The Best Story-Driven Video Games

Games stick with us for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you became addicted to the cycle of progression; powering up your character, unlocking new gear, leveling up. Maybe the gameplay held enough variety and excitement to keep you hooked for hours. Perhaps you wanted to see every corner of a game’s expansive open world.

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For many gamers, it’s the story that ropes them in. Some gamers only play games for their story; they want an interactive narrative that they can be a part of and be whisked away by. For this list, we have avoided the games that have more story than gameplay, and instead focused on those with excellent stories that are also mechanically strong and well-designed experiences. These are the stories that have gripped us and won’t let go.

Updated May 1, 2023 by Amanda Hurych: More and more games with a focus on story are released every year. The medium is a wonderful way for people to thoroughly immerse themselves in a narrative, and these titles go the extra mile to not only include a riveting plot but to engage the player in unique and effective ways. We’ve added another game to this growing list and highlighted the facets of existing entries.

Soma

It’s frequently believed that horror games will go light when it comes to an interesting narrative. Intriguing premises are all the rage when it comes to horror titles, but it can be rare that a scary hook follows through with a superb narrative. Soma, made by the developers behind Amnesia: The Dark Descent, is a fantastic horror game that comes complete with one of the most philosophical stories in a video game yet.

As you make your way through the leaking and creaking hallways of abandoned underwater facilities, you’ll find yourself questioning what it means to be human and the value we place upon the concept of “humanity.” It’s almost easy to forget there are shambling, structure-gel-filled monsters lurking around the corner when you’re pondering the big questions about life. Almost.

As Dusk Falls

How is it that a game devoid of nearly any gameplay besides making choices manages to get the heart racing so quickly? Even the graphics are stills of painted characters in non-dynamic rooms, yet the story is so strong that it feels like an action movie unfolding.

The story is mutable by the player or players, as the game allows multiplayer decision-making. The characters do relatable things, even the villains. At times, it’s hard to tell which “side” to root for. Not many games can boast of exploring the grey area as well as As Dusk Falls.

Horizon Forbidden West

After a story as fascinating as the first game and a shocking plot twist that needs to be experienced, how was a sequel to Aloy’s adventure supposed to compare? Somehow, Horizon Forbidden West keeps the plot just as urgent and adds characters as strong as the ones in Horizon Zero Dawn.

Better still, there was a feeling as Aloy went to another area that she’d be leaving her old friends and rivals for new ones. Not so! Conversely, the story is tough to follow for those who haven’t played the first game owing to how well the cast is integrated from the first game to the next.

Starcraft II

Most RTS games aren’t story-driven. Then again, most of those games aren’t StarcraftII, with loads of impactful cutscenes and even a few choices to make along the way. Blizzard has been on a downward spiral when it comes to ruining some fan favorites, but Starcraft II was perfect.

Beyond the universe-saving story about defeating Amon, this is a game with tremendous characters of different origins. The side characters from Abathur to Swann (one of the best mechanics in gaming) are memorable and give the gameplay a purpose besides mere entertainment.

Gone Home

Of all the “walking simulator” games, Gone Home may be the least interactive. It’s a quick, two-hour journey that doesn’t aim to challenge with complex puzzles or gameplay. Frankly, it doesn’t have to, the content matter is challenging enough to keep us stimulated for the entire time.

It’s impossible not to feel something for each of the characters and their complicated lives as discovered by the player character, Katie. Stories that seem so simple end up being immensely deep and gamers can’t help but feel for the family’s internal struggles.

Her Story

Gaming toyed with interactive movies for a while, only to leave the formula back in the 90s. Or did it? Her Story brought back the interactive movie in a big way, allowing players to act in the role of an investigator that is trying to solve a murder.

Despite the short length, the game has a cult following as gamers excitedly recommend it to their friends. Each playthrough will yield new information and twists in the plot, giving it some replayability that murder mysteries don’t often yield.

The Wolf Among Us

Sometimes using established stories can limit a story. Fans often treat source material as sacred, not to be tampered with. But a bold developer can sometimes take a classic tale and treat it like a canvas to the delight and imagination of gamers.

The spins placed on Little Red Riding Hood and the rest of the memorable cast done by Telltale Games make The Wolf Among Us something special. It’s a short game with a lot of DLC after gaining a cult following with a story that keeps characters in the spotlight.

Kentucky Route Zero

Kentucky Route Zero was con the immediate smash hit that it should have been. Releasing five acts and a final interlude at various times was not a wise move. But once all the pieces were together, this is probably one of the most unforgettable stories on this list, tied together by a brilliant ensemble of absurd yet hauntingly believable characters.

Despite some point-and-click gameplay and dialogue “choices,” the outcome of the game is fixed. This game belongs here less because it is a game and more because it is art. And, on that front, it is incredibly well done. Impactful without a shred of pretentiousness.

What Remains Of Edith Finch

For a game that takes scarcely over two hours to complete, you won’t be able to stop talking about What Remains of Edith Finch, even after years separated from the experience. Gamers will be drawn in by the dark aesthetic and the story about a curse that causes family members to meet early and unfortunate ends.

Games that a generally “dark” and “sad” are a dime a dozen, but it’s the refreshing and unexpected message at the end that makes the narrative work here. No one has the power to stave off death forever. This is the curse of humanity and it’s that very curse of temporary nature that precisely makes the strive to live all the more wonderful.

Portal 2

Predicting that a sequel to the phenomenal Portal could live up to the expectations would have been a risky bet. Yet what fans got was a game that amplified the puzzles and logic of the first game and wrapped it up in a hilarious and engaging story.

