Games Like Riven (1997)

A new sci-fi adventure from Cyan, the creators of Myst. Abducted far across the universe, you find yourself on a broken alien landscape with odd pieces of Earth. Explore, uncover, solve, and find a way to make it home.

Why similar: Puzzle 24.1%, Adventure 19.4%, Exploration 14.8%, Point & Click 10.5%, First-Person 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the original developers of Riven, this game captures the exact same feeling of being transported to a mysterious, alien environment filled with complex puzzles.

The story of Myst continues in this third entry of the series, originally released in 2001. Return to this strange and wondrous universe, where books become portals into worlds, and where the lessons of the past may yet hold meaning for today...

Why similar: Point & Click 23.3%, Puzzle 16.8%, Adventure 14.1%, FMV 13.4% ★, Exploration 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that maintains the high-quality puzzle design and atmospheric storytelling of the original series.

Discover the truth about Quern’s past, unfold the mysteries of its present, and be the explorer who shapes its future. Quern introduces reusable puzzle mechanics to the classic genre, making the player think about the game as a whole, and not just as a series of individual challenges.

Why similar: Point & Click 18.2%, Puzzle 17.8%, Steampunk 12.9% ★, Adventure 11%, Exploration 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered one of the best 'Myst-like' games, it features a beautifully realized island and a series of interconnected, logical puzzles.

In Myst IV: Revelation, the next chapter in the greatest adventure saga of all time, you'll travel through environments pulsing with life to unearth a treacherous scheme involving two of Myst's most sinister villains.

Why similar: Point & Click 29%, Adventure 23%, Puzzle 18.6%, Exploration 10.8%, First-Person 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This entry is renowned for its high production values and deep, character-driven narrative that expands on the lore established in Riven.

Firmament is a new puzzle-adventure game by the legendary game studio behind the best-selling games Myst and Riven. Featuring deep storytelling and world-building, discover the story of this seemingly abandoned world as you explore and unlock the mysteries of 3 unique Realms… and beyond!

Why similar: Puzzle 25.5%, Exploration 16.7%, Steampunk 16% ★, Adventure 14.9%, Story Rich 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: The latest title from Cyan Worlds, featuring the same signature first-person puzzle-solving and grand, mysterious architecture.

Released in 2014, experience one of the first 3D adaptations of the renowned puzzle-adventure game Myst! Each discovery you make, every puzzle you solve, will bring you closer to reversing a wrong that has gone unchecked for ages.

Why similar: Classic 23.9% ★, Point & Click 17.5%, Puzzle 14.6%, Adventure 10%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This version allows you to explore the original Myst island in full 3D, bridging the gap between the classic point-and-click style and modern exploration.

You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.

Why similar: Puzzle 38.1%, Exploration 15.5%, Difficult 13.5%, First-Person 9.6%, Adventure 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more abstract, this game excels at teaching players how to observe their environment to solve complex, non-verbal puzzles.

The Grand Finale of the greatest adventure! Decide the fate of a civilization in this triumphant final chapter to the Myst saga. Embark on an epic journey into the heart of a shattered empire as the only explorer who can still save it— or destroy it with the wrong choices.

Why similar: Point & Click 27%, Adventure 18.2%, Puzzle 16.5%, Classic 12.6% ★, Exploration 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: The final chapter of the original saga, offering a satisfying conclusion to the long-running narrative arc.

Neyyah is a first-person point-and-click adventure game from Defy Reality Entertainment. You are thrown into a strange secretive world called Neyyah. Use careful observation and logic to uncover the mysteries entwined within Neyyah's peculiar landscapes and bizarre cultures.

Why similar: Point & Click 22.6%, FMV 13% ★, Puzzle 11.6%, Steampunk 10% ★, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern homage to the classic Myst-like style, focusing on first-person exploration and intricate, logic-based puzzle design.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Beautiful 21.4% ★, Exploration 16.9%, Puzzle 15.1%, Story Rich 10.3%, Adventure 10%

Why You'll Like It: Like Riven, this game relies entirely on the player's curiosity and knowledge-gathering to progress through a mysterious, interconnected world.

