Among the most engrossing story-driven indie games from the past decade is “Firewatch,” which was released in 2016. Set in the late ’80s, the game has players stationed at a lookout tower in a national park in Wyoming. While keeping watch to ensure that a wildfire doesn’t break out in the forest, the protagonist realizes that he’s being observed by a malevolent presence. Upon its launch, “Wildfire” won big at the GDC Awards and remains a classic indie game a decade since its release.
If you’ve completed “Firewatch” and you loved its immersive narrative experience, there are plenty of similar games around, whether they be games that lean into the mystery aspect of the indie hit or ones that concentrate on atmospheric horror. And, given the interesting stories they all boast, players will want to revisit each of these games multiple times. Here are the five best video games like “Firewatch” to check out next.
Gone Home
The 2013 first-person walking simulator game “Gone Home” revolves around 21-year-old protagonist Katie Greenbriar returning to her family home in Oregon in 1995, only to find it seemingly abandoned. As Katie explores the house and interacts with various objects, what happened to her family gradually comes to light. As Katie uncovers more clues, additional portions of the house become unlocked and available for investigation to continue the story.
“Gone Home” moves at an easy-going pace, with players slowly becoming invested in the story and Katie’s journey. The haunting atmosphere is matched by the game embracing its ’90s aesthetics, underscoring the warmly nostalgic mood. An evocative mystery that delves deeply into the uncomfortable secrets that family members can keep from one another, “Gone Home” is an unassuming masterpiece that “Firewatch” fans are bound to love.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Another period piece mystery game, this time set in 1973, “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter” takes place in a remote town in rural Wisconsin. The 2014 game’s protagonist is private investigator Paul Prospero, who sets out to locate the titular missing child using stories Ethan has left behind as clues. As Paul’s investigation picks up, paranormal happenings begin, becoming increasingly prominent and menacing as he gets closer to the truth. Along the way, Paul uncovers what appears to be a sinister conspiracy linked to Ethan’s family.
“The Vanishing of Ethan Carter” is set in an open-world environment which lets players dig into the mystery at their own pace in an overall immersive experience. It’s not a particularly long game (if you’re a seasoned puzzle game player you’ll be able to finish it in under five hours), but it’s a hugely engrossing one, with the plot walking a tightrope between detective tale and ghost story. An atmospheric tour through the heart of darkness, “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter” is ideal for “Firewatch” fans looking for their next obsession.
What Remains of Edith Finch
The 2017 indie game “What Remains of Edith Finch” takes the story-driven sensibilities of a visual novel and dials up the creepy mood. The game’s story recounts the history behind Edith Finch’s family home on an island in the Pacific Northwest. This unfolds in a series of vignettes as players explore the house and its surrounding area, with progress informed by picking up on contextual clues. By the story’s end, you’ll know exactly what became of Edith Finch and learn all about the initial player character’s connection to her.
A cozy meditation on mortality that will have players wanting to revisit the story in full, “What Remains of Edith Finch” is an evocative, narrative-driven game. It was among the best games of 2017, one that left a lasting impact on players despite its relatively short length. This first-person exploration game plays out like an interactive story experience rather than one filled with conventional gameplay mechanics, but is no less engaging in its presentation. The narrative revolves around a big mystery that will no doubt scratch an itch for “Firewatch” fans.
Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout
Fans of “Firewatch” will get a kick out of every entry in the lo-fi horror game series “Fears to Fathom,” which began in 2021. Each installment is based on an online urban legend, providing players with a story-driven adventure with ominous atmospheres and scary moments. But it’s the fourth game in the series, 2023’s “Ironbark Lookout,” that most closely aligns with “Firewatch,” right down to the location and the player’s role: You’re in charge of a fire lookout in the middle of a state park. Before long, you learn that a murderous cult is active in the forest at night.
“Ironbark Lookout” is one of the most intense games in the “Fears to Fathom” series to date, especially when the player is inevitably targeted by the cult. Where the game excels is in its slow-burn suspense as the narrative’s full disturbing implications come into focus. That gives way to a tautly-staged climax that will have even the most seasoned players on the edge of their seats. A great gateway into the wider “Fears to Fathom” series, “Ironbark Lookout” is a perfectly paced thrill ride.
Mixtape
The coziest title on this list, “Mixtape” is one of the best video games of 2026 so far. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and it’s set in a small northern California town in the ’90s. The story follows three teenage friends wrapping up high school and preparing to part ways once the summer is completed. In between the usual antics that the trio gets into around town, they reevaluate their friendship and how they actually feel about each other
“Mixtape” beautifully captures a vibe, embracing its period piece setting while it weaves a timeless coming-of-age story. Even though the stakes aren’t as high as the other games on this list, the emotional investment you’ll inevitably make in these characters makes the story just as absorbing. “Mixtape” revels in the reckless abandon of youth as it weaves a memorable tale that’s fueled by a period-appropriate soundtrack.
