By Death Stranding is a weird game that was made with a niche audience in mind.
There’s no other game like it for sure. But I tried to find games like Death Stranding for this list.
It’s no wonder that many gamers who are used to playing Call of Duty, Fortnite, and other fast-paced games couldn’t really get the whole idea of a slow-burn game like Death Stranding.
Older folks, like me, are the ones who truly understood the true meaning and value of a game like DS. I mean, it’s basically a game about taking care of a baby, so it’s like a game made for gamer dads.
On the other hand, Death Stranding was also about immersion. When you take a courier job and start trekking through that barren world, you feel the realism and get fully involved in the game. Kojima did a fantastic job of building that realistic world and blending it with engaging gameplay mechanics to create a vibe unlike any other game out there.
I kept thinking about other games that give you a similar feeling, like Death Stranding, and these are the games that come to mind.
Death Stranding is such a unique game. None of these games are exactly like it. But these games also have worlds that feel immersive and engaging, just like in DS.
1. Pragmata
Pragmata is one of the best games for dads to play because it also has a cute companion that comes along on your adventure.
In Pragmata, you have a cute child companion called Diana. She’s the cutest companion ever! She just likes to ride on your back wherever you go and give directions and do adorable things.
While Pragmata is not an open-world game like Death Stranding, it’s one of the few games where you get to see a growing father-daughter-like relationship. The game also has great combat, well-designed levels, and a very touching story that will bring you to tears, in a good way.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
When comparing the world of Death Stranding, Red Dead Redemption 2 has the closest open-world experience.
Much like in Death Stranding, the world of RDR2 also feels empty and lonely most of the time. Since the game takes place in the late 1800s, the Wild West map is often full of forests and jungles without a human in sight.
But that doesn’t mean that world feels boring. RDR2 has one of the most engaging open worlds I’ve seen. Even in the most remote locations, you will have something to do, like hunt a legendary wild animal or gather resources.
You will also have random encounters with stranded NPCs who will ask for your help. Some of them will turn out to be robberies, and some will lead to emotional side missions.
3. The Witcher 3
I know, some would say that The Witcher 3 is far from being a Death Stranding alternative. But it’s actually a lot more like DS than you think. Just hear me out.
The Witcher 3 has a very lush and immersive world. Much like in Death Stranding, you can just go out and head in any direction on the map to discover strange areas and monsters. You will also meet NPCs with backstories and unique characters. And let’s not forget about Ciri.
The main campaign in The Witcher 3 is about finding your lost “daughter”, Ciri. It’s an emotional and action-packed campaign that somewhat resembles the story of Death Stranding.
Well, it’s two different worlds of course but I like how in The Witcher 3 you get the freedom to go anywhere in all directions of the map.
4. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima also has a highly immersive world. A key feature that makes it possible is the user interface.
In Ghost of Tsushima, you don’t get a mini map and directional pointers in the UI. Instead, it shows you directions through various other forms, like the wind or smoke in the distance. This creates a very realistic experience where you feel more engaged in the world.
Ghost of Tsushima takes place in feudal Japan, where you play as a Samurai warrior. It has an incredible story campaign with even better combat mechanics. But what you’ll love more is the exploration in this game.
5. Fallout: New Vegas
An oldie but a goodie. Fallout: New Vegas is getting a remake, but it might take a while to arrive. In the meantime, why not play one of the best Fallout games ever made.
Fallout: New Vegas has a very barren and desolate world that comes close to what it feels like in Death Stranding. Of course, it’s not as graphically advanced as DS, but this game offers a unique and engaging experience at the same level.
For a 15+ year old game, New Vegas still holds up in terms of gameplay and story. The characters you meet and the missions you take on feel much more engaging than most RPGs available today.
6. Days Gone
Days Gone is a game that features a zombie post-apocalyptic world. Yes, it’s full of zombies everywhere but this world also feels alone. And there’s another cool feature that may make you want to play it after Death Stranding.
In Days Gone, your main method of transportation is your motorcycle. In a way, it’s like your baby. You need to refuel, repair, upgrade, and take good care of it. And you can also install a BB on this bike.
Days Gone actually has a custom fuel tank that features a Bridge Baby from Death Stranding. So when you’re exploring the lonely, zombie-filled world, you will feel just like exploring Death Stranding.
7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one of the most immersive medieval life simulators available right now. I say a simulator because all the gameplay mechanics in KCD2 are brilliantly designed to be close to realism.
The open world of KCD2 is highly engaging with NPC encounters and various activities scattered around the map, similar to games like The Witcher 3.
Since the game takes place in medieval times, you will often feel alone when exploring. If you’re going for that same loneliness feeling in Death Stranding, KCD2 can offer that vibe in a way, except in a more close to real-life way.
8. Dune: Awakening
Dune: Awakening has a similar vibe to Death Stranding with its harsh environment and survival mechanics. I love the open desert of this game and how lonely it feels to explore different parts of the map.
The world of Dune: Awakening is always out to get you. Whether it’s the giant sand worm, a sandstorm, hot quicksand spots, or even the scorching hot sun, surviving in this game is tough. But that desert world looks absolutely stunning.
Much like in Death Stranding, you get to explore Dune using various vehicles. It’s a survival game at its core but exploration is also quite rewarding.
9. Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed Origins is one of the best AC games ever made. It takes you back to the age of pyramids and features a stunning map of Egypt with structures, buildings, and locations from ancient times.
AC Origins is one of my favorite games where I just loved to explore. I especially enjoyed going inside ancient buildings and pyramids and seeing how they were made.
Similar to Dune: Awakening, AC Origins also mostly consists of desert-themed locations and areas. But it’s beautiful and exploration can be rewarding. Just keep in mind that it’s a Ubisoft game.
10. TES V: Skyrim
I think most of you would agree that exploration in Skyrim is still among the best in the genre. Even though it’s a bit old now, Skyrim has one of the most immersive open-world maps ever made.
The main reason I included it on the list is because of the mods. You can basically create an atmosphere and an open world similar to Death Stranding using various shader presets and texture packs for Skyrim.
Skyrim has more action-oriented gameplay, but the world itself is incredible to explore.
11. Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is not an RPG. It’s a space simulator with a sandbox-style experience. There are no characters or story campaign, you just buy a spaceship and do whatever you want.
That freedom you get to explore the Milky Way galaxy in all directions is quite incredible. This game can feel very lonely because space is often empty. So you will get that same loneliness feeling of Death Stranding in this game.
You will often be amazed by discovering massive stars, nebulae, and planets. Your ship will be your home, and you can rest in space stations scattered across the galaxy. Just like in Death Stranding.
12. The Alters
The Alters is a different kind of game where you explore a planet that’s dying. Your goal is to collect as much data as possible and gather a rare resource on the planet.
To do this, you get a mobile base that you can expand and customize. And to help you with all the work, you get to replicate yourself and create clones.
The Alters is a very unique and creative game that will make you think. It also has a similar vibe to Death Stranding, especially the planet atmosphere and visuals look a lot similar.
