Games Like Shelter 2

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 12.9%, Nature 9.8%, Survival 8.1%, Dystopian 8.1%, Side Scroller 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a mother fox protecting her cubs in a harsh, human-altered world, capturing the same emotional weight and parental responsibility.

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 17.3%, Emotional 15.1%, Survival 13.6%, Walking Simulator 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9%

Why You'll Like It: The original title in the series offers the same unique art style and focus on guiding offspring through dangerous wilderness.

Live the life of a wild wolf in a realistic ecological simulation set in Yellowstone National Park.

Why similar: Nature 42.9%, Survival 34.7%, Exploration 10.1%, Simulation 9.4%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive wolf simulation game that mirrors the survival, hunting, and cub-rearing mechanics found in Shelter 2.

Traverse a vast world as a young lynx cub. Paws – A Shelter 2 Game is a standalone, single player, adventure game with loss and friendship as its central themes. Venture out in the world and make your way home.

Why similar: Survival 15.2%, Cute 14.9%, Nature 13.7%, Adventure 12.6%, Emotional 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: This standalone expansion provides a deeper, narrative-driven perspective on the cubs from the original Shelter 2 experience.

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: Nature 23.2%, Adventure 13%, Emotional 11.3%, Survival 10.2%, Indie 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: The third entry in the series continues the focus on animal family dynamics and migration through lush, atmospheric environments.

You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.

Why similar: Survival 33.8%, Atmospheric 18.1%, Exploration 15.2%, Cute 11.2%, Simulation 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a complex, simulated ecosystem where you must survive as a small creature in a harsh and beautiful world.

Explore the vast and open landscape as a wild animal. Meadow is an online fable experience that lets old and new fans of the Shelter game series come together and explore a peculiar and wondrous world together.

Why similar: Cute 32%, Nature 17.2%, Walking Simulator 13.5%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Exploration 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A social, multiplayer experience set in the Shelter universe that allows players to explore and interact as various animals.

THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.

Why similar: Survival 49.1%, Exploration 12.8%, Atmospheric 12.4%, Walking Simulator 9%, Simulation 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more grounded in human survival, it offers the same intense, atmospheric struggle against the elements in a vast, unforgiving wilderness.

Lost, alone and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten cybercity and find their way home.

Why similar: Dystopian 23.5%, Atmospheric 15%, Cute 14.8%, Exploration 12.7%, Stealth 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the essence of navigating a world from the perspective of a cat, blending exploration with emotional storytelling.

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: Walking Simulator 25.5%, Adventure 25.4%, Exploration 18%, Indie 16.1%, Atmospheric 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a fox in a beautiful, atmospheric world inspired by Icelandic landscapes, focusing on exploration and environmental puzzles.

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: Nature 19.7%, Emotional 17.9%, Walking Simulator 14.7%, Female Protagonist 9.3%, Atmospheric 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a wolf with the ability to possess other animals, focusing on exploration and uncovering the history of a fallen world.

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 18.8%, Nature 17.8%, Walking Simulator 12.8%, Dark 8.7%, Cute 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional journey where you play as a dog helping your owner navigate a beautiful, desolate landscape to restore color to the world.

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. Uncover artifacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.8%, Nature 15.1%, Atmospheric 14.9%, Exploration 10.5%, Drama 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A touching exploration game that parallels the journey of a fox searching for her family with a human narrative about loss.

A poignant narrative-driven game about rejection, belonging and the meaning of home. It follows the story of a newly adopted shelter cat whose space in the home is taken by a copycat. Bring the tissues.

Why similar: Emotional 27.2%, Walking Simulator 15.5%, Drama 10%, Atmospheric 9.2%, Story Rich 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven game that explores the emotional bond between a cat and its owner, focusing on themes of belonging.

You're a curious little kitty with a big personality, on an adventure to find your way back home. Explore the city, make new friends with stray animals, wear delightful hats, and leave more than a little chaos in your wake. After all, isn't that what cats do best?

Why similar: Cute 29.1%, Exploration 22.2%, Simulation 16.6%, Colorful 12%, Adventure 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming exploration game that focuses on the curiosity and movement of a cat in a dense urban environment.

Become a cat! Cattails is a unique animal simulation RPG. Hunt for food, fight invading cats, explore to gather herbs, and socialize with other cats in an expansive open world. Get married and raise a family of kittens, befriend your neighbors, and learn to live in the dangerous wilderness!

Why similar: Nature 31.6%, Survival 24.9%, Cute 18.9%, Simulation 12%, Colorful 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation game that lets you live as a wild cat, focusing on hunting, socializing, and territory management.

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 23.4%, Nature 21.8%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Story Rich 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric adventure game inspired by Scandinavian folklore that emphasizes exploration and emotional discovery.

Survive your evolution in Neogene Africa starting 10 million years ago. Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is a third-person open world survival game where you Explore, Expand, and Evolve to advance your clan to the next generation in the exciting new adventure from Panache Digital Games.

