Games Like Hardland

You are a traveling painter, exploring the island of Eastshade. Capture the world on canvas using your artist’s easel. Talk to the inhabitants to learn about their lives. Make friends and help those in need. Visit cities, scale summits, unearth mysteries, and discover forgotten places!

Why similar: Open World 24.4%, Fantasy 19.3%, Story Rich 15.9%, Exploration 14.3%, Atmospheric 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the atmospheric, exploration-heavy focus of Hardland by tasking players with discovering a beautiful world through conversation and observation.

Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 17.7%, Multiple Endings 15.3%, Choices Matter 15%, Open World 14.9%, Story Rich 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Like Hardland, this title emphasizes a sense of wonder and discovery through non-combat exploration in a vast, atmospheric world.

Gothic II: Gold Edition brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the add-on Night of the Raven to your fingertips!

Why similar: Open World 37.2%, Fantasy 18.3%, Atmospheric 18.2%, Story Rich 15.2%, Singleplayer 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: As a primary inspiration for Hardland, this game offers a similarly immersive, living fantasy world where exploration and dialogue are paramount.

Fabled Lands is a challenging old-school narrative RPG set in an open world. Complete quests, fight, trade goods and develop your character. Explore a vast land of adventure: travel across the war-torn kingdom, survive the plains of howling darkness, and escape the Court of Hidden Faces.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 33.5%, Open World 28.2%, Story Rich 17.7%, Fantasy 13%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This open-world, choose-your-own-adventure style RPG captures the spirit of wandering through a fantasy kingdom and making impactful decisions.

The Forgotten City is a narrative-driven time loop adventure in ancient Rome. Discover the ruins of an ancient underground city, travel 2000 years into the past, and unravel the mystery of who destroyed it by cleverly exploiting the power to wind back time. The fate of the city is in your hands.

Why similar: Mystery 17.5%, Choices Matter 16.6%, Multiple Endings 14.1%, Story Rich 10.3%, Exploration 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This mystery-driven adventure relies heavily on conversation and choices that have significant consequences, mirroring the narrative depth of Hardland.

Roam freely through a huge open world full with dangers, ancient secrets and adventure. An old-school action-RPG with a challenging environment, tough choices and a unique setting. Explore, fight, make friends and enemies... and above all, Roleplay!

Why similar: Open World 36.5%, Fantasy 18.7%, Adventure 17.6%, Story Rich 13.1%, Indie 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style isometric RPG that focuses on deep world exploration and meaningful dialogue choices in a dangerous fantasy setting.

Wayward Strand is a heartfelt story told in a curious way. Hop aboard an airborne hospital and meet its fully-voiced cast of eclectic characters. As time passes for everyone on board, explore the interwoven lives of the patients and staff; discover something new on each and every playthrough.

Why similar: Conversation 21.9%, Choices Matter 15.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14%, Mystery 13.9%, Story Rich 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy, conversation-based game that rewards players for listening to the stories of the world's inhabitants.

Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…

Why similar: Story Rich 30.9%, Atmospheric 22.3%, Cute 17.7%, Adventure 14.3%, Singleplayer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers charming world-building and a narrative-driven adventure that feels both personal and expansive.

No remarkable journey is achieved without great effort. In Outward, the cold of the night or an infected wound can be as dangerous as a predator lurking in the dark. Explore the vast world of Aurai solo or in Co-op. The Definitive Edition features both DLCs and quality of life improvements.

Why similar: Open World 51.8%, Fantasy 18.4%, Exploration 11.5%, Adventure 7.7%, Atmospheric 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging open-world fantasy game that rewards player agency and exploration without holding your hand, much like the experience in Hardland.

ELEX is a handcrafted action role-playing experience from the award-winning creators of the Gothic series, set in a brand new post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy universe that puts players into a huge seamless game world full of original characters, mutated creatures, deep moral choices and powerful action.

Why similar: Open World 40.9%, Fantasy 15.4%, Choices Matter 13.7%, Story Rich 9.7%, Atmospheric 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This open-world RPG features a complex faction system and exploration-driven gameplay that feels very similar to the world-building found in Hardland.

