Released in 2016, Firewatch is a game that follows the unique story of a fire lookout in a national forest. In terms of characters, there are only a few of them, and none of them are really seen - only spoken to via walkie-talkie. The game is incredibly explorative, allowing players to enjoy the wonders of nature and test their skills in map reading. The dialogue is also pretty witty with good voice acting.

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The game is mainly loved for its story and main character. Henry is the main character in question and he has a bit of a tragic backstory that is easy to sympathize with. In the present day, things aren't any less complicated for the protagonist as he finds himself in the middle of a bit of a mystery. This kind of walking simulation gameplay and story can be phenomenal, and there are similar games out there that fans should check out.

Updated on May 4, 2022, By Ben Jessey: Firewatch remains one of the most engaging and exciting walking simulators of all time. It perfectly blends witty dialogue with an abundance of atmosphere and stunning visuals. You won't find many games like it, but there are some.

A few great titles provide similar experiences to Firewatch, and this list shines a light on several of them. And now it has a few more as we've updated the piece. We did this to make sure it includes all the best Firewatch-type games.

18 Oxenfree

Oxenfree Screenshot Of Conversation

Two of the best things about Firewatch are its dialogue and beautiful scenery. Those same compliments could be given to Oxenfree as the graphic adventure game excels in both areas.

It, too, includes a mystery as the teenage protagonist and her friends set off to learn more about the mysterious island they're visiting. There are no cutscenes, as the tale is told through conversations that are happening while you're roaming around. The unique style of storytelling works just as brilliantly as the one in Firewatch.

17 Journey

The main character of Journey stands in a desert at the base of a mountain, looking up at a glowing light at the top of the peak

As you'd expect based on the title, this game is about a journey. You walk across a giant desert, taking in all the stunning sights as you go. The game gives you very little direction as you're just encouraged to explore and figure things out as you go.

On the way, you sometimes run into other players who are on their own journey. There's no way to chat or even see their name - until the credits - which creates a unique form of multiplayer. Overall, it's an engrossing adventure that differs in tone from Firewatch but delivers an equally comfortable experience.

16 Close To The Sun

Close To The Sun Screenshot Of Lobby

Much of Close to the Sun takes place on a ship designed by Nickolas Tesla called Helios. You wander around the vessel filled with technological marvels, but your goal isn't just exploration as you have to save your sister. To do that, you must complete a bunch of unique puzzles and run away from anyone who decides to chase you.

The chases are few-and-far-between, though, as the game is mostly a very atmospheric (and occasionally scary) walking simulator with some beautiful visuals - besides the character models. And like Firewatch, much of the title's dialogue occurs through a radio.

15 Life Is Strange

Life Is Strange Screenshot Of Footsteps of Window

The time-traveling story of Life is Strange contains strong character performances, which help make it a unique title that is impossible to put down at times. This is mainly due to the stellar writing of the title that will intrigue players to no end.

It's a great recommendation for any gamer looking out for a title like Firewatch. The unique time-reversal mechanics coupled with riveting story beats make for an easy game to sit down and play.

14 The Stanley Parable

The Stanley Parable dark office room

One of the more unique games out there, The Stanley Parable is a must-play for any fan of creative narrative titles. It's the manner in which this walking simulator uses the medium of video games to tell its story that makes it such an amazing experience.

Kevan Brighting narrates each action that the player takes, and it's hilarious throughout. Ultimately, The Stanley Parable is a comedic walking simulator that is perfect for players looking out for games like Firewatch that don't take themselves too seriously.

13 What Remains Of Edith Finch

First-person view from swing in What Remains Of Edith Finch

Released just a year after Firewatch, What Remains of Edith Finch is quite similar as it is a first-person exploration game. As the player roams the wilderness, rooms, and other spaces, they get narration from Edith, the protagonist.

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While the gameplay is very comparable to Firewatch, the story is pretty different. The player learns about the various ways Edith's relatives died. Like Firewatch, it won many awards such as Excellence in Narrative, Best Game, and Best Gameplay.

12 Layers Of Fear

Dolls in Brush level from Layers of Fear

At first glance, Layers of Fear seems like one of the many first-person horror titles out there that market themselves purely on shock value. However, players who write this game off after going by this first impression will be in for quite a surprise indeed.

The mind-bending story of Layer of Fear is easily one of the best parts of the entire experience. As long as players have the stomach to bear the scarier moments of this title, they'll be able to enjoy one of the best video game narratives ever made.

