Highlights

  • Walking simulators can be compelling, focusing on exploration and storytelling rather than gameplay mechanics.
  • Games like "What Remains of Edith Finch" showcase the unique appeal of the walking simulator genre.
  • Visual storytelling paired with exploration can create memorable and engrossing experiences in walking simulators.

When some hear the words "walking simulator," it's not something that immediately hooks people as a potentially popular video game genre. But believe it or not, games that fall under this niche category can actually be quite compelling. What Remains of Edith Finch is a prime example of this.

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What Remains of Edith Finch tells its story through first-person exploration with very little gameplay, such as puzzle-solving or platforming. Instead, the game relies on visual storytelling to capture the player. There are not many games out there that have taken this exact approach, but by focusing on pure exploration and storytelling, walking simulators are worth giving a shot.

Updated on March 9, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Walking simulators have earned somewhat of a bad reputation, which is unfortunate. While it's true that some of these titles don't feature a ton of creativity, there are many others that do justice to the genre. The simple act of exploration is wildly satisfying if paired with great art direction, an engrossing narrative, and memorable set pieces that imprint themselves in the minds of players. What Remains of Edith Finch features all these strengths and will likely be engrossing enough to prompt fans to seek out more experiences in the same vein.

19 Yume Nikki

Explore The Mind Of A Hikikomori And Uncover The Twisted Things That Lay Within

Yume Nikki
Yume Nikki

Platform(s)
PC
Released
June 26, 2004
Developer
Kikiyama

A cult classic game that has a strong community, Yume Nikki is a game that has inspired several modern indie gems. The idea of exploring the dreams of a hikikomori and trying to make sense of what the player is seeing in any given scenario makes for a great time.

The concept of a shut-in receding to the realm of dreams is a real problem in countries like Japan, and Yume Nikki takes this scenario and rolls with it. It's easy to see why this walking simulator is celebrated by the masses as a unique video game that almost feels like a piece of art at times.

18 Layers Of Fear

A Painter's Descent Into Madness Is Shown Beautifully Here

Spooky room
Layers of Fears (2023)

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
Released
June 15, 2023
Developer(s)
Bloober Team , Anshar Studios

The remake of Layers of Fear is something most players deemed completely unnecessary, but the release of this title proved that an updated version of a unique psychological horror game wasn't the worst thing in the world. Both the first game and its sequel are updated for this release, making for a fun experience.

The horrors in Layers of Fear are executed in a smart manner and make it riveting to solve the many puzzles that players encounter during this immersive walking simulator journey. It helps that the scares are paced out and built up properly, which makes for a fresh change of pace from other games in the genre that end up relying on cheap jumpscares more often than not.

17 Abzu

A Serene Underwater Adventure Where Players Will Feel Right At Home With Marine Life

Swimming in the ocean in Abzu
Abzu

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
August 2, 2016
Developer(s)
Giant Squid

A game called a "walking simulator" where the main means of traveling is swimming may feel strange, but the exploring element of Abzu is reminiscent of other games in the genre. The player controls a nameless diver in a third-person perspective as she swims around an ocean exploring every nook and cranny.

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Along the way, she is guided by a great white shark that leads her to wells that restore life to the ocean. Abzu has no dialogue and strictly uses its visuals to tell the story.

16 The Forgotten City

A Skyrim Mod About A Unique Time-Bending Adventure That Became Its Very Own Game

A guard walking around in a tavern while people stand idly around fire, tables of food, and golden statues in The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
July 28, 2021
Developer(s)
Modern Storyteller

The mod community for video games often goes the distance in expanding gameplay and story for titles that are already filled with them. But it's not often mods become so popular that they become their own games, much like how The Forgotten City did.

Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City features a mystery about a buried Roman city and a significant rule being broken that turns all the civilians into golden statues. The game features a unique time loop mechanic that repeatedly brings players back to the start of the day to figure out the path to victory.

15 Sludge Life

Combines The Rebellious Act Of Vandalism With A Walking Sim That Looks And Feels Great To Play

A man holding a microphone and a cigarette at a recording bench in Sludge Life
Sludge Life

Platform(s)
PC , Switch
Released
May 28, 2020
Developer
Terri Vellmann & Doseone

It's rare for walking simulators to involve a ton of character interaction, but Sludge Life throws players into such a unique world that it is hard not to talk to all the wild individuals. In a game about vandalism, players are GHOST, a tagger who is looking to make a name for themselves.

Players can roam around the many islands that make up Sludge Life, which involves acquiring unique abilities that make exploring the area a lot more interesting. There are even some controls and mechanics that are just meant to entertain the player rather than progress the story, so it serves as a delightful sandbox, too.

