Firewatch is one of those games that makes a great impression on you right from the start. What you will enjoy when it comes to games like Firewatch is the fact that they are very creative, innovative, and filled with all kinds of clever ideas. Firewatch is definitely a unique experience that’s really hard to replicate. But the truth is that a lot of people will have fun with it. It’s definitely worth checking it out. There are also all kinds of games like Firewatch you can try too if you want a great and immersive story.
1) Dear Esther
Dear Esther is a first-person exploratory game and you go on a quest on a large island. It’s all about exploring and accessing some incredible environments. On top of that, as you go along you uncover details from the story. It’s very similar to Firewatch, but there is more focus on love, passion, betrayal, and other things like that. Dear Esther is definitely one of those games that can be very intriguing in the beginning. It’s a great idea to at least test it out and give it a shot.
2) Kentucky Route Zero
Kentucky Route Zero is another story-driven experience, and in this case, the way you play actually has an influence on the game and its outcome. Here you follow a delivery man that has to travel on this highway. There are all kinds of stops, some are simple, and others come with their own small stories. Granted, it’s not fully like Firewatch, instead, it adds its own charismatic and distinct approach. We find it unique and fun; it has a lot of clever ideas and at the same time it’s very engaging. It’s totally worth a try, that’s for sure.
3) Life is Strange
Life is Strange is actually a series of multiple games, all of which have a similar approach. We get to learn more about our protagonists and follow them with their own struggles and challenges. Each one of the games in this series has an overarching plot, but the thing that makes it stand out is definitely the dialog, your choices, and astounding visual style. It’s one of those games that will impress you with its attention to detail, quality and premise. You will surely find a lot of unexpected choices here, and that’s what makes this one of the nicer adventure games in recent years.
4) Tacoma
Tacoma’s main focus is certainly on character development. You are on a space station and you will have to gather information, connect with the crew, and solve all kinds of quests. It’s a game that might not have the ultimate set of visuals. However, it’s all about the characters, and how you connect with them, and it does have a lot of charm to it. If you love adventure games and games like Firewatch in general, then this might very well be right up your alley.
5) The Long Dark – One of the Best Games like Firewatch
What we like about The Long Dark is the fact that this is a survival game. But at the same time, it has a similar premise to Firewatch. You are looking for various things as you try to stay alive in this desolate place. The story is immersive, although quite challenging in some places. Yet you do get to learn a lot of skills, follow-through, and also test your skills. While it doesn’t keep the same formula as other games in this list, it’s certainly creative and one of those titles that you will like more than you might imagine. Sure, it might not be a game for everyone, but you will appreciate its style and quality.
6) The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
One of the most successful games like Firewatch is actually a game that puts you in the shoes of a detective. You really need to figure out where Ethan carter has vanished, and as you go along you uncover a lot of details. You end up realizing that the investigation of a missing child is actually a murder investigation with a lot of depth. Needless to say, the entire experience keeps you hooked right from the start. That’s why a lot of people love this game, just because it’s so different and one of those experiences that you are bound to cherish and enjoy quite often.
7) What Remains of Edith Finch
It’s a game with a very impressive emotional approach, and it does maintain a very relishing, yet engaging and moving story. The fact that it’s made to be in first person certainly adds to the character and style of this game. It’s very good, it does have quite the character and style, and it brings in front lots of attention to detail. Overall, it’s one of those games that many people will like, especially if you are into immersive, story-driven experiences with lots of emotion and character.
8) The Stanley Parable
The game tells an interesting story while also playing off the idea of being a walking simulator. Unlike many games in this list, however, this is not a game that takes itself too seriously. And maybe it’s for the best, since this adds more style and character to the entire experience. Don’t let yourself be fooled in any way, this is still an incredible game that feels very satisfying and fun.
9) Layers of Fear
Layers of Fear is not like all the other games like Firewatch, instead, it has a stunning horror approach. At the same time, it also has a very innovative story, and it always encourages you to think outside the box. There are some scares you will encounter, but as a whole it’s still a great game and one that will surprise you, particularly with its style and story. Be aware it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you are ok with the horror genre, this might impress you quite a bit.
10) To The Moon – One of the Best 16-Bit Games like Firewatch
If you leave the part that it’s a 16-bit game aside, you will notice this game has a lot of charm and a beautiful story. What we like about this game is that it feels very satisfying to play and you are bound to shed a tear or two. Why? It’s incredible, it really brings in a wonderful style and idea, and it also encourages you to think outside the box in most occasions.
