Games Like THE LONGING

KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway running through the caves beneath Kentucky, and the mysterious folks who travel it.

Why similar: Point & Click 38.7%, Atmospheric 17%, Story Rich 10.2%, Adventure 9%, Mystery 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its surreal, slow-paced narrative and atmospheric world-building evoke the same sense of wandering through a mysterious, dreamlike landscape.

An experimental, minimalistic microgame about loneliness. Originally released as a Flash game in 2010 that was featured by Extra Credits.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 18.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.1%, Experimental 14.8%, Point & Click 14.8%, Dark 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental and minimalist title that perfectly captures the abstract, melancholic feeling of being truly alone in a vast space.

Presented by the team behind critically acclaimed "Moncage", this is a transformative adventure exploring the art of waiting. Clear the game by doing nothing, but discover the power of acceptance and patience in numerous situations from birth to death. Learn to embrace life as you wait.

Why similar: Choices Matter 33.3%, Puzzle 33.1%, Adventure 16.4%, Indie 9.2%, Singleplayer 8%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the core philosophy of finding meaning and humor in the act of waiting, directly mirroring the central mechanic of The Longing.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of 2013's The Stanley Parable. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will make a choice, and you will become powerless. You are not here to win. The Stanley Parable is a game that plays you.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 32.1%, Multiple Endings 22.2%, Choices Matter 17.4%, Exploration 7%, Mystery 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It uses meta-commentary and multiple endings to challenge the player's agency, providing a similar sense of existential curiosity.

The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 45.6%, Story Rich 14.8%, Experimental 12%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Dark 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This meta-narrative experience explores the relationship between the player and the creator, echoing the introspective and lonely tone of The Longing.

NORCO is a dialogue-focused point & click adventure that immerses the player in the sinking suburbs and industrial swamplands of an increasingly surreal and distorted South Louisiana.

Why similar: Point & Click 31%, Mystery 18.1%, Dark 15%, Story Rich 11.9%, Atmospheric 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click adventure that excels in atmospheric storytelling and surreal, dark imagery that feels deeply connected to the underground aesthetic.

Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.

Why similar: Point & Click 18%, Multiple Endings 11.8%, Mystery 11.8%, Dark 11.2%, Choices Matter 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, cozy, and atmospheric puzzle game that rewards patience and careful observation in a mysterious setting.

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: Hand-drawn 19.3%, Choices Matter 16.4%, Mystery 14.9%, Story Rich 13%, Exploration 11%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on atmospheric exploration and character-driven dialogue that captures the feeling of being an outsider in a changing world.

A chill game about using plants to overgrow abandoned wasteland dioramas

Why similar: Experimental 56.8%, Atmospheric 28.6%, Singleplayer 5.4%, Puzzle 4.6%, Indie 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A meditative, slow-paced game about nature reclaiming abandoned spaces, which mirrors the quiet, decaying beauty of the underground kingdom.

Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25%, Experimental 23.7%, Exploration 14.9%, RPG 12%, Atmospheric 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A philosophical, slow-paced experience that allows you to contemplate the scale of existence, much like the existential waiting in The Longing.

OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.

Why similar: Story Rich 17.1%, Choices Matter 16.7%, Multiple Endings 16.7%, Atmospheric 11%, Puzzle 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game breaks the fourth wall and relies on a deep, emotional connection between the player and the world, similar to the intimate solitude of your task.

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

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 20.9%, Multiple Endings 13.6%, Hand-drawn 12%, Choices Matter 11.5%, Exploration 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A slow-paced, exploration-heavy game that prioritizes atmosphere and personal discovery over traditional combat or high-speed action.

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: Mystery 24.3%, Exploration 22%, Story Rich 15.6%, Atmospheric 12.9%, Puzzle 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: Exploration and the passage of time are central to uncovering the secrets of a dying universe, creating a profound sense of existential wonder.

You only have 21 days until this living city dies. The clock is ticking. You can’t be everywhere at once. Decide what to explore, who to meet and see every decision shape the curious stories and terrible secrets of this branching narrative game.

Why similar: Choices Matter 26.4%, Mystery 15.7%, Story Rich 14.4%, Adventure 11.1%, Exploration 11%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy, choice-driven game set in a dying city that rewards exploration and patience in uncovering its deep lore.

Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell.

Why similar: Choices Matter 25.7%, Story Rich 17.3%, Atmospheric 16.2%, Dark 16.2%, RPG 13%

Why You'll Like It: A grueling, atmospheric experience where time is your greatest enemy, forcing you to make difficult choices in a decaying world.

A unique mix of adventure and idle game. Plan and optimise your loops carefully and let the grind happen automatically. Explore this unique world, meet strange characters and escape the loop. A high-quality idle game that elevate the mechanics through an old school pixel-art adventure.

Why similar: Idler 52.9%, Exploration 14.7%, RPG 11.6%, Adventure 6.5%, Story Rich 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: An idler-adventure hybrid that focuses on the passage of time and exploration, aligning closely with the mechanics of The Longing.

Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.9%, Story Rich 21%, Hand-drawn 15.6%, Mystery 11.2%, Choices Matter 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a unique time-based mechanic to tell an emotional story, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of every moment.

A classic survival horror experience set in a dystopian future where humanity has uncovered a dark secret. Unravel a cosmic mystery, escape terrifying creatures, and scavenge an off-world government facility as Elster, a technician Replika searching for her lost dreams.

Why similar: Dark 26.6%, Mystery 25.7%, Atmospheric 21.6%, Puzzle 15.9%, Adventure 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply atmospheric game with a haunting, lonely aesthetic and a focus on uncovering secrets within a claustrophobic, underground environment.

A thoughtful and deeply personal title with stripped-down mechanics. The lack of dialogue or text allows you to create your own narrative through your time with four characters. Each short story will allow players to be swept away by the haunting lyrics of over twenty original, nostalgic songs.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 40.8%, Point & Click 33.8%, Story Rich 10.1%, 2D 8.3%, Indie 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cozy, wordless narrative experience that focuses on the small, quiet moments of life, much like the idle nature of The Longing.

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: Experimental 23.5%, Puzzle 15%, Multiple Endings 14.8%, Mystery 13.6%, Exploration 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: An abstract, surreal puzzle game that focuses on perspective and exploration in a world that defies traditional geometry.

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 39.2%, Mystery 15.3%, Story Rich 12.8%, Atmospheric 12.5%, Exploration 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the profound sense of isolation and the beauty of solitude while exploring a vast, quiet wilderness.

A surreal post-life adventure

Why similar: RPG 20.3%, Choices Matter 14.7%, Dark 12.1%, Story Rich 11.4%, Adventure 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, indie RPG that explores themes of loneliness and existence through a unique, dreamlike lens.

The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.

Why similar: Choices Matter 26.6%, Point & Click 24.2%, Story Rich 19.4%, Atmospheric 13%, Adventure 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click adventure with a heavy focus on philosophical dialogue and the consequences of your choices.

A contemplative experience where you’ll wander through the dreams, memories and fantasies emerging from a dialogue between a grandfather and his grandchild.

Why similar: Underground 31.8% ★, Walking Simulator 21.4%, Experimental 13.9%, Mystery 8.7%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental, surreal walking simulator that prioritizes atmosphere and memory over traditional gameplay loops.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Point & Click 34.2%, Puzzle 19.5%, Story Rich 17.4%, Atmospheric 12.7%, 2D 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A zen, slow-paced game that tells a story through environmental details, capturing the same quiet satisfaction found in managing your underground home.

LUNA The Shadow Dust is a fully hand-animated Point&Click puzzle adventure, brought to life through wordless storytelling, beautiful cinematics and a breathtaking original soundtrack.

Why similar: Point & Click 32.9%, Hand-drawn 23.3%, Adventure 10.6%, Puzzle 10.5%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A wordless, hand-drawn point-and-click adventure that relies on atmosphere and puzzle-solving to tell its story.

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: Atmospheric 23.4%, Hand-drawn 22.7%, Walking Simulator 11.5%, Story Rich 9.2%, Puzzle 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 2D platformer that uses visual storytelling and atmosphere to convey deep emotional themes without a single word of dialogue.

