5 Hardcore games like Control that you should try

What brings it close to Control is dark, oppressive atmosphere, open world exploration and melee combat, and the two track each other on genre, combat and game mode. The common ground extends to horror setting and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is visuals and setting: an isometric view.

Genre puts it alongside Control, and so does strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in visuals and progression — its own ground is a sandbox world and stealth mechanics.

Genre puts it alongside Control, and so does strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to horror setting and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is visuals and world: a sandbox world and an isometric view.

If Control worked for you because of strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat, the same is here. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and fantasy world. The distance is in visuals and setting — its own ground is cozy, relaxing feel and 2D presentation.

It shares the essentials of what Control does: punishing difficulty, open world exploration and melee combat. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in visuals and tone — its own ground is a casual, approachable feel and 2D presentation.