A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.

Why similar: Exploration 20.9%, Atmospheric 19.7%, Fantasy 15.7%, Adventure 13.8%, Open World 13.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on atmospheric exploration and environmental storytelling, capturing the sense of mystery found in Hardland.

Mondealy is about you building relationships and exploring the world. An ordinary guy from an ordinary town on an ordinary day uncovers the secrets of an extraordinary underground kingdom located under his home. Your adventure begins!

Why similar: Choices Matter 16.9%, Surreal 16.9%, Multiple Endings 15.9%, Story Rich 12%, Fantasy 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich, choices-matter adventure that features a unique world and encourages players to explore every secret.

Embark on a journey across vast landscapes in Caravan SandWitch, a captivating narrative-driven exploration adventure.

Why similar: Mystery 22.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 21.6%, Exploration 14%, Action-Adventure 11%, Cute 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-focused adventure that prioritizes a strong sense of place and narrative discovery.

An open-world action adventure game set in a simulated world in which humans never reached the top of the food chain.

Why similar: Open World 21.9%, Fantasy 12.8%, Story Rich 11.9%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world adventure where the world reacts to your choices and actions, creating a dynamic environment similar to Hardland.

Story-driven open-world RPG that immerses you in an epic adventure in the Holy Roman Empire. Avenge your parents' death as you battle invading forces, go on game-changing quests, and make influential choices. Explore castles, forests, villages and other realistic settings in medieval Bohemia!

Why similar: Open World 35.4%, Choices Matter 15.1%, Story Rich 14.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.1%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: An immersive, living world where conversation and player choices define the experience, echoing the 'kingdom that wants you to listen' philosophy.

Awaken as a soul from the Underworld. Discover who you are and explore an ever-changing open world full of mystery. Battle beasts and gods, or forge alliances with them. Die and be reborn in this adventure.

Why similar: Choices Matter 19.9%, Open World 18.2%, Multiple Endings 16.2%, Story Rich 10.6%, Exploration 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A mythology-based RPG that emphasizes choices and exploration within an open, mysterious world.

Future Unfolding is an action adventure that is all about exploration. Your goal is to unfold the mysteries and solve the puzzles hidden in the beautiful landscapes around you.

Why similar: Procedural Generation 22.6%, Exploration 13.8%, Adventure 11.2%, Surreal 11%, Action-Adventure 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental game that focuses on discovery and exploration in a surreal environment, similar to the mysterious nature of Hardland.

Engage in a core roleplaying experience, and forge the destiny of a new world seeping with magic, and filled with riches, lost secrets, and fantastic creatures. With diplomacy, deception and force, become part of a living, evolving world - influence its course and shape your story.

Why similar: Open World 28.1%, Choices Matter 25.3%, Story Rich 14.4%, Fantasy 11.9%, Singleplayer 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A choices-matter RPG that places a strong emphasis on diplomacy, exploration, and uncovering the mysteries of a new land.

Attend a magic school, learn spells, and explore a folklore-rich Transylvania in this hand-crafted narrative adventure.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 18.7%, Choices Matter 15.8%, Fantasy 11.9%, Open World 11.1%, Story Rich 11%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich, choose-your-own-adventure style game that relies on dialogue and narrative progression.

Guide a herd of mysterious creatures on a stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains… and beyond.

Why similar: Cinematic 27.2%, Atmospheric 14.8%, Exploration 13%, Story Rich 12.8%, Fantasy 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric and emotional adventure that focuses on exploration and the beauty of the journey.

Enter the mysterious world of Skaramazuzu, and get ready to be tested. Meet strange beings and whimsical personalities, face challenges, and solve riddles in a hand-drawn, black and white 2D world.

Why similar: Surreal 30.2%, Mystery 18.5%, Story Rich 14.6%, Atmospheric 11.7%, Cute 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, story-rich game with a surreal atmosphere that encourages players to explore its unique world.