Share thoughts and hot food with your last ever clients, as you wait for the world to end.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 24.1%, Multiple Endings 15.8%, Choices Matter 12.6%, Mystery 9.9%

Step into a world where dreams and reality mix. You find yourself in a dream-like world, and explore a different traumatic experience each day. Your choice determines if the boy accepts these moments and moves on, or stays in the past.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 15.5%, Multiple Endings 13.8%, Choices Matter 12.9%, Dark 12.5%, Walking Simulator 12.3%

Live the perfect day, break the cycle, and discover the truth about yourself in this short, quirky sci-fi mystery about freedom, choice, and loneliness.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 39.5%, Choices Matter 19.8%, Mystery 13.7%, Multiple Endings 10.6%, Atmospheric 9.2%

It’s the first game of Through Abandoned series, classical point and click game. You try to find your twin-brother who disappeared in a huge and mysterious place called Abandoned.

Why similar: Point & Click 25.8%, Hand-drawn 15.3%, Mystery 12.2%, Puzzle 9.6%, Exploration 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the underground exploration theme with a focus on point-and-click puzzle solving in a mysterious, isolated setting.

You are trapped in an endless underground passageway. Observe your surroundings carefully to reach "The Exit 8".

Why similar: Underground 44.1% ★, Walking Simulator 26.1%, Exploration 9.5%, Puzzle 8.4%, Mystery 7.4%

In a lonely station atop a mountain, a train rumbles its precious cargo to places unknown. Now is your shift. Keep the pace. Uncover a mystery. Fight for your last breath. The air is thin up here.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.7%, Multiple Endings 11.8%, Dark 11.2%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Mystery 8.4%

Welcome in Bad Dream: Coma. A point & click game where unique minimalistic art style creates an unforgettable and atmospheric experience. Travel through the surreal and disturbing dreamland where everything depends on your actions. You can't die but you can suffer greatly...

Why similar: Point & Click 21.5%, Multiple Endings 14%, Hand-drawn 13.4%, Choices Matter 12.4%, Dark 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, surreal point-and-click adventure that features multiple endings and a heavy emphasis on the consequences of your actions.

You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 24.3%, Choices Matter 21%, Point & Click 19.3%, Hand-drawn 15.9%, Story Rich 9.4%

KILL YOUR GOD. BECOME WORTHY. Horripilant is a chilling idle incremental dungeon crawl through the horrors of a forgotten underworld.

Why similar: Idler 35.2%, Point & Click 18.2%, Hand-drawn 14%, Puzzle 8.9%, Exploration 8.4%

Immerse yourself in the winter forest and help a lost soul to find a piece of itself. What is awaiting you there.. or who?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 20.3%, Point & Click 16%, Multiple Endings 13.3%, Dark 10.5%, Choices Matter 9.5%

An auto-RPG with strategic combat, deep crafting and programming elements, animated entirely in ASCII-art. In a realm of perpetual darkness, a single stone could change everything...

Why similar: Idler 46.4%, RPG 27.4%, Adventure 12.2%, Puzzle 7%, Indie 6.9%

There is only you and the Forest. In "Rooten" there are no compulsory tasks, time just goes by, and days pass by independently of you. You can explore the Forest, try to get out, or even do nothing at all. The forest has always been here, and always will be. You won't change it no matter what.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 32.3%, Dark 15.5%, Choices Matter 10.5%, Exploration 10.2%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Mystery 30.4%, Puzzle 15.4%, Story Rich 13.9%, Atmospheric 12.8%, Walking Simulator 9%

7th Chance is a short (20-30 minute) story-based exploration adventure game. Waking up from a night of heavy drinking ... something isn't right.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.8%, Multiple Endings 10.8%, Exploration 10.3%, Choices Matter 9.8%, Point & Click 9.6%

Fear & Hunger is a horror dungeon crawler set in the dark and hopeless dungeons of fear and hunger. The game is a hybrid of survival horror and dungeon crawler genres with its influences ranging from Silent Hill to Nethack. There are roguelike elements to the game as well as a heavy foundation of a j-RPG.

Why similar: RPG 32.2%, Dark 31.9%, Atmospheric 14.1%, 2D 8.8%, Indie 6.8%

Potion Craft is an alchemist simulator where you physically interact with your tools and ingredients to brew potions. You're in full control of the whole shop: invent new recipes, attract customers and experiment to your heart's content. Just remember: the whole town is counting on you.

