As a fan of narrative-driven experiences, I absolutely loved Disco Elysium. The game’s unique blend of detective work, role-playing mechanics, and intricate storytelling struck a chord with me, and I know I’m not alone in my admiration.
In the wake of Disco Elysium’s success, I’ve found myself on the hunt for games that offer similarly captivating experiences, diving deep into the heart of what makes this genre so good.
After countless hours of exploration and immersion, I’ve compiled a list of 15 games like Disco Elysium that, in my opinion, share some of the magic of story-telling and gameplay with that game.
These games offer rich, branching storylines, engaging character development, and a focus on player choice, all while delivering truly memorable gaming experiences.
Full list of games like Disco Elysium
Planescape: Torment
I consider Planescape: Torment to be one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. Set in the peculiar and imaginative world of the Planescape campaign setting from Dungeons & Dragons, this game tells the story of the Nameless One, an immortal being who wakes up with no memory of his past.
The narrative is deep, thought-provoking, and full of philosophical musings. Much like Disco Elysium, Planescape: Torment relies heavily on dialogue and narrative choices, which not only affect the outcome of the story but also contribute to character development.
If you love immersing yourself in a rich, strange world with unforgettable characters, you’ll find Planescape: Torment to be an absolute treat.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Another favorite of mine, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an open-world, turn-based role-playing game set in the magical world of Rivellon. The game features a deep, branching storyline that offers meaningful choices and consequences, giving players the freedom to shape their own narratives.
The richly detailed world and nuanced characters make for a truly immersive experience, and the game’s complex dialogue system allows players to dive deep into character interactions.
As a fan of Disco Elysium, I appreciated how Divinity: Original Sin 2 places a strong emphasis on player choice, creating an experience that feels uniquely tailored to each individual.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece of storytelling, offering a vast open world filled with intricate narrative threads, complex characters, and morally ambiguous choices. As Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, players navigate a war-torn world while making decisions that have far-reaching consequences.
What truly sets The Witcher 3 apart for me is its commitment to creating a living, breathing world in which side quests and main storylines all contribute to the overall narrative tapestry.
If you loved the depth and impact of your decisions in Disco Elysium, you’ll be delighted by the branching narrative and character development in The Witcher 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The much-anticipated sequel to the beloved Baldur’s Gate series, Baldur’s Gate 3 is another game that, like Disco Elysium, draws inspiration from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. In this tactical role-playing game, players take control of a group of characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities, as they embark on an epic adventure.
One aspect I adore about Baldur’s Gate 3 is the complex character interactions and relationships that develop throughout the game. The narrative is driven by player choice, and the decisions you make can have significant consequences, shaping the world around you.
If you enjoyed the deep, branching narrative and immersive role-playing in Disco Elysium, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a must-play.
The Outer Worlds
Set in an alternate future where mega-corporations have colonized space, The Outer Worlds is a first-person role-playing game that offers a unique setting and a branching storyline filled with dark humor and satirical undertones.
As a player who appreciates a strong narrative focus, I was drawn to the game’s emphasis on player choice, dialogue, and the way your decisions can significantly impact the game world. The Outer Worlds’ vibrant, detailed environments and engaging characters create an immersive experience that, much like Disco Elysium, is sure to captivate fans of story-driven gameplay.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is a post-apocalyptic, open-world role-playing game that stands out for its deep, engaging narrative and diverse characters. As a courier who’s been left for dead in the Mojave Wasteland, your choices and actions shape the world around you, affecting the outcome of various storylines and factions vying for power.
I love Fallout: New Vegas for its branching narrative and the way character choices can have significant consequences, creating a truly immersive and player-driven experience.
Pillars of Eternity
Created as a spiritual successor to classic computer role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate, Pillars of Eternity is a richly detailed and story-driven game set in the original fantasy world of Eora.
With its isometric perspective, deep lore, and complex character development, Pillars of Eternity offers a truly engaging experience for fans of narrative-driven gameplay.
