Top 10 Low-Budget Blockbuster Games of the Last Decade

The past decade has proven that big budgets aren’t everything in gaming. Small teams with bold ideas have crafted titles that rival AAA giants, showing passion and ingenuity can create massive hits.

I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 low-budget games from the last 10 years that became blockbusters, ranked from 10 to 1. These games, including the standout ‘Balatro’, won players’ hearts with clever mechanics, gripping stories, and charm, all on a shoestring.

10. Outlast (2013)

Red Barrels launched ‘Outlast’ in 2013, a chilling horror game built on a modest budget. You play as journalist Miles Upshur, trapped in a nightmarish asylum with only a camcorder to survive.

Its tense hide-and-seek gameplay and eerie atmosphere hooked players, leading to millions in sales and sequels. This proves small studios can deliver heart-pounding scares without breaking the bank.

9. Rocket League (2015)

Psyonix’s ‘Rocket League’ hit in 2015, blending soccer with rocket-powered cars on a tight budget. Its addictive gameplay made it a global hit, perfect for quick matches or competitive play.

By 2020, it sold over 10 million copies and became an esports titan, fueled by microtransactions. Its success shows simple ideas can soar with polish and fun.

8. Cave Story+ (2017)

‘Cave Story+’, a 2017 re-release by Nicalis, started as Daisuke Amaya’s solo freeware project. This 2D platformer follows a robot saving a rabbit-like race in a vibrant, dangerous world.

With tight controls and a heartfelt story, it sold over 2 million copies. Its journey from one-man project to classic shows solo devs can make a big splash.

7. Tetris Effect (2018)

Resonair and Monstars reimagined ‘Tetris’ with ‘Tetris Effect’ in 2018, adding dazzling visuals and music on a small budget. The core block-stacking gameplay got a mesmerizing modern twist.

Selling millions across platforms, it built on the original’s legacy. This proves timeless mechanics can shine with a low-cost, creative refresh.

6. Balatro (2024)

‘Balatro’, developed by LocalThunk and released in 2024, is a poker-inspired roguelite that took the gaming world by storm. Built on a tiny budget, it challenges players to build winning decks with quirky Jokers and strategic depth.

Its addictive gameplay and retro charm led to millions in sales and a physical edition for Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. This indie gem shows small-scale creativity can dominate charts.

5. Among Us (2018)

Innersloth’s ‘Among Us’ launched quietly in 2018 but exploded in 2020 via streamers. This social deduction game, made by a small team, tasks players with spotting impostors on a spaceship.

Its simple art and chaotic fun drew over 500 million monthly players at its peak. With low costs and huge profits, it became a cultural juggernaut.

4. Hollow Knight (2017)

Team Cherry’s ‘Hollow Knight’, released in 2017, is a Metroidvania masterpiece made on a budget. You explore a haunting insect kingdom as a silent knight, battling foes and unraveling lore.

Its stunning art and precise combat sold over 3 million copies by 2020. This indie hit proves small teams can craft epic worlds that rival big-budget titles.

3. Stardew Valley (2016)

Eric Barone built ‘Stardew Valley’ alone, launching in 2016 as a cozy farming simulator. Players plant crops, fish, and bond with townsfolk in a charming pixel-art world.

It sold over 2 million copies on PC alone by 2016, grossing nearly $50 million across platforms. Its success shows one person’s vision can captivate millions.

2. Terraria (2011)

Re-Logic’s ‘Terraria’ debuted in 2011 with a small team of about 13. This 2D sandbox adventure lets players dig, build, and fight in a vast, procedurally generated world.

By 2019, it sold over 27 million copies, generating over $200 million. Its low-budget brilliance outshone many AAA titles, proving polish trumps pricey production.

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s (2014)

Scott Cawthon’s ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ launched in 2014 after a failed $10,000 Kickstarter. This horror game traps players in a pizzeria with deadly animatronics, built on a tiny budget.

It earned $15,000 daily on mobile at its peak, sparking a huge franchise. Its simple scares and massive returns make it the decade’s top low-budget blockbuster.

Which low-budget game is your favorite, or did I miss a hidden gem you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!