Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Life Is Strange (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Life Is Strange 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: Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, which both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric.
- Life Is Strange is tagged Story Rich, Choices Matter, Great Soundtrack, Female Protagonist, Time Travel, Atmospheric, Episodic, Singleplayer 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.
- 3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
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
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 13 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Great Soundtrack; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a new three part standalone story adventure set three years before the events of the first game. This time play as Chloe Price, a rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber in a dramatic new story in the BAFTA award winning franchise.
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm at a glance Released 2017 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 93% positive of 37,879 Price $16.99 Story RichChoices MatterGreat SoundtrackFemale ProtagonistEpisodicMultiple EndingsThird PersonMystery
- 2
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Great Soundtrack; published by the same company; released around the same time (2018).
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9 year old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange universe. Contains links to Life is Strange 2
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 93% positive of 15,089 Price Free Story RichChoices MatterGreat SoundtrackPoint & ClickWalking SimulatorThird PersonCasualIndie
- 3
Life is Strange 2
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Choices Matter, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack; published by the same company; released around the same time (2018).
After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges.
Life is Strange 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 87% positive of 40,943 Price Free Choices MatterStory RichGreat SoundtrackEpisodicLGBTQ+Point & ClickThird PersonWalking Simulator
- 4
Steins;Gate
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Time Travel and Great Soundtrack.
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Steins;Gate at a glance Released 2009 Studio 5pb. Inc. Player sentiment 97% positive of 26,892 Price $29.99 Story RichTime TravelGreat SoundtrackMultiple EndingsChoices MatterMysteryMemesCasual
- 5
The Wolf Among Us
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Episodic and Point & Click; released around the same time (2013).
From the makers of the 2012 Game of the Year: The Walking Dead, comes a thriller based on the award-winning Fables comic books. As Bigby Wolf you will discover that a brutal, bloody murder is just a taste of things to come in a game series where your every decision can have enormous consequences.
The Wolf Among Us at a glance Released 2013 Studio LCG Entertainment, Inc. Player sentiment 98% positive of 40,158 Price $14.99 Story RichEpisodicPoint & ClickChoices MatterMysteryCasual
- 6
Journey
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Walking Simulator; released around the same time (2012).
Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.
Journey at a glance Released 2012 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 94% positive of 38,401 Price $3.74 IndieGreat SoundtrackWalking SimulatorCasualStory RichMystery
- 7
Tales from the Borderlands
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Episodic; released around the same time (2014).
Tales from the Borderlands is a five-part episodic game set on the unforgiving world of Pandora between the events of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3. This is a story full of Borderlands' trademark humor, following two adventurers on their quest for greatness.
Tales from the Borderlands at a glance Released 2014 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 19,550 Price $19.99 Story RichChoices MatterEpisodicPoint & ClickGreat SoundtrackMemesFemale ProtagonistCasual
- 8
Life Is Strange: True Colors
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Choices Matter, Story Rich and LGBTQ+; published by the same company.
Alex Chen hides her 'curse': the psychic power of Empathy, the ability to absorb the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her power to find the truth.
Life Is Strange: True Colors at a glance Released 2021 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 89% positive of 16,851 Price $59.99 Choices MatterStory RichLGBTQ+Female ProtagonistMultiple EndingsThird PersonMystery
- 9
Syberia
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Female Protagonist and Casual.
Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.
Syberia at a glance Released 2002 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 88% positive of 6,824 Price $12.99 Point & ClickFemale ProtagonistCasualStory RichMysteryGreat SoundtrackThird Person
- 10
OneShot
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2016).
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.
OneShot at a glance Released 2016 Studio Future Cat LLC Player sentiment 98% positive of 64,849 Price $9.99 Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackChoices MatterMultiple EndingsCasual
- 11
Steins;Gate 0
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Time Travel and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2015).
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Steins;Gate 0 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Mages Player sentiment 96% positive of 8,409 Price $34.99 Story RichTime TravelGreat SoundtrackMultiple EndingsChoices MatterMysteryMemes
- 12
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Walking Simulator and Multiple Endings; released around the same time (2013).
The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.
