Games Like Shelter

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 17.9%, Nature 16.2%, Survival 12.6%, Walking Simulator 7.9%, Female Protagonist 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Like Shelter, this game focuses on the emotional weight of a mother animal protecting her cubs in a dangerous, changing world.

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: Nature 17.4%, Emotional 14.9%, Survival 13.7%, Walking Simulator 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: The direct sequel expands on the original's mechanics with a larger world and more complex survival challenges.

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

Why similar: Nature 21.5%, Life Sim 18.1%, Survival 16.9%, Open World 16.2%, Family Friendly 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is the most comprehensive wolf survival simulation available, offering deep mechanics for raising a family in the wild.

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 14%, Nature 13.3%, Cute 13%, Adventure 11.7%, Emotional 10%

Why You'll Like It: This spin-off offers a more intimate, narrative-driven perspective on the Shelter universe from the viewpoint of a cub.

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 24.1%, Nature 15.5%, Open World 14.2%, Atmospheric 12.9%, Exploration 11%

Why You'll Like It: A poignant, emotional journey that parallels the life of a fox with a human story, emphasizing nature and discovery.

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 22.5%, Open World 20.2%, Nature 13.4%, Walking Simulator 10.8%, Exploration 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A social, experimental experience that allows you to inhabit various creatures in a shared, relaxing natural environment.

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 22.2%, Adventure 20.3%, Exploration 15.7%, Casual 10.8%, Indie 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a fox in a beautiful, atmospheric world, focusing on exploration and environmental storytelling without dialogue.

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 22.3%, Adventure 12.1%, Survival 9.3%, Emotional 9.3%, Walking Simulator 8%

Why You'll Like It: The third entry in the series continues the focus on communal living and survival within a herd of elephants.

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: Open World 16.8%, Cute 16.6%, Exploration 16.2%, Atmospheric 15.6%, Third Person 15.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game masterfully captures the experience of navigating a world from the perspective of a small animal, blending exploration with a heartfelt story.

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 16.5%, Emotional 14%, Walking Simulator 13.2%, Family Friendly 9%, Female Protagonist 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: You can inhabit various animals to explore a vast, beautiful world, capturing the same sense of wonder found in Shelter.

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 28.7%, Open World 18.4%, Exploration 13.8%, Atmospheric 13.3%, Cute 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the brutal, unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the constant struggle for survival in a hostile ecosystem.

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 18.9%, Open World 14.9%, Exploration 14.1%, Cute 12.4%, Walking Simulator 9%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, nature-focused exploration game that captures the simple joy of moving through a beautiful, quiet landscape.

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: Atmospheric 38.1%, Adventure 22.2%, Cute 14.1%, Singleplayer 13%, Exploration 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric exploration game where you interact with the nature and creatures of a mysterious forest through song.

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 22.9%, Open World 17.6%, Cute 11.1%, Family Friendly 9.4%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming exploration game where you play as a mushroom, focusing on nature, traversal, and discovery.

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: Family Friendly 19.7%, Open World 18.7%, Cute 16.3%, Exploration 14.3%, Stylized 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: While more lighthearted, it excels at the animal-perspective exploration and traversal that makes playing as a creature so engaging.

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 17.5%, Walking Simulator 14.9%, Open World 11.5%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Family Friendly 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, atmospheric exploration game that focuses on discovery and beauty rather than combat.

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 29.8%, Atmospheric 19%, Nature 15.4%, Cute 11.4%, Adventure 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, narrative-driven game that explores the connection between survival and cultural heritage in a harsh climate.

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 37.4%, Open World 24%, Exploration 10.5%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Walking Simulator 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the raw, unforgiving nature of survival in the wilderness, where every decision is a matter of life and death.

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: Open World 23.4%, Family Friendly 17.8%, Third Person 16.1%, Exploration 14.1%, Cute 13.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game puts you in the role of a sugar glider, focusing on nature survival and navigating a dangerous, large-scale environment.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Atmospheric 32.7%, Cute 19.8%, Open World 15.1%, Adventure 14.2%, Family Friendly 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: An incredibly atmospheric and emotional platformer that focuses on the beauty of nature and the struggle to protect it.

