21 Best Story-Driven Games for Unforgettable Journeys

(Last Updated On: July 3, 2023)

Embark on unforgettable journeys through immersive and captivating story-driven games. Lose yourself in the intricate narratives, rich character development, and stunning visuals as you explore diverse worlds and face challenging choices.

Whether unraveling dark mysteries, forging deep connections, or battling epic foes, these 21 games will transport you to realms where your actions shape the fate of the story, leaving an indelible mark on your gaming experience. Get ready for an adventure like no other!

21. Telltale’s The Walking Dead

Telltale’s The Walking Dead may forgo action gameplay, yet it compensates abundantly with a compelling and poignant narrative. This game’s soaring popularity propelled Telltale to new pinnacles as a publisher for good reason.

The tale of Lee and Clementine is genuinely captivating, shedding light on the harrowing realities of the post-apocalyptic world. Players will remain captivated throughout the course of the five episodes, culminating in one of the most heart-wrenching endings in the annals of video games.

20. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 2017, it is set in an open world where players control the protagonist, Link, as he explores the vast kingdom of Hyrule.

The game is renowned for its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and nonlinear storytelling. Players can freely navigate the expansive landscape, engage in combat, solve puzzles, and interact with various characters and creatures. With its innovative mechanics and captivating world, “Breath of the Wild” has received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

19. Detroit: Become Human

Detroit: Become Human is a captivating video game developed by Quantic Dream and released in 2018. Set in a futuristic version of Detroit, the game revolves around the lives of androids who gain sentience and begin to question their purpose and fight for their rights.

Players make choices that shape the narrative, leading to branching storylines and multiple outcomes. With its stunning visuals, thought-provoking themes, and engaging gameplay, Detroit: Become Human offers a unique and immersive experience that explores the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.”

18. Alan Wake

“Alan Wake” is a psychological action thriller video game developed by Remedy Entertainment. Released in 2010, the game follows the story of the titular character, a bestselling writer who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his wife in the fictional town of Bright Falls.

As Alan delves into the dark and supernatural events plaguing the town, he must battle malevolent forces using light as his primary weapon. With its intense atmosphere, intriguing narrative, and unique gameplay mechanics, “Alan Wake” offers players a gripping experience filled with suspense and supernatural elements.

17. Control

“Control” is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment.

It follows the story of Jesse Faden, who becomes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and must uncover the mysteries surrounding a supernatural entity known as the “Hiss.” With its mind-bending gameplay mechanics, captivating atmosphere, and a gripping narrative, “Control” offers a unique and immersive experience for players.

16. Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto V, commonly known as GTA 5, is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was initially released in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed video games of all time.

Set in the fictional city of Los Santos, the game allows players to explore an open world and engage in various criminal activities, missions, and multiplayer modes. GTA 5 offers a vast and immersive gameplay experience with a compelling storyline, memorable characters, and a wide range of activities to engage in, making it a favorite among gamers worldwide.

15. Wolfenstein: The New Order

Wolfenstein: The New Order is a first-person shooter video game developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks.

Set in an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II, players assume the role of war veteran William “B.J.” Blazkowicz as he leads a resistance movement against the oppressive regime. With its intense gameplay, engaging storyline, and a mix of stealth and explosive action, Wolfenstein: The New Order offers players a thrilling and immersive experience in a dystopian world.

14. Cyberpunk 2077

“Cyberpunk 2077” is a highly anticipated action role-playing video game developed and published by CD Projekt Red. Set in the dystopian future of Night City, players assume the role of V, a mercenary with customizable attributes and cybernetic enhancements.

The game features a vast open world, immersive storytelling, and a variety of gameplay choices that impact the narrative. Despite its initial release being marred by technical issues, “Cyberpunk 2077” offers an intriguing blend of cyberpunk themes, futuristic aesthetics, and a deep narrative experience.

13. Days Gone

Days Gone is an open-world action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombie-like creatures called Freakers. Players assume the role of Deacon St. John, a former outlaw turned bounty hunter, as he navigates through the dangerous wilderness on his motorcycle.

Survival is key as players scavenge for resources, engage in combat, and unravel the mysteries of the world. With its intense gameplay and emotional storytelling, Days Gone offers a thrilling and immersive experience in a brutal and unforgiving world.

12. Red Dead Redemption 2

“Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic Western-themed video game developed by Rockstar Games. Set in the late 1800s, players assume the role of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating a changing and unforgiving world.

