Arkane Studio's time-loop-assassin hit Deathloop launched to universal acclaim in September 2021. On the surface, it appears to be a stylish first-person shooter, but thanks to layers of innovative gameplay and storytelling, it is so much more. With elements of stealth, exploration, puzzle-solving, and intricate plotlines, there is something for everyone to dive into and love. The world is fully immersive with NPCs reacting to the way the game is being played.
The time loop in the game is a key component that is not unique to Deathloop, but it is utilized perfectly. But what do you play when you've finally completed the game and killed all the Visionaries? Thanks to a wide variety of elements, there are many games out there that could speak to someone who enjoyed Deathloop.
8 The Outer Wilds
If you enjoy the complexity of Deathloop's time loop, The Outer Wilds will fit right at home. In The Outer Wilds, an astronaut explores a solar system and tries to unravel a mystery about one of gaming's best ancient alien civilizations.
The only caveat is that after 22 minutes, everything is destroyed by the Sun that goes supernova and the main character wakes up again at the start of those 22 minutes. Fortunately, you’ll retain everything you learn during each loop, much like Colt in Deathloop, and be armed with the information in hopes of solving the plot’s main mystery.
7 12 Minutes
12 Minutes is another game the features a time loop mechanic, and, like Deathloop, it utilizes it very well. Though the loops are short, the main character retains the information he learns and can use that in subsequent loops to try and save himself and his wife.
While the game is simple with its point-and-click playstyle, it is engaging and the central mystery will keep you on your toes. The game also features performances by three A-list actors: James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and William Dafoe.
6 Bioshock Infinite
The Bioshock series is often said to be one of the best gaming series of all time and with good reason. Bioshock Infinite places you in Columbia, a steampunk city in the clouds, with an array of guns and abilities as you try and rescue a woman named Elizabeth who is able to control tears in the fabric of time.
The main draw between Deathloop and Infinite is the combat and their retro-futuristic settings, but the plot and characters are well worth sticking around for.
5 Prey
Prey was also developed by Arkane Studios, and while it doesn't feature any sort of time loop, it does have other, similar gameplay elements. You have the option of exploring the world using stealth or with a more aggressive reproach.
The main character, Morgan Yu, has an entire array of alien powers at their disposal not all that different from Deathloop’s Slabs. There are a variety of ways to approach situations when using your powers and a large world to explore with mysteries to uncover.
4 Portal 2
If your favorite part about Deathloop is the characters and humor, you'd find a lot of fun in Portal 2. Portal 2's cast is small, but there is a lot of humor throughout the game. Much like Deathloop's Colt and Julianna, Portal 2's relationship between Wheatley and GLaDOS (who is regarded as one of gaming's best robots) features biting remarks, stinging jabs, and plenty of laughs.
Additionally, the game is basically a series of puzzle-solving and platforming that requires some thinking similar to some of the problems you have to figure out in Deathloop.
3 Returnal
Deathloop can be a fast-paced shooter if you want it to be, and if you do like to play a game with guns blazing, Returnal is the game for you. Returnal follows an astronaut who has crash-landed on an alien planet and is trying to survive.
Every time she dies, she wakes back up in her spaceship and later realizes she's stuck in a loop. Returnal is a bullet hell game with a lot of shooting and dodging with secrets and guns to find. If you prefer a fast-paced challenge, then you'll fit right at home in Returnal's alien world that features some truly brutal boss fights.
2 Hitman 3
In Deathloop, you set out to eliminate a series of targets. There are a number of ways you can kill them: shooting wildly, being stealthy, grenades, abilities, and more. Hitman 3 allows you to find truly inventive ways to take down and assassinate your foes.
Plus, there is an element of stealth available if you prefer to be sneaky or you can put on a disguise to get to your target. No matter how the situation is approached, there are a number of ways to take someone down, and it's a lot of fun.
1 The Dishonored Series
It's hard to play Deathloop and not notice the similarities between it and Arkane Studio's other hit, Dishonored. While Dishonored does focus more on the stealth side of things, there is no denying much of the inspiration of Deathloop's gameplay came from the series.
Dishonored boasts a similar art style and a roster of different weapons and supernatural abilities not too far off from those you'd find in Deathloop. Pair those with Dishonored's reliance on a specific period for its locale and world-building, and you're all set for a fun and somewhat familiar adventure.