Step into a living illustrated world in a time when Europe is at a crossroads of great religious and political change. Walk in the footsteps of Andreas Maler, a master artist who finds himself in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue in the Bavarian Alps.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 18.8%, Multiple Endings 18.2%, Mystery 17.3%, Story Rich 14.1%, Choices Matter 12%

Why You'll Like It: A deep narrative mystery where your choices significantly impact the world and the lives of its inhabitants over time.

London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal.

Why similar: Choices Matter 29.6%, Open World 25.3%, Story Rich 18.4%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends mystery and choices-matter narrative in a dark, atmospheric setting where every conversation can change the outcome.

Meadowland is an interactive poem. Explore a world, partake in a story.

Why similar: Surreal 23.6%, Fantasy 16.2%, Exploration 14.4%, Cartoony 13.8%, Atmospheric 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental, atmospheric exploration game that captures the quiet, mysterious tone of Hardland.

Find your way out of a magical prison in this non-linear point'n'click adventure full of mini games and challenges. Get to meet the charismatic Whateverlanders, steal and deceive or be a good boy to discover all the different endings of Vincent's story.

Why similar: Choices Matter 20.5%, Multiple Endings 20.3%, Story Rich 15.1%, Cartoony 14.9%, Atmospheric 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure with a focus on comedy and choices that affect the narrative path.

Gedonia is a classic open world rpg, featuring a complete freedom of building your character, exploring a huge world and completing quests.

Why similar: Open World 28.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.1%, Fantasy 15.8%, Story Rich 10.4%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world RPG focused on player freedom and exploration, allowing you to carve your own path through a fantasy land.

Dark fantasy RPG with open world. Together with Markus, you can experience an unforgettable journey, any of your actions may have consequences.

Why similar: Open World 21.1%, Choices Matter 13.8%, Fantasy 13%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.4%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world, gothic fantasy game that encourages exploration and discovery in a crumbling kingdom.

You have entered a foreign land in the course of an expedition and become involved in an otherworldly mystery. Tuldenorrea is a deceptively simple world, balanced delicately between the extreme forces of a magical universe.

Why similar: Surreal 25%, Mystery 13.4%, Story Rich 11.1%, Exploration 10.4%, Fantasy 10.4%

Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.

Why similar: Open World 40.9%, Fantasy 22.7%, Adventure 8.9%, Exploration 8.6%, Atmospheric 7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a vast fantasy world to explore with a focus on discovery and adventure that mirrors the spirit of Hardland.

Explore a secret-filled land in this 3D Action-Adventure, where every level is hidden in plain sight! Travel and fight through a vast, unmarked overworld. The next surprise is only a single search away!

Why similar: Fantasy 21.2%, Action-Adventure 17.3%, Exploration 17.3%, Atmospheric 14.2%, 3D 10.8%

The Faraway Land is an open world survival simulator. Plunge into the relaxing atmosphere of a magical world filled with cute and dangerous creatures.

Why similar: Open World 21.4%, Story Rich 14.2%, Fantasy 14%, Exploration 13.1%, Atmospheric 12.5%

Mondealy: Day One is a prologue for the 2D adventure game Mondealy. You can see how adventures in the magical kingdom of Dargratt begin.

Why similar: Conversation 20%, Surreal 16.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.9%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Story Rich 8.7%

Atmospheric first person adventure game focusing on immersion and exploration. Meet strange characters, discover secrets and try to unfold the mystery of the Fragmentation.

Why similar: Conversation 22.8%, Mystery 15.7%, Choices Matter 12.7%, Multiple Endings 11.8%, Exploration 10.3%

What happens if you mix the root of the mandrake with the bear's claw? And the foot of the stalk with the crown of the royal mushroom? What hides the Orc in the trunk and why does not the Elf want to see the guests? Alchemland is a magical country in which everything is possible.

Why similar: Adventure 60.7%, Indie 39.3%

Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure that focuses on exploration and RPG elements within a fantasy setting.

