Games Like Herdling

As the last mother fox on Earth, your cubs need all your care to survive in a merciless world that slowly destroys itself. You have to help them, teach them and save them. And you should never forget that extinction is forever – in the real world and in this 2023 BAFTA award winning experience.

Why similar: Emotional 26.1%, Nature 18.6%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Atmospheric 9.5%, Dark 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the intense emotional weight and animal-centric perspective of guiding a group through a dangerous, changing environment.

Explore the remains of a fallen world from fascinating perspectives! Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights, dig underground as a mole or even climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, there are lots of ways of getting around.

Why similar: Animals 30.3% ★, Emotional 11.9%, Nature 11.1%, Female Protagonist 7.2%, Relaxing 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on animal-based exploration and uncovering a lost world through a cinematic lens makes it a direct thematic sibling to Herdling.

Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.

Why similar: Emotional 26.8%, Nature 17.2%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Atmospheric 14.6%, Adventure 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the emotional bond between a protagonist and a creature companion within a beautifully atmospheric, stylized world.

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: Female Protagonist 17.4%, 3D Platformer 16.5%, Stylized 12.5%, Relaxing 11.5%, Exploration 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique, stylized art direction and emphasis on meditative exploration in a vast landscape align closely with the feel of Herdling.

Explore the corners of a surrealistic post-human world to give life on Earth a second chance in this touching story about sacrifice and hope.

Why similar: Emotional 23.6%, Exploration 15.5%, Adventure 15%, Third Person 13.7%, Female Protagonist 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a strong focus on nature, emotional storytelling, and navigating a surreal, atmospheric world as a guide.

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

Why similar: Atmospheric 20.7%, Relaxing 20.3%, Exploration 17.2%, Adventure 11.2%, Stylized 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: As the definitive cinematic exploration game, it captures the same sense of wordless, emotional discovery and atmospheric travel.

Spirit of the North is a single-player 3rd-person adventure game inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland. Play as an ordinary red fox whose story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.

Why similar: Animals 34.3% ★, 3D Platformer 11.4%, Third Person 8.1%, Relaxing 7.5%, Atmospheric 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a fox in a stunning, nature-filled world, focusing on exploration and environmental puzzles without traditional dialogue.

Bramble The Mountain King is a grim adventure set in a world inspired by dark, Nordic fables. Explore the beautiful yet dangerous and twisted land of Bramble in your endeavour to rescue your sister. Traverse a wondrous landscape and survive deadly encounters with Bramble's many hideous creatures.

Why similar: Cinematic 22.6%, Emotional 16%, Dark 10.2%, 3D Platformer 7.8%, Third Person 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a highly cinematic and atmospheric adventure that draws heavily on folklore and emotional stakes.

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 15.3%, Exploration 14.8%, Relaxing 14.1%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Nature 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: The game emphasizes the freedom of exploration and a sense of wonder while traversing a beautiful, fractured world.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 29%, Atmospheric 24.4%, Relaxing 13%, Story Rich 9.3%, Indie 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deeply emotional, stylized journey that uses visual storytelling and atmosphere to convey its narrative.

Play as a border collie and restore color to your human’s world in an atmospheric journey through the northern isles of Scotland. Explore land and sea, uncover hidden paths, herd animals and free wildlife to bring color back to her world, while revealing an emotional story about saying farewell.

Why similar: Emotional 17.1%, Nature 15%, Third Person 8.3%, Relaxing 8.2%, Stylized 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A touching journey about a dog and their owner, focusing on emotional storytelling and restoring color to a desolate world.

When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human.

Why similar: Emotional 29.9%, Dark 18.2%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Adventure 10.3%, 3D Platformer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It uses a stylized, atmospheric world to explore deep emotional themes through a personal, character-driven journey.

Boat, climb, interact and explore in the beautiful ruins of a sunken world.

Why similar: Emotional 18.5%, Nature 17.2%, Female Protagonist 16.5%, Relaxing 12.7%, Exploration 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a relaxing, non-combat exploration experience that focuses on the beauty of a reclaimed, flooded world.

Surf the waters of a submerged city! Unravel the past, save the islanders from mysterious sea monsters and discover secrets hidden under the surface.

Why similar: Cinematic 18.2%, 3D Platformer 15.7%, Nature 11.6%, Stylized 8.8%, Action-Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on fluid movement across a vast, stylized ocean environment creates a similar sense of adventurous freedom.

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 19.1%, Atmospheric 17.3%, 3D Platformer 13.5%, Adventure 11.6%, Relaxing 10%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at wordless, atmospheric storytelling and emotional exploration within a vibrant, stylized environment.

From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.