14 Proteus

A Walking Sim Where The Environment Is Always Unique, Courtesy Of An Ingenious Use Of Procedural Generation

The trees of spring in Proteus
  • Platforms: PC, PS3, PS Vita
  • Released: January 30, 2013
  • Developers: Ed Key and David Kanaga

If players are just looking to vibe with a chill experience and no goal in mind, Proteus can provide just that. The game revolves around a player moving through a procedurally-generated, three-dimensional pixelated environment and listening to fitting music as they experience each of the four seasons, from spring to winter.

Along the way, players will notice that different elements of nature that surround them affect the music as it is playing. Players can even take photos with the game using the "save a postcard" feature, too, so there's a lot of fun to be had aside from just walking.

13 Ether One

A Thought-Provoking Adventure Game With Tough Puzzles Here And There

A house at the docks in Ether One
  • Platforms: PC, PS4
  • Released: March 25, 2014
  • Developer: White Paper Games

Storytelling can be compelling, but sometimes it can be tragic. Ether One focuses on Jean Thompson, who has been diagnosed with dementia. The player takes on the role of a restorer whose goal is to investigate Jean's thoughts and reconstruct her memories through three-dimensional exploration.

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The game does have players solve puzzles, but these puzzles become harder to understand to point out Jean's struggles with her condition. However, the puzzle-solving element is optional as the main objective is exploration and discovery.

12 Tacoma

A Sci-Fi Story-Driven Walking Sim

The player holding a wearable surveillance device in Tacoma
Tacoma

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
August 2, 2017
Developer(s)
Fullbright

Narratives drive most walking simulators, with most guiding the player through the story without turning back. This is why Tacoma is so interesting. It allows individuals to revisit certain moments in the story through the ability to rewind and fast-forward through scenes.

Players will step foot into a space station and explore it while learning about the story of the crew that was once on it. Through the surveillance system, players are able to see conversations and scenarios that have played out on the ship and relive them.

11 The Stanley Parable

A Unique Narrative Loop With Numerous Funny Endings For Players To Discover

The office of employee 427, otherwise known as Stanley, in The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable

Platform(s)
PC
Released
October 17, 2013
Developer(s)
Galactic Cafe

Initially a mod for Half-Life 2, The Stanley Parable became a full-fledged game filled with humor and mystery. The game revolves around an office worker named Stanley who opens his office door one day to discover all of his co-workers are gone. Players must explore the office with the help of a narrator telling his story.

Each path leads to a different conclusion, but regardless of how the path ends, players are reset at the beginning of The Stanley Parable to try a different path out of the simulation.

10 The Beginner's Guide

A Satirical And Somewhat Eye-Opening Look At Video Game Development

An empty stage with a single chair at the start of The Beginner's Guide
  • Platform: PC
  • Released: October 1, 2015
  • Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.

Some of the best walking simulators are the ones that take the player on a journey that they weren't necessarily expecting. The Beginner's Guide is a game by Davey Wreden, the original creator of The Stanley Parable, and also features him as the narrator.

What seems like a premise around showing off a friend's work turns into an experience that toils with subjects like how people try to interpret every game that they play and the need for validation in the creative process.

9 Firewatch

A Legendary Walking Sim With An Excellent Narrative For Players To Uncover

Henry using a map and compass in Firewatch
Firewatch

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
February 9, 2016
Developer(s)
Campo Santo

Exploring nature is a theme in many walking simulators, and Firewatch puts players right in the middle of it. Players take on the role of Henry, who takes a job as a fire lookout. While in his tower, he begins to communicate over a walkie-talkie with Delilah, a fellow lookout in another tower.

The game's core mechanic revolves around exploring while dealing with mysterious events that are unfolding. Firewatch is also a social simulation. Henry builds a friendship with Delilah, with dialogue choices affecting the tone of their conversations as the game goes on.

8 A Short Hike

A Short, Serene Adventure Where Players Try To Reach The Top Of A Mountain

Claire fishing at a beach in A Short Hike
A Short Hike

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
April 5, 2019
Developer

An explorative adventure game like A Short Hike may not be the most traditional walking simulator out there, but the relaxing experience is great for those who just want to go out exploring and talk to characters who may need assistance.

The premise is simple: Claire wants to reach the top of the mountain to get phone reception. To do this, she must walk around and help people by doing simple tasks and receiving golden feathers. These help her climb further to the point where she can reach the peak.