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

Why similar: Walking Simulator 16.1%, Nature 15.2%, Open World 13.2%, Emotional 12.8%, Female Protagonist 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A follow-up that refines the exploration and relaxation mechanics of the original in a beautiful, flooded world.

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 27.1%, Walking Simulator 23.8%, Emotional 21.5%, Third Person 10.3%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric experience that focuses on the beauty and emotional resonance of a journey through nature.

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 20.8%, Nature 20.2%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Exploration 9.8%, Open World 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric exploration game that deals with themes of life, death, and nature in a beautiful, stylized world.

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

Why similar: Nature 19.7%, Walking Simulator 17.1%, Survival 10.7%, Open World 10%, Family Friendly 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, nature-focused simulation that emphasizes the quiet joy of exploration and gathering in the wilderness.

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 20.4%, Open World 19.6%, Nature 18.7%, Exploration 10.5%, Third Person 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A complex survival simulation that focuses on the evolution and exploration of early hominids in a dangerous natural world.

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: Female Protagonist 24.2%, Nature 23.3%, Third Person 15%, Exploration 14.6%, Atmospheric 10%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning game that emphasizes the restoration of nature and emotional storytelling through a unique, spirit-filled world.

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 15.6%, Walking Simulator 14.9%, Exploration 10.5%, Open World 10%, Cute 9.6%

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

Why similar: Female Protagonist 24.8%, Open World 24.6%, Stylized 16.2%, Adventure 15.5%, Atmospheric 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a sun goddess in the form of a wolf, restoring nature and beauty to a world through exploration and artistic abilities.

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: Open World 26.1%, Female Protagonist 20.4%, Exploration 14.9%, Stylized 14.1%, Atmospheric 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A meditative exploration game that focuses on the journey and the beauty of the landscape rather than traditional survival mechanics.

Moss is an action-adventure puzzle game from Polyarc tailor-made for the VR platform. It combines classic components of a great game—compelling characters, gripping combat, and captivating world exploration—with the exciting opportunities of VR.

Why similar: Family Friendly 19.1%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Cute 17.2%, Third Person 13.7%, Adventure 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, emotional adventure that gives you a unique, small-scale perspective on a world full of wonder and danger.

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

Why similar: Nature 19.8%, Emotional 18.6%, Female Protagonist 12.6%, Stylized 9.7%, Exploration 9.1%

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 19.7%, Survival 16.5%, Walking Simulator 14.4%, Open World 10.9%, Exploration 9.6%

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 19.1%, Open World 14.1%, Walking Simulator 12.7%, Exploration 10.7%, Cute 10.3%

Begin your park ranger journey in Ranger’s Path: National Park Simulator. Maintain trails, assist visitors, check permits and respond to emergencies. Explore diverse biomes and observe varied animal behaviors across a wide range of species.

Why similar: Nature 17.9%, Open World 13.9%, Life Sim 13.2%, Walking Simulator 11.9%, Family Friendly 10.8%

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

Why similar: Nature 21.4%, Life Sim 17.9%, Open World 14%, Survival 13.3%, Third Person 9.6%

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: Walking Simulator 18.4%, Emotional 15.7%, Family Friendly 11.9%, Third Person 10.7%, Cute 9.4%

Live as Bigfoot in a peaceful forest-life simulator. Fish, forage, build, and protect wildlife as the guardian of the woods. Create your own Bigfoot and live your best Bigfoot Life.

Why similar: Nature 21.3%, Survival 15.5%, Open World 14.3%, Walking Simulator 13.1%, Third Person 8.8%

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 20.9%, Open World 20.4%, Simulation 17.5%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Cute 7.6%

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: Life Sim 19.9%, Walking Simulator 16.7%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Nature 10.5%, Exploration 10.3%

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 18.6%, Open World 13.8%, Survival 13.5%, Life Sim 12.7%, Female Protagonist 9.5%

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 19.3%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Third Person 10.6%, Exploration 9.7%, Nature 9.1%

Welcome to the beautiful and tropical Petit Island! Relive your grandpaw's youthful adventures by exploring the island and meeting all the unique islanders in this heartwarming open-world narrative exploration game. Preserve his memories before they fade away.

