Games Like The Red Lantern

You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.

Why similar: Snow 35.7% ★, Choose Your Own Adventure 15.9%, Interactive Fiction 13.3%, Emotional 12.4%, Choices Matter 9%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the intense focus on resource management and difficult, narrative-altering choices while leading a team through a frozen landscape.

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 38.4%, Female Protagonist 18.1%, Exploration 13.7%, Choices Matter 8.4%, Walking Simulator 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game mirrors the emotional weight and survival mechanics of caring for a family of animals in a dangerous, unforgiving world.

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: Exploration 49.3%, First-Person 30.7%, Walking Simulator 14%, Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive Alaskan survival experience, capturing the same harsh, frozen wilderness and resource-management tension found in The Red Lantern.

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: Dogs 61.9% ★, Emotional 13.1%, Exploration 6.4%, Relaxing 6.2%, Walking Simulator 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, emotional journey centered on a dog and their owner exploring a vast, atmospheric landscape.

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

Why similar: Emotional 24.8%, Interactive Fiction 18.4%, Female Protagonist 16.4%, Exploration 11.7%, Choices Matter 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the survival of a mother animal and her cubs, capturing the same protective, emotional bond found in The Red Lantern.

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: Emotional 29.2%, Female Protagonist 18.6%, Exploration 15.9%, Relaxing 15.8%, Walking Simulator 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric exploration game where you play as an animal, focusing on the beauty of nature and uncovering a forgotten story.

A rogue-like river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 37.7%, Exploration 23%, Roguelite 16.9%, Dogs 14.7% ★, Adventure 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelite survival game that features a journey through a wilderness environment with a loyal canine companion by your side.

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: Dogs 48% ★, Emotional 15.8%, Female Protagonist 8.8%, Relaxing 8.3%, Exploration 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A wholesome, emotional adventure that emphasizes the bond between a player and a dog in a beautifully hand-drawn world.

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 70%, Story Rich 17.2%, Adventure 7.2%, Casual 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Set in the Alaskan wilderness, this game offers a deep narrative experience rooted in indigenous folklore and survival.

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: Exploration 29.4%, Relaxing 25.7%, Walking Simulator 21.2%, Story Rich 12.5%, Casual 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy game where you play as a fox, focusing on the atmospheric beauty of the Nordic wilderness.

Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly interactive tale you won't soon forget.

Why similar: Snow 29.1% ★, Exploration 22.2%, First-Person 18.5%, Walking Simulator 15.1%, Story Rich 9%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-survival game set in a snowy, desolate Northern Canadian setting that emphasizes exploration and environmental storytelling.

A first-person dog sledding horror game. Play as a sled dog musher hired to transport a scientist deep into the unforgiving wastes of the arctic.

Why similar: Dogs 86.6% ★, First-Person 5.4%, Walking Simulator 5.2%, 3D 2.1%, Adventure 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person atmospheric game that centers on the relationship between a person and their dog in a remote environment.

As a rookie musher, foster a dogsledding team whose skills will grow if they're treated right. Week by week, get to know your dogs' unique traits, and carve your story into the trails of the Mount St. Something region.

Why similar: Dogs 95.2% ★, RPG 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic match that focuses on the mechanics of dog sledding and managing a team of dogs.

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 27.2%, Exploration 23.8%, First-Person 18.9%, Story Rich 15.5%, Colorful 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: While lacking the survival mechanics, it perfectly captures the feeling of isolation and narrative-driven exploration in a vast wilderness.

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 43.4%, Walking Simulator 12.5%, Exploration 12%, Story Rich 9.4%, Female Protagonist 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional, story-rich adventure that explores the bond between humans and animals in a poignant way.

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 28.5%, Female Protagonist 19.5%, Exploration 14%, Relaxing 12.2%, Choices Matter 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-focused game with a strong narrative and a unique, colorful art style that emphasizes personal discovery.

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

Why similar: Exploration 33.7%, Relaxing 32.3%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Walking Simulator 8.5%, Adventure 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the relaxing, exploratory spirit of nature-based games with a focus on discovery and cozy movement.

Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate!

Why similar: Emotional 27%, Interactive Fiction 25.5%, Exploration 13.4%, Relaxing 9.7%, Colorful 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy game where choices significantly alter the story, mirroring the choose-your-own-adventure feel of The Red Lantern.