In an endless air ocean of an alien world, small lonesome plots of land float above the abyss. But sometimes approach each other, and lands which have never met before, reveal their secrets.

Why similar: Choices Matter 27%, Choose Your Own Adventure 24.7%, Multiple Endings 24%, Adventure 14.6%, Indie 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction adventure that leans heavily into choices-matter gameplay and exploration.

The Knightling is an open world, action-adventure where you play as an aspiring knight in search of their missing mentor, Sir Lionstone. Equipped with only a legendary shield, you’ll brave your way through the lands of Clesseia to become the unlikely hero.

Why similar: Open World 25.5%, Story Rich 17.3%, Fantasy 15.3%, Action-Adventure 15%, Cute 12.9%

Explore the mysterious island of Kindara in this vibrant 2D action-adventure. Fight and platform your way through jungles, icy peaks, castles, and crystal caverns in a non-linear interconnected world. Adventure awaits!

Why similar: Exploration 23.5%, Fantasy 22.5%, Action-Adventure 17.7%, Cute 16.1%, Adventure 12.4%

Explore a unique and connected world. Understand its fragile balance, uncover its deepest questions, and find more than just the answers.

Why similar: Mystery 20.7%, Surreal 17%, Open World 16%, Exploration 11%, Atmospheric 9.2%

Islands sometimes appear out of the blue in the clouds. The mysterious Pocket Kingdom is one of them. Wander around its districts, solve puzzles and listen to the weird stories told by the locals. Unveiling the place's mysteries depends on it. So does getting out of it.

Why similar: Adventure 61.1%, Indie 38.9%

Immerse yourself in an exciting journey on the island of dreams. Explore the open world and interesting places, while solving various puzzles that use environment.

Why similar: Adventure 26.5%, Exploration 26%, Open World 21.5%, Atmospheric 16.8%, Indie 5.1%

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure set on the continent of Pywel. Join Kliff on his journey to rebuild the Greymane faction and to save the land from a looming threat. From vast wilderness and cities to ruins and the mysterious Abyss, forge your path through battles and discovery.

Why similar: Open World 26.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 15.1%, Exploration 12%, Fantasy 11.4%, Action-Adventure 9.1%

A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure - through the eyes of young Henry - as you embark on a journey of epic proportions.

Why similar: Open World 31.7%, Story Rich 17.3%, Choices Matter 16.9%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Action-Adventure 7.4%

Restore the former glory of Border Town in an open-world sandbox RPG set in a fantastical realm. Explore the world, craft tools and weapons, cultivate fields, and socialise with your neighbours while dealing with dark forces that threaten to destroy everything you have built.

Why similar: Open World 30.2%, Cartoony 16.3%, Action-Adventure 13.8%, Fantasy 13%, Adventure 10.6%

Uncover the truth about the Ghostland Yard investigators disappearance in this challenging 2D platformer. Travel across the world in more than 250 handcrafted levels to find your friends!

Why similar: Cute 17.3%, Fantasy 17.3%, Exploration 15.8%, Indie 15.2%, Atmospheric 15%

Embark on an epic adventure in Under the Island! A 2D action-adventure steeped in ‘90s charm, step into the shoes of Nia, and battle fierce monsters, solve clever puzzles, and explore a world alive with mystery as you race to save your new home before it’s too late.

Why similar: Multiple Endings 24.4%, Exploration 22.3%, Fantasy 20.6%, Open World 16.2%, Adventure 9.4%

Your Personality plays the game! Help strange spirits solve their Unfinished Business... or leave them to Despair. In this highly-branching narrative adventure you'll only see about 1/3 of the full story in each playthrough, but the end is whenever you want it to be.

Why similar: Choices Matter 18.5%, Multiple Endings 17.9%, Mystery 12.6%, Story Rich 12%, Exploration 9.1%

Onirike is an original 3D adventure, puzzle and platformer video game which takes place in an intricate open world, designed with a non-linear narrative and presented with a peculiar audio-visual aesthetic.

