If you’ve ever played Life is Strange, you know it’s more than just a game—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that sticks with you long after the credits roll. With its heartfelt storytelling, tough choices, and a sprinkle of supernatural intrigue, it’s no wonder fans are always on the hunt for games like Life is Strange to fill that void. Lucky for you, the gaming world is brimming with narrative-driven gems that capture that same magic. Let’s dive into some of the best alternatives that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you glued to the screen.
Best 9 Games like Life is Strange
#1 Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
- Platform: PC, Console (TBA)
- Release Date: 2024 (Expected)
- Developer/Publisher: Don’t Nod
From the brilliant minds behind Life is Strange comes Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a nostalgic trip to the 1990s that’s equal parts heartwarming and mysterious. The story follows four teenage friends in the small town of Velvet Cove during the summer of 1995, only to reunite decades later under strange circumstances. With dual timelines, supernatural twists, and a heavy focus on relationships, this game feels like a spiritual successor to Life is Strange.
What makes it stand out is how it balances coming-of-age drama with a gripping mystery. Every decision you make ripples through both the past and present, making your choices feel weighty and personal. If you’re craving that signature mix of emotional storytelling and supernatural intrigue, this one’s a no-brainer.
#2 Scarlet Hollow
- Platform: PC, Mac
- Release Date: Early Access (Ongoing)
- Developer/Publisher: Black Tabby Games
For those who love the emotional depth of Life is Strange but wouldn’t mind a darker, spookier vibe, Scarlet Hollow is your go-to. This horror-infused visual novel drops you into a creepy small town filled with unsettling secrets and hand-drawn artwork that oozes atmosphere.
The game’s branching dialogue system is a standout feature—every choice you make shapes the story in meaningful ways, from character relationships to the overall plot. It’s like Life is Strange meets a campfire ghost story, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with a side of chills.
#3 The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release Date: June 25, 2018
- Developer/Publisher: Dontnod Entertainment / Square Enix
If you’re a die-hard Life is Strange fan, you can’t skip The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. This free-to-play gem from Dontnod Entertainment is set in the same universe and follows Chris, a young boy who escapes his struggles by imagining himself as a superhero.
What makes this game so special is how it blends reality and fantasy to tell a deeply emotional story. It’s short but packs a punch, and it even ties into Life is Strange 2. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, bite-sized experience that captures the essence of Life is Strange, this is it.
#4 Alice is Missing
- Platform: Tabletop RPG
- Release Date: December 2020
- Developer/Publisher: Hunters Entertainment / Renegade Game Studios
Looking for something completely different but just as emotional? Alice is Missing is a silent tabletop RPG played entirely through text messages. Yes, you read that right. Players work together to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Alice, a high school student, in real-time.
The lack of spoken dialogue and the focus on relationships make this game a uniquely immersive experience. Every text you send shapes the story, creating a deeply personal and emotional journey. It’s a fresh take on narrative-driven games that Life is Strange fans will appreciate.
#5 Dustborn
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date: 2024 (Expected)
- Developer/Publisher: Red Thread Games / Quantic Dream
Road trips, misfits, and a dystopian United States—Dustborn is a narrative adventure with a comic-book-inspired aesthetic and a story that’s all about identity, rebellion, and the power of words. The protagonist uses persuasive speech as a weapon, adding a unique twist to the genre.
If you loved the dialogue-heavy, character-driven storytelling of Life is Strange, this game will feel right at home. Plus, its themes of communication and self-discovery make it a thought-provoking experience.
#6 Goodnight Universe
- Platform: PC, VR (TBA)
- Release Date: 2025 (Expected)
- Developer/Publisher: GoodbyeWorld Games
From the creators of Before Your Eyes comes Goodnight Universe, an upcoming game that lets you play as Isaac, a psychic baby with mysterious powers. Using eye-tracking technology, the game creates an incredibly personal and immersive experience.
The emotional story and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for fans of Life is Strange. It’s a reminder that games can be both deeply moving and wildly creative.
#7 Tell Me Why
- Platform: PC, Xbox One
- Release Date: August 27, 2020
- Developer/Publisher: Dontnod Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios
Another masterpiece from Dontnod Entertainment, Tell Me Why follows twins Alyson and Tyler as they uncover the truth about their troubled childhood in a small Alaskan town. With themes of memory, perspective, and a telepathic bond between the siblings, this game feels like a natural companion to Life is Strange.
The choices you make shape how the twins interpret their past, leading to multiple outcomes. Add in strong LGBTQ+ representation and emotional storytelling, and you’ve got a game that’s perfect for Life is Strange fans.
#8 Night in the Woods
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
- Release Date: February 21, 2017
- Developer/Publisher: Infinite Fall / Finji
Night in the Woods is an indie darling that blends exploration, quirky dialogue, and existential themes into one unforgettable package. You play as Mae, a college dropout returning to her hometown, only to find that things have changed in unsettling ways.
The game’s hand-drawn art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and themes of mental health and self-discovery make it a must-play for anyone who loves Life is Strange. It’s a story about growing up, finding yourself, and facing the unknown—sound familiar?
#9 Oxenfree
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
- Release Date: January 15, 2016
- Developer/Publisher: Night School Studio / Netflix Games
If the supernatural mystery of Life is Strange hooked you, Oxenfree is a must-play. This game follows a group of teenagers who accidentally open a ghostly rift on a remote island. With its dynamic conversation system and eerie atmosphere, it’s a suspenseful yet emotionally driven experience.
The game’s focus on friendship, loss, and the unknown makes it a perfect match for those looking for games like Life is Strange. Plus, the haunting soundtrack and stunning visuals will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Why Should You Play these Games?
The aforementioned 9 games like Life is Strange are more than just entertainment—they’re experiences that stay with you. These narrative-driven adventures excel at telling stories that feel deeply personal, often tackling themes like friendship, identity, loss, and self-discovery. They give you the power to shape the story through your choices, making every decision feel meaningful and impactful. Whether it’s the emotional weight of a character’s journey or the thrill of unraveling a mystery, these games create a connection that’s hard to find in other genres.
If you love stories that make you think, feel, and reflect, these similar games to Life is Strange are the perfect escape. Plus, they’re a great reminder of how video games can be a powerful medium for storytelling, blending art, emotion, and interactivity in ways that few other forms of media can.
