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37 Best Games Like Life is Strange But For PlayStation 4

If you're searching for games like Life is Strange, you're looking for more than just a game; you're seeking an emotional journey. The hunt for similar games to Life is Strange is a desire for interactive stories that prioritize character development, impactful choices, and a powerful, often bittersweet, atmosphere. These are experiences that wrap you in a compelling mystery, present you with tough moral dilemmas, and often introduce a subtle supernatural twist that makes the ordinary feel extraordinary.

They are games that stay with you long after you've finished, not because of the action, but because of the connections you've made and the consequences you've faced.

This focus on narrative and the weight of your decisions has been perfected in other genres, including modern interactive horror movies.

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37 Games Like Life is Strange But For PlayStation 4

1. Life is Strange: True Colors

Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 +4 more

As a mainline entry in the series, Life is Strange: True Colors is the most direct and modern comparison. You play as Alex Chen, a young woman with the supernatural ability to feel and manipulate the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a suspicious "accident," she must use her powers to uncover the truth in a small, picturesque town.

This game is the epitome of the Life is Strange formula: a relatable young protagonist, a central mystery to solve, a supernatural power that is central to the gameplay, and a huge emphasis on building relationships with a charming cast of characters. Your choices directly impact the story and your bonds with others, making it the perfect starting point for anyone wanting more.

2. Life is Strange 2

PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

Life is Strange 2 is a bold and ambitious entry that takes the series' themes on the road. You play as Sean Diaz, who must protect and raise his younger brother Daniel, who has telekinetic powers, as they flee towards Mexico after a tragic accident.

While it features a new cast, the core DNA is pure Life is Strange. The game is entirely about choice and consequence, but here, your decisions not only affect the plot but also shape the morality and personality of your younger brother. It’s a powerful, emotional, and often heartbreaking journey that explores the bonds of family in the face of immense hardship.

3. As Dusk Falls

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +2 more

If the choice-and-consequence mechanic is what you love most, As Dusk Falls is a masterclass in branching narratives. Presented in a unique motion-comic art style, this crime drama tells the story of two families whose lives become entangled after a robbery goes wrong.

Every decision you make has significant weight, not only determining who survives but also shaping the characters and their relationships over decades. It features an incredibly detailed "story tree" at the end of each chapter, showing you the immense impact of your choices. It's a mature, gripping story that perfectly captures the high stakes of a Life is Strange narrative.

4. Oxenfree

Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac +5 more

Oxenfree is a fantastic indie title that perfectly captures the "teenagers dealing with a supernatural mystery" vibe. The game follows a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift on an old military island. The gameplay is driven by a unique and natural-feeling dialogue system where every conversation choice shapes your relationships and the story's outcome.

It excels at building an eerie atmosphere and a compelling supernatural mystery, and the witty, realistic dialogue between the teenage cast will feel very familiar to fans of the Arcadia Bay crew.

5. The Quarry

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +2 more

For those who enjoyed the darker, more suspenseful moments of Life is Strange, The Quarry is an excellent choice. From the developers of Until Dawn, this cinematic horror game follows a group of teenage camp counselors on the last night of summer. Your choices determine who lives and who dies.

While it leans more into horror, it shares so much DNA: a large cast of well-developed teenage characters, a story where your choices have permanent and deadly consequences, and a central supernatural mystery to unravel. It feels like a darker, higher-stakes version of a Life is Strange story.

6. What Remains of Edith Finch

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +5 more

While it's a "walking simulator" with very few choices, What Remains of Edith Finch is an absolute must-play for fans of emotional storytelling. You play as Edith, the last surviving member of her family, as you explore her ancestral home to learn how each of her relatives died.

Each family member's story is told through a unique and surreal gameplay vignette. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable game that perfectly captures the sense of family history, mystery, and magical realism that is so central to the Life is Strange series.

7. The Walking Dead

Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3 +8 more

Telltale's The Walking Dead is a foundational game in the modern narrative adventure genre. The game is famous for its gut-wrenching moral dilemmas, forcing you to make impossible choices under extreme pressure. Your decisions directly impact your relationships and determine the fate of the characters around you.

