Alexis Kestler
The Last of Us, first released in 2013 by developer Naughty Dog, captivated players with its gripping narrative, nuanced characters, and tense yet tactile gameplay. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States two decades after a fungal plague has decimated civilization, The Last of Us follows gruff survivor Joel and his spirited teenage companion Ellie as they travel across a ravaged country.
With its thoughtful storytelling, high stakes action, and vividly realized world, The Last of Us raised the bar for narrative-driven games. It has sold over 20 million copies to date and is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made.
While no other game can replicate The Last of Us‘ exact magic, fans seeking a similar style of deep, emotional experience have other great options to choose from. Here are 11 immersive, character-driven games that echo elements of The Last of Us‘ brilliance.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
This 2019 adventure game from Asobo Studio thrusts players into plague-ravaged 14th century France. Like The Last of Us, it emphasizes survival and stealth, with sequences of sneaking past swarms of ravenous rats. You play as Amicia, trying to protect your sick younger brother Hugo as you evade capture from the Inquisition.
With its child protagonists and grounded historical setting, A Plague Tale: Innocence expertly balances warmth and brutality. Rich character moments augment tense set pieces, resulting in an impactful narrative.
"An enthralling adventure…A Plague Tale: Innocence is a tale of wonder and horror." – 9/10 IGN
Developer: Asobo Studio Release: 2019
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn intrigues players with its juxtaposition of low-tech tribal communities against hulking robotic dinosaurs. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this 2017 PS4 exclusive takes place 1,000 years in the future, long after an apocalypse. As hunter Aloy, you explore lush forests and frozen tundras while uncovering secrets of the past.
With its bow-based combat and wilderness survival elements, Horizon Zero Dawn exudes a primal feel. Yet its melancholic tale of humanity’s hubris makes it futuristic and thoughtful. Fans of The Last of Us’ blend of nature and technology will feel right at home.
"Horizon Zero Dawn is going to be a new high watermark." 9.3/10 IGN
Developer: Guerrilla Games Release: 2017
Platform: PS4
BioShock Infinite
The philosophy-laced first person shooter BioShock Infinite transports players to 1912, aboard the fantastical floating city of Columbia. You play as ex-detective Booker DeWitt, sent to rescue a mysterious woman named Elizabeth. Like Ellie in The Last of Us, Elizabeth acts as a computer-controlled companion – and the heart of the complex story.
BioShock Infinite came from Irrational Games, known for spearheading immersive sims with strong narratives. Blending history, quantum physics, and ideological struggle, BioShock Infinite matches The Last of Us in asking big questions.
“BioShock Infinite breaks away from the underlying cyclical rhythm of the first games; it’s erratic in all the right ways.” 9.4/10 – GameSpot
Developer: Irrational Games Release: 2013
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog’s 2020 sequel to The Last of Us retains the first game’s visceral sneaking and brutal combat while bringing the story into even grayer moral territory. It splits time between grizzled survivor Ellie and conflicted ex-soldier Abby, whose paths violently collide.
The Last of Us Part II accrued over 300 Game of the Year awards for its ambitious, emotionally draining narrative. It further evolved the franchise’s stealth systems and detailed world-building, resulting in an unforgettable fictional universe that matches literature and film.
“An uncompromising vision that operates on a level most games never attempt.” 10/10 GameSpot
Developer: Naughty Dog Release: 2020
Platform: PS4
God of War (2018)
This 2018 reboot of the bloodthirsty God of War series retains the franchise’s visceral combat while reinventing gruff protagonist Kratos as a more nuanced father figure. He journeys through the world of Norse myth with his young son Atreus, resulting in ample heartfelt moments between frenzied battles against epic creatures.
Like The Last of Us, God of War (2018) grounds its grand fantasy with genuinely human characters. Their growing bond makes you feel every step of their mythic quest.
“This is a masterpiece worthy of the gods themselves.” 10/10 Push Square
Developer: SIE Santa Monica Studio Release: 2018
Platform: PS4
Hellblade: Senua‘s Sacrifice
Independent studio Ninja Theory (later acquired by Xbox Game Studios) created this 2017 action game to authentically represent psychosis and grief. Players inhabit the fractured mind of Celtic warrior Senua, who journeys to Helheim on a quest to rescue her dead lover‘s soul.