Why similar: Relaxing 28.5%, Atmospheric 20.3%, Exploration 17.4%, Adventure 7.3%, Third Person 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a serene, nature-focused experience that prioritizes atmospheric immersion and the beauty of moving through a living world.

Leave home for the first time to collect memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away. Ride, record, meet people, and unravel the strange world around you in this third-person meditative exploration game.

Why similar: Emotional 15.2%, Cinematic 14.2%, Nature 12%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Stylized 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title prioritizes the atmosphere of exploration and the quiet, emotional act of documenting a world before it changes.

Röki is a stunning adventure set in the snowcapped wilderness. As Tove, you must explore an uncharted world of hidden legends and forgotten monsters. Solve puzzles, collect curiosities, and uncover a tale of tragic loss, as you chart your path to redemption.

Why similar: Emotional 18.8%, Nature 16.2%, Female Protagonist 13%, Third Person 10.2%, Story Rich 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure that blends atmospheric exploration with folklore-inspired puzzles in a beautiful, stylized setting.

Run, climb and glide your way through a dark Nordic forest and explore its living, breathing ecosystem filled with secrets and mystical creatures. Become Fe and discover a world that you will never want to leave.

Why similar: Dark 22.9%, Fantasy 21.1%, 3D Platformer 18.3%, Atmospheric 17.9%, Adventure 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: The game centers on an animal protagonist interacting with the creatures of a forest to solve puzzles and uncover the story.

A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 16.6%, Relaxing 13.6%, Third Person 13.5%, Exploration 11.7%, Stylized 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This stylized adventure focuses on exploring ancient, beautiful landscapes and interacting with unique creatures.

A Tropical Open-World adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 25.6%, Third Person 17.3%, Exploration 14.9%, Stylized 11.8%, Story Rich 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its open-world exploration and unique ability to inhabit animals make it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy nature-focused gameplay.

A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.

Why similar: Cinematic 15.4%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, 3D Platformer 12.6%, Nature 10%, Action-Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a beautiful, cinematic world where you guide small, mysterious spirits through a corrupted land.

Experience the wild as a badger sheltering your cubs from harm. On your journey, you will be stalked by birds of prey, encounter perils of the night, cross fierce rivers, escape forest fires and face the looming threat of starvation. Food is to be found, but is there enough for everyone?

Why similar: Nature 19.8%, Emotional 18.6%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Stylized 9.6%, Exploration 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses entirely on the survival and protection of a family of animals, emphasizing the raw, emotional nature of the wild.

Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.

Why similar: Emotional 20.4%, Female Protagonist 19.5%, Exploration 14.1%, Action-Adventure 13.4%, Story Rich 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: The game emphasizes the wholesome, creature-focused exploration and the goal of saving wildlife from an impending disaster.

Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached?

Why similar: Cinematic 23.8%, Female Protagonist 18.4%, Atmospheric 12.3%, Story Rich 11.7%, Fantasy 11%

Why You'll Like It: Its cinematic, puppet-theater aesthetic provides a unique, atmospheric way to experience a linear, emotional adventure.

From the creators of ABZÛ, The Pathless is the mythic adventure of an archer and an eagle in a vast forest. Become the Hunter, a master of archery who travels to a mystical island to dispel a curse of darkness that grips the world.

Why similar: Nature 14.1%, 3D Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Stylized 8.7%, Exploration 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game emphasizes fluid movement and exploration in a vast, nature-filled world alongside a bird companion.

Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.

Why similar: Nature 27.3%, Female Protagonist 18.7%, Exploration 11.2%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, Story Rich 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the joy of interacting with nature and animals in a vibrant, sun-drenched environment.

Moss: The Forgotten Relic is an emotional and atmospheric adventure set in the pages of a living storybook, brimming with myth and ancient magic. Guide a tiny but determined hero on a heartfelt journey of challenge, courage, and connection.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 17.1%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Emotional 12.7%, Exploration 10%, Third Person 9.6%

Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.

Why similar: Emotional 29.2%, Atmospheric 18%, Story Rich 15.2%, Adventure 13.7%, Fantasy 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a masterclass in cinematic, emotional storytelling that relies on the bond between two characters to drive the experience.

A runaway boy meets a lost fawn, and together they cross a quiet, dangerous world. Solve puzzles, climb, and slip past threats as your companion grows from a fragile newborn into a powerful deer. What you cannot do alone, you learn to do together.

Why similar: Cinematic 23.3%, Emotional 18.4%, Nature 17.2%, Stylized 10.1%, Story Rich 8.3%

Deer Journey is a third person walking simulator game. Outcasted by the other deers, an albino fawn is forced to go deep into the forest to find a place to live. Join him on his journey through a world too big for which he may not be yet ready.

