21 best interactive story games to play if you liked Life is Strange

Over the years, games have developed so much that probably every type of player can find their niche. The diversity in genres is always welcome, as not everyone is fond of multiplayer FPS or challenging roguelikes. There's definitely a need for titles where the plot comes first, considering the popularity of narrative-driven games like Life is Strange.
 
Filled with engaging plots full of twists and turns, the first installment became a cult classic and eventually turned into an entire series. No wonder that enthusiasts of story rich games are familiar with this beloved franchise. It generally features protagonists with supernatural powers, which help them shape the world as they like. Moreover, its distinctive gameplay element is making tough decisions and facing the consequences.

Enjoyed Life Is Strange? Check out other Don't Nod titles!

If games like Life is Strange are right up your alley, this list is perfect for you. We've gathered the best story-driven titles that will draw you in with their thrilling narratives and atmospheric settings. Without further ado, let's begin!

Life is Strange: True Colors

We figured that the best way to start a list of games similar to Life is Strange is to further introduce you to the most recent entry in the series, True Colors. If you haven't played any other installments, don't worry. It follows the fates of a different character, and the action does not take place in Arcadia Bay.

The game tells the story of Alex Chen, who possesses a supernatural power that enables her to absorb and manipulate the intense emotions of others. It quickly proves useful when she is forced to investigate the circumstances of her brother's "accidental" death. What dirty secrets does the picturesque town of Haven Springs hide? You'll find out if you accompany Alex on her uneasy journey to the truth.

It's worth mentioning that DONTNOD, the developers of the two Life is Strange main installments, also created other interactive story games. Despite being relatively smaller projects, they nonetheless provide excellent storytelling.

Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why centers on the twins Tyler and Alyson, intertwined by a supernatural bond, who reunite after years of separation to unravel the mystery of their past. The choices you'll make affect not only the future but also their relationship.

Good news! Tell My Why is included with PC Game Pass, a Microsoft subscription service allowing users to take advantage of an ever-growing library of titles. Below, you can find the best current offers.

Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit

In the Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, you assume the role of Chris, who transforms into a superhero to escape a depressing reality. The game actually provides a brief backstory for Life is Strange 2. However, it also works well as a standalone entry. Certainly, you'll enjoy it even if you don't intend to play the main installment. Especially since it's one of the best free single-player titles.

Twin Mirror

Twin Mirror's plot revolves around Sam, who returns to his hometown to solve the case of his best friend's death. Interestingly, his alter ego, Double, represents his more empathetic side, which provides guidance when making decisions. Both stand for different approaches that may impact the course of the investigation and relationships in Basswood.

Masters of interactive story games genre - Quantic Dream

If you think of interactive story games, Quantic Dream and David Cage games immediately come to mind. At first, their productions were exclusively available on consoles, but just like other former Sony hits, they can now be accessed on PC as well. We even mentioned some of its projects in our best PlayStation games on PC article. 

Heavy Rain

One of their most renowned titles is Heavy Rain, a gripping psychological thriller. Its plot focuses on the case of Origami Killer, a serial murderer whose name comes from origami figures he leaves on his victims. The game follows four protagonists with various stories and motives who strive to solve the mystery in their own ways.

Beyond Two Souls

Another notable Quantic Dream game, Beyond: Two Souls, lets you immerse in a movie-like experience with a Hollywood cast, including Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe. It depicts the story of Jodie, who is linked with a mysterious being from birth, which makes her feel ostracized at every step of her life. During the game, you'll join her on a journey to self-discovery and reveal the true nature of their coexistence.

Detroit: Become Human

The most recent David Cage game, Detroit: Become Human, takes you to the not-so-impossible future, where humans and androids are nearly identical. However, the latter are still treated as servants without the right to oppose their masters. You'll see the world through the lenses of three characters with varying backgrounds and roles in the story that will settle the fate of humanity and machines once and for all.

The forefathers of the interactive story genre - Telltale games

Well, our list of interactive story games wouldn't be complete without some titles from Telltale, which specializes in this genre. We want to focus on Tales from the Borderlands, The Wolf Among Us, and The Walking Dead, as we believe they are especially noteworthy.

Tales from the Borderlands

Tales from the Borderlands is set on Pandora, an unforgiving planet from Borderlands games. It follows two protagonists, Fiona and Rhys, who, despite differences, have to cooperate to reach their common goal – finding a treasure vault. Its humor matches the mainline series, so even hardcore fans won't be disappointed.

The Wolf Among Us

The Wolf Among Us is based on the Fables comic books, which feature a world full of characters from tales and legends. However, expecting a PG fairytale would be a mistake. A brutal murder occurs, and as a sheriff, you have to take the fate of Fabletown into your own hands.

The Walking Dead

We bet the last series needs no introduction, as The Walking Dead is the foundation of Telltale games. It lets you immerse in the ruthless world devastated by zombies. Throughout four main installments, you can experience the whole story of Clementine and other vibrant characters who struggle to survive.