Explore a vast, mysterious castle riddled with secret rooms and challenging puzzles in this award-winning puzzle adventure.

Why similar: Point & Click 25.4%, Puzzle 16.9%, Difficult 12.6%, Adventure 10.4%, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person puzzle-adventure set in a sprawling, abandoned castle that rewards players for paying close attention to their surroundings.

The classic Myst experience with point and click controls, released as a remaster to the original in 2000. Enter a world where nothing is as it seems... and adventure knows no bounds!

Why similar: Classic 28.7% ★, Point & Click 19.2%, Adventure 13.8%, Puzzle 10.2%, FMV 4.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: The original classic that started it all, essential for understanding the roots of the genre.

Join Norah, a woman plagued by a mysterious illness, in her search for her missing husband in this adventure puzzle game set on a lush island paradise. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals and unlock forbidden secrets in a moving tale of mystery and love.

Why similar: Puzzle 27%, Adventure 16.3%, Story Rich 12.9%, Exploration 11.6%, First-Person 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a strong narrative and beautiful, atmospheric environments that are packed with environmental puzzles reminiscent of the Myst series.

The critically acclaimed adventure of Uru: Ages Beyond Myst returns with this special collection that contains more Uru than ever before. Already the deepest Myst adventure to date, Uru is significantly expanded with the addition of To D'ni™ and The Path of the Shell, expansion packs that will take Uru beyond your imagination.

Why similar: Adventure 31.5%, Puzzle 23.7%, Exploration 12.9%, Point & Click 12.1%, Difficult 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title explores the history and culture of the D'ni civilization, which is central to the lore of the entire Myst series.

The stage is set. Imagine an old baroque manor, perhaps a hotel or a museum, somewhere in central Europe. A woman wanders in search of answers.

Why similar: Puzzle 40.2%, Adventure 24.1%, Exploration 18.3%, Story Rich 8.7%, Mystery 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, non-linear puzzle-solving experience set in a surreal, dreamlike environment that demands total player engagement.

Haven Moon will transport you to a mysterious world where you have to explore abandoned islands and solve their secrets to find a treasure. In this Myst-like game inspired by Jules Verne’s universe, use your senses and intelligence to find your way through secret passages and curious machinery.

Why similar: Point & Click 26.9%, Steampunk 16.6% ★, Puzzle 16%, Exploration 10.7%, Adventure 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A short, focused, and highly atmospheric homage to the Myst series that captures the essence of exploring a lonely, mysterious world.

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Puzzle 30.7%, Story Rich 15%, Mystery 13%, Difficult 11.2%, Atmospheric 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: While the mechanics differ, it shares the core Riven experience of using keen observation and deduction to piece together a complex mystery.

The Longest Journey is an amazing graphical adventure, where the player controls the protagonist, April Ryan, on her journey between parallel universes.

Why similar: Classic 34.5% ★, Point & Click 34.5%, Adventure 13%, Story Rich 8.6%, Puzzle 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy classic adventure that captures the same sense of wonder and world-building depth found in the Myst series.

Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.

Why similar: Point & Click 26%, Classic 18.8% ★, Adventure 14.6%, Puzzle 11.6%, Steampunk 10.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: A classic adventure game with a strong sense of place and a focus on mechanical puzzles that drive the narrative forward.

The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything).

Why similar: Puzzle 40.2%, Story Rich 10.5%, First-Person 10%, Exploration 7.5%, Difficult 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A philosophical first-person puzzle game that challenges the player with increasingly complex mechanics in a beautiful, isolated setting.

Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.

Why similar: Puzzle 25.3%, Exploration 16.5%, Adventure 14.7%, Story Rich 11%, First-Person 10.4%

Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.

Why similar: Puzzle 26.4%, Difficult 18.1%, Exploration 14.5%, First-Person 10.6%, Adventure 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person puzzle game with mind-bending geometry and exploration that rewards players for thinking outside the box.