Why similar: Point & Click 27.9%, Hand-drawn 24%, Choices Matter 17.7%, RPG 11.4%, 2D 9%

You don't know how you got here, and you don't know how you'll leave. Wander the depths of the Backrooms in hopes of finding something more.

Why similar: Multiple Endings 28%, Exploration 22.3%, Atmospheric 19.7%, Walking Simulator 11.6%, Adventure 9.9%

Dorfromantik is a peaceful building strategy and puzzle game where you create a beautiful and ever-growing village landscape by placing tiles. Explore a variety of colorful biomes, discover and unlock new tiles and complete quests to fill your world with life!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 51.9%, Puzzle 33.5%, Indie 8.7%, Singleplayer 5.9%

It's not a game, it's a toy. Explore all cycles and prepare yourself to accept the inevitable effects of Mitoza.

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 21.5%, Point & Click 19.3%, Choices Matter 13.4%, Multiple Endings 13%, Mystery 10.2%

HOMESICKNESS is a point-&-click psychological horror indie game exploring the nuances of nostalgia. Play as Theo, trapped in CHILDREEF’s daycare, descending floor by floor; surviving the remnants of time. Use the Kids' multi-tool, listen to obscure tapes, and make your way to the lot. She's waiting.

Why similar: Point & Click 32.5%, Experimental 29.7%, Exploration 15.7%, Story Rich 14.4%, Singleplayer 3.6%

Welcome to Cozy Grove, a game about camping on a haunted, ever-changing island. As a Spirit Scout, you'll wander the island's forest each day, finding new hidden secrets and helping soothe the local ghosts. With a little time and a lot of crafting, you'll bring color and joy back to Cozy Grove!

Why similar: Story Rich 40.8%, Atmospheric 31.6%, 2D 17.2%, Indie 5.4%, Singleplayer 4.9%

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: Walking Simulator 25.9%, Point & Click 16.5%, Mystery 14.5%, Puzzle 10.2%, Exploration 9.2%

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

Why similar: Walking Simulator 18.8%, Multiple Endings 16.2%, Choices Matter 14.9%, Story Rich 10.2%, Exploration 8%

This is Interesting is a psychological horror mystery based game with roguelite elements. You are being watched, and you aren't really sure why. Delve through the depths of memory to uncover the mystery behind the gray purgatory you find yourself in.

Why similar: Mystery 16.5%, Exploration 14.4%, Choices Matter 13%, Puzzle 12%, RPG 11.4%

Card Shark is an adventure game full of cunning, intrigue, and delectable deceit. Enter a world where you’ll need to play your opponents better than you play your cards.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 20.1%, Point & Click 19.4%, Mystery 15.9%, Story Rich 10.8%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time someone else succeeds...

Why similar: Experimental 30.9%, Walking Simulator 28%, Exploration 13.7%, Atmospheric 13.2%, Adventure 5.9%

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

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 21.8%, Choices Matter 11.3%, Exploration 8.9%, Story Rich 8%

Look Outside is a survival horror RPG set in a single apartment building. A mysterious event turns anyone who looks out the window into grotesque monsters, leaving the world in absolute chaos. Scavenge the building to seek food, supplies, and weapons while encountering strange characters.

Why similar: RPG 30.8%, Dark 14.4%, Exploration 12.4%, Atmospheric 11.6%, Mystery 9.9%

You wake up, alone, on a strangely familiar island full of puzzles that will frustrate and annoy you.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 43.7%, Puzzle 21%, Exploration 17.1%, Atmospheric 12%, Singleplayer 4%

Gorogoa is an elegant evolution of the puzzle genre, told through a beautifully hand-drawn story designed and illustrated by Jason Roberts. Winner of Debut Game at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, as well as Best Mobile Game and the Innovation Award at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 22.6%, Puzzle 18.7%, Point & Click 17%, Atmospheric 7.7%, Mystery 7.4%

Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 19.3%, Multiple Endings 15%, Choices Matter 13.4%, Exploration 6.5%

Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface…

Why similar: Hand-drawn 23.2%, Dark 20.4%, Puzzle 14.9%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Exploration 11.1%

An atmospheric exploration game set in a Dark Fantasy world. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilisation and uncover it's forgotten past through a short nonlinear story with timeless retro graphics.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 52.6%, Exploration 17.9%, Adventure 12.2%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Story Rich 4.2%