Video game music has the power to pull you deeper into a world, amplify emotions, and make a moment unforgettable. Some scores are legendary think The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, or Halo. But for every globally celebrated soundtrack, there are dozens of underrated video game soundtracks quietly sitting in playlists, waiting to be rediscovered.
This list is for the hidden gem game OSTs that deserve more recognition. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a casual player, or just someone who appreciates great music, these picks offer something special.
What Makes a Great Gaming Soundtrack?
A great soundtrack does more than just fill silence it shapes the entire gaming experience. The best scores:
-
Connect emotionally with the player and enhance the narrative.
-
Stand on their own as music you’d enjoy outside of the game.
-
Have memorable melodies, distinctive instrumentation, or a strong atmosphere.
Many of the best indie game music compositions also succeed here, often with smaller teams and lower budgets than AAA titles. That’s part of what makes them so impressive.
1. Bastion (2011) – Darren Korb
Darren Korb’s debut work for Supergiant Games blends folk, blues, and electronic elements into something entirely unique. From the gritty slide guitar of “A Proper Story” to the emotional depth of “Build That Wall,” this soundtrack doesn’t just accompany the game it tells a story of its own.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp
2. Hollow Knight (2017) – Christopher Larkin
Christopher Larkin’s orchestral score perfectly mirrors the mysterious and melancholic world of Hollow Knight. Tracks like “Greenpath” are peaceful yet filled with quiet tension, while boss themes hit with sweeping intensity. It’s a masterclass in how music can make a world feel alive.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube
3. Transistor (2014) – Darren Korb
Another gem from Supergiant Games, Transistor delivers moody, synth-driven compositions layered with Ashley Barrett’s haunting vocals. Songs like “We All Become” merge electronic beats with emotional resonance, making it one of the most immersive hidden gem game OSTs out there.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp
4. Celeste (2018) – Lena Raine
Celeste is an emotional platformer about climbing a mountain both literally and metaphorically and Lena Raine’s score captures that struggle beautifully. It’s a blend of piano, ambient synth, and driving rhythms that shift between hope and tension.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp
5. Katana ZERO (2019) – Various Artists
If you love retro synthwave, Katana ZERO is pure adrenaline. With tracks from artists like LudoWic and Bill Kiley, the music drives the game’s fast-paced, neon-soaked action. It’s one of the best indie game music collections for workout or focus playlists.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube
6. Journey (2012) – Austin Wintory
While Journey did receive some recognition including a Grammy nomination its score still feels underrated given how emotionally impactful it is. Austin Wintory’s compositions move seamlessly with the player’s progress, making the game feel like a living symphony.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube
7. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) – Gareth Coker
Gareth Coker’s sweeping orchestral soundtrack is deeply emotional, balancing moments of delicate beauty with powerful, adventurous themes. This score elevates every scene, from quiet forest exploration to intense chases.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube
8. Fez (2012) – Disasterpeace
Disasterpeace’s Fez soundtrack is an ambient chiptune masterpiece. It blends retro game sounds with atmospheric layers, creating something perfect for both gaming and background listening. If you’re into hidden gem game OSTs, this one is essential.
Where to listen: Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp
How to Fully Appreciate These Soundtracks
To get the most from these underrated video game soundtracks, try listening outside of the games:
-
Use them as study or work music.
-
Play them during creative projects to spark inspiration.
-
Explore more works from the same composers you might discover even more hidden gems.
Why These Soundtracks Deserve More Recognition
Many of these scores come from indie titles or smaller studios, which means they don’t always get the marketing push of major franchises. But the artistry in these works rivals, and often surpasses, the biggest AAA productions. By exploring these soundtracks, you’re supporting composers who bring unique voices to the gaming music world.
Conclusion
From the dusty guitar twangs of Bastion to the airy orchestration of Ori and the Blind Forest, these are some of the best indie game music and hidden gem game OSTs you can find. They deserve a spot in your playlists just as much as the giants of the industry.
