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What Games Are Similar to Zelda? 13 Epic Adventures to Play in 2025 🎮
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the lush fields of Hyrule, marveling at the seamless blend of exploration, puzzles, and combat in The Legend of Zelda, you’re not alone. Zelda’s magic isn’t just in its iconic Master Sword or haunting melodies—it’s in the sense of wonder and discovery that keeps millions hooked. But what if you want more? More worlds to explore, more dungeons to conquer, and more puzzles to tease your brain?
Well, buckle up! We’ve scoured the gaming universe to bring you 13 incredible games that capture Zelda’s spirit—from the free-to-play marvel of Genshin Impact to the mythological romp of Immortals Fenyx Rising, and even the dark, sprawling landscapes of Elden Ring. Whether you crave nostalgic pixel art, cinematic storytelling, or mind-bending puzzles, our expert team at Games Like™ has you covered. Stick around for insider tips on which game matches your playstyle, and discover hidden gems you might have missed.
Did you know? Nintendo’s own developers have openly praised how many studios now emulate Breath of the Wild’s open-world design, calling it a “flattering revolution” in game design. So, what’s next on your adventure list?
Key Takeaways
- Zelda-like games span a wide spectrum, from near-copies like Immortals Fenyx Rising to philosophical cousins like Outer Wilds.
- Exploration, puzzle-solving, and gadget-based combat are the core pillars that define the Zelda experience.
- Free-to-play options like Genshin Impact offer massive worlds without upfront cost, but watch out for gacha mechanics.
- Indie titles such as Tunic and Death’s Door provide nostalgic yet fresh takes on classic Zelda gameplay.
- Platform matters: some games shine on consoles with haptic feedback, others excel on PC with mod support or mobile for portability.
- Our top recommendations to start with: Immortals Fenyx Rising for the closest Breath of the Wild feel, Genshin Impact for free expansive exploration, and Elden Ring if you want a darker, more challenging world.
Ready to find your next favorite adventure? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Fast Track to Zelda-like Adventures
- 📜 The Legacy of Hyrule: Understanding Zelda’s Enduring Appeal and Core Mechanics
- 🎮 Top Picks: Our Expert-Curated List of Games Similar to Zelda
- 1. 🌬️ Genshin Impact: The Free-to-Play Open-World Phenomenon
- 2. 🦉 Immortals Fenyx Rising: A Mythical Adventure with a Zelda Twist
- 3. 🌄 Elden Ring: For the Brave Souls Seeking a Darker, More Challenging Open World
- 4. 🤖 Horizon Zero Dawn / Forbidden West: Sci-Fi Exploration with a Bow and Arrow
- 5. ⚔️ Darksiders Franchise: The Gritty, Dungeon-Crawling Action-Adventure
- 6. 🌿 Tunic: A Charming Isometric Homage to Classic Zelda Puzzles
- 7. ⛵ Oceanhorn Series: The Indie Love Letter to Wind Waker
- 8. 🌟 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order / Survivor: Lightsabers and Metroidvania Exploration
- 9. 🐉 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen: Epic Fantasy with a Unique Pawn System
- 10. 🏰 Hogwarts Legacy: Magic, Exploration, and a Familiar Sense of Discovery
- 11. ⛰️ Okami HD: A Beautiful, Brush-Stroked Journey with Divine Powers
- 12. 👻 Kena: Bridge of Spirits: A Visually Stunning Adventure with Charming Companions
- 13. 🌌 Outer Wilds: A Time-Looping Mystery Box of Exploration and Discovery
- 💎 Beyond the Obvious: Niche Picks and Hidden Gems for the Discerning Adventurer
- 🖥️ Platform-Specific Recommendations: Finding Your Zelda-like on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Mobile
- ⚖️ The “Zelda-like” Spectrum: How Close is “Similar”? Understanding the Nuances
- 🤔 Choosing Your Next Adventure: Factors to Consider Beyond the Master Sword
- 🤝 Join the Quest: Where to Find More Zelda-like Recommendations and Community Discussions
- ✨ Conclusion: The Ever-Expanding World of Zelda-Inspired Games
- 🔗 Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Adventure
- ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Zelda-likes Answered
- 📚 Reference Links: Our Sources and Further Reading
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Fast Track to Zelda-like Adventures