Why similar: Emotional 20.7%, Nature 20.6%, Cinematic 15.5%, Third Person 9.6%, Relaxing 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional walking simulator that focuses on the beauty of nature and the experience of a deer in the wild.

Scarf is an atmospheric and emotional journey about what it means to be a hero. An adventure game mixing puzzles and 3D platforms. Explore beautifully crafted worlds and discover your true destiny with the help of a dragon-shaped scarf.

Why similar: Emotional 18.4%, 3D Platformer 16.3%, Third Person 11%, Relaxing 10.3%, Exploration 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a beautiful, atmospheric world and a protagonist who uses a shape-shifting scarf to explore and solve puzzles.

Explore the acclaimed animal adventure in never before seen beauty! Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights or even climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, there are lots of ways of getting around.

Why similar: Animals 28.9% ★, Emotional 12.6%, Nature 12%, Female Protagonist 9.1%, Third Person 6.6%

Play as Boris, a curious baby boar who must learn how to use his nose to reunite with his family after a forest fire. Explore beautiful landscapes, track scents, and uncover secrets as you slowly reconnect with nature in this cozy animal adventure.

Why similar: Nature 18.1%, Relaxing 16.4%, Exploration 14.2%, Atmospheric 12.5%, Emotional 10.7%

Be a stone Golem and try to save Nature with the help of an adorable Fox! Reconnect ancient sources of energy in environmental puzzles. Discover secrets from a lost civilization and save animals on an emotional quest in a cozy, colorful world.

Why similar: Emotional 17.8%, Third Person 11.7%, Stylized 11.1%, Relaxing 10.9%, Exploration 9.5%

Starshifter is a game about shapeshifting, desert animals, and finding your place.

Why similar: Nature 30.4%, 3D Platformer 10.4%, Story Rich 9.8%, Adventure 9.3%, Exploration 8.1%

Enter the wilderness and keep your calf and your herd safe from harm. Make your way through the open landscapes as a majestic elephant. Be alert and gather your herd during times of danger. Your herd is your family, shelter is your only hope, and survival your only goal.

Why similar: Animals 28.2% ★, Nature 19.2%, Adventure 12.2%, Emotional 10.1%, Indie 8.6%

Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety.

Why similar: Emotional 20.2%, Cinematic 16.7%, Third Person 8.6%, Exploration 8%, Action-Adventure 8%

OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative adventure where you play as a weary photographer stranded in the Dusklands, traveling with a girl who's lost her memories. Together, you'll uncover the mysteries of this land through your camera and find your way home.

Why similar: Animals 44.7% ★, Emotional 17.6%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Exploration 8%, Story Rich 7.6%

Immerse yourself in a relaxing, minimalist and colorful adventure. Flow with Naiad across a mysterious river and interact with its fauna and flora to discover little secrets. Enjoy a wholesome experience with an original and dreamy visual style.

Why similar: Nature 24.9%, Exploration 16.1%, Relaxing 12.5%, Atmospheric 12.1%, Fantasy 9.8%

Sound of Horses is a story-driven horseback adventure. Begin your journey in the peaceful Homeland and uncover a world of hidden truths and distant echoes of something greater. Create your own rider and horse, explore an open world on horseback, and start your adventure.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.8%, Emotional 18.2%, Relaxing 15.2%, Story Rich 10%, Atmospheric 8.6%

In this 3D, story-driven platforming adventure, explore an uninhabited island's massive cave network. Learn about the heroes' psyches as you explore lush caverns, subterranean oceans, and surreal cityscapes, all while meeting surprising creatures! By Anodyne & Angeline Era's devs!

Why similar: Nature 20.4%, 3D Platformer 18.3%, Emotional 15.3%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Story Rich 9.5%

From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is an atmospheric puzzle adventure in which a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and, joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding

Why similar: Cinematic 29%, Third Person 12%, Atmospheric 11%, Stylized 8.9%, Nature 8.2%

Emotional, 3rd-person, story-driven, adventure game focused on solving puzzles and using stealth mechanics. Use your bow to interact with environmental elements. Sneak, climb or distract guards to move further unnoticed. Solve light puzzles alongside your path to rescue your loved one.

Why similar: Emotional 18.7%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Third Person 11.6%, Exploration 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.9%

Get lost beneath the fog in The Wild Eternal, a reflective first-person exploration game. Embark on a meditative journey to heal the scars of your past. Can you escape the cycle of reincarnation?

