Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like ELEX (2026)
Every game below overlaps with ELEX on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Darksiders III, which both post-apocalyptic, open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult.
- ELEX is tagged RPG, Open World, Singleplayer, Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Adventure, Action by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 5 are from the same studio: Gothic 1, Risen, Risen 3 - Titan Lords, Gothic 3, Risen 2: Dark Waters.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Darksiders III
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Violent and Third Person; published by the same company; released around the same time (2018).
Return to an apocalyptic Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash Action Adventure where players assume the role of FURY in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The most enigmatic of the Four Horsemen, FURY must bring balance to the forces that now ravage Earth.
Darksiders III at a glance Released 2018 Studio Gunfire Games Player sentiment 76% positive of 17,431 Price $39.99 RPGViolentThird PersonStory RichDark FantasyPost-apocalypticFantasyDifficult
- 2
Gothic 1
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Piranha Bytes; both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Gothic.
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Gothic 1 at a glance Released 2001 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 93% positive of 18,311 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyGothicThird PersonDark FantasyStory RichDifficultChoices Matter
- 3
Biomutant
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Post-apocalyptic and Third Person; published by the same company; released around the same time (2021).
BIOMUTANT® is an open-world, post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG, with a unique martial arts styled combat system allowing you to mix melee, shooting and mutant ability action.
Biomutant at a glance Released 2021 Studio Experiment 101 Player sentiment 66% positive of 20,181 Price $39.99 RPGPost-apocalypticThird PersonFantasyStory RichSci-fi
- 4
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, fantasy, story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Third Person, RPG and Dark Fantasy; published by the same company; released around the same time (2016).
Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, War – the first Horseman of the Apocalypse – stands accused of breaking the sacred law by inciting a war between Heaven and Hell.
Darksiders Warmastered Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio KAIKO Player sentiment 88% positive of 18,857 Price $19.99 Third PersonRPGDark FantasyViolentFantasyPost-apocalypticStory RichDifficult
- 5
Risen
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Piranha Bytes; both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Gothic and Fantasy.
Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.
Risen at a glance Released 2009 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,815 Price $14.99 RPGGothicFantasyThird PersonDark FantasyStory RichDifficult
- 6
Terminator: Resistance
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Choices Matter and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2019).
Terminator: Resistance, is a first-person shooter set during the 'Future War' scenario that was only glimpsed at in the iconic films, 'THE TERMINATOR' and 'T2: JUDGMENT DAY'. The machines are destined to lose, but at what cost?
Terminator: Resistance at a glance Released 2019 Studio Teyon Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,564 Price $7.99 Post-apocalypticChoices MatterSci-fiRPGStory RichFuturisticViolent
- 7
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, war, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person; released around the same time (2017).
Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War at a glance Released 2017 Studio Monolith Productions Player sentiment 89% positive of 116,690 Price $4.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonViolentWarStory RichDark Fantasy
- 8
NieR:Automata
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, RPG and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2017).
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.
NieR:Automata at a glance Released 2017 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 87% positive of 153,100 Price $39.99 Story RichRPGPost-apocalypticSci-fiViolent
- 9
Styx: Master of Shadows
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Violent, Story Rich and Third Person; released around the same time (2014).
Styx: Master of Shadows is an infiltration game with RPG elements taking place in a dark fantasy universe, where you sneak, steal and assassinate your way through as Styx, a Goblin two-centuries of age.
Styx: Master of Shadows at a glance Released 2014 Studio Cyanide Studio Player sentiment 83% positive of 11,709 Price $19.99 ViolentStory RichThird PersonDark FantasyFantasyRPGDifficult
- 10
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Story Rich.
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 90,315 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyStory RichChoices MatterThird PersonDark FantasyDifficult
- 11
Risen 3 - Titan Lords
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Piranha Bytes; both open world, fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Gothic and Fantasy; released around the same time (2014).
The world has been abandoned by its gods and is scarred from the rampage of the Titans. Humanity is struggling to regain strength. You, however, have more pressing concerns: your own life has been shattered and you must set off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness spreading throughout the world.
Risen 3 - Titan Lords at a glance Released 2014 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 74% positive of 6,461 Price $14.99 RPGGothicFantasyThird PersonDark FantasyStory Rich
- 12
Final Fantasy XIII
Why it matched: both science fiction, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Story Rich.
