Embarking on the cosmic journey of “Outer Wilds” is like unraveling the threads of a vast, interstellar tapestry—one filled with mystery, wonder, and the beauty of exploration.
If you’ve navigated the stars, pieced together ancient secrets, and marveled at the intricate dance of celestial bodies, you might be hungry for another adventure.
Good news, fellow space explorer! We’ve compiled a list of 20 action games that echo the charm and depth of “Outer Wilds” and are sure to ignite your sense of discovery.
The Witness
Kicking off our list is The Witness, a masterfully crafted puzzler that will test your wits and observation skills. Set on a mysterious island, you must solve numerous puzzles scattered across the landscape. The game’s non-linear progression and atmospheric world make it a perfect choice for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Immerse yourself in the stunning visuals of The Witness as you explore the island’s tranquil vistas. Each corner of the landscape holds a secret waiting to be uncovered, urging you to delve deeper into its mysteries. The game’s attention to detail is truly remarkable, with every puzzle seamlessly integrated into the environment, making you feel like you are part of a living, breathing world.
As you progress through The Witness, you will encounter a wide variety of puzzles, each more challenging than the last. From simple line-drawing puzzles to complex pattern recognition challenges, the game constantly keeps you on your toes, pushing the boundaries of your problem-solving abilities. But fear not, for every puzzle you solve, a new layer of the island’s story unfolds, rewarding your persistence and curiosity.
If you found yourself captivated by the exploratory nature of The Outer Wilds, then The Witness is a must-play. Both games share a similar sense of wonder and discovery, allowing you to lose yourself in their immersive worlds. So, don’t miss out on this gem of a game that will challenge your mind and ignite your curiosity in ways you never thought possible.
Firewatch
If you were captivated by the breathtaking environments and engaging storytelling of The Outer Wilds, Firewatch is the game for you. As a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness, you’ll unravel a deep and emotional narrative while exploring stunning vistas.
Firewatch’s emphasis on exploration and its richly developed characters create a compelling experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Just like The Outer Wilds, this game offers a sense of solitude and mystery that leaves a lasting impact.
Imagine yourself standing on a wooden lookout tower, surrounded by towering pine trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. The scent of pine needles fills the air, and the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind creates a symphony of nature’s melody. As you gaze out into the distance, you can see the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, their snow-capped summits glistening in the sunlight.
Firewatch is a game that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished playing. Its evocative atmosphere, stunning visuals, and gripping narrative combine to create an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. So, if you’re looking for a game that will transport you to a world of natural wonders and emotional depth, Firewatch is an absolute must-play.
Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a critically acclaimed video game that has captivated players with its intricate mysteries and unique gameplay mechanics. Set in 1807, you take on the role of an insurance investigator who is tasked with uncovering the fate of the ship’s crew aboard the Obra Dinn. What makes this game truly remarkable is the way it presents its story through hauntingly detailed dioramas frozen in time.
As you step into the shoes of the investigator, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world filled with suspense and intrigue. The dioramas you encounter are meticulously crafted, each one offering a glimpse into a specific moment on the ill-fated ship. From the creaking wooden floors to the flickering candlelight, every detail is designed to transport you back in time and make you feel like a true detective.
Similar to The Outer Wilds, Return of the Obra Dinn seamlessly combines exploration, deduction, and an intriguing narrative to create an unforgettable gaming experience. The sense of discovery is palpable as you navigate through the ship’s various compartments, uncovering clues and piecing together the puzzle bit by bit.
Return of the Obra Dinn is a game that demands your attention and rewards your efforts. It’s a game that will keep you guessing until the very end, as you strive to uncover the truth behind the ship’s enigmatic voyage. So, if you’re a fan of intricate mysteries, unique gameplay mechanics, and a captivating narrative, this is a must-play.
What Remains of Edith Finch
If you were enthralled by The Outer Wilds’ narrative-driven gameplay and poignant storytelling, What Remains of Edith Finch will leave you equally spellbound. This first-person exploration game allows you to uncover the haunting stories of the Finch family.
Step into the shoes of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the Finch family, as you embark on a journey through the enigmatic halls of their ancestral home. The house, perched atop a rugged cliff overlooking the vast ocean, holds secrets that have been shrouded in mystery for generations.
As you navigate through the family’s mysterious house, each room reveals a unique tale, making you feel like a detective piecing together a tragic puzzle. The house itself becomes a character, its creaking floors and whispering walls echoing the untold stories of the past. From the dimly lit attic to the eerie basement, every corner holds a secret waiting to be unearthed.
The emotional depth and immersive storytelling of What Remains of Edith Finch will surely resonate with fans of The Outer Wilds. Each story you uncover adds another layer to the intricate tapestry of the Finch family’s history, leaving you with a sense of both awe and melancholy. The game’s stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack further enhance the atmospheric experience, drawing you deeper into the world of Edith Finch.
