10 Best Games Like Oxenfree That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Games Like Oxenfree

Oxenfree was a huge hit in 2016 thanks to its fascinating plot and unique gameplay mechanics. As Alex and her pals unraveled the mystery of the island they were visiting, indie gamers were enthralled. As Night School Studio’s first game, it was a success, garnering attention from the likes of Netflix.

Fans were eager to see the story continue in a sequel after the success and critical praise Oxenfree gained. As a result, they went on to titles like Afterparty and Next Stop Nowhere rather than pursuing the idea further. At long last, Night School confessed that they had considered producing a sequel to Oxenfree, which was released five years ago. Following this announcement, Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals was quickly announced.

What makes the Oxenfree Gameplay so Unique?

It’s the narrative, not the gameplay, that makes games like Oxenfree so enjoyable. In spite of this, Oxenfree’s gameplay still has a few unique features to make it stand out from other video games.

The most common description is that it is used to simulate walking. Since you may engage with other characters by walking and talking in the game, this isn’t unusual. Oxenfree, on the other hand, allows you to interrupt characters or interact with the environment while they’re talking. This is a notable feature. Alternatively, you can wait for them to complete and respond, or you can choose to keep mute.

This gameplay feature adds a little more life (in many ways) to the dialogues and enhances the immersion. It’s a terrific addition to an already great game to be able to shape your relationships with the rest of the cast as the main character.

Alex’s radio is used to solve puzzles, interact with artifacts in the area, and form relationships with the characters. Of course, this is typical of story-driven adventure games.

Oxenfree’s gameplay may seem easy to some, but there are a surprising number of moving parts. Decisions and collectibles are also included in this section; you’ll need to find them all. Many Oxenfree walkthroughs now exist online, each with their own set of techniques and advice for completing the game.

Oxenfree’s Story

During the course of Oxenfree, we follow seventeen-year-old Alex as she embarks on an imaginary island adventure with her friend Ren and stepbrother Jonas. During the day, Edwards Island is a popular tourist destination. They, on the other hand, intend to stay out late and party. This is where the action begins to heat up quickly.

While they’re out drinking and hanging out with their friends, they begin to investigate a nearby cave system. Alex is going to look into reports that particular radio frequencies are causing paranormal activity in the caves, and you can bet your bottom dollar he will. Unfortunately, this causes a spatial rift to be created. Problems they’ve created must be solved by our protagonists.

1. Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods

In terms of gameplay and story, Night in the Woods shares many similarities with Oxenfree. After dropping out of college, Mae Borowski returns to her hometown of Possum Springs to investigate the town’s dark secrets. Mental illness and depression are prominent topics in the game. The decisions you make in Night in the Woods have a tiny impact on the final outcome.

2. What Remains of Edith Finch

One of my favorite mysteries is Giant Sparrow’s What Remains of Edith Finch. The game tells the narrative of the Finch family and the tragic deaths that befell each member of the unit. As Edith narrates the story and details the deaths of each family member, all of this takes place.

3. Firewatch

Firewatch

There were a few platforms that didn’t have a chance to play Firewatch until after Oxenfree’s debut in early 2016. Explore the area around Henry’s watchtower as a fire lookout. He’s trying to figure out what’s going on in the Shoshone National Forest and why his tower keeps being raided while he’s away. Put yourself in Henry’s shoes and see if you can discover a solution to his problems.

4. A Short Hike

Indie game designer Adam Robinson-Yu has created a brief but lovely adventure game titled “A Short Hike.” During her free time, the main character, Claire, decides to visit her aunt in Hawk Peak Provincial Park. When Claire gets there, her aunt tells her that the park has no mobile service and that she will have to hike to the top of a mountain to get a call from her.

The drive to Hawk Peak Provincial Park is full of encounters with the park’s other visitors. The game is more metaphorical because of the lack of a clear antagonist. In addition, the graphics are a lot of fun to look at.

5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Investigator Paul Prospero is tasked with tracking down Ethan Carter, who has vanished without explanation. After receiving a letter from 12-year-old Ethan, Paul decided to pay a visit to the boy’s hometown. Paul Prospero begins seeing mysterious activity in the neighborhood soon after he learns that his son has been kidnapped.

As a result, he sets out to uncover the dark secret of the Carter family in order to save Ethan before it’s too late! It’s a terrific pick because the horror game has a great atmosphere and allows you explore without holding your hand too much.

6. Spiritfarer

It’s best to define Spiritfarer as a “healing” game. Spiritfarer, in contrast to Oxenfree, is more of a sandbox game with no supernatural elements. The player character, Stella, takes on the role of the eponymous spiritfarer, a person who aids the dead in their journey to the afterlife by fulfilling their final requests.

She makes many friends along the journey, as evidenced by the farewells they share when Stella transports them through the Everdoor, the portal to the afterlife. Stella’s pals. However, unlike Oxenfree, Spiritfarer allows you to meet and become friends with a wide variety of interesting characters.

7. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds

Those who like Oxenfree’s numerous time loops will enjoy Outer Wilds. This is because the story revolves around a 22-minute time loop. While exploring a solar system, the player character, who has no identity, is caught in a temporal loop.

The time loop is restarted and the star explodes after 22 minutes. When you play this game, you’ll be tasked with solving the mystery of a time loop and learning about a fascinating alien culture.

8. Gone Home

When the main character, Katie, gets home, she discovers a letter from Samantha, her 17-year-old sister. Samantha apologizes to Katie in the letter and asks her not to tell their parents about it..

This letter’s mysteriousness would compel anyone to investigate, and we’re sure the player is no exception. There is a darker side to this story, however, and you’ll learn it when you read the letter that Katie received.

9. Scarlet Hollow

Scarlet Hollow

I guarantee that Scarlet Hollow will satisfy your craving for games like Oxenfree. To attend an aunt’s memorial service, the protagonist travels to her home town and begins witnessing some unexplained events.

A dark family secret is unearthed as a result of these incidents. Scarlet Hollow and your own family will be profoundly impacted, so you’ll need to make some decisions. There are seven planned episodes, and the first one is free to try!

10. Whispering Willows

The visual style of Whispering Willows is similar of Oxenfree. It is Elena Elkhorn’s quest to locate her abducted father that drives the story’s plot forward. She learns a lot about the Willows Mansion along the way.

In spite of this, Elena has come up with a novel solution. With the help of her father’s necklace, she’s learned to connect with the dead. In this way, you can proceed through the game and solve the many mysteries that are found around the Willows Mansion.