Why similar: Conversation 21.9%, Surreal 16.2%, Open World 16%, Exploration 10.2%, Action-Adventure 9.5%

Go on a voyage of discovery following the traces of a mysterious culture. Discover diverse landscapes, investigate abandoned artifacts, and wake strange machines from their slumber.

Why similar: Mystery 16.3%, Multiple Endings 16%, Open World 14.4%, Exploration 11.2%, Story Rich 10.1%

Hearthlands is a medieval/fantasy city-building real time strategy game in which you take a role of a king in a procedurally generated world. You can not control your subjects directly; instead you focus on city-building, resource management, diplomacy, magic, etc.

Why similar: Fantasy 44.7%, Cute 26.2%, Indie 16.3%, Singleplayer 12.8%

Explore a woollen world where stuffed animals once lived in peace. Search for hidden secrets and customize your character with different animal shapes to solve puzzles. An epic adventure with two very unlikely heroes and a story narrated in rhyme.

Why similar: Story Rich 26.4%, Adventure 18.3%, Atmospheric 16.3%, Exploration 11.4%, Indie 9.8%

Dread Delusion is an open world RPG brimming with strange places and dark perils. Carve your own path through the flying continents of a shattered land. Discover curious towns, unearth occult secrets, master powerful magic - and change the world through your choices.

Why similar: Open World 29.9%, Story Rich 17.9%, Exploration 16.6%, Fantasy 11%, Adventure 9.8%

Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.

Why similar: Surreal 19.4%, Multiple Endings 14%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Mystery 13.5%, Open World 13.4%

Begin a quest for long-lost truth on your vivid journey through a new fantasy world. This open world action RPG requires and rewards your original choices. It starts with your character, includes creativity in combat, and ends with the cultures, cities, and fate of the world.

Why similar: Open World 46.7%, Fantasy 30.6%, Adventure 13.5%, Indie 9.2%

Immerse yourself in a lost paradise, with mystery beyond its pristine shores.

Why similar: Mystery 30.2%, Exploration 18.5%, Fantasy 17.4%, Atmospheric 14.2%, Adventure 12.2%

Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in a land of gothic fables and fairytales. As the old witch of the woods, explore a strange countryside, collect magic ingredients, brew sorcerous spells, and pass judgement upon a capricious cast of characters.

Why similar: Conversation 35.6%, Fantasy 15%, Story Rich 14.7%, Exploration 12.3%, Atmospheric 11.8%

Create unique spells by combining magical runes to solve puzzles your way. Transform objects, manipulate time, and discover the mysteries of a world where everyone has vanished, leaving only 12 people behind. Every puzzle has multiple solutions - if you can imagine it, you can probably do it.

Why similar: Open World 17.6%, Mystery 16.8%, Fantasy 12.6%, Story Rich 11.9%, Exploration 9%

In the world built on the shoulders of sleeping giants, join your sister Adrianne to prevent a terrifying annihilation that may irreversibly change the world. Explore the history of a forgotten civilisation to save the citizens of Skyland and reveal the mystery of your father's death.

Why similar: Mystery 30%, Fantasy 22.6%, Atmospheric 16.8%, Story Rich 15.4%, Adventure 15.2%

YAR is a fully-fledged open-world RPG. Embark on a heartfelt journey inspired by Boreyian myths and legends, filled with vibrant and unforgettable adventures, uncover the mystery behind the attempt to conquer the noble Boreyian people.

Why similar: Open World 41.3%, Choices Matter 40.6%, Atmospheric 18.1%

An adventure about searching for a missing hunter and meeting with alien beings! Explore wild nature, climb on a rock, lure out a boar, meet a wolf, survive in a rockfall. Heal a deer and trick a creature! Meet the Unknown and find mystery!

Why similar: Story Rich 22.3%, Fantasy 20.1%, Exploration 16.9%, Atmospheric 14.8%, Cute 8.5%

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Open World 24%, Exploration 16.6%, Atmospheric 14.9%, Story Rich 11.3%, Cute 10.8%