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: Exploration 24.7%, Relaxing 22.8%, Walking Simulator 21.5%, Colorful 10.5%, Story Rich 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional exploration game that uses the perspective of an animal to tell a touching story about family.

The Heroes Around Me tells a story of a family of 3: the hard-working and quiet father – Nan, his daughter Lili, and their pet dog Sesame. Players will experience the harshness and warmth in the simpler time of the 1990s, where lots of stories are untold.

Why similar: Dogs 57.2% ★, Interactive Fiction 13%, Emotional 11.9%, Exploration 5.8%, Walking Simulator 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that features a dog companion and emphasizes emotional, character-driven storytelling.

Get ready for a pawsome puppy adventure in Little Friends: Puppy Island! Discover exciting locations, dig up hidden treasures, build and expand your holiday resort, and meet plenty of lovable little friends to care for on your very own un-paw-gettable, tropical island adventure!

Why similar: Dogs 66.6% ★, Exploration 11.3%, Colorful 7.7%, Relaxing 5.7%, 3D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, exploration-based game that focuses on the companionship and care of dogs in a colorful setting.

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: Female Protagonist 27.1%, Exploration 22.1%, Relaxing 19.6%, Walking Simulator 14.6%, Colorful 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A non-violent, atmospheric exploration game that focuses on narrative discovery in a beautiful, ruined world.

Embark on a journey with four adorable explorers! Uncover all the secrets of a post-apocalyptic world, meet the future inhabitants of Earth and enjoy plenty of Easter eggs. Your choices will shape the game's ending, so choose wisely! Or try a second playthrough to catch all the fun moments!

Why similar: Dogs 90.5% ★, Colorful 4.2%, Choices Matter 2.5%, Adventure 1.3%, Story Rich 1%

Why You'll Like It: A visual novel that features a dog companion and focuses on adventure in a post-apocalyptic setting.

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: Emotional 35.2%, Female Protagonist 25%, Exploration 19.6%, Walking Simulator 13.2%, Casual 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: The original game in the series, focusing on the raw, survival-based nature of protecting your young in the wild.

Deep Beyond Is a first-person interactive thriller about a sea explorer and the mystery behind her father’s disappearance.

Why similar: Dogs 52.3% ★, Emotional 12.7%, Exploration 8.4%, Walking Simulator 7.4%, First-Person 6%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven walking simulator that features a dog companion and focuses on puzzle-solving and exploration.

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

Why similar: Dogs 56.4% ★, Relaxing 12.9%, Exploration 11.5%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Colorful 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cozy, simulation-based adventure that features a dog companion and emphasizes exploration of the natural world.

Master tactical sword fighting combat, or discover ways to avoid bloodshed. A journey that trusts you from beginning to end.

Why similar: Exploration 68.3%, Adventure 31.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, emotional survival journey that emphasizes the weight of your choices and the necessity of persistence.

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: Dogs 48% ★, Emotional 14.8%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Exploration 7.9%, Relaxing 7%

Uncover Grandma Rose’s extraordinary stories along with Amelia, all hidden in multiple cozy puzzles spread around the world. Dive into globetrotter adventures, discover granny’s treasures, and relax along the way.

Why similar: Dogs 49% ★, Emotional 17%, Interactive Fiction 13.9%, Relaxing 9.4%, Colorful 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, casual puzzle game that focuses on storytelling and wholesome interactions.

Heal a scarred island, rebuild habitats, play with your dog, design your sanctuary, and relax by the fire. Turn this broken, trash-filled island into a thriving sanctuary — one clean sweep at a time.

Why similar: Dogs 71.2% ★, Exploration 7.7%, Relaxing 7.7%, First-Person 3.6%, Colorful 3.4%

London, 1888: The people of Whitechapel live under the ghastly shadow of Jack the Ripper, tempting Arthurian legends - Du Lac & Fey - back to English shores to intervene. Will they stop Jack before more blood is spilt on the cobbled streets? Victorian London awaits you...

Why similar: Dogs 57.2% ★, Emotional 10.1%, Interactive Fiction 9.5%, Female Protagonist 9.3%, Choices Matter 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven adventure that features a dog companion and emphasizes choices that impact the story.