With stunning visuals, a gripping story, and immersive gameplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a rich and detailed open-world experience, filled with memorable characters and challenging missions. It has received critical acclaim for its masterful storytelling, realistic environments, and engaging gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play title for fans of the genre.”

11. Resident Evil Village

“Resident Evil Village” is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. Released in May 2021, it serves as the eighth main installment in the renowned “Resident Evil” series. The game follows Ethan Winters as he ventures into a mysterious village in search of his kidnapped daughter.

Set in a chilling and atmospheric environment, players navigate through treacherous encounters with grotesque creatures, solve puzzles, and unravel a dark and twisted narrative. “Resident Evil Village” received critical acclaim for its gameplay mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and captivating storyline, further solidifying its place in the iconic franchise.

10. Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider is an iconic action-adventure video game franchise featuring the courageous archaeologist and adventurer, Lara Croft. Created by Core Design and first released in 1996, the series has since become renowned for its immersive gameplay, challenging puzzles, and thrilling exploration in exotic locations around the world.

With multiple successful installments and a strong fanbase, Tomb Raider has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, making Lara Croft one of the most recognizable and beloved video game characters of all time.

9. BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite is a critically acclaimed first-person shooter video game developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games.

Released in 2013, it is the third installment in the BioShock series. Set in the year 1912, the game follows the protagonist, Booker DeWitt, as he navigates the floating city of Columbia to rescue a mysterious woman named Elizabeth. BioShock Infinite combines a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes to create a memorable gaming experience.

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an epic action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. Set in a vast open world, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter known as a Witcher.

With a rich storyline, captivating characters, and immersive gameplay, the game offers a thrilling adventure filled with intense combat, intricate quests, and moral choices that shape the outcome of the game. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, praised for its stunning visuals, deep narrative, and unparalleled world-building.

7. Far Cry 5

“Far Cry 5” is an action-adventure first-person shooter video game developed by Ubisoft. Set in the fictional Hope County, Montana, players assume the role of a deputy sheriff as they confront a doomsday cult called Eden’s Gate led by Joseph Seed.

The game features an open-world environment, allowing players to explore and engage in various missions, side activities, and combat encounters. With its intense gameplay, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, “Far Cry 5” offers an immersive and thrilling experience in a dangerous and captivating setting.

6. Ghost Of Tsushima

“Ghost of Tsushima” is an action-adventure video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released in 2020. Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island, players assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior fighting to protect his homeland.

With breathtaking visuals and intense combat, the game offers players an immersive experience as they navigate a vast open world, engage in sword fights, stealthily assassinate enemies, and make choices that shape the outcome of the story. “Ghost of Tsushima” received critical acclaim for its beautiful world design, compelling narrative, and satisfying gameplay mechanics.

5. Marvel’s Spider-Man

Marvel’s Spider-Man is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Players take on the role of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, as they swing through the open-world city of New York, fighting crime, and unraveling a thrilling story. With its stunning graphics, fluid web-slinging mechanics, and engaging combat, Marvel’s Spider-Man delivers an unforgettable superhero gaming experience.

4. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and released in 2017. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures, players assume the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she unravels the mysteries of her world and discovers her own origins.

The game is acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals, immersive open world, engaging storyline, and satisfying combat mechanics. With its unique blend of primitive and futuristic elements, Horizon Zero Dawn offers an unforgettable adventure in a visually stunning and richly detailed world.

3. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

“Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” is an action-adventure video game developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2016. It serves as the fourth installment in the acclaimed “Uncharted” series, following the adventures of Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter and adventurer.

In this game, Nathan embarks on a quest to find a legendary pirate treasure while facing dangerous obstacles and ruthless enemies. With its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and exhilarating gameplay, “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” has been praised as a masterpiece and a fitting conclusion to the series.

2. God Of War

“God of War” is an action-adventure video game franchise developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The series follows the journey of Kratos, a Spartan warrior turned god, as he battles various mythological creatures and deities from Greek and Norse mythology.

Known for its intense combat, epic storytelling, and stunning visuals, “God of War” has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base since its debut in 2005. The most recent installment, released in 2018, takes Kratos to the realm of Norse mythology, presenting a new perspective and a more mature storyline while maintaining the series’ signature brutal and satisfying gameplay.

1. The Last Of Us

“The Last of Us” is a critically acclaimed action-adventure video game developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2013.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a fungal infection, players follow the journey of Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a teenage girl immune to the infection, as they navigate dangerous environments, encounter hostile survivors, and face moral dilemmas. The game is praised for its compelling narrative, intense gameplay, and emotional depth, making it a standout title in the gaming industry.