Why similar: Nature 20.6%, Open World 13.4%, Family Friendly 13%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Cute 9.2%

In Zoo Simulator, your main task is to run and manage your own zoo. Renew it and take care of all the animals' needs, ensuring them a peaceful life! Will you attract crowds of visitors? Create your own zoo!

Why similar: Open World 16.5%, Life Sim 15.6%, Nature 14.5%, Family Friendly 14.4%, Simulation 10.3%

Prologue: Go Wayback! is a single-player open-world emergent survival roguelike where every journey is unique. Traverse a new wilderness that is generated for you every time you play. Chart your path, overcome the elements, and write your own story of exploration.

Why similar: Survival 20.5%, Walking Simulator 18%, Open World 17.9%, Nature 12%, Female Protagonist 11.8%

a small dream explorer.

Why similar: Nature 20.9%, Walking Simulator 19.6%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Exploration 9.6%, Cute 8.6%

Take a fishing trip to Jura, a remote and beautiful island. Explore, meet the locals, and catch delicious fish!

Why similar: Nature 19.6%, Walking Simulator 15.3%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Exploration 8.5%, Third Person 8.2%

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 67.6%, Open World 15.2%, Simulation 8.6%, Adventure 2.9%, Singleplayer 2.9%

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 17.6%, Walking Simulator 15.1%, Emotional 14.6%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Family Friendly 10%

Heart of Altai is an exciting story about the adventures of blogger Arina Demidova, searching for a lost city in the Altai Republic. During the trek, she realises that her fate is closely linked to the ultimate goal of this dangerous and mysterious expedition.

Why similar: Nature 23.5%, Walking Simulator 19.5%, Life Sim 12.9%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Family Friendly 10.8%

Bumblebee – Little Bee Adventure is a story-driven, narrative 3D flight exploration game in which you control a little bee on its journey to find a new home. On its quest to find a beautiful and fitting it discovers distant places, friendly and calm animals, and amazing and dangerously habitats.

Why similar: Nature 23%, Family Friendly 15.5%, Open World 14.8%, Walking Simulator 10.5%, Exploration 9.5%

Embark on a short, playful adventure in your cozy flying boat and sail through fluffy clouds. Discover floating islands and befriend their quirky citizens. Jump, roll, climb, and skate through Cloudburg as Skye faces her biggest obstacle on her way to the Royal Postal Academy!

Why similar: Nature 20.5%, Open World 15.2%, Walking Simulator 12.4%, Family Friendly 9.8%, Exploration 9.8%

Russian Soul Simulator is a meditative game that allows the player to look at the Russian nature and the surrounding world in realistic graphics. The game allows the hero to move freely through fields and forests, explore the surrounding terrain and interact with various objects.

Why similar: Nature 22%, Walking Simulator 21.7%, Life Sim 16.4%, Simulation 8.2%, Family Friendly 6.5%

Winter Burrow is a cozy woodland survival game about a mouse returning home to restore their childhood burrow. Explore, gather resources, craft, knit warm sweaters, bake pies and meet the locals.

Why similar: Nature 23.9%, Survival 19.3%, Life Sim 16.5%, Exploration 10.9%, Cute 10.1%

Reach a summit never climbed before in this survival-climber from the creators of Furi and Haven. Climb anywhere and plan your route carefully, managing pitons and resources to survive unforgiving Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime.

Why similar: Survival 14.9%, Walking Simulator 14.3%, Open World 12.3%, Stylized 11.3%, Exploration 9.4%

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: Nature 18%, Emotional 16.1%, Walking Simulator 13.3%, Family Friendly 9.3%, Third Person 8.1%

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 19.7%, Walking Simulator 17.4%, Third Person 12.3%, Female Protagonist 12%, Survival 10.6%

Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.8%, Open World 17.4%, Atmospheric 15.5%, Exploration 12.8%, Adventure 9.9%

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

Why similar: Nature 41%, Cute 15.1%, Adventure 10.6%, Exploration 9.2%, Open World 7.8%

Become iconic animals and fight for survival in the The WILDS. Finding food, water, and shelter will be the easy part, protecting your family from hungry predators and a harsh environment will separate the weak from the strong. Welcome to a uniquely immersive animal experience...

Why similar: Nature 26.2%, Life Sim 19.2%, Survival 18.9%, Open World 18.7%, Exploration 9.6%