The 20 Best Games Like Life is Strange

What are the best games like Life Is Strange?

Life is Strange is a unique episodic adventure that makes use of some pretty unique mechanics throughout its story.

What makes this game so fun is that it gives players a lot of room to explore, make decisions, and come up with creative solutions to problems.

However, it isn’t the only game to feature mechanics like this, and today we’re taking a look at the ones all Life is Strange fans should play!

The 20 Best Games Like Life Is Strange

The games on this list have been chosen based on their similarities in terms of gameplay, story, and characters to Life is Strange.

From supernatural thrillers to heartfelt stories of love and loss, we’ve tried to add a little something for everyone.

So, before you break the time-space continuum, pause for a moment and enjoy our list of the 20 best games like Life Is Strange:

20. Alan Wake

Kicking off our list, we have Alan Wake, a game that follows the titular character as he’s thrown into a nightmarish reality.

As a writer struggling with writer’s block, Alan ventures to a small town to try and rekindle his creativity, only things take a turn when his wife goes missing.

Now, the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur when events from his latest novel, which he can’t remember writing, start coming to life.

Like Life is Strange, Alan Wake is an episodic adventure that takes place in the Pacific Northwest, and it is filled with action, horror, and memorable characters.

If you want a game that is thought-provoking, unsettling, and filled with mystery, look no further than Alan Wake.

And, if you enjoy this game, keep your eyes peeled for Alan Wake 2, which is set to release in October 2023!

19. The Awesome Adventures Of Captain Spirit

Set in between the events of Life is Strange and Life is Strange 2, this standalone game follows the story of a young boy named Chris.

Following the death of his mother, Chris creates the alter-ego persona of Captain Spirit to help him cope, especially with his father’s spiral into depression.

While this game isn’t very long, it contains a touching story that explores the power of imagination, family dynamics, loss, and innocence.

Like Life is Strange, it also allows players to make specific choices that will impact how events play out, and it does tie into Life is Strange 2 if you import the save.

18. Yakuza 0

Although it is one of the best games like GTA, Yakuza 0 is also a great game for fans of the Life is Strange series.

A prequel to the Yakuza series, this game is set in 1980s Japan, and it follows the stories of two protagonists, Majima Goro and Kiryu Kazuma.

Throughout the game, players switch back and forth between Goro and Kazuma as their paths intertwine and their choices impact the other.

While combat and exploration are big parts of Yakuza 0, it also touches on deeper themes of ambition and the value of brotherhood.

Even if you’ve never played a Yakuza game before, you can easily dive into this prequel and have a great time.

17. What Remains Of Edith Finch

In this game, players assume control of Edith Finch, the last remaining member of the Finch family, as she returns to her ancestral home looking for answers.

As the game progresses, players will learn more about Edith’s family members, their untimely deaths, and the secrets behind what’s going on.

Each family member’s story begins an interactive segment where players get to experience their lives on the day of their death.

These stories all take the form of unique artistic puzzles, and the level of detail is absolutely astonishing.

What Remains of Edith Finch is an incredibly beautiful story that will keep you guessing until the final twist at the end.

16. Firewatch

Set in 1980s Wyoming, Firewatch follows the story of Henry, a middle-aged man who has taken a job as a fire lookout to try and escape his personal problems.

Stuck in the middle of nowhere with only his supervisor Delilah as contact, players have to keep an eye out for fires while also exploring the secrets of the forest.

Along with exploring, the relationship between Henry and Delilah can also be deepened depending on the choices players make during conversations.

While the overarching mystery is fascinating, it is the personal relationships between the characters that grow from isolation that really make this game stand out.

15. Life is Strange 2

Set after the original Life is Strange, this sequel follows the story of two brothers, Sean and Daniel, after an accident causes them to flee their home.

Now on the run, older brother Sean has to try and keep Daniel in spite of his younger brother’s burgeoning powers of telekinesis.

Like Life is Strange, player choice is a huge part of this game, and it can have drastic effects on how the story plays out.

While it isn’t one of the saddest video games of all time, there are definitely plenty of emotional moments between the brothers that will tug at your heartstrings.

