Humble Bundle has grown over the years into the fantastic value it is today. For $20 per month, gamers receive a set of 12-14 games each month that they get to keep forever. But that’s not where the value stops. Humble Bundle also provides the Humble Trove, a collection of more than 90 DRM-free games.
Download them and keep them forever. It’s a great way for gamers on a budget to get access to hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. Of course, it can be a bit tough to sort through more than 90 games, so we’ve put together a list of the best Humble Trove games that you should try out.
1. Trine Enchanted Edition
Trine is a physics-based adventure/puzzle game. At only six hours, it won’t take you long to beat and is in no way difficult, but the puzzle solving is fun and well worth a bit of your time. The story is told in a way that brings back memories of bedtime stories, complete with a goofy narrator and character voices.
You can switch between three characters: Thief, Wizard, and Knight, each with their own abilities. The different puzzles will require each of the three characters’ abilities to solve. There are collectibles to find hidden throughout the game, adding to the replayability.
While Trine can be played with a mouse and keyboard, a controller feels more natural for this style of game.
2. Blackguards
Blackguards is one of the most impressive Humble Trove games. With more than 42 hours of gameplay and over 180 levels, this is a game that will keep you coming back time and time again to see how the story turns out.
Blackguards is a hex-based tactical RPG. It feels a lot like the XCOM games, with the same level of depth to combat. Players can choose to be a Warrior, Hunter, or Mage. Character abilities are based on the class they choose, and there are items to further the loadout of each character.
One of the most impressive parts of the game is how many special abilities and spells there are. You can dramatically alter the course of a battle with a well-placed spell, allowing you to safely close the distance or block off part of a battlefield. Interactive objects (like a hanging chandelier) can turn the tide of battle in big ways.
Each fight in Blackguard feels different than the one before it. If you’re a fan of tactical RPGs, this game is a fantastic choice–especially for a free title.
3. Kind Words
Kind Words is an interesting concept for a game, but one that is perhaps all the more welcome in 2020. It’s a letter-writing game, but you write to real people–and they can write back. People post requests for encouragement, someone to vent to, etc.
The game makes it clear from the start that everything should remain anonymous. No identifying details are allowed, but you can let go of your problems to caring readers and receive responses in return. The cute art style and lo-fi background music makes Kind Words a very meditative experience.
While there may not be points to earn or levels to finish, Kind Words is a way to spend time that is equally rewarding for both the person venting about their problems and the person listening.
4. The Flame in the Flood
The Flame in the Flood is a game about survival in a world empty of human life. You play as Scout, a young girl, accompanied by a canine companion that can point out resources and sense danger. Your goal is to survive your journey down the river.
While there is a story, we won’t spoil it here. The Flame in the Flood is a roguelike survival game, which means that you will likely die quite a bit to numerous dangers and threats. You have to monitor your hunger, thirst, and overall health, as well as the condition of your raft.
Surviving this unforgiving world means making stops along the way to find supplies, bandage injuries, and repair your raft. You might even find clues that hint at exactly why this world is the way it is, and why a young girl is left on her lonesome in a wilderness that doesn’t care whether she lives or dies.
One more thing to note is that The Flame in the Flood was designed by the art director for Bioshock, and that post-apocalyptic vibe is readily apparent. It has a custom soundtrack that fits the game perfectly and will keep your head bopping as you make your way down the river.
The Flame in the Flood isn’t a long Humble Trove game. With only around nine hours of gameplay, it won’t take long to complete–but it’s a fun romp that is well worth the time of anyone that enjoys survival crafting games.
5. A Short Hike
A Short Hike is a short game. While the main story is only about an hour and a half, you will enjoy every second of this charming experience. You play as a bird on his way to the top of the mountain in search of cell reception. At its core, A Short Hike is a simple game, but there are open world exploration elements and quests that give it a lot of character.
Every single creature you encounter at the camp and along the way is unique and fleshed out, with personalities that seem bigger than they have any right to be. Take your time wandering around the area and see what you can discover–there is no time limit and no way to lose.
The soundtrack is as charming as the characters and changes as you explore. The music always seems to be the perfect fit for the current area. A Short Hike was a passion project formed by a small team, and that love shows through in each pixel.
If you’re looking for a game to unwind with, A Short Hike is an excellent experience. It will only take a couple hours of your time, but you will enjoy every bit of it.