King’s Quest is a collection of five different chapter releases, each focusing on an untold tale in Graham’s past. Discover a wondrous world full of whimsical characters, charming puzzles and perilous dangers in this fun and enchanting coming of age story.

Why similar: Point & Click 26.3%, Classic 25.7% ★, Adventure 17.7%, Puzzle 16.8%, Story Rich 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern reimagining of a classic adventure series that blends narrative, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a fantasy setting.

Welcome to Myst: a starkly beautiful island, eerily tinged with mystery and shrouded in intrigue. Built from the ground up to play in 2D & VR, explore Myst in a whole new dimension! Journey to the Ages, unravel puzzles, and be a part of the surrealistic adventure that will become your own.

Why similar: Puzzle 23%, Adventure 15.4%, Classic 15.2% ★, Exploration 15%, Point & Click 13%

Long after the passing of the Second Shadow, when dragons ruled the twilight sky and the stars were bright and numerous, came the Age of the Great Guilds. Blacksmiths. Shepherds. Clerics. Each dedicated to the absolute control of secret knowledge. Another such Guild was the Weavers.

Why similar: Classic 40.4% ★, Point & Click 31.4%, Adventure 13.6%, Puzzle 7%, 1990's 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic adventure game that uses a unique, music-based puzzle mechanic, reflecting the creative puzzle design of the 90s era.

Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.

Why similar: Puzzle 44.8%, Exploration 14.9%, First-Person 13.2%, Surreal 9.4%, Difficult 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A non-Euclidean puzzle game that encourages players to experiment and observe, much like the experimental nature of Riven's puzzles.

In this award-winning puzzle adventure game, play as the Traveler on a quest to reunite the Peoples of the Tower. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the Myth of Babel.

Why similar: Puzzle 35.5%, Point & Click 27.2%, Adventure 14.9%, Exploration 5.1%, Atmospheric 4.3%

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: Puzzle 32.1%, Exploration 21%, Adventure 20.4%, Atmospheric 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric puzzle-adventure that emphasizes environmental storytelling and exploration in a beautiful, wordless world.

Unique events transport you to the halls of a long-forgotten crypt. The only means of escape lies locked within a stone pedestal, along with a note from your mysterious ally. His words promise assistance, but only serve to entice you into a compelling world of mystery and exploration.

Why similar: Puzzle 38.2%, Point & Click 30.3%, Adventure 7.5%, Mystery 7.1%, Atmospheric 5.7%

Ether One is a first person adventure that deals with the fragility of the human mind. There are two paths in the world you can choose from. At its core is a story exploration path free from puzzles where you can unfold the story at your own pace.

Why similar: Puzzle 28%, Adventure 24.8%, Exploration 19.1%, First-Person 13.6%, Story Rich 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person exploration game that allows players to solve puzzles in a surreal, memory-based world at their own pace.

The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.

Why similar: Puzzle 37.4%, Exploration 19.3%, Story Rich 18%, First-Person 14.6%, Mystery 5.6%

The BAFTA award winning handmade puzzle adventure game made entirely by hand. Explore the city and use your ingenuity to piece together puzzling mechanisms and bring back power to this unique world. Three years in the making, it's handmade entirely out of paper, card, miniature lights and motors.

Why similar: Point & Click 44.5%, Puzzle 23%, Adventure 17.1%, 1990's 5.4%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%

In a world torn by war, the aged gremlin archaeologist Mortimer MacGuffin harbors the dark secret of a powerful artifact.

Why similar: Point & Click 47.2%, Adventure 20.1%, Classic 16.9% ★, Puzzle 7.3%, Story Rich 3%

The world of Gloriana, with all its wonderful diversity, awaits you.

Why similar: Classic 42.1% ★, Point & Click 23.7%, Adventure 15.7%, 1990's 12.3%, Exploration 3.3%

Gabriel Knight is the last in a long line of Shadow Hunters, those fated to fight the dark forces of the supernatural.