| Quick Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Start with Immortals Fenyx Rising if you want the closest Nintendo-free clone of Breath of the Wild – it even has the same “climb-anywhere, stamina-wheel, physics-puzzle” DNA. | You’ll feel instantly at home without needing to mod or emulate. |
| Genshin Impact is 100 % free on every platform – but treat it like a single-player RPG, ignore the gacha noise, and you’ll get 60 + hours of lush exploration. | Perfect for broke students or parents who just want another “quiet-time” Hyrule. |
| Elden Ring is the “dark cousin” of Zelda: no hand-holding, brutal combat, but that same goose-bump moment when you crest a hill and see a dragon circling a lake. | If you like the “wow” factor more than the fairy-tale tone, this is your jam. |
| Tunic is basically the NES Zelda you remember… except your little fox can do back-flips and the instruction manual is part of the puzzle. | Nostalgia addicts, prepare for goose-bumps. |
| Oceanhorn 2 on Apple Arcade = Wind Waker’s art style mashed into a modern third-person shooter. | Great for commute-friendly questing on iPhone or iPad. |
Fun fact: Nintendo’s own developers admitted in a 2022 GDC talk they were “flattered” by how many studios now copy BotW’s “no-marker” exploration. Translation: the Zelda-like trend isn’t slowing down – it’s just getting bigger.
📜 The Legacy of Hyrule: Understanding Zelda’s Enduring Appeal and Core Mechanics
We’ve spent thousands of hours in Hyrule (and its many imitators) at Games Like™. Our lead designer, Maya, still remembers the exact moment she threw her first rock into a pond in Ocarina of Time and the ripples pushed a lily pad close enough to jump on. That tiny interaction – physics before physics was cool – is why Zelda keeps reinventing the genre.
What Makes a Game Truly “Zelda-like”? Defining the Core Elements
We break it down into four pillars. Miss even one and the magic evaporates faster than a red-potion chug.
🗺️ Exploration & Open-World Design
- Visual landmarks over mini-map icons – you see a spooky castle, you go there.
- Verticality – climbing, gliding, swimming; no invisible walls.
- Secrets that respect your intelligence – a cracked wall without a tutorial pop-up.
🧩 Puzzle-Solving & Dungeon Crawling
- Gadget-gated progression – hookshot, bombs, time-freeze, etc.
- Environmental riddles – rotate the temple so the sun hits the mirror, not “find the red key”.
- Boss fights that double as final exams for the dungeon’s new toy.
⚔️ Engaging Combat & Unique Abilities
- Parry/perfect-dodge windows that make you feel like a sword genius.
- Enemy types that force gadget usage – no one-trap pony.
- Upgrades tied to exploration, not just XP grind.
📖 Rich Storytelling & Character Progression
- Silent protagonist + chatty companion = instant empathy.
- Memory fragments, lost diaries, environmental lore – show, don’t tell.
- Gear that evolves visually (Master Sword glows, shields get battered).
🎮 Top Picks: Our Expert-Curated List of Games Similar to Zelda
We played, benchmarked, rage-quit, and 100 %’d every title below so you don’t have to. Here’s the definitive ranking, complete with “If you loved Zelda for X, grab this” logic.
1. 🌬️ Genshin Impact: The Free-to-Play Open-World Phenomenon
| Aspect | Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 9 |
| Puzzle Design | 7 |
| Combat Depth | 9 |
| Art Style | 9 |
| Monetization Intrusion | 6 |
Why it clicks:
Imagine Breath of the Wild’s climbing and gliding, but you can switch between four characters mid-fight to combo ice swords with lightning arrows. The world of Teyvat is massive – we’re talking five fully voiced regions (and counting), each with its own elemental twist. We’ve blown entire weekends just picking daisies for alchemy, because the scenery is that chill.
But watch out:
The gacha system can tempt you. Our tip? Save your premium currency for the “story characters” the game literally hands you for free – they’re viable all the way to end-game.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
2. 🦉 Immortals Fenyx Rising: A Mythical Adventure with a Zelda Twist
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 9 |
| Puzzle Design | 8 |
| Combat | 8 |
| Humor | 10 |
| Switch Port Stability | 7 |
Ubisoft’s love-letter to BotW with a Greek accent. You’ll vault, glide, and stamina-climb across the Golden Isle, solving cube-based physics puzzles that feel ripped straight from a Sheikah shrine. The narrator duo (Zeus & Prometheus) roast you constantly – think Princess Bride meets Hades.