Journey
Journey stands as a masterpiece in the realm of adventure games, just like The Outer Wilds. Stunning visuals, a captivating score, and seamless multiplayer integration await you in this exploration-focused title.
Embark on a pilgrimage through a vast and awe-inspiring desert, uncovering secrets and discovering the remnants of an ancient civilization. Journey’s evocative atmosphere and the profound sense of discovery it evokes make it a perfect choice for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Subnautica
Diving into the depths of Subnautica will provide you with a thrilling underwater adventure comparable to The Outer Wilds’ exploration of the cosmos. Survive, thrive, and uncover the mysteries of an alien ocean on an uncharted planet.
Just like in The Outer Wilds, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring environments, encounter unique life forms, and uncover secrets as you unravel the mysteries of this vast and haunting aquatic world. Subnautica guarantees hours of deep-sea exploration for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Kerbal Space Program
If you’re fascinated by space exploration and experimentation, Kerbal Space Program is the perfect game to scratch that itch. Build and fly your own spacecraft, exploring the vastness of the Kerbal galaxy.
With its emphasis on physics and engineering, Kerbal Space Program offers a similar sense of experimentation and discovery as The Outer Wilds. Create your missions, launch into space, and witness the wonders of the galaxy in this engrossing and educational adventure.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky, a game that needs no introduction, offers an expansive and procedurally generated universe to explore. Ever since its highly anticipated release, No Man’s Sky has continued to evolve, offering players boundless opportunities for discovery.
Like The Outer Wilds, No Man’s Sky allows you to chart your own course through the cosmos, encountering diverse planets, creatures, and mysteries along the way. Lose yourself in this captivating procedurally-generated universe that will keep surprising you at every turn.
The Long Dark
The Long Dark provides a survival experience akin to The Outer Wilds’ challenging and immersive gameplay. Set in the frozen wilderness of Canada after a geomagnetic disaster, you must navigate treacherous landscapes, scavenge for resources, and survive the harsh elements.
Just like in The Outer Wilds, every decision matters in The Long Dark, and exploration is rewarded with breathtaking vistas and hidden secrets. Dive into the unforgiving world of The Long Dark if you crave a game that will push your survival skills to the limit.
Eastshade
If the serene beauty of The Outer Wilds’ landscapes captured your imagination, Eastshade will immerse you in a similarly peaceful and visually stunning world. As a traveling painter, you explore the island of Eastshade, capturing its natural wonders on canvas.
Eastshade’s open-world environment and engaging characters provide a delightful gameplay experience, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring explorations found in The Outer Wilds. Lose yourself in the captivating atmosphere and discover the joys of artistic expression in this tranquil adventure.
ABZÛ
ABZÛ is an enchanting underwater adventure that takes players on a mesmerizing journey beneath the sea. As you explore the vibrant and immersive ocean environments, you will encounter breathtaking marine life and uncover the secrets that lie hidden in the depths.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of ABZÛ and prepare to be amazed by the sheer beauty and diversity of the marine ecosystem. From colorful coral reefs teeming with life to mysterious underwater caves shrouded in darkness, every corner of this underwater world holds a new and awe-inspiring surprise.
Swim alongside majestic creatures such as graceful dolphins, majestic manta rays, and gentle sea turtles. Watch in awe as they glide effortlessly through the water, their movements fluid and elegant. Each encounter with these magnificent animals is a reminder of the wonders that exist beneath the surface.
If you enjoyed the sense of wonder and discovery in The Outer Wilds, then ABZÛ is a fantastic alternative that will transport you to a different kind of exploration. Embark on this unforgettable underwater adventure and let the mysteries of the deep sea unfold before your eyes.
Talos Principle
Talos Principle is a philosophical puzzle game that challenges players to navigate intricate mazes and solve complex puzzles. Much like The Outer Wilds, Talos Principle invites players to explore their surroundings and unravel the secrets of a mysterious world. As you progress through the game, you will encounter thought-provoking philosophical themes and thoughtfully designed puzzles that will push your mental limits.
Embark on a thought-provoking journey as you navigate through stunning environments and engage with an intriguing narrative. Talos Principle offers a unique blend of puzzle solving and existential exploration that will captivate fans of The Outer Wilds.
Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of Talos Principle, where every corner holds a new mystery waiting to be unraveled. The game’s stunning environments will transport you to a realm filled with ancient ruins, futuristic technology, and breathtaking landscapes. As you explore, you’ll come across hidden chambers and secret pathways, each leading you closer to the truth.
Talos Principle offers an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact. It’s a game that encourages deep reflection and rewards curiosity. So, embark on this philosophical journey and discover the secrets that lie within the Talos Principle.
