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View Outer Wilds game details

GAMES LIKE

What makes Outer Wilds distinctive?

Start with its Game DNA: Discovery-led / Contemplative / Experimental experience; Quiet / Mysterious mood; Exploration / Discovery / Puzzle gameplay; Adventure / Exploration genre; Open world structure. These recorded characteristics shape the comparisons below.

Its experience centers on progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces; taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation; engaging with unconventional forms of play or narrative presentation. Mood describes the atmosphere; Experience describes how you engage with the game.

LESS COMMON DNA IN OUR LIBRARY

Outer Wilds — GAME DNA

View complete Game DNA
experience
Discovery-led · Contemplative · Experimental
mood
Quiet · Mysterious
genre
Adventure · Exploration
gameplay
Exploration · Discovery · Puzzle
structure
Open world
pacing
Slow
perspective
First-person
difficulty
Medium
era
2010s

BEST MATCH

The highest semantic similarity in the current library. Ratings do not influence this choice.

GAMEBOX algorithmic assessments of editorial Game DNA. Confidence describes overlap strength, not a probability of enjoyment.

2012

Journey

65% SIMILAR

STRONG MATCH

Quiet · Mysterious · Exploration · Adventure · Contemplative

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Quiet / Mysterious mood; Exploration / Adventure genre; Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation).

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative29% distinctive overlap · 25.8 / 90.2 points
  • mood: Mysterious · Quiet100% distinctive overlap · 73.4 / 73.4 points
  • genre: Adventure · Exploration100% distinctive overlap · 35.9 / 35.9 points
  • gameplay: Discovery · Exploration · Puzzle100% distinctive overlap · 24.8 / 24.8 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 23.0 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: 2010s100% distinctive overlap · 4.8 / 4.8 points

HIDDEN GEM

A shared-DNA alternative highlighted by a provisional GAMEBOX Hidden Gem rating of 85/100.

GAMEBOX algorithmic assessments of editorial Game DNA. Confidence describes overlap strength, not a probability of enjoyment.

2018

Return of the Obra Dinn

37% SIMILAR

PARTIAL MATCH

Experimental · Discovery-led · Mysterious

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Experimental experiences (engaging with unconventional forms of play or narrative presentation) and Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces); Mysterious mood.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led · Experimental46% distinctive overlap · 40.7 / 88.3 points
  • mood: Mysterious30% distinctive overlap · 19.2 / 62.9 points
  • genre: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 38.0 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle53% distinctive overlap · 11.8 / 22.3 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: First-person100% distinctive overlap · 8.0 / 8.0 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: 2010s100% distinctive overlap · 4.8 / 4.8 points

SURPRISE ME

A different series and a less-obvious direction, connected by distinctive Experimental / Mysterious DNA. Explore a contrast to the closest recommendation.

GAMEBOX algorithmic assessments of editorial Game DNA. Confidence describes overlap strength, not a probability of enjoyment.

2007

Portal

37% SIMILAR

PARTIAL MATCH

Experimental · Discovery-led · Mysterious

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Experimental experiences (engaging with unconventional forms of play or narrative presentation) and Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces); Mysterious mood.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led · Experimental63% distinctive overlap · 54.0 / 86.4 points
  • mood: Mysterious30% distinctive overlap · 19.2 / 62.9 points
  • genre: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 38.0 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle53% distinctive overlap · 11.8 / 22.3 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 23.0 points
  • pacing: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 11.1 points
  • perspective: First-person100% distinctive overlap · 8.0 / 8.0 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

MORE GAMES WITH THIS DNA

Continue exploring shared identity, interaction and context. Similarity describes recorded DNA overlap, not a probability that you will enjoy a game.

GAMEBOX algorithmic assessments of editorial Game DNA. Confidence describes overlap strength, not a probability of enjoyment.