The focus on the relationship between protagonist Lee and the young girl Clementine is one of the most powerful in all of gaming. If you are looking for a game where your choices truly matter and will leave you emotionally devastated, this is essential playing.

8. Firewatch

PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

For players who were captivated by the character relationships and the central mystery of Life is Strange, Firewatch is an essential experience. You play as Henry, a man who has taken a job as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness to escape his past. The gameplay is driven by your conversations with your supervisor, Delilah, through a walkie-talkie.

The dialogue choices you make directly shape your relationship with her and color your perception of the game's events. It excels at creating a powerful sense of isolation and suspense, wrapping you in a compelling mystery that unfolds at your own pace.

9. Night in the Woods

PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) +5 more

Night in the Woods is a beautiful and poignant game that perfectly captures the feeling of returning to your struggling hometown after being away. You play as Mae Borowski, a college dropout who comes home to find that things have changed and her friends have grown up without her.

The game explores mature themes of mental health, economic anxiety, and the pains of growing up. It shares Life is Strange's focus on young adult angst, witty dialogue, a cast of memorable characters, and a slow-burn mystery that lurks beneath the surface of the town.

10. Detroit: Become Human

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows)

This cinematic adventure from Quantic Dream is a masterclass in branching narratives. Set in a near-future where androids are commonplace, you control three different androids whose choices will determine the fate of their entire species.

The game features an incredibly complex story tree, showing you just how much your decisions matter. For players who love seeing the far-reaching consequences of their actions and want a high-stakes, cinematic story, this is a top-tier choice.

11. Gone Home

PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) +4 more

Gone Home is a landmark title in the "walking simulator" genre and a huge inspiration for the exploration elements of Life is Strange. You arrive home after a year abroad to find your family's new house empty. Your goal is to explore the house and piece together what happened by examining objects and reading notes.

It tells a deeply personal and emotional story about family, identity, and love. While it lacks player choice, the feeling of uncovering a personal mystery by exploring a lived-in space is something it shares directly with Life is Strange.

12. Beyond: Two Souls

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Starring Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe, Beyond: Two Souls is a cinematic supernatural thriller. You play as Jodie Holmes, a woman who has been connected to a mysterious supernatural entity since birth. The story follows her entire life, from childhood to adulthood, with your choices defining her journey.

Its focus on a female protagonist with a powerful supernatural connection she doesn't fully understand, combined with its choice-driven, cinematic storytelling, makes it a very strong parallel to the Life is Strange experience.

13. The Wolf Among Us

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 +6 more

From the creators of The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us is a gritty neo-noir mystery set in a world where fairytale characters live in secret in New York City. You play as Sheriff Bigby Wolf, and your choices in dialogue and investigation determine how the case unfolds.

This is a great choice for players who love the mystery and investigation aspects of Life is Strange. It's a masterfully told story with a fantastic atmosphere and characters, where your decisions have a real impact on your path to the truth.

14. Road 96

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

Road 96 is a unique procedural narrative adventure where you play as different teenagers trying to flee a totalitarian country. Each journey to the border is different, as you meet a diverse cast of characters and make choices that will not only shape your own story but also influence the fate of the entire nation.

The game is all about choice and consequence, with a focus on freedom and rebellion that will resonate with fans of Chloe Price. The feeling of being on a journey where anything can happen is incredibly strong.

15. Heavy Rain

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

A classic in the interactive drama genre, Heavy Rain is a gritty neo-noir thriller where you control four different characters, all connected to the hunt for a serial killer. A failed quick-time event or a poor decision doesn't lead to a "game over" screen; instead, the story adapts, and characters can be permanently killed.

Its focus on creating a tense, cinematic, and emotionally charged story where your actions have permanent consequences makes it a must-play for fans of choice-driven narratives.

16. A Plague Tale: Innocence

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One +2 more

While these are linear action-stealth games, the A Plague Tale series is included for its incredible focus on the relationship between two siblings, Amicia and Hugo. The entire story is about their bond and Amicia's fierce determination to protect her younger brother against overwhelming odds.