Rime
Rime is a beautifully crafted adventure game that tells a powerful story through its stunning visuals and emotive soundtrack. Set in a mysterious island setting, Rime invites players to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, much like The Outer Wilds.
As you step into the shoes of the protagonist in Rime, you will find yourself immersed in a world teeming with vibrant landscapes and intriguing secrets waiting to be unraveled. The game’s breathtaking vistas will leave you in awe as you traverse through its diverse environments, each more mesmerizing than the last.
Just like The Outer Wilds, Rime offers players a deep sense of mystery that keeps you engaged throughout your journey. The island setting is filled with enigmatic elements and hidden lore, waiting to be discovered. Every step you take in Rime unravels a piece of the larger puzzle, urging you to delve deeper into its secrets and uncover the truth behind the island’s mysteries.
With its striking art style, compelling narrative, and captivating gameplay, Rime is an ideal choice for those seeking an action-adventure alternative to The Outer Wilds. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder, exploration, and mystery as you embark on an unforgettable journey in Rime.
Kentucky Route Zero
Kentucky Route Zero is an atmospheric and surreal game that takes players on a magical realist journey through the backroads of Kentucky. Similar to The Outer Wilds, Kentucky Route Zero captivates players with its captivating storytelling and immersive atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in a world where reality and fantasy blur together, unraveling a story that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the human experience. With its thought-provoking narrative and unique approach to gameplay, Kentucky Route Zero offers a compelling alternative for fans of The Outer Wilds.
As you embark on your journey through the winding roads of Kentucky, you’ll encounter a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own stories to tell. From a mysterious figure who appears out of thin air to a talking crow that guides you along the way, the game is filled with enigmatic beings that add depth and intrigue to the narrative.
Kentucky Route Zero offers a truly unforgettable gaming experience. It challenges players to question their own perceptions of reality and invites them to explore the depths of their own imagination.
Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven adventure game that follows the journey of a young college dropout named Mae as she returns to her hometown and unravels the mysteries lurking beneath the surface. Like The Outer Wilds, Night in the Woods excels at creating a rich and immersive world filled with memorable characters and intriguing plotlines.
As you explore the charming town of Possum Springs, you will engage in conversations, participate in mini-games, and uncover dark secrets that will keep you invested in the story. With its relatable characters and deep exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and the passage of time, Night in the Woods offers a compelling alternative to The Outer Wilds.
Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that blends elements of horror, mystery, and puzzle solving. Similar to The Outer Wilds, Oxenfree creates a sense of anticipation and tension as players navigate a mysterious island and unravel its haunting secrets.
Engage in dialogue-driven gameplay as you make choices that influence the outcome of the story and interact with the enigmatic characters you encounter. With its gripping narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics, Oxenfree provides a captivating alternative for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Soma
Soma is a thought-provoking sci-fi horror game that delves into the existential questions of consciousness and what it means to be human. Much like The Outer Wilds, Soma takes players on a compelling journey through a unique and atmospheric world.
As you explore the depths of an abandoned underwater research facility, you will encounter mind-bending puzzles, encounter eerie creatures, and confront thought-provoking philosophical concepts. Soma’s immersive storytelling and atmospheric gameplay make it an excellent choice for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Gone Home
Gone Home is a narrative exploration game that tells a deeply personal story through its detailed environments and interactive gameplay. The game draws players into a mysterious house where you must uncover the truth behind the family’s disappearance.
Like The Outer Wilds, Gone Home immerses players in a richly detailed world filled with hidden clues and secrets waiting to be discovered. As you piece together the story through diary entries, notes, and other artifacts, you will gradually uncover the family’s compelling narrative. Gone Home offers a captivating alternative for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Myst series
The Myst series is a collection of iconic puzzle-based adventure games that has captivated players for decades. Similar to The Outer Wilds, the Myst series challenges players to explore intricate worlds, solve complex puzzles, and unravel compelling narratives.
Step into the shoes of the protagonist as you journey through stunning environments filled with cryptic clues and enigmatic puzzles. With its immersive gameplay and richly drawn worlds, the Myst series is a classic choice for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Obduction
Obduction is a mesmerizing adventure game created by the talented team behind the Myst series. Drawing inspiration from The Outer Wilds, Obduction invites players to explore a strange and beautiful alien world.
As you navigate the visually stunning environments of Obduction, you will encounter mind-bending puzzles and unravel the mysteries of this otherworldly realm. With its immersive world-building and engaging gameplay, Obduction is a fantastic alternative for fans of The Outer Wilds.
Conclusion
With these 20 alternative action-adventure games, you are sure to find something that scratches that itch left by The Outer Wilds.
Whether you are drawn to the captivating narratives, the immersive worlds, or the thought-provoking puzzles, each of these games offers a unique and engaging experience that will keep you hooked for hours on end. So, buckle up and embark on new adventures as you explore these action-packed alternatives!