Final Fantasy XIII is a fantasy RPG in which a band of brave humans struggle against fate in the utopian sky city of Cocoon and the primeval world of Pulse. Follow stylish heroine Lightning's fast paced battles and high adventure in a mysterious new world.
Final Fantasy XIII at a glance Released 2009 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 75% positive of 19,914 Price $15.99 RPGFantasyStory RichSci-fiThird PersonFuturisticDifficult
- 13
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Third Person, Story Rich and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2019).
A galaxy-spanning adventure awaits in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a 3rd person action-adventure title from Respawn. An abandoned Padawan must complete his training, develop new powerful Force abilities, and master the art of the lightsaber - all while staying one step ahead of the Empire.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order at a glance Released 2019 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 175,096 Price $39.99 Third PersonStory RichSci-fiRPGFantasy
- 14
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Dark Fantasy; released around the same time (2016).
Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen at a glance Released 2016 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 88% positive of 49,002 Price $29.99 RPGFantasyDark FantasyThird PersonStory RichDifficult
- 15
NieR: Automata
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, RPG and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2017).
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.
NieR: Automata at a glance Released 2017 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 87% positive of 153,070 Price $39.99 Story RichRPGPost-apocalypticSci-fiViolent
- 16
Lies of P
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Dark Fantasy, Third Person and Story Rich.
Lies of P is a thrilling soulslike that takes the story of Pinocchio, turns it on its head, and sets it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era.
Lies of P at a glance Released 2023 Studio NEOWIZ Player sentiment 92% positive of 81,935 Price $59.99 Dark FantasyThird PersonStory RichRPGChoices MatterDifficultGothicViolent
- 17
Fallout 4
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, RPG and Story Rich; released around the same time (2015).
From Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, comes Fallout 4. A landmark in open-world RPG design and winner of over 200 ‘Best Of’ honors, including the DICE and BAFTA Game of the Year.
Fallout 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 428,604 Price $19.99 Post-apocalypticRPGStory RichSci-fiThird PersonThird-Person Shooter
- 18
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Story Rich.
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings at a glance Released 2011 Studio CD Projekt RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 90,312 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyStory RichChoices MatterThird PersonDark FantasyDifficult
- 19
Vampyr
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Choices Matter and Story Rich; released around the same time (2018).
London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal.
Vampyr at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 77% positive of 25,168 Price $39.99 RPGChoices MatterStory RichThird PersonDark FantasyViolent
- 20
Gothic 3
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Piranha Bytes; both open world, fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person.
A nameless hero becomes a legend! Myrtana, a world in upheaval: overrun by orcs from the dark lands in the north, King Rhobar is defending Vengard, the former stronghold of the humans, with his last troop of followers.
Gothic 3 at a glance Released 2009 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 82% positive of 12,375 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonGothicStory RichDark Fantasy
- 21
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Piranha Bytes; both open world, fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Third Person and Fantasy.
Set several years after the end of Risen, raging titans have devastated the world and pushed humanity to the brink of existence. Subsequently, monstrous creatures have risen from the watery depths of the sea and their attacks have brought all seafaring to a grinding halt.
Risen 2: Dark Waters at a glance Released 2012 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 80% positive of 6,790 Price $9.99 RPGThird PersonFantasyGothicStory RichDark Fantasy
- 22
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Difficult, Third Person and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at a glance Released 2019 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 95% positive of 354,843 Price $59.99 DifficultThird PersonStory RichViolentDark FantasyRPG
- 23
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Difficult, Third Person and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition at a glance Released 2019 Studio FromSoftware, Inc. Player sentiment 95% positive of 354,898 Price $59.99 DifficultThird PersonStory RichViolentDark FantasyRPG
- 24
CONTROL Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Third Person and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2020).
Winner of over 80 awards, CONTROL is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
CONTROL Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2020 Studio Remedy Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 63,191 Price $3.99 Story RichThird PersonSci-fiThird-Person ShooterViolentDifficult
Common questions
What game is most like ELEX?
Darksiders III, on the evidence we have. It both post-apocalyptic, open world, fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to ELEX" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with ELEX. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of ELEX do?
Gothic 1, Risen, Risen 3 - Titan Lords, Gothic 3, Risen 2: Dark Waters are also from Piranha Bytes, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.