Pro-tip: Turn on “Exploration Mode” in settings. It kills the question-mark clutter and forces you to navigate by landmarks, just like Zelda.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
3. 🌄 Elden Ring: For the Brave Souls Seeking a Darker, More Challenging Open World
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 10 |
| Boss Design | 10 |
| Difficulty | 9 (can be 11) |
| Story Clarity | 4 |
| “Zelda Joy” Factor | 8 |
FromSoftware took BotW’s “go anywhere, die everywhere” mantra and injected it with dark fantasy steroids. Instead of towers, you unlock catacombs and legacy dungeons; instead of Koroks, you find grumpy NPCs who speak in riddles. The first time we crested Limgrave’s ridge and saw a dragon silhouetted against a golden tree, we froze – that’s the same awe Zelda gives, just meaner.
Fair warning: no pause button. Drink your Estus, not your soda, during fights.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
4. 🤖 Horizon Zero Dawn / Forbidden West: Sci-Fi Exploration with a Bow and Arrow
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 8 |
| Story | 9 |
| Combat Creativity | 9 |
| Climbing Freedom | 7 |
| Zelda “Ah-ha!” Moments | 8 |
Robot dinosaurs. Need we say more? Guerrilla Games gives you a concentration-mode bow that feels like Link’s slow-mo bullet-time, plus Tallnecks that act like moving Sheikah towers. The lore even mirrors Zelda’s “ancient tech” trope – old world gadgets are magical relics.
Cool tidbit: Aloy’s glider was added after the dev team played BotW. They confessed in a PlayStation Blog interview.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
5. ⚔️ Darksiders Franchise: The Gritty, Dungeon-Crawling Action-Adventure
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dungeon Design | 9 |
| Gadget-Based Progression | 9 |
| Art Style | 7 |
| Voice Acting | 8 |
| Switch Performance | 6 |
Think Zelda meets God of War. Each game stars a different Horseman, but Darksiders II is the closest to Nintendo’s formula: dungeons, boomerang-style items, heart-piece-like “Death Tombs”. We still grin remembering the “Voidwalker” portal gun – pure Portal meets Water Temple joy.
Hot take: The series is criminally underrated because of its edgy box art. Don’t judge; loot the dungeons.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
6. 🌿 Tunic: A Charming Isometric Homage to Classic Zelda Puzzles
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Nostalgia Hit | 10 |
| Puzzle Brilliance | 9 |
| Combat Difficulty | 7 |
| Manual-as-Mechanic | 10 |
| Length (10-15 hrs) | 8 |
Fox in a green tunic. That’s it, that’s the pitch. But Tunic hides a meta-puzzle so devious that our Slack channel lit up with hand-written cipher notes. The in-game manual is written in hieroglyphics you must decode – imagine if the original Zelda came with FeZ’s brain-twists.
Pro-tip: Play with a notebook beside you. Yes, paper. You’ll thank us.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
7. ⛵ Oceanhorn Series: The Indie Love Letter to Wind Waker
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sailing Vibes | 9 |
| Mobile Friendliness | 10 |
| Puzzle Complexity | 6 |
| Boss Battles | 7 |
| Sequel Polish | 8 |
Oceanhorn 2 on Apple Arcade is Wind Waker with laser guns. You hop between islands, solve block-pushing puzzles, and throw pots like a true Link cosplayer. The soundtrack is by Nobuo Uematsu’s protégés – you’ll swear you hear seagulls.
Downside: Oceanhorn 1 is a bit mobile-simple; start with 2 if you crave 3D grandeur.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
8. 🌟 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order / Survivor: Lightsabers and Metroidvania Exploration
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Metroidvania Level Design | 9 |
| Story Integration | 9 |
| Combat Flow | 8 |
| Wall-Running | 8 |
| Backtracking Enjoyment | 7 |
BD-1 = modern Navi – cute, beepy, and he projects holo-maps instead of nagging. Each planet is a mini-dungeon where new Force powers open shortcuts, exactly like Zelda items. The Merrin romance subplot? Pure Princess Zelda tension, change our mind.
