The 12 Best Games Like Outer Wilds, Ranked

What Remains of Edith Finch.What Remains of Edith Finch invites you into the Finch family's history. It unravels different members’ stories through crafted vignettes. As Edith, you explore rooms full of memories and secrets. These narrative experiences evoke wonder and emotion. Its atmosphere matches Outer Wilds.Each discovery in this game feels deep. It guides you through a rich story and engaging exploration that stays with you after you finish.

Subnautica.Subnautica drops players into an alien ocean. It makes you survive and uncover secrets. Build bases, manage supplies, and craft gear while exploring deep, lively ecosystems full of creatures. This mirrors Outer Wilds., exploration and discovery drive the experience. Interaction with surroundings creates new stories as you explore the mysterious, breathtaking depths of a living, underwater universe.

Return of the Obra Dinn.Return of the Obra Dinn is a gripping detective adventure set on an old 19th-century ship. You act as an insurance inspector. You use a magical timepiece to figure out the lost crew's fate. The game uses a striking black and white art style. It pushes deduction and exploration. Similar to Outer Wilds., this game rewards curiosity and sharp observation. You piece together a non-linear story using clues and strange supernatural elements.

The Forgotten City.The Forgotten City moves you to a mythical Roman city. You must stop an evil prophecy: one sin will destroy everyone. Time loops let you move through stories of complex characters. You solve puzzles and change results. Like Outer Wilds., this game uses grounded storytelling and layered mystery for exploration. Players uncover an engaging story with thoughtful choices and surprising reveals.

Stray.Stray puts you in a lost cat's paws. You move through the cybernetic alleys of a neon, robot-run city. You solve city mysteries, meet characters, and find your way home. Much like Outer Wilds., this game uses unique views and stories to focus on exploration. It pulls players into a world rich with secrets, offering adventure and discovery at every turn.

Undertale.Undertale is an indie RPG. You take on a role influencing monster fates with your choices. Quirky characters, humor, and combat you dodge with empathy define this story. It twists traditional storytelling. Like Outer Wilds., this game builds a universe on curiosity and player choices. It encourages exploration and feeling, as decisions change the ever-evolving world around you unexpectedly.

Myst.Myst is a landmark adventure game. You explore a mysterious island. Intricate puzzles and beautiful, interactive environments fill it. Exploring the island’s secrets draws you into an enigmatic story with multiple endings. Much like Outer Wilds.Outer Wilds, MystMyst prioritizes exploration and discovery. Players piece together the narrative at their own pace. This yields a journey that is both introspective and rewarding as new revelations appear.

Chants of SennaarChants of Sennaar is an adventure. You unravel languages and symbols to find the truth behind an ancient, myth-filled tower. Translating interactions opens pathways and stories. This mirrors cathedral design with cultural layers, echoing Outer Wilds.Outer WildsOuter Wilds' exploration-driven narrative emphasizes discovery and curiosity. It lets you unravel secrets organically. You bridge communication gaps and explore rich, unfolding lore.

ObductionObduction transports players to an alien world. This world holds strange puzzles and stunning views. Players unlock its secrets by interacting with things and following strong stories. Like Outer WildsOuter Wilds rewards inquisitive exploration. Players piece together stories at their own pace. This offers a journey that is visually captivating and intellectually engaging. Detailed worlds hold secrets, inviting deep thought and satisfying resolution.

RivenRiven is a puzzle-adventure game. It transports players to a beautifully designed, mysterious island world. It continues the story of Myst.MystRiven, you explore intricate landscapes. Challenging puzzles and deep lore fill these areas. Every solved puzzle reveals more of the world’s secrets. Like Outer Wilds.Outer WildsOuter Wilds emphasizes exploration and discovery. It invites players to engage deeply with the environment. You uncover the enigmatic narrative, finding secrets one clue at a time in this rich setting.

Rebel Galaxy OutlawRebel Galaxy Outlaw throws players into space brawls and epic trades. As a tough pilot on a revenge mission, you engage in dynamic firefights, cut deals, and explore star systems. Similar to Outer Wilds.Outer WildsOuter Wilds delivers an open universe rich with exploration. Players make narrative choices that shape their experience in this space-faring adventure. It features immersive world-building and the freedom to carve a path among the stars.

The WitnessThe Witness drops you on a beautiful, puzzle-filled island. Each challenge tests perception, logic, and exploration. You explore bright areas, solving complex puzzles on panels that link to island secrets. This game uses environmental storytelling and unlocking knowledge through exploration, similar to Outer WildsOuter Wilds invites players into a world. Every discovery becomes a rewarding mental exercise. This leads to deeper understandings and solutions hidden in plain sight.