2000

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

51% SIMILAR

GOOD MATCH

Contemplative · Experimental · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation) and Experimental experiences (engaging with unconventional forms of play or narrative presentation); Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative · Discovery-led · Experimental100% distinctive overlap · 89.1 / 89.1 points
  • mood: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 67.7 points
  • genre: Adventure25% distinctive overlap · 8.4 / 33.2 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle40% distinctive overlap · 9.2 / 23.1 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 11.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

2005

Shadow of the Colossus

33% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Contemplative · Mysterious · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation); Mysterious mood; Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative23% distinctive overlap · 20.5 / 89.2 points
  • mood: Mysterious21% distinctive overlap · 14.5 / 67.6 points
  • genre: Adventure25% distinctive overlap · 8.4 / 33.2 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle21% distinctive overlap · 6.6 / 32.1 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

2002

Metroid Prime

28% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Mysterious · Discovery-led · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Mysterious mood; Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces); Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led22% distinctive overlap · 17.7 / 80.8 points
  • mood: Mysterious25% distinctive overlap · 18.4 / 72.4 points
  • genre: Adventure24% distinctive overlap · 8.3 / 34.7 points
  • gameplay: Discovery · Exploration49% distinctive overlap · 12.0 / 24.6 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: First-person100% distinctive overlap · 8.0 / 8.0 points
  • difficulty: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 3.6 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

2001

Ico

26% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Contemplative · Quiet · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation); Quiet mood; Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative29% distinctive overlap · 25.8 / 90.2 points
  • mood: Quiet26% distinctive overlap · 21.8 / 82.4 points
  • genre: Adventure24% distinctive overlap · 8.3 / 34.7 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle23% distinctive overlap · 6.8 / 29.9 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

1999

Shenmue

26% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Contemplative · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation); Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative26% distinctive overlap · 21.1 / 80.6 points
  • mood: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 77.7 points
  • genre: Adventure28% distinctive overlap · 8.6 / 30.3 points
  • gameplay: Exploration6% distinctive overlap · 2.0 / 30.7 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.6 points

2019

Disco Elysium

26% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Contemplative · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Contemplative experiences (taking time for observation, reflection and interpretation); Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Contemplative22% distinctive overlap · 17.7 / 80.6 points
  • mood: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 67.7 points
  • genre: Adventure29% distinctive overlap · 8.6 / 29.5 points
  • gameplay: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 36.2 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 10.8 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: 2010s100% distinctive overlap · 4.8 / 4.8 points

2011

Portal 2

26% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Mysterious · Discovery-led

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Mysterious mood; Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces).

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led23% distinctive overlap · 17.7 / 76.6 points
  • mood: Mysterious30% distinctive overlap · 19.2 / 62.9 points
  • genre: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 38.0 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle53% distinctive overlap · 11.8 / 22.3 points
  • structure: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 23.0 points
  • pacing: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 11.1 points
  • perspective: First-person100% distinctive overlap · 8.0 / 8.0 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: 2010s100% distinctive overlap · 4.8 / 4.8 points

2006

Ōkami

25% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Discovery-led · Adventure

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces); Adventure genre.

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led23% distinctive overlap · 17.7 / 76.6 points
  • mood: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 67.7 points
  • genre: Adventure25% distinctive overlap · 8.4 / 33.2 points
  • gameplay: Exploration · Puzzle40% distinctive overlap · 9.2 / 23.1 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 11.1 points
  • perspective: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 7.3 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points

2002

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

25% SIMILAR

LIMITED MATCH

Discovery-led

WHY IT'S SIMILAR

Both games share Discovery-led experiences (progressing through curiosity and finding new knowledge or spaces).

Similarity breakdown
  • experience: Discovery-led18% distinctive overlap · 14.7 / 79.3 points
  • mood: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 60.4 points
  • genre: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 27.7 points
  • gameplay: Exploration11% distinctive overlap · 2.5 / 23.2 points
  • structure: Open world100% distinctive overlap · 25.7 / 25.7 points
  • pacing: Slow100% distinctive overlap · 10.1 / 10.1 points
  • perspective: First-person55% distinctive overlap · 4.2 / 7.7 points
  • difficulty: Medium100% distinctive overlap · 2.7 / 2.7 points
  • era: No shared values0% distinctive overlap · 0.0 / 4.2 points