A pre-order and wishlist guide to help you budget your time and money
March 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most crowded months for indie releases in years. Instead of a slow start to spring, the calendar is packed with big ideas, bold designs, and long-awaited sequels.
Because budget and time are limited, you need a plan. Below is a curated pre-order and wishlist guide spotlighting five indie games launching next month — what they are, why they matter, and where to wishlist or pre-order them before launch day.
1. Slay the Spire 2 — Early Access (March 2026)
If you love strategic depth and replayability, this is the sequel you’ve been waiting for.
Slay the Spire 2 on Steam sees the iconic deck-building roguelike return in early access, offering new challenges and expanded pathways to explore. Originally planned for 2025, its early access launch is now set for March 2026 after additional polish and expanded content from developer Mega Crit.
Why wishlist now:
- A direct follow-up to one of the most influential indie games of the decade
- New branching act paths, creatures, and cards
- Early access allows you to shape the game as it evolves
Wishlist it here:
👉 Wishlist Slay the Spire 2 on Steam
2. Mouse: P.I. for Hire — March 19, 2026
If you’re into territory that blends noir aesthetics with playful action, this retro-inspired take on first-person shooters is worth a look.
Mouse: P.I. for Hire on Wikipedia stars you as a gritty private eye in a cartoon-style world filled with crooks, clues, and comical weapons. Inspired by 1930s animation, the game pairs noir storytelling with inventive combat.
Key features to look forward to:
- Cartoon noir vibes and stylized retro visuals
- Nonlinear exploration and upgrade choices
- Variety of weapons and power-ups across diverse environments
Wishlist or follow updates here:
👉 Mouse: P.I. for Hire info page
3. REPLACED — March 12, 2026
Next up is REPLACED, a visually striking cinematic platformer that’s gained attention for its blend of fluid movement and atmospheric storytelling. Scheduled to launch on March 12, it combines pixel art with a deeply textured world and evocative narrative beats.
Why it matters this March:
- Unique art direction that feels both retro and modern
- Narrative driven by exploration and discovery
- Platforming mechanics tuned for feel and flow
Keep an eye on this one as it nears launch — early buzz suggests it may surprise many players this spring.
4. Coffee Talk Tokyo — March 5, 2026
If you prefer something calmer, Coffee Talk Tokyo returns to the beloved narrative café formula with a fresh setting and new stories. Launching on March 5, 2026, this cozy title invites players behind the counter of a late-night café in Tokyo, serving drinks and stories to human and fantastical customers alike.
What makes this one special:
- Emotional storytelling driven by player choice
- Creative drink crafting that influences conversations
- Lo-fi soundtrack and slow-paced, thoughtful pacing
Wishlist or preview this cozy slice of spring here:
👉 Coffee Talk Tokyo on Steam
5. (Bonus) Surprise Spring Indie — Keep Watching
Although not confirmed with exact dates yet, several other indie curiosities are inching closer to spring release windows — including titles teased in early showcases or rumoured on indie calendars. Keep your wishlist flexible because March 2026 feels like the perfect storm for breakout surprises.
How to Budget Your Time and Money This March
With so many strong indies clustered in one month, consider these tips:
- Prioritize by playstyle: Want narrative? Start with Coffee Talk Tokyo. Prefer strategy? Slay the Spire 2 should be at the top of your list.
- Wishlist early: Steam algorithms often boost visibility for titles with high wishlist counts, improving discovery for all players.
- Set a schedule: With staggered releases (March 5, 12, 19, etc.), plan your sessions so you don’t burn out mid-month.
- Watch trailers and demos: If available, demos can help you decide which games deserve your attention and money first.
Final Thoughts
March 2026 isn’t just another season for indie games — it might be one of the busiest and most exciting in years. Whether you love roguelikes, cinematic platformers, cozy narratives, or action shooters with a twist, this spring has something for you.
Wishlist these titles now, and prepare for a packed kickoff to the season.