Why similar: Survival 25.6%, Nature 22%, Exploration 12.3%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Atmospheric 9%

Why You'll Like It: This survival game focuses on the evolution and survival of a primate lineage, emphasizing the harsh realities of nature.

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

Why similar: Emotional 22.8%, Nature 16.3%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Atmospheric 10.8%, Dark 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric adventure where you guide a herd of creatures through a beautiful, mountainous landscape.

Albatroz is a backpacking adventure RPG that will take you through majestic landscapes in search of your lost sibling. A tale about knowing when to let go and start over.

Why similar: Nature 22.4%, Survival 19.7%, Walking Simulator 15.9%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Exploration 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A backpacking adventure game that focuses on the beauty of nature and the journey of exploration.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Nature 24.5%, Cute 18.2%, Exploration 17.9%, Walking Simulator 11.4%, Female Protagonist 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing exploration game that captures the joy of moving through a natural environment as a bird.

In this story-based adventure, play as a tiny sugar glider in your very own nature documentary. Glide among the trees, fight dangerous predators, and explore beautiful environments as you embark on a high-flying journey to save your family.

Why similar: Cute 30.5%, Exploration 27.9%, Story Rich 21.8%, Colorful 19.8%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a sugar glider in a world ravaged by climate change, focusing on survival and navigation through nature.

A mutant soap opera where small-town gossip meets the supernatural. Explore the Mutazione community as Kai as she cares for her ailing grandfather. Discover magical gardens, new friends & old secrets. They can survive an apocalyptic meteor strike, but can they survive their small-town drama?

Why similar: Nature 13.3%, Walking Simulator 13.1%, Drama 12%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Female Protagonist 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich, atmospheric game that focuses on community and nature in a strange, evolving environment.

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 34.9%, Atmospheric 27%, Adventure 13.6%, Cute 9.2%, Singleplayer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric adventure where you play as a small creature in a forest, communicating with other animals through song.

The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life.

Why similar: Emotional 31%, Female Protagonist 19.5%, Exploration 14.1%, Choices Matter 9.9%, Walking Simulator 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A survival-adventure game where you manage a team of sled dogs while navigating the Alaskan wilderness.

Unravel is a physics-based puzzle platformer. Yarny, a character made from a single thread of yarn, must embark on a larger than life adventure.

Why similar: Atmospheric 26%, Adventure 19.3%, Colorful 17.7%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Cute 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses a nature-inspired aesthetic to tell an emotional story about family and connection.

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: Nature 26.7%, Emotional 24.8%, Walking Simulator 22.7%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Story Rich 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric walking simulator that focuses on the beauty of nature and emotional reflection.

When you cut ties to the past, new bonds form. Build relationships with other Yarnys in local co-op or as a single player, fostering friendship and support as you journey together.

Why similar: Cute 29.7%, Adventure 23.1%, Atmospheric 19.3%, Colorful 16.4%, Singleplayer 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Building on the first game, this title emphasizes the bond between two creatures navigating a dangerous, natural world.

Experience the critically acclaimed masterpiece with its renowned Sumi-e ink art style in breathtaking high resolution.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 27.1%, Story Rich 21.7%, Adventure 16.9%, Atmospheric 16.3%, Colorful 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic adventure game where you play as a sun goddess in the form of a wolf, restoring nature to a corrupted world.

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: Walking Simulator 17.7%, Nature 17.7%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Drama 9.5%, Atmospheric 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric exploration game that focuses on the cycle of life and death within a beautiful, mystical wilderness.

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: Nature 18.2%, Walking Simulator 15.7%, Emotional 15%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Exploration 7.9%

Unveil the mysteries of a beautiful ancient world in this breathtaking 3rd-Person Adventure, a sequel to the acclaimed ‘Spirit of the North.’ Take on the role of an isolated fox with a raven companion on a quest to restore the lost guardians and return home.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.3%, Nature 21.6%, Exploration 16.1%, Atmospheric 14.4%, Adventure 10.4%

Experience the epic journey of Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.7%, Atmospheric 16.2%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Nature 11%, Story Rich 9.7%

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 23.9%, Nature 17%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Walking Simulator 12.3%, Female Protagonist 12.3%

Sheltered is a deep and emotional survival management game. You take on the role of protecting four family members who, after a global apocalypse, have found their way to a deserted shelter.

Why similar: Survival 71.1%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Simulation 8.9%, Indie 4.3%, Adventure 3%

Submerged is a third-person combat-free game in which you explore a mysterious flooded city and discover the beauty of desolation in vast outdoor environments. You take on the role of Miku, a young girl who has brought her wounded brother to the city in their small fishing boat.

Why similar: Nature 23.6%, Walking Simulator 19.5%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Exploration 11.8%, Atmospheric 8.8%

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: Stealth 20.7%, Emotional 18.6%, Walking Simulator 12.5%, Female Protagonist 12%, Exploration 8.7%

An ongoing apocalyptic meteor shower has forced the world’s population to settle underground. As Shell, a feline child who awakens to find her mother missing, drill downward from the surface layer through a tile-based underground and discover the Everdeep.