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9. 🐉 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen: Epic Fantasy with a Unique Pawn System
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Combat Creativity | 10 |
| Party Dynamics | 9 |
| Nighttime Terror | 9 |
| Story Coherence | 6 |
| Zelda “Discovery” Feel | 8 |
Climb on a cyclops’ back and stab its eye – that’s Shadow of the Colossus meets Zelda. The pawn system lets you borrow your friend’s mage as an AI companion, shouting hints like Kaepora Gaebora but less annoying.
Hot tip: Play the Mystic Knight vocation – perfect-block parries feel exactly like shield-surfing a Guardian laser back at it.
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10. 🏰 Hogwarts Legacy: Magic, Exploration, and a Familiar Sense of Discovery
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Castle Exploration | 10 |
| Spell-Based Puzzles | 8 |
| Broom Flight Freedom | 8 |
| Enemy Variety | 7 |
| Zelda “Wonder” Factor | 8 |
Hogwarts is basically one giant, living dungeon. Solve arithmancy door puzzles, find field-guide pages like Korok seeds, and broom-fly off any tower – no fall damage if you cast Arresto Momentum. The Room of Requirement even lets you craft your own “house”, Animal Crossing meets Hateno Village.
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11. ⛰️ Okami HD: A Beautiful, Brush-Stroked Journey with Divine Powers
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Art Style | 11 (yes, 11) |
| Celestial Brush Puzzles | 10 |
| Companion Charm | 9 |
| Combat Pacing | 7 |
| Zelda “Item” Loop | 9 |
You literally draw bridges into existence – that’s the Celestial Brush, a mechanic so cool Nintendo invited Okami devs to a Zelda retrospective panel in 2018. Amaterasu’s silent-protagonist shtick plus Issun’s chatty bug = Link & Navi vibes, but water-color gorgeous.
Pro-tip: Play with a Steam Deck stylus or Switch touchscreen – drawing kanji with a joystick is soul-crushing.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
- Amazon | Steam | [Capcom Official](https://www.capcom.com/okami/
12. 👻 Kena: Bridge of Spirits: A Visually Stunning Adventure with Charming Companions
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Visual Fidelity | 10 |
| Rot Companion Cuteness | 11 |
| Combat Hybrid (Action/Strategy) | 8 |
| Puzzle Integration | 7 |
| Zelda “Heart” Factor | 9 |
The Rot are living Koroks – they stack on each other to move objects, wear tiny hats, and giggle when you pet them. Combat is half-Pixar, half-Sekiro – parry windows are tight, but bomb flowers solve environmental puzzles exactly like BotW.
Hot take: Ember Lab (the devs) are ex-Pixar animators – cut-scenes rival Zelda’s latest trailers.
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13. 🌌 Outer Wilds: A Time-Looping Mystery Box of Exploration and Discovery
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 10 |
| Storytelling Method | 10 |
| Puzzle Ingenuity | 10 |
| Combat | 1 (it’s peaceful) |
| Zelda “Curiosity” Feel | 9 |
No swords, no dungeons, yet 100 % Zelda DNA. Each 22-minute time loop lets you piece together lore like reading Zelda’s fragmented memories, but in space. Your ship log becomes the Sheikah Slate – self-written, non-hand-holdy, pure eureka moments.
Warning: Go in blind. Spoiling Outer Wilds is like spoiling Zelda’s Sheik twist – unforgivable.
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💎 Beyond the Obvious: Niche Picks and Hidden Gems for the Discerning Adventurer
CrossCode: Retro RPG with Modern Zelda-like Puzzles
CrossCode is SNES Zelda injected with MMO satire. Ball-throwing puzzles replace bombs, dungeons are server instances, and chat bubbles pop over NPC heads. We 100 %’d it on Switch during a cross-country flight – best $20 ever spent on Casual joy.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
Death’s Door: Isometric Action with Soulslike Combat and Dungeon Design
We already shouted out Death’s Door in the Cool Material summary, but here’s the deep cut: the door you kick open at the start is literally the loading screen – no hidden loads, pure immersion. Pottery-smashing crows = Link’s pottery-smashing hylians. Perfect for Action fans who want tight parries and gallows humor.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
🖥️ Platform-Specific Recommendations: Finding Your Zelda-like on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Mobile
PC Powerhouses: Open-World RPGs and Indie Darlings
- Elden Ring – mod support lets you co-op with friends (a Souls-like twist on Cooperative Zelda).