You can also import your saves from Life is Strange and Captain Spirit to see some of your choices in those games reflected in this one.

14. Last Day Of June

Last Day of June is an interactive story with a Tim Burton art style that revolves around themes of love and loss.

In this game, players control Carl, a man who is trapped in a time loop that forces him to relive the last day of June again and again.

It is on this day that an accident took his wife away, and by exploring and solving puzzles, players can learn more about that day to try and change the outcome.

This story is extremely similar to Life is Strange, and it revolves around playing with time to try and save someone you care about.

We certainly recommend keeping some tissues close while playing this game, as it is filled with emotional moments that are unforgettable.

13. Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why is an episodic adventure game from DONTNOD Entertainment, the creators of Life is Strange, and as such, it has very similar gameplay.

In this game, players switch between twins Tyler and Alyson, who can telepathically communicate and share their memories with each other.

Together, the pair must explore the town of Delos Crossing, Alaska, to uncover the truth about their childhood and why they have conflicting memories.

Like Life is Strange, decision-making is a big part of this game, and the choices you make will determine how events play out and the ending you get.

If you love Life is Strange, you definitely won’t want to miss out on this incredibly engaging adventure.

12. Quantum Break

While Quantum Break is considered one of the best games like Uncharted, it also has mechanics that make it perfect for Life is Strange fans.

This sci-fi action-adventure game blends first-person perspective gameplay with live-action television show-style episodes.

Quantum Break is extremely cinematic, and it revolves around Jack Joyce, who gains the ability to manipulate time after a failed experiment.

As Jack, players have to try and prevent the end of time while also coming into conflict with his former friend over how to handle things.

Created by the developers of Alan Wake, Quantum Break has all the mystery, decision-making, and time-bending action that Life is Strange could ask for.

11. Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain isn’t just one of the best games like Until Dawn; it is also extremely similar to Life is Strange.

This game gives players control of four different characters whose stories are connected through an intertwining narrative.

The story revolves around a serial killer known as the Origami Killer and the choices players make as any of these four characters can have deadly consequences.

All gameplay revolves around interacting with environments and quick-time events, and if you’re not fast enough, any of the characters can die.

No one is safe in Heavy Rain, and you will have to think on your feet if you want to keep all four protagonists alive until the end!

10. Detroit Become Human

Developed by Quantic Dream, Detroit Become Human is a story-driven game that follows three androids whose stories coalesce over time.

While playing as each of these characters, players have to make various decisions that will impact their story and relationships.

At the end of each section, you will get to see a flowchart of the choices you made and the various other branching paths you missed.

There are a ton of different options and endings to Detroit Become Human, some of which can be incredibly harrowing.

This game is certainly extremely thought-provoking, and it challenges players to make many difficult moral decisions.

9. Vampyr

Set in a dark, plague-ridden version of London in the early 20th century, this game follows Dr. Johnathan Reid, who finds himself turned into a vampire.

Struggling with his new-found thirst for blood, players will have to choose to either feed on innocents for strength or try to carry on without it.

While you can complete this game without killing any innocent people, it makes it nearly impossible to level up, so it is one of the hardest paths.

Along with this mechanic, players will also have to make other difficult decisions while trying desperately to find a cure to save the city.

Filled with moral dilemmas and complex characters, Vampyre is a must-play for fans of Life is Strange.

8. The Last Of Us

The Last of Us doesn’t revolve around player choice, but it does have one of the best narratives in gaming history.

Revolving around the iconic duo Joel and Ellie, this game sees the pair travel across the country together, forming an incredible bond.

However, while the goal is to get Ellie to the people who will use her immunity to create a cure for the infection, things don’t go to plan.

Like Life is Strange, this game forces Joel to choose between a girl he cares about and the world. Obviously, he picks Ellie.

While The Last of Us Part II was divisive among fans, no one can deny that this first game is an absolute masterpiece of storytelling.

7. The Walking Dead

This episodic horror series revolves around Lee Everett, a man previously convicted of murder who finds himself protecting a young girl, Clementine, during the zombie apocalypse.

Now, Clementine is one of the best female video game characters of all time, and Lee and her are about as iconic as Joel and Ellie.

