When it comes to video games, music is more than just background noise — it’s emotion, atmosphere and storytelling woven together. For Indian players, nothing hits harder than hearing familiar ragas, folk rhythms or desi beats inside a global game. Over the years, several titles have embraced Indian music in surprising and refreshing ways, blending traditional elements with modern game design. Whether it’s a full score, a single track, or an in-game event inspired by Indian culture, these games bring desi energy straight to the console and PC.

Here are some of the most memorable video games featuring Indian soundtracks, and why they resonate so strongly with players today.

1. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – A Cinematic Score Rooted in India

Naughty Dog’s Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is set largely in India, so it’s no surprise that its soundtrack carries strong Indian influences. Composer Henry Jackman masterfully combines classical instrumentation like sitar, tabla, shehnai and Indian strings, with orchestral elements to build a soundscape that feels both adventurous and authentic.

The score is atmospheric without slipping into stereotypes. Tracks like “The Western Ghats” and “Homecoming” use subtle Indian motifs to evoke the setting without overwhelming the core Uncharted feel. For Indian gamers, this fusion feels familiar yet grand, elevating the gameplay while celebrating the region where the story unfolds.

2. Asura’s Wrath: A Fusion of Indian Mythology and Modern Sound

While Asura’s Wrath is inspired by various mythologies, Indian influences run deep especially in its rhythmic compositions. The soundtrack blends Carnatic percussion patterns, chants and classical progressions with heavy, modern orchestration. It creates a high-intensity emotional experience that mirrors Asura’s rage and journey.

Gamers familiar with Indian rhythms will instantly recognise the beats reminiscent of mridangam sequences and temple chants. This mashup of mythology and music makes the game’s boss fights feel larger than life.

3. Raji: An Ancient Epic – India in Every Note

If there’s one game that truly represents Indian music from start to finish, it’s Raji: An Ancient Epic. Developed by Nodding Heads Games in Pune, this indie gem features a soundtrack crafted with deep cultural respect.

The music includes:

• Traditional Hindustani melodies
  
• Folk percussion from Rajasthan and North India
  
• Temple instruments like manjira, nagada and bansuri
  
• Ambient chants inspired by Hindu scriptures
  

The result is a soundtrack that feels like a celebration of Indian heritage. Tracks such as “Theme of Raji” and “Fortress of Jaidhar” enhance the game’s emotional depth, making it one of the most authentically Indian audio experiences in modern gaming.

4. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – Eastern Influences That Hit Home

While not exclusively Indian, the soundtrack of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time incorporates several Indian musical elements that fans in India immediately connected with. Composer Stuart Chatwood used instruments such as:

• Tabla
  
• Santoor
  
• Sitar
  
• Middle-Eastern and Indian string patterns
  

These sounds blend beautifully with the game’s mystical Arabian Nights–inspired setting. Many Indian gamers still remember the haunting melody of “Time Only Knows”, which became one of the franchise’s most iconic tracks.

5. Hitman 2 (Mumbai Mission): Gritty Desi Ambience

Hitman 2’s famous Mumbai mission, “Chasing a Ghost,” features a soundtrack filled with Indian street sounds, folk beats and ambient urban textures. The background tracks incorporate:

• Local percussion loops
  
• Flute layers
  
• Subtle Bollywood-style basslines
  
• Audio textures from markets, traffic and crowds
  

The result: a believable, immersive soundscape that feels like a living Indian city. It’s one of the rare AAA missions where sound design doubles as cultural storytelling.

6. Battlefield 2042 : Irish’s Theme Remix by Indian Artists

EA surprised everyone when it collaborated with Indian artists for a special remix of Irish’s theme in Battlefield 2042. The track infused:

• Indian classical vocal flourishes
  
• Electronic beats
  
• Traditional percussion samples
  

This remix brought a fresh, global spin to the franchise’s sound and introduced many international players to contemporary Indian music styles.

Why Indian Soundtracks in Games Matter

For Indian players, these soundtracks create a deeper connection with the game world. They bring familiarity, nostalgia and cultural pride into a medium dominated by Western tones. More importantly, as Indian game developers gain visibility, we’re seeing richer representation and more authentic sound design.

From indie gems to AAA blockbusters, Indian music like classical, folk, or fusion is finding its place across genres. Whether it’s a haunting flute solo, a driving tabla rhythm, or an entire cinematic score, these soundtracks prove that Indian music has a universal emotional language.

As global gaming grows, expect more titles to feature South Asian themes, artists and musical influences. And for players in India, that journey is just getting started.