9 Narrative games like No Man's Sky that you should try

Genre puts it alongside No Man's Sky, 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 setting and tone — its own ground is a casual, approachable feel and horror setting.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a sci-fi setting. Where the two diverge is visuals and setting: dark, oppressive atmosphere and horror setting.

If No Man's Sky worked for you because of strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat, the same is here. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and a sci-fi setting. They part company on visuals and tone: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and 2D presentation.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and multiplayer gameplay. The common ground extends to crafting mechanics. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: cozy, relaxing feel and fantasy world.

It comes from the same genre as No Man's Sky and shares strong narrative focus, open world exploration and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is tone and game mode: a relaxing pace and 3D presentation.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. They part company on setting and tone: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and horror setting.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. Both also lean on crafting mechanics. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is a relaxing pace and a medieval setting.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. To that it adds crafting mechanics. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings a relaxing pace and a medieval setting.

Shelved next to No Man's Sky for good reason: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. The common ground extends to crafting mechanics. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: punishing difficulty and a cartoon aesthetic.