Why similar: Classic 38.8% ★, Point & Click 27.8%, Adventure 16.4%, 1990's 5.4%, Story Rich 4.7%

Intrigue and adventure await you on board the Titanic, the most famous ocean liner in history. As a British secret agent on a vital mission, it is up to you to change the course of history as you explore the world’s most luxurious ocean vessel in all its original splendour.

Why similar: Classic 30.6% ★, Point & Click 29.7%, FMV 18.4% ★, Adventure 17%, Casual 4.3%

1936: Soldiers of the Third Reich roam the world seeking occult weapons for their insane plans of conquest. When Fenton Paddock, a former British soldier and hapless smuggler, is asked to look for his friend Richard, who went missing in Tibet, he has no idea that this search will lead him across three continents to a secret that could...

Why similar: Point & Click 56.7%, Adventure 25.6%, 1990's 7.2%, Story Rich 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 3.8%

The next generation in adventure games, Syberia 3 takes you inside an enchanting, mysterious universe full of life for you to explore in 3D. Plunged into the heart of a world inhabited by a cast of interesting characters, you'll discover and experience a fabulous tale as imagined by Benoit Sokal.

Why similar: Point & Click 30.5%, Puzzle 22.1%, Adventure 16.5%, Story Rich 11.1%, Steampunk 8.8% ★

Enjoy an adventurous vacation to a 1960's parallel universe! A Sci-Fi-Mystery Adventure Game with handmade scenery.

Why similar: Point & Click 33.2%, Adventure 21.7%, Classic 12.1% ★, Puzzle 10%, Exploration 8%

The Man With The Hat Is Back In His Greatest Adventure Yet! 1939 - The eve of World War II. Nazi agents are about to get their hands on a weapon more dangerous than the atom bomb. Only Indy can stop them before they unleash the deadly secret that sank Atlantis.

Why similar: Classic 38.6% ★, Point & Click 35.5%, Adventure 13.1%, 1990's 4.5%, Puzzle 3%

With this long-expected sequel to the critically highly acclaimed and lavishly praised Deponia, the player enters round two. Chaos on Deponia turns out to be even wackier than its predecessor and instantly puts the player under its spell.

Why similar: Point & Click 46.8%, Adventure 19.7%, Puzzle 14.1%, Classic 8.1% ★, Steampunk 4.7% ★

An asteroid the size of a small moon is on a crash course toward Earth. Once the wayward asteroid is nuked into a safe orbit, a trio conducts a routine examination of the rocky surface. What they uncover is anything but routine.

Why similar: Point & Click 38.3%, Classic 28% ★, Adventure 14.2%, Puzzle 7.4%, 1990's 6%

A mysterious invitation leads to the attic of an abandoned house. In the room is a cast-iron safe laced with strange carvings and on top, a note from your distant companion. It promises something ancient and astonishing concealed in the iron chamber - you need only find a way in.

Why similar: Puzzle 38.4%, Point & Click 27.9%, Beautiful 8.7% ★, Mystery 6.2%, Adventure 6%

Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike.

Why similar: Classic 35% ★, Point & Click 34.7%, Adventure 10.9%, Puzzle 7.2%, 1990's 4.4%

Originally released in 1998 on PC, and awarded as the Adventure Game of the Year, The timeless horror point-and-click, Sanitarium, is returning to frighten the bravest adventure game fans.

Why similar: Point & Click 31.3%, Classic 31.3% ★, Adventure 10.6%, Puzzle 7%, 1990's 5.3%

Welcome to the Museum! Machinika Museum is a mystery game where you discover beautiful and mysterious machines of extra-terrestrial origins in an atmospheric galaxy-spanning 3D puzzle game. Will you be able to understand their stories and discover what happened to their previous owner?

Why similar: Point & Click 33.7%, Puzzle 22.6%, Adventure 10.2%, First-Person 8.3%, Story Rich 7.5%

Submachine is a hand-drawn puzzle adventure game. You find yourself in a vast network of desolate locations containing puzzles, secrets, notes and items to collect to help you along the way. Follow the story of a banished lighthouse keeper to discover his descent into ruins.

