesn’t need to be. What it’s doing is being memorable, playful, and just a little bit uncomfortable in a very honest way.
So no, I probably won’t be doing what the title suggests.
This is one I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on. Wishlist it on Steam now.
Under a Rock
I’m always going to be drawn to a good survival game.
Usually, that means zombies, but Under A Rock managed to grab my attention anyway.
The idea is simple enough on the surface. You’re stranded in a strange, procedurally generated world and need to survive. But the setting does a lot of the heavy lifting here. This isn’t your usual survival sandbox. This is a world where evolution took a very different path. Oversized wildlife, Neanderthals, and a general sense that everything around you could go very wrong very quickly.
It’s colourful, a bit chaotic, and full of possibilities.
What stood out most was the freedom. Whether you want to build a quiet life by the coast, explore caves and underwater areas, or pick fights with everything that moves, it feels like the game is happy to let you figure that out for yourself.
Add in co-op for up to 10 players, creature taming, base building, and a world that changes every time you play, and it’s got all the ingredients to become one of those “we’ll just jump on for an hour” games that turn into an entire evening.
And honestly, those are usually the best ones. Wishlist it on Steam now.
Den of Wolves
This one’s a bit different.
The booth itself didn’t do much for me compared to some of the more creative setups at ENDIX, but the trailer absolutely did.
As someone who spent a lot of time with the original Payday games, Den of Wolves immediately stood out.
A co-op heist FPS built around planning, execution, and the inevitable chaos when everything goes wrong? That’s already a strong foundation. Add in the fact that it’s coming from the minds behind PAYDAY and GTFO, and it’s hard not to pay attention.
The setting helps, too. A corporate-controlled city built around experimental tech, where crime isn’t just expected, it’s part of the system. It gives the whole thing a bit more flavour than your standard “go here, steal this, leave” setup.
It looks like the kind of game that will live or die by how well that co-op experience comes together.
But if it lands, this could be something very special. Wishlist it on Steam now.
Ben’s top ENDIX picks
This year was the first time I’d heard of ENDIX. My thanks to Josh for not only introducing it to me, but also for managing to get us our first-ever expo booth!
ENDIX is so good, and honestly, I want to see it grow and frankly, grow with it. What a great idea. Online, Steam-accessible, free gaming expo. Anyone can attend from anywhere in the world, at any time.
I’ve been kicking myself that it’s not an idea I had myself. The potential, with this level of execution, is insane. Hats off to the ENDIX team!
All that is to say, I had a great time mooching the halls, and well….I left there with a few favourites to get excited about.
Here are my top 3 titles from ENDIX. In no particular order.
Mexican Ninja
If you’ve already seen my preview piece, you’ll know my excitement for Mexican Ninja is pretty high.
To quote myself:
Every now and then, a game concept comes along that makes you pause, blink, and then immediately grin. Developed by Madbricks and published by Amber Studio, Mexican Ninja is exactly that kind of game.
It’s a loud, proud, and beautifully unhinged 2.5D roguelike beat-’em-up that smashes two distinct cultures together like a pair of speeding lowriders, and we are entirely here for the chaos.
Dave the Diver: In the Jungle
Oh my. The Dave the Diver sushi bar, as a stand at ENDIX, was nothing short of glorious. Dave, Bancho and the crew, all on hand. It got me straight back into thinking I need to go play some more Dave the Diver.
With the In the Jungle DLC due out on 18th June, I’m personally primed for more diving and sushi-making action.
Mintrocket might not (strictly speaking) be an independent developer. They maintain that vibe and ethos in their games and development, and honestly, it’s one of my most anticipated of 2026.
Hela: of Mice and Magic
Oh my, one of the first things I saw at ENDIX was a trailer for Hela. And, frankly, I had to do a double-take.
I was expecting a load of 2D side-scrollers and platformers. Then I was met with Hela to knock me off my feet and reset my expectations.
See the world through the eyes of a brave little mouse in this enchanting 3D co-op adventure. Explore breathtaking landscapes inspired by Northern Sweden, solve puzzles, and be a force for good in a land where heartwarming storytelling and the beauty of nature intertwine.
Windup Studios looks to be cooking up something quite special here. Wishlist it on Steam here.
We’ve only scratched the surface
ENDIX managed to do something a lot of events struggle with.
It made discovery feel natural.
Instead of being told what to look at, you just… found things. Wandered into booths. Took chances on games you’d never heard of. Came away with a list far longer than you expected.
And that’s kind of the whole point.
We’ve still got more to dig into, more games to spend time with, and more thoughts to share. Ben’s picks are just as strong (if not stronger), and together they show just how much variety was packed into this year’s event.
For a first proper experience with ENDIX, it’s safe to say we’re sold.
Now the real problem is working out which of these we’re playing first when they all eventually release.
On the lookout for more content like this? Check out our other curated lists of games.
