Why Celeste is Still a Definitive Modern Classic Indie Game in 2026

by

I still remember exactly how many times I died trying to climb Celeste Mountain for the first time: 3,722. It’s a huge number, but for Madeline – the character grappling with depression and searching for meaning at the peak – each death wasn’t a setback, but a step forward, a lesson learned.

It took me a while to come to terms with the idea of accepting failure as part of the process. I didn’t really adopt that way of thinking until recently, when the eighth anniversary of the game Celeste in 2026 felt like the right time to play it again. When I started playing, I realized it wasn’t just about revisiting a beloved game – it was exactly what I needed in that moment.

A Mountain of Eight Years

When I first encountered this back in 2018, I was going through a really challenging time. I was facing a major life decision and experiencing anxiety levels I’d never felt before. I was also new to the world of gaming journalism, approaching the industry with the fresh perspective of someone just starting out.

By 2026, I’ve grown a lot. I’m more grounded and practical – it’s common for college students to be idealistic and think they can instantly make a big difference – and I’ve spent eight years learning the ropes in professional gaming.

Interestingly, despite everything, my anxiety levels haven’t really changed. What has changed is my awareness of how common it is. I’m seeing more and more people – friends, family, and even people online – talking about their own struggles, and it’s made me realize I’m definitely not alone. In fact, recent research from the American Psychiatric Association confirms that anxiety is on the rise overall. They found that 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious in 2024 compared to the previous year, an increase from 37% in 2023.

There are many reasons why this is happening, ranging from the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – it’s not common to live through a global crisis – to everyday pressures like stress, lack of sleep, and money problems. You might be wondering how this relates to Celeste, and the answer is: it’s all connected!

Making Something Simple Become Genius

Celeste is celebrating its 8th anniversary, and the independent game scene is gaining a lot of attention thanks to amazing new games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Hades II – these games are quickly becoming fan favorites and setting new standards.

Even now, stepping away and revisiting Celeste feels incredibly important. In a world increasingly focused on mental health, the game’s straightforward yet nuanced design isn’t just timeless – it’s become a model for telling stories with empathy.

This game is a straightforward, side-scrolling platformer that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. There are no complicated upgrades or confusing storylines – you simply jump, climb, and dash. However, the developers at Extremely OK Games have perfected these simple actions, creating a surprisingly brilliant and polished experience.

The biggest challenge isn’t enemies – it’s the environment itself. You’ll be jumping over gaps, dodging dangerous spikes, and carefully watching your energy levels to survive.

With growing awareness of mental health worldwide, the game Celeste stands out not just for its enduring quality, but also for how it’s become a model for telling sensitive and understanding stories.

The game is incredibly difficult and demanding, but it’s always fair. It encourages perseverance – when you fail, you immediately get another chance. The game isn’t meant to discourage you; it wants you to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.

When I first played Celeste, I intellectually understood the game’s message, but it didn’t really resonate with me emotionally. Revisiting it now felt surprisingly therapeutic, particularly when the game actually guides you through a breathing exercise.

The game suggests picturing a feather drifting in the air as a way to manage a panic attack. For me, both then and now, hearing its gentle reminder to “just breathe” was incredibly helpful. It made me understand that when you’re overwhelmed, it’s often the small, easily missed things that can have the biggest impact.

Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Celeste insights

Discover our newsletter for thoughtful takes on Celeste, game design, and mental-health storytelling—contextual analysis and curated perspectives that deepen appreciation of indie games and illuminate how play and empathy intersect.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By 2026, after facing recent challenges, the idea of personal struggle feels even more relevant. We’re all like Madeline, working to overcome our own difficulties, and sometimes getting in our own way.

What makes Celeste truly special is how the challenging gameplay perfectly matches the story. Madeline’s internal struggles with self-doubt are felt in every difficult jump. That’s why the game can be so demanding! Though it’s great that Celeste includes an Assist Mode to help more people enjoy the story, a lot of the game’s emotional impact comes from overcoming those challenges.

The real value isn’t necessarily winning a game, but the challenge itself. Successfully completing something difficult, like a tough video game level after many attempts, shows you can handle life’s inevitable challenges and setbacks.

By 2026, after navigating recent challenges, the idea of striving for personal growth feels especially relevant. We’re all like Madeline, facing our own difficulties and sometimes hindering our own progress.

Even after eight years, Celeste stands out as a truly special indie game because it’s remarkably honest with players. It doesn’t simply show anxiety, it genuinely understands it, and reminds us that overcoming challenges isn’t about defeating a final boss, but about persevering through setbacks. It’s alright to struggle, as long as you keep trying! If you haven’t played Celeste in a while, now is the perfect time to revisit it and remember a simple, but important lesson: just breathe.

Read More

2026-01-27 22:44