For players who were deeply invested in the protective relationships of Life is Strange (Max and Chloe, Sean and Daniel), this series offers one of the most powerful and well-written sibling dynamics in all of gaming, wrapped in a stunning and brutal historical setting.

17. Vampyr

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One +1 more

Also from DONTNOD, Vampyr is an action RPG where your choices have a direct and devastating impact on the world. You play as a doctor-turned-vampire in 1918 London. To grow stronger, you must feed on citizens, but every person you kill has a name, a story, and a role in their community. Killing them will permanently alter the health of a district.

This creates a constant moral dilemma: do you sacrifice innocent people for power, or do you struggle to save a city that fears you? It's a fantastic example of player choice having tangible, game-changing consequences.

18. Last Day of June

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch

Last Day of June is a beautiful and heartbreaking puzzle-adventure game about love and loss. After a tragic accident, Carl discovers he can travel back in time to the last day he spent with his partner, June. He must relive that day and try to alter events to prevent the accident.

The game's themes of reliving the past and trying to change fate will strongly resonate with fans of the first Life is Strange. It's a poignant, emotional, and visually stunning experience.

19. Lake

Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 +4 more

If you're looking for a purely relaxing, choice-driven experience, Lake is a wonderful choice. You play as Meredith Weiss, who takes a break from her big-city career to spend two weeks delivering mail in her peaceful hometown.

There is no supernatural mystery or high-stakes drama. The gameplay is simply about driving the mail truck, delivering parcels, and having conversations with the local residents. The choices you make will determine what kind of relationships you build and what Meredith decides to do with her life. It’s a "slice-of-life" game that captures the small-town nostalgia of Life is Strange.

20. Twin Mirror

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One

Another narrative adventure from DONTNOD, Twin Mirror follows an investigative journalist named Sam Higgs who returns to his hometown for a funeral. He soon gets wrapped up in a new investigation, using his deductive "Mind Palace" to piece together clues.

The game shares the familiar DONTNOD DNA: a protagonist returning to their hometown, a central mystery to solve, and a unique mental gameplay mechanic. While not as expansive as their other titles, it's a solid choice for fans of the developer's signature style.

21. Coffee Talk

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5 +3 more

Coffee Talk is a cozy and relaxing "talking simulator." You are a barista in a late-night coffee shop in a fantasy version of Seattle. Your job is to listen to the problems of your various customers (elves, orcs, succubi, and more) and serve them the warm drinks they're looking for.

While you don't make dialogue choices, you influence the story by what you serve. It's a game about creating a safe space and the quiet intimacy of listening to people's stories, perfectly capturing the calmer, character-focused moments of the Life is Strange series.

22. Disco Elysium

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4 +3 more

While it is a text-heavy RPG, Disco Elysium is a phenomenal game for anyone who loves deep stories and character studies. You play as a detective who has lost his memory and must solve a murder case while also figuring out who he is. The gameplay is entirely dialogue-based, with your skills representing different aspects of your personality that you can talk to.

It's a mature, brilliantly written game that takes the idea of internal monologue and choice to a whole new level. For players who enjoy the psychological and investigative aspects of Life is Strange, this is one of the best-written games of all time.

23. Arise: A Simple Story

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One +1 more

Arise: A Simple Story is a beautiful puzzle-platformer where you journey through the bittersweet memories of an old man's life. The main mechanic is the ability to manipulate time, shifting seasons or the flow of events to solve environmental puzzles.

While it is not a choice-driven game, its powerful, wordless storytelling and its focus on memory, love, and loss create a deeply emotional experience that will appeal to fans of Life is Strange's heartfelt narratives.

24. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

PlayStation 4, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

As the direct sequel to the beloved indie hit, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is another must-play for fans of the genre. Set several years after the original, you play as a new protagonist, Riley, who returns to her hometown to investigate mysterious radio signals. The game builds upon everything that made the first one great.

It features the same incredible, naturalistic dialogue system that shapes the story and your relationships, a compelling and eerie supernatural mystery to unravel, and a more mature, reflective tone. If you loved the teenage drama and suspense of the first game, this is a fantastic continuation that delivers the same atmospheric storytelling that Life is Strange fans crave.