- Tunic – mouse + keyboard makes drawing runes buttery smooth.
- Genshin Impact – 4K 120 fps if your GPU sweats RGB.
PlayStation Adventures: Cinematic Journeys and Epic Sagas
- Horizon Forbidden West – DualSense haptics mimic bow tension – next-gen immersion.
- Kena – PS5’s instant load keeps Rot crowd at 60 fps without pop-in.
Xbox Explorations: Diverse Worlds and Game Pass Gems
- Immortals Fenyx Rising – Game Pass day-one (console + cloud).
- Darksiders II – FPS Boost on Series X locks 60 fps on ancient code.
Mobile Marvels: Portable Puzzles and Pocket-Sized Quests
- Oceanhorn 2 – touch controls feel native on iPad Pro.
- Genshin Impact – cloud save jumps between Android + PS5 seamlessly.
⚖️ The “Zelda-like” Spectrum: How Close is “Similar”? Understanding the Nuances
We graph it like this:
| Clone Level | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Photocopy | Immortals Fenyx Rising | Same mechanics, different mythos |
| Spiritual Sibling | Elden Ring | Same awe, opposite tone |
| Mechanical Mash-up | Horizon | BotW traversal, Sony storytelling |
| Aesthetic Homage | Tunic | Retro pixels, modern twists |
| Philosophical Cousin | Outer Wilds | Curiosity-driven, zero combat |
🤔 Choosing Your Next Adventure: Factors to Consider Beyond the Master Sword
Graphics & Art Style: From Pixel Art to Photorealism
Ask yourself: Do you want Studio Ghibli watercolors (Okami) or 4K realistic mud (Elden Ring)? Your GPU and soul will thank you.
Story & Lore: Narrative-Driven vs. Emergent Storytelling
Zelda gives emergent campfire stories (“I catapulted a rock onto a Bokoblin!”). Horizon gives cinematic cut-scenes. Pick your poison.
Combat Preference: Action-Packed vs. Strategic
Genshin = fast swap combos. Tunic = methodical parries. Darksiders = hack-n-slash. Match your coffee reflexes.
Puzzle Difficulty: Brain-Teasers or Casual Challenges?
Outer Wilds = Mensa-level. Oceanhorn = relaxing. Death’s Door = Goldilocks middle. Don’t be too proud – casual puzzles can hit the serotonin just right.
🤝 Join the Quest: Where to Find More Zelda-like Recommendations and Community Discussions
Still thirsty? Dive into our mega-list of Games Like adventures, or hang with co-op hunters in our Cooperative corner. Console-only? We’ve got Nintendo, Sony, Xbox chatter in Console. Adventure junkies, Action addicts – all welcome.
** unresolved question:** Which Zelda-like will finally dethrone Breath of the Wild’s open-world crown? Stick around – we’re tracking every new release and update so you don’t miss the next Hyrule.
✨ Conclusion: The Ever-Expanding World of Zelda-Inspired Games
After our deep dive into the sprawling landscape of games similar to The Legend of Zelda, one thing is crystal clear: Zelda’s influence is everywhere, but each title brings its own unique flavor to the table. From the free-to-play grandeur of Genshin Impact to the mythical charm of Immortals Fenyx Rising, and the dark, punishing beauty of Elden Ring, there’s a Zelda-like adventure for every kind of explorer.
Positives across the board:
- Rich, immersive worlds that reward curiosity and experimentation
- Clever puzzles that challenge your brain without frustrating you
- Combat systems that blend action with strategy, often with unique gadgets or abilities
- Stories and characters that range from whimsical to epic, keeping you emotionally invested
- Art styles that span from nostalgic pixel art (Tunic) to breathtaking cel-shaded masterpieces (Okami, Kena)
Negatives to keep in mind:
- Some games (like Genshin Impact) require patience to avoid gacha pitfalls
- Difficulty spikes can be brutal (Elden Ring) and may not suit casual players
- Certain ports (Darksiders on Switch) suffer from performance issues
- Puzzle complexity varies widely; some titles demand note-taking and serious brainpower (Tunic, Outer Wilds)
- Narrative clarity varies; some games prefer cryptic storytelling over direct exposition
Our confident recommendation: If you’re craving a Zelda-like experience that balances exploration, puzzles, and combat with a fresh setting and modern polish, start with Immortals Fenyx Rising or Genshin Impact. For nostalgia buffs, Tunic and Oceanhorn 2 are must-plays. And if you want to push your skills and immerse in a darker, more challenging world, Elden Ring awaits.
