There are many well-known magic users in media, from characters in games like Castlevania and huge franchises like Harry Potter to others like the horror film Blair Witch and the many types of magic in Final Fantasy. While magic can be a small part of some games, there are several that make it the focus. One of the easiest ways to do this is to make the main character a witch, wizard, mage, or anything in between.
With fantasy being popular in the gaming industry, it's no surprise that many indie developers are making games based on magic. Whether they're in beta or fully released, there are a few casual indie games about witches that fans of the arcane shouldn't miss. These games feature a ton of heart, unique mechanics, and explore the life of witches in interesting ways that make them quite tantalizing indeed. Suffice it to say, fans of magical stories and interesting characters will be well-serviced by the wealth of indie titles they can check out for themselves.
Updated May 31, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra:Indie gaming has been a major force in the industry, with some of these titles absolutely brimming with creativity and being a ton of fun to play through. These titles cover many genres and settings, and one such aspect that these games love to explore is the very nature of magic itself. Players love controlling a witch and exploring various facets of spellcasting, magic, and everything else along the same lines. With the wealth of witchy indie games out there, this list has been updated to include even more titles that excel in this regard.
14 Ikenfell
The simple retro graphics of Ikenfell hide just how engaging and fun this title is. Players control a bunch of students who are learning about magic while also causing a lot of trouble, making them instantly relatable and entertaining. The main draw of this game is just how adorable everything is, making for a great time as players hone their magic skills and solve a tantalizing mystery.
The camaraderie between the characters in this game is quite engaging and a huge part of why so many people love this title. Ikenfell is an indie gem that more people need to check out, especially if the act of exploring a magic school intrigues them.
13 Spellcaster University
A simulation game where players develop a university to either teach students about the lawful nature of magic or engage in the dark arts, Spellcaster University is a game that fans of the genre shouldn't miss out on. Managing students and ensuring that they end up honing their skills without being too haughty about their power is a big part of the gameplay loop that players will need to manage extensively.
Of course, players will also have to protect their university against nefarious forces, ensuring that they don't overpower the students and the defenses of the school. Players interact with the many groups and factions in this magical world to gain their support and improve the foundations of the school. Spellcaster University is an excellent simulation game where every playthrough tells a different story. Helping wizards and witches become legends in this world is a blast in every way.
12 Potionomics
Potionomics is another great example of what the indie gaming landscape can achieve with a simple concept. After all, most people would assume that the act of managing a potions shop and dealing with customers would get tiring after a point, but it's the manner in which Potionomics executes this concept that makes it so engaging.
Players control a witch named Sylvia who finds her fortunes turning after she becomes the owner of a potion shop. This allows her to use her expertise and craft a wealth of potions for her clientele, helping her turn this run-down store into one of the most sought-after potion shops in the fantastical world of Rafta. Making potions, striking deals, and keeping the business afloat is engaging and makes Potionomics a great game that fans of unique magical games should definitely check out for themselves.
11 Flying Neko Delivery
Taking inspiration from the Studio Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, Flying Neko Delivery is an adorable upcoming game in which players get to play as a feline witch named Onigiri. They get to deliver packages and meet quirky villagers, flying through the peaceful open landscapes on her broomstick, which can also be upgraded.
Like in Animal Crossing, players can deepen their friendship with NPC villagers to receive new items and rewards. Upon returning to their cottage, they can cook hearty meals with the plants and fungi they’ve foraged on their journey, unlocking new abilities.
10 Kitori Academy
Kitori Academy allows players to step into the pointy-hatted role of a witch apprentice as they train their magical skills. Players get to train their abilities and learn essential life skills by attending classes and meeting quirky characters along the way.
It is a unique blend of life simulator with farming elements, with the added bonuses of magical delight. Players will also get their own customizable spirit companion cat that will aid them on their journey to combat the evil that plagues their land.
9 Black Book
Black Book is a unique fusion between card-based strategy games and adventure RPGs mixed with Slavic mythology. Players take on the role of Vasilisa, destined to become a witch. She throws away her fate for love, but her betrothed dies under mysterious circumstances.