The Walking Dead, like Life is Strange has a huge emphasis on player choices, many of which are morally challenging.

Filled with memorable characters and a compelling story, this game is a must-play, even if you’ve never read the comics or watched the show it’s based on.

6. Beyond Two Souls

One of the best games like Detroit Become Human, Beyond Two Souls is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Featuring performances from Elliot Page and William Dafoe, this game follows Jodie Holmes, a woman connected to a mysterious entity, Aiden.

This game has a nonlinear story where players have to switch between Jodie and Aiden to overcome obstacles.

Like Life is Strange, this game gives players many moral dilemmas to grapple with, along with a story that ties together the paranormal and human nature.

5. Gone Home

Gone Home is a game all about exploration and uncovering the full story by uncovering clues and piecing them together.

This game kicks off with Kaitlin Greenbriar returning home after a year abroad to find her family missing and their home seemingly abandoned.

Players will have to scour every inch of the home to find clues that can shine a light on what’s happened and where her family has gone.

Almost everything in this game is interactive, and you can open all the drawers and doors you come across to try and find every potential hint.

We will say that this game explores some heavy topics such as sexuality, family, personal identity, and the challenges of adolescence.

It is definitely a different type of first-person game, but its story will keep you enthralled from beginning to end!

4. The Wolf Among Us

Developed by Telltale Games, the makers of The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us is based on the Fables comic book series.

In this game, players take control of the Big Bad Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, as he investigates a series of mysterious murders.

Throughout the story, players get to make numerous choices that dictate the way the game progresses, and it has a vast branching narrative to explore.

It also allows you to interact with many characters from various fairytales, each with their own unique twists.

The Wolf Among Us offers a great twist on some classic tales, and you’ll never guess the direction that the story is going to take next.

3. Night In The Woods

Night in the Woods is a whimsical adventure game with a unique art style and an emphasis on characters and exploration.

Set in a vibrant world, this game follows Mae as she returns to her hometown after dropping out of college.

Unfortunately, strange things are happening in the formerly quaint mining town, and it’s up to players to unravel the mystery behind what’s going on.

Although this game is quirky, the characters are incredibly relatable and realistic, making it easy to connect with them.

The story is also one that definitely will resonate with young adults who are trying to understand where they fit into an ever-changing world.

2. Oxenfree

One of the best games like Firewatch, Oxenfree gives players control of Alex as she and her friends inadvertently open a rift in space-time on an abandoned island.

What was supposed to be a relaxing trip with friends quickly turns into a supernatural fight for survival as the group tries to find a way to untangle the time loop.

Like Life is Strange, the choices you make in Oxenfree will have significant consequences that impact the story and the relationships between characters.

There are also various endings you can achieve, as well as a secret ending that you can get while playing in New Game Plus.

1. Until Dawn

Taking our number one spot is Until Dawn, an interactive horror game set in a secluded mountain lodge where evil stalks the land.

Players get to control all of the characters throughout various sections of the game, and the choices you make for each of them will determine who lives and who dies.

Staying alive until dawn is a lot easier said than done when something is hunting you, and you’re not sure who you can trust!

The narrative in this game will really throw you through a loop because it contains twists that you will never see coming!

Summary

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the 20 best games like Life is Strange, and found some you haven’t played yet.

Life is Strange is one of the best narrative games ever made, but it isn’t the only one that can keep you occupied for hours.

Until Dawn, especially, gives you a ton of life-or-death choices, and its story is just as complex as that of Life is Strange!

Here’s a quick recap of the 20 best games like Life Is Strange:

1. Until Dawn
2. Oxenfree
3. Night In The Woods
4. The Wolf Among Us
5. Gone Home
6. Beyond Two Souls
7. The Walking Dead
8. The Last Of Us
9. Vampyr
10. Detroit Become Human
11. Heavy Rain
12. Quantum Break
13. Tell Me Why
14. Last Day Of June
15. Life is Strange 2
16. Firewatch
17. What Remains Of Edith Finch
18. Yakuza 0
19. The Awesome Adventures Of Captain Spirit
20. Alan Wake

Which Life is Strange ending is your favorite? Leave a comment below.