Were you blown away by the unique and captivating experience of Outer Wilds and its open-world exploration, intriguing mysteries, and immersive narrative left you yearning for more?
I’ve taken it upon myself to scour the gaming universe and compile a list of similar games that are sure to scratch that itch!
In this article, I’ll be introducing you to 15 fantastic games like Outer Wilds that share its spirit of exploration, mystery, and rich storytelling. From the depths of alien oceans to the far reaches of procedurally generated galaxies, we’ll traverse these digital worlds together, discovering the treasures they hold.
Full list of games like Outer Wilds
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is a game that has come a long way since its initial launch. This ambitious space exploration game offers a procedurally generated universe with a mind-boggling 18 quintillion planets to discover! Just like Outer Wilds, No Man’s Sky is all about exploration, but with a focus on resource gathering and crafting to upgrade your ship, suit, and gear. The game’s developers, Hello Games, have been tirelessly working on updates, adding new features, multiplayer functionality, and improving the overall experience. I’ve sunk countless hours into this game, and it just keeps getting better.
The Witness
The Witness is a breathtaking, open-world puzzle game that’s as enigmatic as it is beautiful. Set on a mysterious island, you’ll find yourself solving intricate puzzles to unlock new areas and uncover the island’s secrets. While the game doesn’t feature Outer Wilds’ space theme, the exploration aspect and non-linear storytelling will definitely appeal to fans of the cosmic adventure. The Witness is a true masterpiece that challenges both your intellect and your perception, making it a must-play for anyone craving a good brainteaser.
Firewatch
Firewatch is a game that left a lasting impression on me, not only because of its vibrant visual style but also because of its engaging narrative. Set in the Wyoming wilderness, you play as a fire lookout named Henry, tasked with keeping an eye on potential forest fires. However, as you explore the beautiful surroundings, a captivating mystery unfolds through dialogue with your supervisor, Delilah, via radio. While it’s not exactly an open-world space adventure like Outer Wilds, Firewatch’s strong narrative and exploration elements make it a perfect fit for those seeking a story-driven experience.
Subnautica
If you’re up for trading the vastness of space for the depths of an alien ocean, look no further than Subnautica. This open-world, underwater survival game throws you into a strange aquatic world filled with unique creatures, biomes, and secrets to discover. Like Outer Wilds, Subnautica features exploration at its core, while also integrating survival and base-building mechanics. The game’s mysterious narrative unfolds as you uncover the planet’s secrets and piece together the events that led to your crash landing. Trust me, Subnautica is a thrilling, immersive journey that’ll have you hooked from start to finish.
Journey
Journey is an emotionally charged, artistically stunning game that offers an unparalleled exploration experience. You play as a robed traveler, traversing a vast desert towards a distant mountain. With minimalistic gameplay, Journey is all about the emotional connection you form with the world and the sense of awe it evokes. Its unique multiplayer component allows for fleeting, anonymous interactions with other travelers, further enhancing the experience. Although it doesn’t have the cosmic setting of Outer Wilds, Journey’s atmospheric adventure and strong emotional undertones will definitely resonate with fans.
Astroneer
If you’re after a charming space exploration game with a more lighthearted touch, Astroneer is the one for you. Set in a colorful, procedurally generated universe, the game has you exploring planets, gathering resources, and building bases. It’s the perfect blend of Outer Wilds’ cosmic exploration and sandbox gameplay. With its cute art style and cooperative multiplayer feature, Astroneer is an absolute delight to play with friends, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more laid-back space adventure.
Eastshade
Eastshade is an open-world exploration game that offers a refreshingly unique experience. You assume the role of a traveling painter, exploring the breathtakingly beautiful world of Eastshade and capturing its essence on canvas. As you meet the inhabitants of this enchanting land, you’ll uncover the stories and secrets that make Eastshade so special. While it doesn’t share Outer Wilds’ space theme, the focus on exploration, immersion, and relaxation makes Eastshade a perfect choice for those seeking a tranquil and captivating gaming experience.
Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a truly innovative game that sets itself apart with its distinctive art style and detective gameplay. You’re tasked with uncovering the fates of the 60 crew members aboard the eponymous ship, which has mysteriously reappeared after going missing five years earlier. Using a unique time-travel mechanic, you’ll piece together the crew’s stories and solve the enigma of the Obra Dinn. While it’s not an open-world exploration game like Outer Wilds, the investigative aspect and compelling narrative will undoubtedly appeal to those who love delving into mysteries and uncovering hidden truths.
The Long Dark
The Long Dark is a gripping, open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic frozen wilderness. The game offers both sandbox survival and an episodic story mode, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its desolate yet captivating world. While Outer Wilds takes you to the stars, The Long Dark brings you back down to Earth, emphasizing resource management, exploration, and the struggle to stay alive. With a compelling narrative and tense survival mechanics, The Long Dark is a great choice for gamers seeking a challenge with a strong emphasis on exploration.
Rime
Rime is a visually stunning, atmospheric adventure game that transports you to a breathtaking island filled with ancient ruins, puzzles, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The game’s wordless narrative unfolds as you explore the island and solve environmental puzzles, drawing you deeper into the world and its enchanting story. Although Rime doesn’t share Outer Wilds’ space setting, its focus on exploration, beautiful art style, and emotional journey make it a must-play for fans of atmospheric adventure games.
Tacoma
Tacoma is a narrative-driven exploration game set aboard a seemingly abandoned space station. As you explore the station, you’ll uncover the stories of its crew members through an innovative augmented reality mechanic, revealing the events that led to their mysterious disappearance. While the gameplay is more focused on narrative than open-world exploration, Tacoma’s immersive storytelling and intriguing sci-fi setting will undoubtedly resonate with fans of Outer Wilds looking for a gripping, character-driven experience.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is an exceptional narrative-focused game that takes you on a deeply emotional journey through the history of the Finch family. As you explore their mysterious home, you’ll experience a series of vignettes, each telling the story of a different family member, often through unique gameplay styles. Although the game isn’t centered around open-world exploration like Outer Wilds, the emphasis on uncovering the past and the inventive storytelling make What Remains of Edith Finch an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a powerful, evocative narrative.
Abzû
Abzû is a visually striking, underwater exploration game that invites you to dive into the depths of a vibrant, alien ocean teeming with life. As you navigate through the beautiful aquatic environments, you’ll uncover ancient ruins and mysterious technology, all while interacting with the diverse marine life. Though it doesn’t have the cosmic setting of Outer Wilds, Abzû’s emphasis on exploration, its mesmerizing art style, and the atmospheric, emotional experience it delivers make it a must-try for fans of exploration-based games.
Myst
Myst is a classic, groundbreaking game that defined the adventure-puzzle genre when it was first released in the 90s. Set on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles and enigmatic artifacts, Myst challenges you to uncover the island’s secrets and the story behind its strange inhabitants. The game has been remastered and updated over the years, making it more accessible for modern audiences while preserving its original charm. Myst’s focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and its unique narrative make it a great choice for Outer Wilds fans looking to experience a piece of gaming history.
The Solus Project
The Solus Project is a captivating sci-fi exploration and survival game that puts you in the shoes of an astronaut stranded on an uncharted alien planet. As you navigate the game’s stunning, atmospheric environments, you’ll need to manage your survival needs, such as hunger, thirst, and temperature, while unraveling the planet’s enigmatic history. With its blend of exploration, survival mechanics, and a gripping narrative, The Solus Project offers an engaging experience that will certainly appeal to those who enjoyed the otherworldly adventure of Outer Wilds.
And there you have it, fellow gamers – 15 incredible games that capture the spirit of exploration, mystery, and rich storytelling that made Outer Wilds such a memorable experience. From the depths of alien oceans to the far reaches of procedurally generated galaxies, each of these titles offers a unique and captivating adventure just waiting to be discovered.
Now it’s your turn to dive into these amazing worlds and experience the wonders they hold.
Have fun exploring!