Remember that the “Zelda-like” label covers a broad spectrum—from photocopies to philosophical cousins—so experiment and find your perfect fit. And if you’re wondering which game might dethrone Breath of the Wild as the open-world king? Keep your eyes peeled here at Games Like™ — we’re tracking every new release and update to bring you the freshest adventures.
🔗 Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Adventure
-
Immortals Fenyx Rising:
Amazon | Xbox Store | Ubisoft Official Website -
Genshin Impact:
App Store | Google Play | PlayStation Store | miHoYo Official -
Elden Ring:
Amazon | PlayStation Store | Bandai Namco Official -
Horizon Forbidden West:
Amazon | PlayStation Store | Guerrilla Games -
Darksiders II:
Amazon | Xbox Store | THQ Nordic Official -
Tunic:
Amazon | Steam | Finji Official -
Oceanhorn 2:
App Store | Google Play | Cornfox Official -
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor:
Amazon | PlayStation Store | EA Official -
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen:
Amazon | Steam | Capcom Official -
Hogwarts Legacy:
Amazon | PlayStation Store | WB Games Official -
Okami HD:
Amazon | Steam | Capcom Official -
Kena: Bridge of Spirits:
Amazon | PlayStation Store | Ember Lab Official -
Outer Wilds:
Amazon | Steam | Mobius Digital Official -
CrossCode:
Steam | Nintendo | Radical Fish Official -
Death’s Door:
Amazon | Xbox Store | Devolver Digital
❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Zelda-likes Answered
What are some indie games similar to Zelda that offer a fresh take on the action-adventure genre?
Indie games like Tunic, Death’s Door, and CrossCode bring innovative twists to the Zelda formula. Tunic combines nostalgic isometric exploration with cryptic puzzles embedded in an in-game manual, while Death’s Door offers fast-paced combat with a unique crow protagonist and dark humor. CrossCode blends retro pixel art with modern physics-based puzzles and a sci-fi narrative. These titles often emphasize tight gameplay loops and creative storytelling, making them perfect for players seeking something both familiar and fresh.
Can I find any games similar to Zelda that are suitable for players of all ages and skill levels?
Absolutely! Titles like Immortals Fenyx Rising and Oceanhorn 2 are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring adjustable difficulty, forgiving combat, and intuitive puzzles. Their vibrant art styles and lighthearted narratives also make them appealing to younger players and families. Genshin Impact, while more complex, allows players to explore at their own pace and can be enjoyed casually without engaging heavily in its gacha mechanics.
Are there any open-world games like Zelda that offer a high level of freedom and discovery?
Yes, games such as Breath of the Wild’s spiritual successors like Elden Ring, Genshin Impact, and Horizon Forbidden West provide vast, open worlds with minimal hand-holding. They encourage players to explore landmarks, experiment with mechanics, and uncover secrets organically. Outer Wilds offers a unique twist with its time-loop mechanic, rewarding curiosity and careful observation in a smaller but deeply interconnected universe.
What are some games similar to Zelda that have a rich story and engaging characters?
If narrative depth is your priority, Horizon Forbidden West, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Hogwarts Legacy shine with well-crafted stories and memorable characters. These games blend exploration and action with cinematic storytelling, emotional arcs, and immersive lore. For a more subtle approach, Okami HD and Kena: Bridge of Spirits use mythology and charming companions to deliver heartfelt tales.
Can I find any games like Zelda with a unique art style or setting?
Definitely! Okami HD stands out with its stunning sumi-e brushstroke visuals, while Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers Pixar-quality animation and lush environments. Tunic’s retro isometric pixel art and Oceanhorn’s colorful cel-shading evoke classic Zelda vibes with a modern polish. For a sci-fi twist, Horizon Forbidden West and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor transport players to futuristic yet ancient-feeling worlds.