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Portal 2 took the bold step of introducing new protagonists and antagonists and it paid off in spades. The key to this success was never losing sight of Chell or GLaDOS for the first game. The story revealed in Portal 2 is a must-play experience for anyone calling themselves a gamer.

Firewatch

Fans are sharply divided over whether or not Firewatch is a good game. It is very short, limited in action, and devoid of screen-rattling moments. But nobody disagrees that the landscape is beautiful and the story is one of the ages. For gamers who love walking simulators, it’s a classic.

The exposition occurs over walkie-talkies, using a dialogue between Henry and Delilah that is both relatable and revealing. The fluid way they transition from humor to heavy subjects had the world beyond the gaming community realizing that gaming can tell a story as well as any book.

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is an engaging game that is perfect for amateur to intermediate gamers. With management and platforming elements, it’s impossible not to be charmed by this cute art that features main character Stella and her cat Daffodil solving the problems of adorable animals struggling to make sense of their life as they journey to the other side.

But the game is far more than looking and death with a joyful lens. Many of the creatures are symbols of people we know in life that hit too close to home. We can never fully understand someone else’s struggles and successes without walking in their shoes. Stella learns to walk in their shoes and, in doing so, realizes that she still has another journey to make in her own shoes.

Half-Life 2

The concept of Half-Life appears rather mundane, at least, as far as gaming goes. After a catastrophic event unleashes otherworldly hostiles, protagonist Gordon Freeman uses weapons and puzzle-solving brilliance to survive. But if that were the extent of the story, it would never have received the player base that it did.

Half-Life 2 explores all aspects of these events, the civilians in the area, Black Mesa, the military, the police, the scientists, and the enigmatic G-Man to show that this world is complex, terrifying, beautiful, and worth fighting for.

Disco Elysium

Story-driven games can fall into the trap of retelling a fairy tale. The hero is a knight in shining armor and the villain is a demon straight out of hell. Disco Elysium wins by exploring the grey areas of the world. Harry is a mix of good and bad and it is up to the player to decide which of those he gravitates toward.

The world around Harry is just as complex as the detective himself. Motivations are not singular or transparent. Gamers will come across villains that they sympathize with instead of monsters cackling from the shadows. The side characters are all brilliant and none of them are entirely good or bad.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Naughty Dog has come an awfully long way since the days of Crash Bandicoot. Its games have always been good, but through the Uncharted series, the developer helped to pioneer a movement that led to the rise in popularity of narrative-driven video games. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is not only a cinematic masterpiece, but also serves as a fitting end to one of gaming’s very best heroes.

Each of Nathan Drake’s four fantastic outings features wonderful storytelling, but it’s his last that truly highlights his personal growth while also providing a bit more insight into his past and his relationships with those closest to him. Drake must contend with his past as a mass murderer and reconcile it with non-lethal options he might have had while still forgiving himself.

Final Fantasy X

There have been some fantastic Final Fantasy games over the years, but not many of their stories are as captivating as the one in Final Fantasy X. It has a little bit of everything; from an ill-fated romance to a son’s neverending struggle to earn his distant father’s approval. The over-the-top weapons match the personalities of those who wield them.

With the exception of perhaps Kimahri, each of the party members in Final Fantasy X offers something significant to the game’s narrative. They’re also incredibly complex, and the storytelling techniques used to relay their tale were pretty groundbreaking for the era. When combined with Nobuo Uematsu’s sensational score, it makes for an unforgettable experience that JRPG fans would be foolish to miss.

Life Is Strange 2

The episodic game of Life Is Strange 2 might not be filled to the brim with action, but it’s an incredible work of art and storytelling nonetheless. The game focuses on the choices the player makes, which will ultimately determine the outcome at the end.

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After a misunderstanding with the police and a strange explosion, two brothers Daniel and Sean are forced to flee as fugitives. During their hunt, Daniel discovers that he has a special ability: he can use the power of his mind to move objects. Puzzle-solving and dialogue choices aside, the characters alone and their touching bond are what make this game so good story-wise.

Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy creator and original director Hironobu Sakaguchi was once quoted as saying that he’d rather tell a good story than make a fine action game, and there is no better story in the series than that of Final Fantasy IX. Where the game succeeds is in its characters’ personal stories and relationships.

Every member of your party is a charming, endearing person with a story worth knowing intimately. The game’s overall plot might not be original, but the heart that was poured into its characters and their relationships is second to none. You’ll play through this game 20 more times just to enjoy the journey you take with this wonderful cast of characters.

God Of War Ragnarok

The risk of being a sequel to an ever-popular game is letting the fan base down. The risk of this was all the greater when even the title God Of War Ragnarok was mentioned; the concept of Ragnarok, an unavoidable death of the known pantheon, has been overplayed and butchered across multiple gaming and entertainment mediums.

It turns out that introducing a new well-designed cast of characters and showing their admirable fight against fate was exactly what the franchise needed. The story reaches miserable lows and soaring highs that will make gamers both cry and celebrate as they complete the journey.

Tales Of Arise

Every so often, there comes an RPG that you just can’t afford to miss. Tales of Arise was given the RPG of the year at the Game of the Year Awards for satisfying gameplay, amazing boss battles, and character options. But it’s the story that leaves gamers floored.

Stories of war and love are rarely done well. When they strive to be too tragic, they become predictable slogs. When they aim to be too inspiring, they turn a blind eye to brutal realities. Tales of Arise takes a grounded approach to both warfare and romance and executes both to perfection.