"There is a saying that when you depart from this world, the dog who went ahead will warmly welcome you." While spending time in dog heaven, Bong-gu the Welsh Corgi suddenly catches his dad's scent. Now, he embarks on a journey to meet his dad. Will Bong-gu be able to see his dad again?

Why similar: Dogs 71.3% ★, Emotional 11.5%, Exploration 5.2%, Colorful 3.6%, Story Rich 2.6%

"Sneaky Doggie" is a dress-up game. You play as a loyal dog, creating a wide range of outfit combinations. Choose your favorite outfits, complete quests, and become a great doggie! ૮ ・ﻌ・ა Woof!

Why similar: Dogs 59.5% ★, Interactive Fiction 12.4%, Emotional 10%, Relaxing 7%, Female Protagonist 5.7%

Snow Cone Serenade is a short and sweet liminal adventure. Choose your mood and roll the dice to succeed or fail in spicy situations. Enter a cursed snow world to save your sick dog, Jedediah. Unravel a mind-bending mystery to face your innermost fears.

Why similar: Dogs 25.6% ★, Snow 23.5% ★, Interactive Fiction 17.4%, Emotional 15.3%, Exploration 6%

A lost soul and his dog set out on an otherworldly trek through the afterlife in this wholesome, non-linear adventure game. Pass into the world beyond, perform acts of kindness for other souls, and mend mistakes from a forgotten past life - all with a very good boy by your side!

Why similar: Dogs 61.5% ★, Interactive Fiction 10.7%, Emotional 7.9%, Exploration 5.4%, Relaxing 5%

Play with shadows using your imagination to solve brain twisting platforming puzzles as you unfold a journey of loss, nostalgia and acceptance.

Why similar: Dogs 49.3% ★, Emotional 17.8%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Relaxing 9.3%, Colorful 4%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses a dog companion as a central element to explore emotional themes.

Anxiety Puppy is a 2D interactive narrative game that focuses on anxiety. In the game, anxiety is personified as a little puppy. Players will explore its story and try to coexist with it. Go find its traces and give it a hug.

Why similar: Dogs 27.1% ★, Interactive Fiction 24.8%, Emotional 22.3%, Female Protagonist 16.4%, Casual 3.4%

Humanity Trashed the Earth and left for Mars. Only few remained. EXPLORE the world. Clean the environment, CRAFT with recycled resources. Domesticate animals. Rebuild your village. Restore environment and run your own post-apo FARM as there is No Place Like Home!

Why similar: Dogs 63.9% ★, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Exploration 8.2%, Relaxing 7.6%, RPG 5.7%

Join the shelter crew and create the best Alpine resort in this cozy narrative tycoon! Enjoy rich character stories, attract and rescue alpinists, manage your resort, and forge new trails. Grab your map, pour a warm cup of tea, and brace for the harshest winter of the 1960s!

Why similar: Dogs 52.2% ★, Snow 36.5% ★, Relaxing 6.3%, Story Rich 3.5%, Casual 1.5%

In the heat of deserted lands, a child and their mother weakened by sickness try to survive a harsh world. Through a kid’s perspective, take action and explore the remains of a lost past. Protect yourself from the sun’s deadly intensity and help your family get back on the road.

Why similar: Dogs 36.6% ★, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.9%, Interactive Fiction 16.2%, Exploration 9%, Walking Simulator 7.3%

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

Why similar: Emotional 21.7%, Female Protagonist 20.3%, Exploration 15.3%, Relaxing 14.7%, Walking Simulator 11.4%

Explore a hand-crafted winter forest as a big adorable dog and a little kid in tow. A short, free, open source project brought to you by Blender Studio.

Why similar: Dogs 58.1% ★, Exploration 10.4%, Snow 8.8% ★, Walking Simulator 6.3%, Relaxing 6.3%

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: Female Protagonist 24.6%, Exploration 16.5%, Walking Simulator 13.9%, Relaxing 13%, First-Person 12.1%

Blanc is an artistic cooperative adventure that follows the journey of a wolf cub and a fawn stranded in a vast, snowy wilderness. They must come together in an unlikely partnership to find their families.