25. Coffee Talk: Episode 2 - Hibiscus & Butterfly

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

The continuation of the beloved barista simulator, Coffee Talk Episode 2 expands on the cozy and heartfelt experience of the original. You once again take on the role of the late-night barista, serving warm drinks to a cast of returning and new characters, each with their own personal stories and problems to share.

This sequel continues to be a perfect game for those who love the quieter, character-focused moments of Life is Strange. The gameplay is all about listening to people and creating a safe, comforting space for them. By serving the right drinks, you can influence their conversations and help them find clarity, making it a wonderful and relaxing narrative experience.

26. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +2 more

From the developers of The Quarry, House of Ashes is a cinematic horror game where your choices determine who lives or dies. Set during the Iraq War, a group of soldiers unearths a Sumerian temple filled with ancient monsters. It’s a great choice for those who want a choice-driven game but with more action and horror than Life is Strange.

27. Outer Wilds

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One +3 more

Outer Wilds is a critically acclaimed exploration and mystery game. You are a rookie astronaut in a solar system trapped in a 22-minute time loop that ends with the sun going supernova. Your goal is to explore different planets and uncover the secrets of a long-dead alien race to figure out why this is happening.

While it's not a character-driven story, it perfectly captures the feeling of piecing together a massive mystery. For players who loved the "detective" work of Life is Strange and the thrill of discovery, Outer Wilds is a masterpiece of game design.

28. Tacoma

PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) +2 more

From the creators of Gone Home, Tacoma is a narrative exploration game set on an abandoned space station. You use an augmented reality system to watch holographic recordings of the crew's final days, allowing you to follow their stories and piece together the mystery of what happened on the station.

Like Gone Home, it's about uncovering a story by exploring a space. Its unique storytelling mechanic and focus on the personal lives and relationships of the crew make it a great choice for fans of environmental narrative.

29. A Memoir Blue

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +4 more

A Memoir Blue is another short, interactive poem of a game. It tells the story of a champion swimmer as she dives into her memories to explore her complex relationship with her mother. The gameplay is a series of beautiful, surreal vignettes where you interact with objects to propel the story forward.

Like Florence, it's a fantastic choice for players seeking a purely emotional and artistic narrative experience.

30. The Last Campfire

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS +3 more

The Last Campfire is a charming and heartfelt puzzle-adventure game. You play as a lost soul named Ember who must travel through a mysterious world to find other lost souls and light the last campfire, helping them find their way home.

The game has a beautiful storybook art style and a poignant narrative about hope, loss, and finding purpose. It's a relaxing and emotional journey that will appeal to fans of Life is Strange's more sentimental moments.

31. Hindsight

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +5 more

Hindsight is a poignant narrative exploration game about a woman returning to her childhood home after her mother's death. You interact with her possessions, which become windows into her past, as you piece together the story of her life from birth to the present day.

Like What Remains of Edith Finch, it's a game about memory and family history. It’s a beautiful and emotional journey for players who appreciate thoughtful, reflective storytelling.

32. Call of the Sea

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +2 more

Call of the Sea is a first-person adventure-puzzle game set in the 1930s. You play as Norah, a woman who has traveled to a mysterious island in the South Pacific in search of her missing husband's expedition. You must solve environmental puzzles to uncover the secrets of the island and her husband's fate.

While it's a linear puzzle game, it tells a strong, character-driven story with a supernatural mystery at its heart, which will appeal to fans of Life is Strange's narrative.

33. Drizzlepath: Deja Vu

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

Drizzlepath: Deja Vu is another atmospheric "walking simulator." You play as a man climbing a mountain on a journey of self-discovery. The story is told through the narrator's philosophical musings as you take in the beautiful scenery. It's a very relaxing and contemplative experience.

34. The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +3 more

This is a short "walking simulator" where you play as a man returning to his home village after graduating from university, only to find it abandoned. The story unfolds as you explore the deserted town and learn about the events that transpired. It deals with themes of community and loss.

35. Paradise Lost

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One +1 more

Paradise Lost is a "walking simulator" set in an alternate history where World War II never ended. You play as a 12-year-old boy who, after his mother's death, discovers a massive, abandoned Nazi bunker. You explore this desolate space while interacting with a mysterious girl named Ewa through the bunker's technology.