Why similar: Emotional 24.2%, Cute 17.7%, Female Protagonist 16%, Exploration 14.6%, Adventure 9.1%

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

Why similar: Walking Simulator 19.1%, Nature 18.4%, Emotional 18.3%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Exploration 10.2%

Experience the life of a mountain lion in the brutal wild, Fight and maintain your territory, find a mate and raise cubs of your own which will grow into adults as your parenting skills are put to the test. Hunt prey, both big and small as you level up to become an effective and lethal hunter.

Why similar: Survival 21.6%, Simulation 18.2%, Stealth 18.1%, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Cute 8.6%

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 37.2%, Dark 22.1%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Adventure 12.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%

Save a puppy and embark on a heartwarming, hand-drawn adventure together. Journey to the heart of an enchanted forest, solving puzzles and avoiding hunters to protect your newfound friend.

Why similar: Emotional 21.4%, Stealth 20.3%, Nature 13%, Female Protagonist 10%, Cute 8.6%

Morels 2 is a simulation game about mushroom hunting and wildlife photography. Explore a diverse range of locations spanning across the globe. Increase your hunter and photographer levels by collecting a variety of mushrooms, photographing animals, and completing weekly tasks.

Why similar: Nature 31.2%, Walking Simulator 27.9%, Simulation 15.2%, Adventure 9.1%, Survival 6.7%

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: Walking Simulator 22.2%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Emotional 12.5%, Exploration 11.2%, Nature 10.8%

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 23.5%, Choices Matter 18.5%, Atmospheric 16.4%, Exploration 15.5%, Story Rich 13.1%

Welcome back to the heartwarming world of Animal Shelter 2! Provide a loving home for every four-legged friend in need – play with them, pet them, even dress them up! Get to know them and find them a loving family. Play with your friends and manage your shelter together in co-op!

Why similar: Cute 32.3%, Simulation 28.5%, Atmospheric 19%, Adventure 11.6%, Indie 5.6%

A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.

Why similar: Adventure 29%, Indie 26.5%, Cute 25%, Story Rich 15.3%, Singleplayer 4.2%

Welcome back to the heartwarming world of Animal Shelter 2: Prologue! Provide a loving home for every four-legged friend in need – play with them, pet them, even dress them up! Get to know them and find them a loving family. Play with your friends and manage your shelter together in co-op!

Why similar: Emotional 32.4%, Cute 17.6%, Simulation 17.4%, Atmospheric 14.9%, Adventure 9.2%

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Choices Matter 24%, Atmospheric 20%, Story Rich 19.9%, Exploration 18.4%, Adventure 12.3%

Through lavish but perilous landscapes, assist a mammoth mother and her child escape from their extinction. Discover breathtaking views from 12,000 years ago. Beware of the increasingly hostile environment. Protect your offspring from the hunters tracking you and send them flying!

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.3%, Female Protagonist 20.3%, Cute 14.8%, Exploration 13.1%, Colorful 11.1%

Undertake your new job as a forester in a mystic and peaceful wood. Chop, gather, level up and unravel the expansive forest and its splendor at your own pace, one log at a time!

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21%, Female Protagonist 18.1%, Nature 13.5%, Exploration 13.1%, Cute 12.8%

Dyscourse is an interactive choice-based narrative adventure game where you journey through a stylized world of choice and consequence. Choose wisely.

Why similar: Survival 24.2%, Choices Matter 19.7%, Simulation 17.4%, Adventure 14.4%, Female Protagonist 12.5%

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 23.9%, Walking Simulator 15.4%, Cute 14.2%, Exploration 13.1%, Female Protagonist 11.5%

Through the Woods is a third-person Norse horror adventure set in a forest on the western shores of Norway that tells the story of a mother and her missing son.

Why similar: Nature 18.4%, Walking Simulator 15.8%, Female Protagonist 12%, Survival 10.5%, Adventure 8.5%

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 32.3%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Exploration 11.1%, Cute 10.6%, Story Rich 8.3%

Sneak up on your enemies, help Farmer, Goat and Piggy, and start a family!

Why similar: Nature 37.9%, Survival 24.8%, Simulation 15.6%, Cute 7.6%, Adventure 6.1%

Torn Away is an award winning interactive story with a unique blend of adventure games, side-scrollers, and cinematic first-person levels. Help little Asya find her way home in the middle of war.

Why similar: Emotional 19.4%, Drama 15.9%, Walking Simulator 13.9%, Female Protagonist 13%, Atmospheric 8.9%

[Adventures of House Cat Cinnamon]*A street cat's tale 2 is a narrative-led puzzle adventure game about the struggles of stray cats.

Why similar: Cute 30%, Simulation 20.5%, Adventure 17.9%, Story Rich 16.8%, Indie 11.4%

In Animal Shelter Prologue, your main target is to make your four-legged friends happy. Pet them, hand out treats, play with toys - and they will pay you back with great trust. Get to know the animals well enough to find them the best home! Don't wait any longer, open your animal shelter now!

Why similar: Simulation 34.6%, Cute 23.8%, Adventure 21.8%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Indie 5.2%