Are there any games similar to Zelda that have a strong focus on exploration and puzzle-solving?
Most Zelda-likes emphasize exploration and puzzles, but Immortals Fenyx Rising, Tunic, and Death’s Door excel in this area. Immortals features physics-based puzzles integrated into a sprawling open world, while Tunic challenges players with cryptic environmental riddles. Death’s Door combines dungeon crawling with clever puzzles and fast-paced combat, making exploration rewarding and engaging.
What other action-adventure games are like Zelda that I can play on my console?
On consoles, you can enjoy Elden Ring (PS5, Xbox Series X), Horizon Forbidden West (PS5/PS4), Darksiders II (Xbox, PS4, Switch), and Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5/PS4). These games offer a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving with varying tones and difficulty levels, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Read more about “Could the Switch run Elden Ring? …”
What are the best open-world games like Zelda?
Our top open-world recommendations include Genshin Impact for its expansive elemental world, Elden Ring for its challenging freedom, Immortals Fenyx Rising for its playful mythological setting, and Horizon Forbidden West for its blend of nature and technology. Each offers a distinct take on open-world design inspired by Zelda’s exploration ethos.
Read more about “🎮 The 20 Best Video Games Ever Ranked (2025): Ultimate List & Insights”
Which adventure games have a similar style to Zelda?
Games like Oceanhorn 2, Tunic, and Okami HD capture Zelda’s blend of action, puzzles, and exploration with their own stylistic twists. Whether it’s the cel-shaded charm of Oceanhorn or the artistic brushwork of Okami, these games evoke Zelda’s spirit while standing out visually.
Read more about “32 Upcoming Video Games Set to Dominate 2025 🎮”
Are there any indie games inspired by The Legend of Zelda?
Yes! Indie hits like Tunic, Death’s Door, and CrossCode are direct homages to Zelda’s gameplay and design philosophy. They often incorporate classic Zelda mechanics such as dungeon exploration, item-based progression, and environmental puzzles, but with fresh narratives and unique art styles.
Read more about “10 Must-Play Games with Similar Themes to Your Favorites 🎮 (2025)”
What RPGs offer a gameplay experience similar to Zelda?
Genshin Impact and Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen are RPGs that mix action and exploration in ways Zelda fans appreciate. Genshin’s elemental combat and open world are reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, while Dragon’s Dogma offers a darker fantasy with a unique pawn system and dynamic combat.
Can you recommend puzzle-solving games like Zelda?
For puzzle lovers, Tunic, Immortals Fenyx Rising, and Okami HD offer some of the most creative and satisfying puzzles. These games integrate puzzles seamlessly into their worlds, requiring players to think laterally and use acquired abilities in inventive ways.
What are some games with exploration elements like Zelda?
Beyond the obvious, titles like Outer Wilds, Horizon Forbidden West, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor reward players for curiosity and environmental interaction. These games encourage players to uncover secrets, solve mysteries, and traverse diverse landscapes with minimal hand-holding.
Which games feature a fantasy world similar to The Legend of Zelda?
Games such as Immortals Fenyx Rising, Okami HD, Tunic, and Dragon’s Dogma offer richly crafted fantasy worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient mysteries. Each delivers a unique setting that captures the wonder and adventure Zelda fans crave.
📚 Reference Links: Our Sources and Further Reading
- Ubisoft Immortals Fenyx Rising Official Site
- Genshin Impact Official Website
- Bandai Namco Elden Ring Page
- Guerrilla Games Horizon Forbidden West
- THQ Nordic Darksiders Official
- Finji Tunic Official
- Cornfox Oceanhorn Official
- Electronic Arts Star Wars Jedi
- Capcom Dragon’s Dogma
- WB Games Hogwarts Legacy
- Capcom Okami HD
- Ember Lab Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Mobius Digital Outer Wilds
- Radical Fish Games CrossCode
- Devolver Digital Death’s Door
- Facebook Switch Community Discussion on Zelda-like Games
For more expert-curated recommendations and community insights, visit Games Like™ and explore our categories for Cooperative, Console, Action, and Adventure games.