The game focuses on environmental storytelling and uncovering a tragic mystery. Its somber atmosphere and narrative about dealing with grief and loss will resonate with players who appreciate the more melancholic themes of Life is Strange.

36. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One +2 more

Hellblade is a linear action-adventure game, but it is included here for its groundbreaking and powerful depiction of mental health. You play as a Pict warrior who journeys into Viking hell to save the soul of her dead lover. The game's audio and visuals are designed to immerse you in her experience with psychosis.

For players who were moved by Life is Strange's willingness to tackle serious and mature themes, Hellblade is a dark, beautiful, and unforgettable journey into the mind of its protagonist.

37. Blacksad: Under the Skin

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) +4 more

For players who love the detective and mystery-solving aspects of Life is Strange, Blacksad: Under the Skin is an excellent choice. Based on a popular comic book series, this is a narrative adventure game set in a 1950s New York populated by anthropomorphic animals. You play as John Blacksad, a cynical private investigator hired to solve a dark and gritty murder case.

The gameplay is a fantastic blend of exploration, investigation, and dialogue choices. You'll need to find clues, make deductions, and navigate conversations where what you say has a direct impact on the information you receive and how the story unfolds. It perfectly captures the feeling of being a detective piecing together a complex mystery, making it a great fit for fans of the genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of game is Life is Strange?

Life is Strange is a narrative-driven graphic adventure game, often referred to as an "interactive drama." The gameplay is less about action and more about exploration, conversation, and making choices. The core of the experience is its branching story, where the decisions you make and the dialogue you choose directly impact the plot, your relationships with other characters, and the final outcome. It's a game style that prioritizes story, character development, and atmosphere above all else.

If what you loved most about Life is Strange was its powerful and emotional main story, you can find similarly unforgettable character-driven journeys in the world of open-world action games.

Is Life is Strange a LGBTQ+ game?

Yes, the Life is Strange series is widely celebrated for its prominent and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation. The central relationship in the first game between Max and Chloe is a cornerstone of the series and can be romantic. Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a love story between Chloe and Rachel Amber, and Life is Strange: True Colors features a bisexual protagonist, Alex Chen, with both male and female romance options. Queer themes and characters are integral to the series' identity.

Can a 12-year-old play Life is Strange?

It is generally not recommended for a 12-year-old. The games are officially rated M for Mature (or PEGI 16), and for good reason. The stories deal with very heavy and complex themes, including profanity, violence, drug and alcohol use, suicide, and death. The content is aimed at an older teen and adult audience that can better navigate its mature subject matter. We recommend following the official age ratings provided.

Is Life is Strange indie or AAA?

Life is Strange sits in a middle ground, often referred to as a "AA" game. The series was created by DONTNOD Entertainment, an independent studio, but it is funded and published by a major AAA publisher, Square Enix. This gives the games the creative, focused, and often experimental feel of an indie title, but with the higher production values, polish, and marketing reach of a major release. It’s the best of both worlds.

Do I need to play the Life is Strange games in order?

Not necessarily, as most of the main games are standalone stories. Life is Strange, Life is Strange 2, and Life is Strange: True Colors all feature different protagonists and self-contained plots, so you can jump in with whichever one interests you most. The one exception is Life is Strange: Before the Storm, which is a prequel to the first game and should be played *after* completing the original to avoid major spoilers.

Are all games like Life is Strange about superpowers?

No, not at all. While a supernatural ability is a signature of the Life is Strange franchise itself, it's not a requirement for the broader genre. Many recommended games like Life is Strange, such as Firewatch, As Dusk Falls, Night in the Woods, and Telltale's The Walking Dead, feature no superpowers. The true similarity lies in the deep focus on character-driven stories, impactful player choice, emotional themes, and often a central mystery to unravel.

Miguel (austernotus)

About the Author

Miguel (austernotus) is a game developer and pixel artist who believes the best recommendations come from understanding a game's core systems. With a background that spans from high-level MMO PVP (2100+ in WoW) to professional SEO, his analysis goes beyond the surface to find the games you'll actually love.

Read more about his unique approach →