Summary
Walking simulator gamesare an interesting type of video game. Rather than having a lot of action, walking simulators are exactly what they sound like. They heavily focus on their stories, often withmystery or horror elements, in which players walk around. Most of these titles are short and can be beaten in just a couple of hours. Because of this, many gamers underestimate how great the genre can be. Be it a person who has never tried this genre before or a fan looking to find another title to enjoy, most of the titles players can find in this genre are some of the best walking simulators ever made.
It goes without saying that fans who love unique adventure titles and mysterious stories will have a great time with the following games, some of which are legendary for all the right reasons. This gameplay loop doesn’t seem all that inviting, but it doesn’t take too long for these games to sink their claws into a player, keeping them hooked till the very end of a story-rich experience that will leave them dreading the ending after a point.
Updated on July 14, 2025, by Mehrdad Khayyat:It might sound a bit boring to say that a game is only a walking simulator, but there are many hidden aspects behind this term that help a game deliver an immersive and impactful experience without having the player to do much.
The story is usually the main focus of walking simulators, and since the gameplay is not complicated, the developers actually find more time to polish the story and help it grow, which is why these games turn out to be quite influential.
Some of the games on the list may include some simplistic gameplay mechanics other than just walking.
Liminal spaces have become all the rage in modern times. These unnerving corridors and locations can be effective at scaring players if done properly, which is why games likeThe Exit 8will intrigue any fan of unique walking simulators. The game focuses on the allure of liminal spaces, making sure that players do everything in their power to avoid anomalies while trying to uncover the mystery surrounding the game.
While this game may not be great for those who get scared too easily, players willing to brave a few horrors will love whatThe Exit 8has to offer. The title is pretty short, and most people should get through it in a single sitting after getting a vague idea of what they’re doing.
Lakeis a cozy and relaxing experience for anyone looking for a peaceful game free of combat and horrible stuff. The game follows the return of a young woman to her hometown for a two-week mail-delivery job.
Most of the gameplay is about driving around a gorgeous town and delivering boxes. Still, the interactions that the protagonist makes with mail receivers drive the story forward and encourage the player to keep going, as relationships can go deeper and unlock more story content.
Yume Nikkiis one of themost legendary walking simulatorsof all time, with the dreams of Madotsuki being quite surreal and even horrifying. Exploring her dreamscape and unlocking all the effects to complete the game makes for a great time while also shedding more light on the main character and her personality.
It’s easy to see whyYume Nikkiis one of the most popular video games ever, and it inspired several other games, too. Its 3D remake was decent, although it still failed to capture exactly what made the original such an amazing title to explore.
The Longingis one of those unique games that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, even those who are into walking simulators. The Longing reveals its hidden gem only to the patient players. The game has a unique way of storytelling that encourages players to discover it themselves.
At first glance,The Longinglooks like a super slow experience as the character moves at the pace of a snail, but many hidden secrets in the game’s world are thriving to be discovered, and only dedicated players can find them.
Walking simulators are already pretty slow-paced as is, andSunsettakes this to a whole new level. The game takes a very human and in-depth look atthe effect war hason people, making for a grueling tale full of hardship and strife.
Many people didn’t get the allure ofSunsetbecause of its extremely slow pace, but players who stuck through its opening were rewarded with a gripping narrative and heartbreaking stories. The effect war has on people is not an alien concept in the slightest, butSunsetdoes just enough to separate itself from the rest of the pack.
Scanner Sombreis a visually striking walking simulator that will keep players hooked throughits short runtime. The game uses the inherent mystery attached to cave exploration to make for an amazing experience that needs to be experienced firsthand, with descriptions not doing justice to this masterpiece.
It helps that the sinister nature of this game keeps players on their toes as well, making for a highly immersive experience.Scanner Sombreis easily one of the most underrated games around that deserves to be played by fans of engaging walking simulators.
Poolsis a pure walking simulator. All the players have to do is walk along a variety of pools, and listen to the ambient sounds. There is no jumpscare and no otherworldly being. It’s just the player and a series of pools, and the feelings that could be different from one player to another.
Poolsputs its emphasis on delivering an atmospheric experience without saying a single word or implementing any complex gameplay element other than walking. The game actually challenges the player’s inner thoughts in different types of locations.
Stela is an adventure through generationswith a spectacular soundtrackand captivating visuals. During the entire game, the player will control a female character passing through different settings, each telling the stories behind the final days of an ancient empire, which has undeniable connections with the history of humans on Earth.
From the pointless wars that cost countless lives to technological advancements, the player sees it all while running past the threats and solving minimal puzzles. There are no dialogues in Stela. Everyone will have their own understanding of these settings, which is the reason why Stela becomes a one-of-a-kind experience for every gamer.
Unfortunately, Stela is no longer available for purchase on Steam as the game was delisted earlier in 2023.
For those looking for a great story to follow with simplistic gameplay,Still Wakes The Deepcould be a short but worthy experience. The game follows some supernatural events that happened on an oil rig around Scotland in the 1970s. The player will have to explore the oil rig and find a way to save their crew.
There are no weapons or superpowers to use. Players just venture forward, listen to the dialogues, and learn more about the eerie situation on the oil rig.Still Wakes The Deepcomes with stunning visuals, a great soundtrack, and veteran voice actors that make it a great cinematic experience.
Jusant is a slow-burn game with environmental storytelling. The player is a rock climber determined to reach a mountain’s peak. As the player makes progress, they encounter abandoned camps with letters left over from their inhabitants, which slowly unravel the story of the game and what has happened in the mountain.
The main challenge of the game isclimbing up the mountain, as it comes with platforming challenges. Every stage of the game reveals new mechanics and new biome in the mountain which comes with its own set of challenges. There are no dialogues in the game. All the player can hear is the beautiful sound of nature next to a relaxing soundtrack.