Vasilisa seeks out the Black Book to resurrect her lost love, as it is said to grant any wish to the one who breaks seven of its locked seals. To unlock the book, the player can go around their hometown and solve the local citizens' problems while gaining insight into ancient folklore with the in-game encyclopedia.
8 Witch It!
Witch It! is a multiplayer hide-and-seek game akin to the Prop Hunt in Garry's Mod. There are two character roles: the Hunter and the Witch, each with different abilities that aid their role.
Players given the role of Witches must hide, using their mystical hex to transform into various objects in the environment and hide. Witches can levitate for a short period or control a decoy Witch to aid their escape if a Hunter catches them. Hunters can throw a chicken, which will scream if any nearby props are a Witch. Witch It! is a fun prop-disguise game perfect for the spooky season.
7 Sun Haven
Sun Haven is an indie farming simulator full of role-playing, adventure, magic, and dragons. Players explore the medieval town of Sun Haven and try to bring prosperity back to the area. People can farm, befriend villagers, fish, cook, fight monsters, and more. When players climb their skill tree, they can become almost anything, from a miner to a mage.
The gameplay is versatile, so players can create their own stories based on what they want to focus on. In multiplayer, people can split tasks up, which allows people to specialize in one area of expertise. Sun Haven can be played solo, or with up to eight other people.
6 A Garden Witch's Life
A Garden Witch’s Life is an RPG farming simulator. Players move into a run-down witch house in a small town. The house can be cleaned, repaired, and upgraded. Players can befriend townsfolk, attend town events, and explore the island they live on through all the seasons.
Key elements of the game include building a magical garden, growing plants, and harvesting them to use in potions and spells. The garden can become home to multiple kinds of animals and spirits; best of all, players can pet every one of the critters that they meet.
5 Lawmage Academy
Lawmage Academy is a role-playing fantasy game based around a magic school. As the main character, players learn spells, attend classes, gather ingredients, craft potions, and more. Players can go on thrilling adventures, fight monsters, and uncover dark secrets.
As a magic student from one of four houses, players can interact with students, faculty, and other NPCs. Players need a team of students to complete tasks, and some characters can only be added to that party after their relationship develops enough, so building one's connection with others is a big part of gameplay. With different team compositions and a choice-based plot, the game feels very much like a choose-your-own-adventure.
4 Little Witch Nobeta
Little Witch Nobeta is a 3D action shooting game. Players control the titular Nobeta as she explores ancient castles and uses elemental magic to fight. Nobeta must learn about enemies' weaknesses, time attacks, and dodges as they adventure through the game's rooms.
Over the course of the game, players must challenge powerful evil souls, hone their magical ability, and befriend a black cat as players uncover the mystery of Nobeta's life. Along with combat, the game includes moderate puzzle-solving elements and completed plot-related cutscenes, offering players plenty of variety.
3 Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game where players control an old witch in the woods. Exploration is a huge part of this game, and the countryside environment is based on Gothic fairytales. Here, players can collect magical ingredients, brew potions, fight strange monsters, and interact with various characters.
Players can research spells and curses, or collect toxic toadstools for mischievous potions. These can be used on unsuspecting NPCs if the player deems that their fate. There are a variety of puzzles around the storybook world to guide the player through uncovering all the tall tales.
2 Tiny Witch
Tiny Witch is a cute management simulator in which the player controls a witch who runs a magical store. Players activate spells, unlock recipes, and mix resources to make minions for dungeon masters. With a cauldron and alchemy table, players can create new resources to produce the best minions.
If customers are left unhappy, they will attack the witch, so it’s a good idea to improve the store and work hard. This game has similar time management traits as other business simulator-style games, mixed with themes of alchemy and witchcraft.
1 Little Witch In The Woods
Little Witch in the Woods is an indie RPG adventure game with quirky characters and interesting dialogue. Players control the curious apprentice witch Ellie as she traverses a magical world composed of cute 2D pixel art.
Players can explore the magical forest, interact with animals and residents, gather ingredients for potions, and cast spells. Ellie uses her talents to help and befriend townsfolk, grow her magical skills, and refurbish an abandoned witch house in the woods.