7 Journey

A Breathtaking Adventure With An Ingenious Use Of Multiplayer

Bridges of cloth connecting structures in Journey
Journey

Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4 , PC
Released
March 13, 2012
Developer(s)
Thatgamecompany

Considered one of the greatest games of all time, Journey has elements to it that can be considered a walking simulator. The player takes control of a robed figure in the middle of the desert with the goal of making it to the top of a mountain.

While sections of Journey are linear, the goal is to explore and find a path to the end through discovery and some minor puzzle-solving. Along the way, players can encounter each other and help but can't communicate in any way apart from musical chimes.

6 Dear Esther

Players Will Experience A Great Narrative In This Walking Simulator

A shipwreck at the shores in Dear Esther
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mobile
  • Released: February 14, 2012
  • Developer: The Chinese Room

Another mod-turned-game, Dear Esther embraces the nature of minimalist gameplay in a walking simulator. Players are placed on an island located in the Hebrides, Scotland. They are able to move around freely as they explore but are mainly following a linear path.

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Along the way, players listen to a man reading letters that are addressed to his deceased wife. As players go deeper into the game, they learn more about the mysterious circumstances of her death. The game doesn't provide all the answers, though, as some are left to the player's interpretation.

5 Eastshade

Exploring The Island Of Eastshade And Capturing The Landscape Makes For A Great Time

A fire burning at a campsite with a planet seen in the skies in Eastshade
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
  • Released: February 13, 2019
  • Developer: Eastshade Studios

What Remains of Edith Finch is all about exploring a house and learning the stories of each of the individuals who lived in it. Eastshade does this in a similar manner. The difference is that players are able to actually talk to the people who live on the island of Eastshade and even help them out.

As a traveling painter, those who play Eastshade will be able to drop their easel at any point and capture the beauty that is presented in front of them. That, combined with the rich characters, is a recipe that will fill any soul in need of a game that allows its players to take in the scenary and enjoy the story that is presented.

4 The Looker

A Beloved Spoof Of A Puzzle Game Many People Love

A maze display that has "Start" and "End written on it that is on a table with art supplies in The Looker
  • Platforms: PC
  • Released: June 17, 2022
  • Developer: Subcreation Studio

In a way, the modern classic puzzler The Witness is considered a walking simulator. However, those who enjoyed it and love a good parody may like the free title The Looker, a game directly inspired by and poking fun at The Witness.

Players are placed on an island filled with similar architecture to The Witness. However, they will notice quickly that the initial puzzles are simple mazes that don't seem as significant. It does have its difficult moments, but it's easy to bear thanks to the ridiculous jokes told along the way.

3 Everybody's Gone To The Rapture

A Haunting Walking Sim Where Players Will Be More Than Intrigued To Figure Out The Mystery Of A Deserted Town

The abandoned town of Yaughton in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture

Platform(s)
PC , PS4
Released
August 11, 2015
Developer
The Chinese Room, SCE Santa Monica Studio

For those looking for more of an adventure game, Everybody's Gone To The Rapture fits the bill. The plot revolves around an English town where all of its inhabitants have disappeared, and it's the player's goal to find clues to what actually happened to them.

Players must follow orbs of light that will guide them and show them hints as to what took place. The game is a spiritual successor to Dear Esther as it was made by the same developer: The Chinese Room.

2 The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

A Walking Sim With Horror Elements That Are Integrated Tastefully

A church and graveyard in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC
Released
September 26, 2014
Developer(s)
The Astronauts

The walking simulator genre is perfectly structured to implement some horror elements, which is done well in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Paul Prospero is a paranormal investigator who receives a letter from Ethan Carter, a child who is fascinated by Prospero's work.

Prospero travels to Carter's hometown, only to find out that Ethan is missing. The goal of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is to investigate his disappearance while also dealing with paranormal events that are happening. Mechanics include being able to use items to recreate events at a crime scene.

1 Gone Home

Minimalism And Immersive Storytelling Makes This Game Come To Life

The living room in Gone Home
Gone Home

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox One , PS4 , Switch , iOS , Linux
Released
August 15, 2013
Developer(s)
Fullbright

A perfect encapsulation of minimal interactivity and plenty of exploration, Gone Home is as close to the walking simulator genre as it can get. The game starts with a young woman named Katie returning to her family home to discover that everyone has gone missing.

Gone Home allows the player to explore the home to find items, journals, and more tools to help solve what happened. This is done in a nonlinear way to allow the player to discover pieces of the story in their own time.

What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , iOS
Released
April 25, 2017
Developer(s)
Giant Sparrow
Genre(s)
Adventure