11) Gone Home
Most first-person exploration titles are games like Firewatch, but this one is maybe the most similar. Unlike Firewatch however, this one doesn’t really have any specific goals. You do have a story since you play the role of Katie who needs to figure out what happened while she was away. She comes home and doesn’t really understand where her family went or what happened, which is quite scary right off the bat.
12) The Witness
The game was released almost at the same time as Firewatch. Unlike that game though, this one has more of a puzzle-focused approach rather than just focusing on exploration. That being said, you still have a massive island to explore. Your main character doesn’t have any name, nor does he have any memory of what happened and how he got there. But you will find a lot of interesting ideas, not to mention there are tons of puzzles to complete. It’s one of those experiences you really want to enjoy for yourself.
13) Kona
Kona is another game where you play the role of a detective. Here you have to figure out what brings various issues like vandalism and also how you can stop them. That alone does add a lot of interesting ideas to Kona, but it also makes the game a lot more dangerous. There are hungry wolves, you also have to face the cold too. That alone certainly makes the game extremely challenging and demanding, which is why it’s worth at least checking it out and enjoying it for yourself.
14) Call of the Sea
This is a newer game, and you play the role of Norah that tries to find her husband. The game is not super long. However, it does have its fair share of puzzles. It’s downright beautiful, with a very creative and exciting visual style that will impress you right from the start. Another thing to note about the game is that it does have many twists and turns, which make the story so engaging and different.
15) Journey – One of the Best Games like Firewatch Where the Journey Matters More than the Destination
If you enjoy games like Firewatch, it’s actually a great idea to try and play Journey. You get to explore sand dunes and many ruins, the focus is to reach a mountain far in the distance, while enjoying the journey without any dialog. This is a very chill game, it’s a lot of fun, and you are bound to like its unique style and incredible ideas that they are bringing into the mix. It was named game of the year when it came out for a reason, it’s that good.
16) Miasmata
In Miasmata you want to find the cure for a disease that might kill you very soon. You need to use your knowledge about plants in this island and figure out a cure sooner rather than later. This game is very impressive, it’s intense but immersive and also a whole lot of fun to play. But don’t get us wrong, the looming danger of dying at any time is what adds a shock value to the title, while still keeping it quite realistic too.
17) The Park
The Park has a spooky element to it, and it brings in very inviting gameplay with plenty of horror moments. It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy horror and games like Firewatch in particular, this can actually be a great pick. A lot of people love it for that reason alone, the fact that it’s a very creative game and one that constantly pushes the boundaries, while also giving you a lot of new ideas and moments to explore.
18) Until Dawn
Until Dawn was created as an interactive drama. The game has horror and survival elements, but what makes it one of the top games like Firewatch is definitely the story. They added a lot of twists and turns, and the fact that you have such a realistic story is what really sets it apart when compared to other games in this list.
19) Red Dead Redemption 2 is a Story-Driven Game like Firewatch
While this game packs quite a lot more action than Firewatch, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece that is very much story-driven. In this way, it is definitely a great game like Firewatch. The story in Red Dead Redemption 2 spans years, and it allows nearly limitless exploration of the vast world within the game. Players can choose how to play out their own adventure, whether they will be a paragon of virtue or an evil, black-hat cowboy.
Beyond that, the visuals in Red Dead Redemption 2 are stunning. Even years after its initial release, the game still boasts some of the most immersive and impressive scenes in video games. A scene from RDR 2 was even featured in the Apple comedy Mythic Quest as an example of excellent storytelling in video games.
20) Detroit Become Human
What would happen if AI and robots would be allowed to be a part of the police? This is a very interesting question and it really makes you think about not only challenges but also opportunities. The story in this game is top-notch, and what really makes it so different is its incredible style and visuals. Plus, the way the story evolves is quite unexpected. Add to that the fact that you are a vibrant part of the story, and you can see why this is a very successful game.
21) Lifeless Planet
Lifeless Planet is an indie game where you need to explore a planet and find ways to survive. There are puzzle and platforming elements, which does add to the entire gameplay experience and process. A lot of people like this game and think it’s one of the games like Firewatch because the idea is quite similar. This is not exactly a game focused on its story per se, but it’s still pretty engaging and you do have lots of stuff to unravel.
Final Thoughts on Other Great Story-Driven Games like Firewatch
There’s no denying that you can find a lot of amazing games like Firewatch. It all comes down to the type of game you play and what you enjoy the most. You will be quite amazed with how fun these games really are, and how many stories you get to experience. Firewatch is a very deep, engaging game, and these titles certainly have big shoes to fill. All of these had great reactions from players, so if you want to scratch that itch and find some great games like Firewatch, you should definitely consider giving them a try for yourself!
For those of you looking for other great games to play, check out our companion list of the best games like Hunt: Showdown.