The Stanley Parable at a glance Released 2013 Studio Galactic Cafe Player sentiment 92% positive of 45,775 Price $14.99 IndieWalking SimulatorMultiple EndingsChoices MatterStory RichCasual
- 13
Firewatch
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
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.
Firewatch at a glance Released 2016 Studio Campo Santo Player sentiment 91% positive of 99,328 Price $19.99 Story RichWalking SimulatorMysteryIndieGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 14
The Witness
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Walking Simulator and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.
The Witness at a glance Released 2016 Studio Thekla, Inc. Player sentiment 84% positive of 21,324 Price $39.99 IndieWalking SimulatorMysteryCasualGreat SoundtrackStory Rich
- 15
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Mystery, Story Rich and Third Person; released around the same time (2016).
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter at a glance Released 2016 Studio Frogwares Player sentiment 80% positive of 14,479 Price $2.99 MysteryStory RichThird PersonPoint & ClickChoices MatterCasual
- 16
Everlasting Summer
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Choices Matter; released around the same time (2014).
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Everlasting Summer at a glance Released 2014 Studio Soviet Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 78,073 Price Free Story RichGreat SoundtrackChoices MatterMultiple EndingsMysteryIndieCasual
- 17
Kathy Rain
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Female Protagonist and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
Set in the '90s, Kathy Rain tells the story of a strong-willed journalism major who has to come to terms with her troubled past as she investigates the mysterious death of her recently deceased grandfather.
Kathy Rain at a glance Released 2016 Studio Clifftop Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 4,003 Price $9.99 Point & ClickFemale ProtagonistMysteryIndieStory RichThird PersonChoices Matter
- 18
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Choices Matter, Story Rich and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You at a glance Released 2016 Studio Osmotic Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 15,565 Price $9.99 Choices MatterStory RichIndieEpisodicMysteryPoint & ClickGreat Soundtrack
- 19
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Multiple Endings, Choices Matter and Walking Simulator.
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.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe at a glance Released 2022 Studio Crows Crows Crows Player sentiment 94% positive of 36,046 Price $24.99 Multiple EndingsChoices MatterWalking SimulatorStory RichCasualMystery
- 20
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Point & Click and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2012).
Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP at a glance Released 2012 Studio Capybara Player sentiment 77% positive of 2,654 Price $7.99 IndiePoint & ClickGreat SoundtrackFemale ProtagonistCasualStory RichWalking Simulator
- 21
Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Episodic and Choices Matter; released around the same time (2014).
Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series is a six part episodic game series set in the world of HBO's groundbreaking TV show. This new story tells of House Forrester, a noble family from the north of Westeros, loyal to the Starks of Winterfell.
Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series at a glance Released 2014 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 76% positive of 10,593 Price Not listed Story RichEpisodicChoices MatterPoint & ClickFemale ProtagonistThird PersonCasual
- 22
The Room
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Mystery, Point & Click and Indie; released around the same time (2014).
A mysterious invitation leads to the attic of an abandoned house. In the room is a cast-iron safe laced with strange carvings and on top, a note from your distant companion. It promises something ancient and astonishing concealed in the iron chamber - you need only find a way in.
The Room at a glance Released 2014 Studio Fireproof Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 31,750 Price $4.99 MysteryPoint & ClickIndieCasualStory Rich
- 23
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
An unsettling adventure following a boy with a prosthetic face. After a string of mysterious murders, Sal and his three friends discover something truly sinister casting shadows over their small town.
Sally Face - Episode One at a glance Released 2016 Studio Portable Moose Player sentiment 97% positive of 29,068 Price $2.99 Story RichIndieMysteryPoint & ClickCasual
- 24
Clannad
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Multiple Endings.
From the world renowned visual novel studio Key, the highly rated story of CLANNAD is now available on Steam! Improved visuals, achievement integration, and Dangopedia make this the best version of CLANNAD to date.
Clannad at a glance Released 2004 Studio Key Player sentiment 98% positive of 10,936 Price $44.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackMultiple EndingsChoices MatterCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Life Is Strange?
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, on the evidence we have. It both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric. 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 Life Is Strange" 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 Life Is Strange. 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.
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.