I’m on the hunt for games that capture a sense of solitude while still having some life in them. I’m not looking for a completely empty world—some NPCs or dialogue would be nice, but I want environments where I can go a long time without interacting with others. Good exploration is a must, and if there’s an intriguing lore to dig into, that’s a bonus! A game that gave me this vibe was The Talos Principle, especially in its initial hub world. While I loved everything about it, moments where I focused too much on puzzles or had dialogue from Elohim felt less solitary. I don’t need others around all the time; I just enjoy exploring and immersing myself in a world that has that serene yet alive vibe.
6 Answers
Outer Wilds is a great game that fits this vibe. Although there’s a supportive community of your species cheering you on, you often find yourself exploring alone. There are plenty of video essays that discuss how it conveys those feelings effectively.
Check out the Stalker series! It features sections with NPCs but generally leaves you to explore the eerie zone alone, which enhances that feeling of solitude.
Subnautica can also give you that sense of solitude. While you’re surrounded by curious creatures, it’s just you beneath the waves, which can feel both freighting and beautiful at the same time!
Totally! I loved it too, but I ended up so focused on surviving that I didn’t have much time to soak in the solitude!
Definitely check out Death Stranding! It perfectly captures that feeling of being alone without being lonely. The entire theme revolves around the concept of isolation while still having some connections.
Haha, it’s funny you mention it—I saw Death Stranding in my YouTube recommendations right after posting this! It’s now high on my list, especially when it goes on sale!
For something a bit different, try Stray. You experience the world from a cat’s perspective, which adds a unique touch to that feeling of solitude without complete isolation.
Don’t overlook Kenshi! Depending on how you set up your game, you can embark on massive solo adventures, exploring ruins filled with ancient lore and strange creatures while feeling completely isolated.
That sounds amazing! I love the idea of exploring vast deserts—definitely going to give it a try!
I own Outer Wilds but haven’t played it yet. I feel kinda dumb for putting it off because it seems perfect for what I’m looking for!