Why similar: Nature 18.5%, Female Protagonist 17.3%, Exploration 10.6%, Atmospheric 10.6%, Relaxing 9.7%

LIVE like a LATIN COWBOY as you EXPLORE, HELP others, and bring HARMONY between HUMANS and MYSTICAL BEINGS in a RELAXING COZY ADVENTURE.

Why similar: Nature 26%, Relaxing 24.1%, Exploration 18.6%, Female Protagonist 17.1%, Adventure 11.3%

Explore the remains of a fallen world from fascinating perspectives! Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights, dig underground as a mole, climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, and many more!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 16.3%, Third Person 12.4%, Exploration 11%, Emotional 11%, Relaxing 9.2%

Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home!

Why similar: Nature 21.9%, 3D Platformer 14.4%, Relaxing 11.8%, Exploration 9.9%, Third Person 9.3%

Souls on their perilous journey through the afterlife are left defenseless against the hungry darkness without the protective guidance of the Shepherds. Locate your flock, protect them from wolves, and guide them safely back home with your array of abilities and powers in Liminus: The Silent Guard.

Why similar: Cinematic 17.3%, Stylized 12.1%, Emotional 12%, Nature 8.1%, Fantasy 8.1%

A cinematic gaming experience. Play as an animal in the spiritual realm. Explore a magical world. Collect Essence and find Artifacts. Journey across seven majestic landscapes and witness the emotional story of a family as they tackle the challenges ahead of them.

Why similar: Cinematic 14%, Stylized 13.6%, Relaxing 13.2%, Exploration 12.8%, Third Person 11.3%

Discover the magic and lore of the Alps in this acclaimed Action Adventure. Forge relationships with locals to help you solve puzzles, battle monsters and uncover secrets of the legendary Dungeons of Hinterberg!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 18.4%, Relaxing 15.9%, Exploration 12.8%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Action-Adventure 10.6%

Hopeguard is a third-person dark fantasy game about loss and acceptance. You have been chosen to eliminate the Dragon Queen, but the confrontation will not go as expected. Journey through caves, ruins, and forests to solve environmental puzzles and fulfill your quest -but with a new perspective.

Why similar: Emotional 20.7%, Cinematic 19.1%, 3D Platformer 10%, Story Rich 8.5%, Atmospheric 8.1%

From the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide comes Wanderstop, a narrative-centric cozy game about change and tea.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 21.3%, Third Person 17.2%, Story Rich 16.3%, Adventure 13.6%, Fantasy 12.1%

Enter an adorable world where you and your chubby steed are tasked with herding cows to safety. Gallop through beautifully hand crafted environments and a host of hazards in this relaxing casual arcade game!

Why similar: Relaxing 19%, 3D Platformer 17.4%, Nature 16.4%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Casual 9.9%

As a powerful Lynx, you will make your way through vast open landscapes. In the harsh tundra, you will raise and strengthen your cubs by mastering your skills for hunting prey. Do everything you can to prepare your little ones for the vicious entities dwelling in the wilderness.

Why similar: Emotional 20.8%, Nature 19.3%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Dark 10.9%, Atmospheric 9.3%

Embark on a heartwarming journey with your little light friend to solve puzzles and bring light to the mystical realm of Illum.

Why similar: Emotional 13.2%, Relaxing 12.8%, Exploration 12.7%, Third Person 12.2%, Stylized 10%

Wield an ever-growing herd of quirky creatures to rebuild broken paths, battle perilous beasts, and solve peculiar puzzles in a rich, interconnected world. Join two young runaways as they unravel the mysteries of a lost realm in this nostalgic storybook fantasy!

Why similar: Emotional 25.3%, Stylized 16.4%, Story Rich 13.7%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Atmospheric 11%

Go on a summer vacation to the Cloudy Valley archipelago! Swim, climb, and explore the different islands at your own pace. Discover treasures or enjoy a cozy and relaxing atmosphere by the waves...

Why similar: Nature 23.8%, Relaxing 16.2%, Exploration 15.7%, Female Protagonist 14.1%, Adventure 9.1%

An atmospheric 2D puzzle platformer made using real photos and videos from New Zealand's native forest. Become a seed that can possess different plant creatures with unique abilities. Solve the obstacles in your way to discover the secrets of the Seedlings.

Why similar: Cinematic 26%, Nature 23.6%, Relaxing 12.8%, Atmospheric 11.1%, Exploration 6.2%

Take on the role of a brave courier rider in The Legend of Khiimori! Bond with your horse and tame the open wilds of 13th century Mongolia. Breed and train horses with specialized abilities to explore every aspect of this diverse and fascinating landscape.

Why similar: Nature 31.4%, Female Protagonist 21.1%, Exploration 15.5%, Third Person 13.1%, Adventure 6.7%