I was particularly impressed by the game’s emphasis on meaningful player choices and consequences, which, like Disco Elysium, can have a significant impact on the story and the world around you.
Torment: Tides of Numenera
As a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment, Torment: Tides of Numenera is a role-playing game set in the distant future, where the remnants of ancient civilizations have left behind powerful artifacts known as numenera. The game’s unique setting, thought-provoking narrative, and emphasis on dialogue and storytelling make it a worthy addition to this list.
I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to Disco Elysium, particularly in the game’s focus on player-driven narrative and the way your choices and interactions can shape the story.
If you’re a fan of Disco Elysium’s storytelling and dialogue mechanics, this game should be right up your alley.
Tyranny
Tyranny is an isometric role-playing game set in a world where evil has triumphed, and you serve as a high-ranking officer in the forces of the victorious overlord, Kyros. What sets this game apart for me is its morally ambiguous world and branching storylines, which force players to navigate a complex web of choices and allegiances.
Similar to Disco Elysium, Tyranny places great emphasis on character development and player choice, making for a rich and immersive gaming experience that adapts to your decisions.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange is an episodic, narrative-driven adventure game that follows the story of Max Caulfield, a high school student who discovers she has the ability to rewind time. The game’s unique gameplay mechanic and emotional story make it a standout in the world of narrative-focused games.
Life is Strange places a strong emphasis on decision-making, with your choices having a lasting impact on the story and the characters around you. If you enjoy immersive storytelling and the weight of meaningful choices, Life is Strange is definitely worth checking out.
Her Story
Her Story is an innovative, detective-based game that challenges players to piece together the truth behind a series of police interviews with a woman whose husband has gone missing.
The game’s non-linear storytelling and focus on narrative, investigation, and player choices make it a unique and engaging experience. Her Story’s emphasis on player-driven narrative and deduction to be incredibly compelling, offering a fresh take on the detective genre that will appeal to those who love unraveling mysteries.
Firewatch
Firewatch is a first-person adventure game set in the Wyoming wilderness, where you play as a fire lookout named Henry. The game’s atmospheric setting, engaging storyline, and well-crafted characters create a truly immersive experience.
What stood out to me was Firewatch’s emphasis on dialogue and character interaction. Your choices in conversations shape your relationship with Delilah, your supervisor, and ultimately affect the outcome of the story. If you appreciate the focus on narrative and character development in Disco Elysium, Firewatch is an excellent choice for your next gaming adventure.
Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller adventure game that follows a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift during a trip to an abandoned island. The game features a unique dialogue system that allows players to shape the narrative in real time, making for an engaging and immersive experience.
Just like Disco Elysium, Oxenfree’s focus is on player-driven narrative and its atmospheric, mystery-laden setting. If you enjoy games that weave an intriguing story while giving you the power to shape its outcome, Oxenfree is a fantastic choice.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Set in the dark and immersive World of Darkness, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a cult classic role-playing game that places players in the role of a newly-turned vampire navigating a world of intrigue, politics, and supernatural conflict. The game offers deep character development, a rich narrative, and a strong emphasis on player choices, making it a perfect fit for fans of Disco Elysium.
I found Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines to be a compelling experience, with its focus on narrative choices and role-playing mechanics offering a deep and immersive gaming adventure.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a first-person exploration game that tells the story of the titular character as she uncovers the tragic history of her family. The game’s captivating story is revealed through a series of short stories, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics and narrative perspective.
What Remains of Edith Finch’s focus on storytelling and player discovery is incredibly engaging. The game offers a truly memorable experience that showcases the power of narrative in video games, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the storytelling aspects of Disco Elysium.
These 15 games like Disco Elysium, each with their own unique settings, gameplay mechanics, and storylines, demonstrate the power of storytelling in video games and how player choice can shape and enhance the overall experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend giving these games a try. Whether you’re drawn to the supernatural intrigue of Oxenfree, the morally complex world of Tyranny, or the emotional journey of Life is Strange, there’s a game on this list that’s sure to satisfy your craving for an immersive, story-driven adventure.