Why similar: Point & Click 32.8%, Puzzle 20.1%, Exploration 13.2%, Adventure 11.6%, Steampunk 7.3% ★

Revisit of one of adventure gaming’s greatest classics by master storyteller Jane Jensen! Struggling bookstore owner Gabriel Knight investigates the sinister Voodoo Murders in New Orleans, discovering the secrets of his family history and unfolding his destiny in this tale of horror and suspense.

Why similar: Point & Click 34.8%, Classic 30.1% ★, Adventure 14.1%, Puzzle 5.6%, Mystery 4.9%

The famous game remastered in a new 25th Anniversary Edition! The father and mother of all 'Haunted Mansion' games. Winner of multiple gaming awards and “No. 1 Rated Game of 1994”.

Why similar: Point & Click 21.6%, FMV 18.1% ★, Puzzle 13.4%, Adventure 8.8%, Exploration 7.8%

One of the most acclaimed adventure games of all time is now back, better than ever. Grim Fandango Remastered has the all the beautiful art and engaging story fans remember, but has also been remastered to look, sound, and control even better than the award-winning original release.

Why similar: Classic 40.1% ★, Point & Click 25.4%, Adventure 10.6%, Puzzle 6.8%, Story Rich 6.7%

Wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood, and the now zombie pirate LeChuck, return in what has long been considered one of the greatest LucasArts adventure games of all time.

Why similar: Point & Click 39.1%, Classic 33.7% ★, Adventure 13.3%, Puzzle 7.8%, 1990's 3.2%

Originally released by LucasArts in 1993 as a sequel to Ron Gilbert’s ground breaking Maniac Mansion, Day of the Tentacle is back in a remastered edition that features all new hand-drawn, high resolution artwork, with remastered audio, music and sound effects.

Why similar: Classic 38.5% ★, Point & Click 32%, Adventure 10.4%, Puzzle 8.2%, 1990's 5.8%

Embark on a quest for identity through time, as you piece together the puzzle of two lives.

Why similar: Point & Click 27.1%, Steampunk 16.7% ★, Puzzle 16%, Exploration 10.6%, Adventure 10.3%

Maquette is a first-person recursive puzzle game that takes you into a world where every building, plant, and object are simultaneously tiny and staggeringly huge.

Why similar: Beautiful 25.2% ★, Puzzle 23.8%, Adventure 18%, First-Person 10%, Exploration 7.3%

CRYNEGINE Indie Game of 2017. Featuring an incredibly detailed ancient world and a breathtaking soundtrack, Aporia: Beyond the Valley takes open world storytelling to new heights of adventure.

Why similar: Adventure 28.5%, Puzzle 22.9%, Beautiful 13% ★, Exploration 9%, First-Person 8.4%

A New Beginning is a cinematic adventure-thriller done graphic novel-style.

Why similar: Point & Click 49.7%, Adventure 20.9%, Classic 16.1% ★, Puzzle 6.7%, 1990's 3.1%

Catch this train — it’s your ticket to solving a century-old mystery!

Why similar: Classic 29.2% ★, Point & Click 23.5%, Adventure 14.8%, Puzzle 14.4%, Story Rich 5.7%

Having searched Eastern and Western Europe for a missing heir, Kate Walker finally completed her long and arduous journey, obtaining the signature of Hans Voralberg and closing the automaton factory buyout.

Why similar: Point & Click 28.7%, Classic 17.8% ★, Adventure 17%, Puzzle 11.7%, Steampunk 9.5% ★

Become an apprentice of the famous Leonardo da Vinci. Solve handcrafted mechanical 3D puzzles and discover hidden secrets. Navigate through mesmerizing environments of the Italian Renaissance. Travel through time to influence your surroundings.

Why similar: Puzzle 30.9%, Exploration 21%, Story Rich 16.1%, Adventure 15%, Mystery 10.5%