Ask any gamer around the block and they will tell you that The Last of Us series is one of the most gut-wrenching yet captivating storylines of all time. Whether it’s the amazing stealth mechanics, the realistic gameplay, or the deep lore, everyone is in love with it. But what if you’re one of the gamers who has already finished it all? Well, you’re not done. Keep reading as we list out the best games like The Last of Us you should try.
1. God of War Ragnarok
- Released: November 9, 2022
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Windows
I am sorry but I absolutely could not start a list of games like The Last of Us without mentioning one of the best storytelling games of all time. Released as a much-awaited successor to the 2018 GOW, Ragnarok continues the ever-perilous journey of Kratos and Atreus as they prepare for the times ahead.
God of War Ragnarok’s gameplay follows the same trail as its older brother while also having a fresh coat of paint. As the father-son duo works to stop Odin’s plans, we see a strong bond develop into an everlasting one with many difficult choices along the way. Sprinkle in a healthy dose of combat and game lore, and you’re all set.
2. A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Released: May 14, 2019
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, Nintendo Switch
While I would normally recommend The Requiem, it’s best gamers who want titles like TLOU, should begin with the part that started it all. A Plague Tale Innocence focuses on Amicia and Hugo, a brother-sister duo caught smack dab in the middle of the Black Plague in 14th-century France.
Innocence does an excellent job of weaving an amazing narrative as Amicia does all she can to protect Hugo from the deadly rats everywhere. The game has a solid cast of recurring characters that leave a lasting impact on the story. Once you’re done with the first part, I suggest moving on to A Plague Tale Requiem to wrap up this amazing journey.
3. Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Released: March 24, 2023
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, macOS
Any survival gamer worth their salt has already played the original RE4. Well, the relatively new Resident Evil 4 version has remade the game from the ground up with terrifying visuals, improved gameplay, and of course a deep storyline. RE4 Remake revolves around Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent sent to rescue Ashley, the United States President’s daughter from the Los Illuminados cult.
As Leon and Ashley make their way through the damned village of Valdelobos, the duo faces hordes of undead hell-bent on their complete and utter destruction. RE4 Remake takes gamers through the same emotional turmoil as TLOU. Combine that with excellent gunplay and lots of gore and you have yourself one of the best games like The Last of Us.
4. Days Gone
- Released: April 26, 2019
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Windows
While Days Gone was given flak for its over-the-top voice acting, it comes very close to one of the best games like The Last of Us. Despite the fact that Deacon St. John, the game’s protagonist isn’t paired up with another character, he is smack dab in the middle of a zombie apocalypse that has taken over the world.
Coupled with a captivating story that makes you relate to John’s struggles, Days Gone features loose yet fluid mechanics with a shooting gallery full of action. One of the best parts about the game for me was the Horde system; a mechanic that had me creeping every which way to avoid the zombies. There is no doubt that by the time you’re done with Days Gone, you’ll be bragging about it to your friends too. Try this classic out.
5. Dying Light
- Released: January 26, 2015
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
Even though Dying Light 2 is out and about, I have a soft spot for the first version. Besides packing one of the most insane parkour mechanics to exist in a game, Dying Light 1 is an amazing and horrifying tale of Kyle Crane, a GRE agent dropped deep into the zombie-infested city of Harran to seek out a cure. While there, he becomes infected himself and is now even shorter on time.
Dying Light 1 has a healthy variety of guns but the melee mechanics is where it’s at. Players must fashion weapons and manage their durability all the while managing all kinds of threats. However, it’s when the night falls and the Virals come out is when the game gets chilling. The sneaking action, the captivating story, and the metaphoric fire and brimstone element of it all are what makes Dying Light one of the best horror games to try right now.
6. Silent Hill 2 Remake
- Released: October 8, 2024
- Platforms: PS5, Windows
Long known as one of the best survival horror games, The Silent Hill franchise has been enjoyed by gamers the world over for years. The latest Silent Hill 2 Remake brings back the horror of the sequel in a brand new light. The story focuses on James, a man looking for his missing wife in the horrific town of Silent Hill.
The Remake packs the same amount of horror and gore but amplifies it with enhanced visuals and sound. Besides Ray Tracing and technical improvement, the Silent Hill 2 Remake features bigger environments, a much better combat loop, and even a brand new over-the-shoulder camera system. If you’re the sort of gamer who loves a deep story about a pair trying to find each other and horrific monsters put into the mix, you’ll love this remake.
7. Dishonored
- Released: October 9, 2012
- Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows
Even though Dishonored doesn’t exactly deal with zombies, I’m making it one of the best games like The Last of Us due to its excellent father-daughter dynamic set amid the Black Plague. You are Corvo Attano, the royal protector to the Empress of the Isles. When the Empress is killed and her daughter kidnapped, Corvo must set out on a mission and exact revenge.
Besides packing a fluid movement system and bloody combat, Dishonored adds to the mix by imbibing Corvo with magical powers that aid his journey. Getting to the game’s multiple endings is every bit as satisfying as the Last of Us and will leave you prepared for Dishonored 2 by the time you’re done.
8. Alien: Isolation
- Released: October 6, 2014
- Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
One of The Last of Us’ highlight mechanics remains its stealth system. As Joel and Ellie move around various environments, players must exercise extreme caution so as not to be spotted by enemies. Well, Alien: Isolation has that formula but dials it up three notches. The game focuses on Amanda Ripley, an astronaut on a mission looking for her missing mother.
Before she can begin, however, Ripley finds herself stuck on Sevastopol, a ship infested with the horrific Alien creature. Alien: Isolation features an excellent sound-based stealth mechanic, where every step you take can be heard by the creature. As you manage your limited inventory and run and hide from the Alien, you must navigate your way through various levels all the while trying to keep your sanity.
And these are the game best like The Last of Us you should try. Got even more favorites for us to add? Let us know in the comments below!