11 The Beginner's Guide

The Beginner's Guide table with people sat around with words for heads

Another unique title made by the creator of The Stanley Parable, The Beginner's Guide is a deceptively engrossing walking simulator that is worth anyone's time. It might not have been as universally beloved as its predecessor, but the title is still a great experience for fans of video games.

The manner in which the developer, Davey Wreden, wraps his own personal struggles around video game development in the narrative is unique. It might not be for everyone, but The Beginner's Guide is still an excellent title that deserves all its plaudits regardless.

10 To The Moon

To The Moon View Of The Ocean From The Swings

RPG Maker games tend to either be low-budget bite-sized experiences... or some truly wonderful experiences coupled with excellent narratives. To the Moon falls quite comfortably in the latter category.

The game's narrative is absolutely brilliant and heartwarming, forcing even the most stoic players around to shed a tear. The fact that the game's ending is also quite rewarding is the perfect cherry on top of this amazing cake.

9 Gone Home

Basement with clutter

Another first-person exploration game, Gone Home was first released in 2013. There are no defined goals in the game, but more and more parts of the house become explorable as the player finds objects.

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The protagonist is a 21-year-old woman named Katie. She comes home to find her family is not around. It's up to the player to piece together what happened during Katie's absence.

8 The Witness

Autumn trees over water.

Released in the same year as Firewatch, The Witness is advertised more as a puzzle game than an exploration one. Do not let that fool you though, as the game has an open-world island to explore.

The main character is unnamed and has no memory of who they are or how they ended up on the island. The player must solve grid-based puzzles to proceed through the game. It does not have an inspiring narrative like Firewatch, but it is beautiful and explorative in the same manner.

7 The Long Dark

Snowy woods with water tower.

Imagine Firewatch but instead of looking after a national forest, you are in a frozen land trying to survive. The Long Dark is a mixture of survival and exploration, with players having to survive freezing temperatures and various threats from Mother Nature.

The game has both an interesting story and a Survival Mode for any players who want a challenge. It's the perfect title for those seeking out games like Firewatch.

6 Everybody's Gone To The Rapture

Rural suburbs.

This game, released in 2015, has won awards for its music, dialogue, writing, and audio. It takes place in a little English village during the 80s, and its inhabitants have mysteriously disappeared. It is up to the player to find out why everyone is gone and what really happened.

Like Firewatch, the game is a walking simulator with a ton of artistic work put into the atmosphere. It might be rather uninteresting at first glance, but the underlying story of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is a thing of beauty and perfect for players seeking out games like Firewatch.

5 Tacoma

Two figures in augmented reality.

Made by the same company that created Gone Home, Fullbright, Tacoma is another first-person exploration game. However, this one takes place in a seemingly empty spaceship. The players have augmented reality that allows them to see what has happened on the ship in the past.

The game was released in 2017, and though it got positive reviews, it did sell fewer copies than Gone Home.

4 Kona

Blue house in the snow.

Taking place in Northern Canada, Kona is a game where players take on the role of a detective, Carl Faubert, who investigates strange events involving vandalism. Like Firewatch, the game is rooted in mystery and is an atmospheric journey. It also was actually made through crowdfunding with Kickstarter.

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The game feels more dangerous than Firewatch, however. After all, players do have to fend off natural threats such as the killer cold and hungry wolves.

3 Dear Esther

Red light tower on a hill.

Made by the same company that created Everybody's Gone to Rapture, Dear Esther is about exploring an unnamed island off the mainland of Scotland. As players roam around, they unlock letters a man wrote to his deceased wife.

Beyond exploration, there's not much gameplay as the story is the focus. But it never gets dull as it's just as atmospheric as Firewatch. It even gets spooky at times, but it never becomes a full horror game.

2 The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

Railroad in a forest.

For fans of Firewatch that like horror, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is worth checking out. The premise is a detective investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy and some paranormal phenomena.

The game was actually slightly inspired by an old short story called An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. Some of the gameplay involves puzzles as well as stealth. And it all occurs in an open-world environment.

1 Call Of The Sea

Island hut.

Set in the South Pacific during the 1930s, Call of the Sea has players explore an island through the eyes of a woman, Norah, looking for her husband's missing expedition. Along the way, she discovers plenty of secrets on the mysterious island.

Call of the Sea shares a visual style with Firewatch as they both use bright and vibrant colors. In fact, the island featured in this game might be even more beautiful than Firewatch's forest. Call of the Sea also boasts an intriguing narrative and fun puzzles.

Next: The Best & Worst Walking Simulators In Gaming History