Get scared by interactive horrors from Supermassive Games

Although the studio's breakout title, Until Dawn, was a Playstation 4 exclusive, the follow up horror stories are now available on PC. And lucky for us, as these interactive horror games are among the best games narrative-based games out there!

The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of standalone interactive horror games, will be especially enticing for fans of terrifying stories. There are currently four entries in the series, and the fifth installment, Directive 8020, will be released sometime in the future. The huge selling point of this franchise is that every character can die. Hence, their survival depends primarily on your decisions.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan

The first installment, Man of Medan, focuses on five friends who embark on a diving trip in the South Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, nothing goes according to plan, and an ordinary holiday quickly goes awry.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope

Little Hope's plot revolves around four college students and their professors trapped in a little town after the bus crash. On top of that, the characters are haunted by the demons of the past.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes

House of Ashes is set during Iraqi War and features five protagonists representing opposing forces. However, they must cooperate to escape the underground temple swarming with dangerous creatures. Will this unexpected alliance last?

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

The Devil in Me, is the final chapter of Season One of the anthology. In the game, a serial killer seeks to replicate the heinous acts of America’s first mass murderer, HH Holmes. You play as members of an independent film crew who find themselves fighting for their lives against a stalker.

The Quarry

Another take on the horror genre is presented in The Quarry, a spiritual successor to the acclaimed Until Dawn. In the game, you'll follow the fates of nine teenage counselors who decide to organize a party to celebrate the last day of summer camp. Sadly, the fun goes sour when monstrous locals try to hunt them.

As is typical of interactive story games, your choices will shape how the story unfolds, what kind of relationships characters have, and, most importantly, who will survive the night. Moreover, the title provides various settings that let you enjoy it as you see fit, for example, in cinematic mode, transforming it into a thrilling movie.

Other interactive story games worth playing in 2023

The genre of interactive story games is becoming more and more popular these days, and many other studios has also released titles more or less resembling Life Is Strange experience. Here are the best examples.

As Dusk Falls (Included with PC Game Pass)

As Dusk Falls tells the story of two American families over 30 years. The interesting twist is that events are arranged non-chronologically, making a plot even more engaging, as you can't foresee what comes next.

Similarly to other entries on the list, the players' decisions hugely impact the fate of the characters. Moreover, the title is highly replayable, offering several possible outcomes to uncover. It also provides local and online multiplayer, so nothing stops you from experiencing the game with your friends.

Night in the Woods

We couldn't leave this gem out of our lineup of games similar to Life is Strange. Night in the Woods takes you to the atmospheric, small town which struggles a lot due to the recession. However, that's not the only issue that residents must resolve, as disturbing events have been occurring in the woods.

You'll follow the story of Mae, a college dropout who recently returned to her hometown and has to face all these problems. Moreover, she's an incredibly relatable character, so much so that we even consider her one of the best female protagonists of all time. If you're looking for other games with girls or women in leading roles, read our list of the best games with female protagonists to play on PC & Steam.

What Remains of Edith Finch

Another notable narrative adventure game is What Remains of Edith Finch, which touches upon the subject of the fragility and transitory nature of life. As the last family member, you'll explore its tragic history to discover why you're the only one left.

The game constitutes a compilation of tales depicting each Finch's final day before their demise. It comes as no surprise that this production received so many awards because its plot is not only unique but also compelling. Without a doubt, it's a must-play for fans of story-driven titles.

Gone Home

Continuing our list of interactive story games, we have Gone Home. It puts you in the shoes of 21-year-old Katy. When she comes home after spending some time abroad, she discovers that her family's house has been abandoned.

As you navigate through dimly lit rooms, the plot gradually unfolds, prompting you to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her loved ones. With no puzzles or enemies to hinder your progress, you can enjoy the gripping narrative at your own pace.

Firewatch

In Firewatch, you venture into the scenic Wyoming wilderness. You are Henry, a vigilant fire lookout assigned to monitor the vast forest. The job seems simple, but the woods hold many secrets for you to uncover.

Its deep themes, striking visuals, and enchanting soundtrack make it an unforgettable experience. Although it's relatively short, it will surely leave a big impression on you. It fully deserves its place in our list of interactive story games.

Oxenfree

We conclude our list of games like Life is Strange with a supernatural thriller, Oxenfree, where you join Alex and her friends, who throw an overnight party on a former military island. However, it quickly turns out that they unintentionally opened a ghostly rift that is a source of strange anomalies.

The game has a few different endings based on your decisions. Moreover, what you choose affects how the story unfolds and the relationships between other characters. Luckily, with New Game+ mode, you can easily explore all the possible outcomes and paths.

That's all for our lineup. Do you enjoy games where choices matter? Have you played any of the listed titles? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!