Hellblade‘s binaural audio and haunting visuals thrust players into Senua‘s perspective, evoking The Last of Us‘ commitment to grounded characters. Expert melee combat and puzzle-solving round out the experience.
“An absorbing, disturbing journey through a compellingly crafted world.” 8/10 GameSpot
Developer: Ninja Theory Release: 2017
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Days Gone
SIE Bend Studio’s open-world thriller Days Gone centers on biker Deacon St. John navigating a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest overrun by virus-infected humans called Freakers. Stealth and resource management are crucial to survival in this dangerous land.
Days Gone provides The Last of Us’ blend of harsh wilderness and desperate humanity. Weather effects and changing Freaker migration patterns keep journeys tense, while relationships with survivors reveal Deacon’s softer side.
“Days Gone delivers an open-world experience with heart, soul, and all-too-human heartbeats powering its struggle for hope in a land of desolation.” 8/10 GameSpot
Developer: SIE Bend Studio Release: 2019
Platform: PS4
Death Stranding
Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima’s first independent project offers meditative treks across a haunting post-catastrophe America. Players control deliveryman Sam Bridges, whose job involves transporting supplies between cities and connecting survivors to a wireless network.
Death Stranding mirrors The Last of Us with its melancholy tone and civilization picking up the pieces. Long journeys encourage reflection, while occasional spectral combat adds adrenaline. An eccentric cast of characters rounds out the adventure.
“A transformative experience unlike anything else out there.” IGN
Developer: Kojima Productions Release: 2019
Platforms: PS4, PC
Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Capcom’s 2019 remake of 1998’s Resident Evil 2 honors the PlayStation classic while thoroughly modernizing it. The survival horror sequel remains focused on rookie cop Leon Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield trying to escape a zombie outbreak in Raccoon City.
With its diseased, shambling enemies and emphasis on evasion and crafting, Resident Evil 2 captures some of The Last of Us’ risk-reward gameplay. And its police station location oozes atmosphere.
“Both a respectful recreation of a horror classic and a bone-rattling experience in its own right.” 9/10 Game Informer
Developer: Capcom Release: 2019
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games 2018 epic immerses players in a massive open world portraying the decline of the Wild West. Its story follows outlaw Arthur Morgan, grappling with his conscience as his gang falls apart. Players control Arthur and feel his weighty presence via detailed animations and cinematic conversations.
With its photorealistic environments and themes of found family and redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 exudes the gravitas – and heart – found in The Last of Us. Its unhurried pace allows players to inhabit its world.
“One of the most monumental achievements in video game history.” 10/10 GameSpot
Developer: Rockstar Games Release: 2018
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
What Remains of Edith Finch
This narrative-focused first person adventure relays the misfortunes of the eccentric Finch family via a series of interactive vignettes. You play as the last living Finch returning to their Washington state home. It’s an imaginative indie that highlights how interactive media can enhance storytelling.
Through rich environmental details and shifting perspective, What Remains of Edith Finch crafts a poignant tale on par with The Last of Us. Few games deliver such an emotional gut punch.
“A beautiful, haunting, and unforgettable experience.” 10/10 GameSpot
Developer: Giant Sparrow Release: 2017
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
The Last of Us excels at marrying mechanical depth with narrative impact to achieve an unparalleled interactive drama. No game can fully replicate such a special alchemy. But the titles above each offer stirring stories, compelling characters, immersive worlds, and impactful themes for those who can’t get enough of The Last of Us’ brand of atmospheric, emotional gaming.
Whether you prefer third person action adventures, first person shooters, sprawling open worlds, or contained indie experiences, there’s an engrossing option that channels what makes The Last of Us exceptional. These are the kinds of games you play not just for gameplay thrills, but also to be transported to believable worlds, moved by struggles of humanity, and left contemplating life’s big questions.
Any fans of The Last of Us seeking their next powerful interactive narrative should find a perfect match among these titles. Each provides ample motivation to keep your console or PC powered on well into the night.