Why similar: Emotional 44.7%, Relaxing 21.5%, Walking Simulator 11.8%, Multiplayer 7.3%, Exploration 4.7%

Meet Elif, a little girl full of life who needs to find a book for her friend. With the help of her friend Crocus, explore Elif's imagination and discover her world !

Why similar: Dogs 55.6% ★, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.5%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, 3D 3.8%, Colorful 3.5%

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

Why similar: Emotional 28.5%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Exploration 14.8%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Walking Simulator 10.8%

Run your own pet shop in Pet Shop Simulator! Find new homes for pets, thus fulfilling the dreams of your customers. Take care of the needs of animals by selling the right items and get involved in matters related to the pets' home life!

Why similar: Dogs 54.3% ★, Choose Your Own Adventure 15.6%, Emotional 10.3%, First-Person 7.1%, Colorful 5.6%

A top-down 2D story-driven adventure game inspired by real-life events. Traverse and experience the life of a formerly homeless man through an interview of how he regained his sense of self by telling his past to a stray dog. Set in Bangkok, Thailand 2017.

Why similar: Dogs 45.7% ★, Emotional 19.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.7%, Exploration 8.8%, Walking Simulator 5.9%

Step into the shoes of Lyric, the humble innkeeper in a quiet mountain village, as she reflects upon a lifetime of poignant memories, heartwarming friendships, and bittersweet choices — proving along the way that you don't have to slay dragons to be the hero of your own story.

Why similar: Emotional 18.4%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Relaxing 8.5%

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: Emotional 40.4%, Exploration 18.3%, Casual 16.7%, Adventure 15.5%, Story Rich 9%

"MELLOWOLLEM" is an adventure game where you explore maps and find objects to progress. The main character meets a girl on a sunny summer day, and the story unfolds guided by her words. However, detailed story elements remain undisclosed, leaving only the setting of a hot, dreamy summer landscape.

Why similar: Dogs 51.6% ★, Relaxing 10.1%, Exploration 9.3%, First-Person 8.8%, Walking Simulator 6.7%

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

Why similar: Emotional 29.9%, Female Protagonist 21.9%, Exploration 15.5%, Relaxing 14.7%, Story Rich 6.6%

"Your place is here." - "Cyan's Snow House" is a dialogue-free, short indie game set in a snowy village, offering a universal, heartwarming experience in just 10 minutes. Enjoy tranquil moments with Cyan and her animal friends, leaving a lasting impression.

Why similar: Snow 66.5% ★, Relaxing 17.2%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Casual 4.1%, Adventure 2.4%

Tails Noir Preludes is a post-noir narrative adventure with branching choices. It is an intertwined series of vignettes about change, circumstance, and consequence. Guide four characters through formative moments in their lives in a dystopian Vancouver inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 25.5%, Emotional 23.9%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Relaxing 13%, Exploration 11.7%

A cozy pet sim where you raise Ember, your magical fox-like companion. Bring her home, care for her, and venture into the Otherlands together -- deepening your bond one adventure at a time.

Why similar: Dogs 68.5% ★, Relaxing 11.5%, Exploration 11.2%, First-Person 6.9%, Casual 1.9%

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: Female Protagonist 44.3%, Exploration 35.6%, 3D 11.4%, Adventure 4.7%, Casual 4%

After being discharged from the army and starting to write novels, Nico embarks on a trip to the world with the roar of a train, encountering all kinds of people and events on the way, and experiencing the new world after the war, and the real purpose of Nico's trip gradually emerges ......

Why similar: Dogs 73.1% ★, RPG 6.2%, Exploration 5.7%, Relaxing 5.6%, Colorful 4.7%

Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey.

Why similar: Emotional 29.9%, Female Protagonist 20.9%, Relaxing 14.7%, Exploration 14.3%, Colorful 8%

You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust?

Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 22.4%, Emotional 22.2%, Interactive Fiction 20.2%, Female Protagonist 20%, RPG 6.5%

Single-player puzzle adventure with a beautiful, distinctive art style and a genuinely emotional story. As a lonely dog wandering the afterlife searching for his dead master, 'Don't Disturb' explores traditional Asian views on death and the underworld.

Why similar: Dogs 48.6% ★, Emotional 17.8%, Exploration 10.8%, Choices Matter 8.5%, Walking Simulator 8.5%