Those looking for games like Uncharted may want to dabble in some awesome action-adventure titles that cover more than mere treasure hunting. And that’s precisely what we’re giving you right here.
We have gathered an array of names that are filled to the brim with loads of action, fighting fury, beautiful backdrops, engaging environments and not to forget, despicable evil enemies, without whom, the games wouldn’t be half as much fun.
Now we know that there are no real replacements for the Uncharted games. However, you will find a few gems out there that come quite close to the elements featured in this title.
1 – Tomb Raider Series:
Move over Nathan Drake and make way for the English archeologist called Lara Croft. The enigmatic protagonist stars in the Tomb Raider franchise that comprises of over half a dozen games. Each one takes players to the far reaches of the world and sees the leading lady traverse through some of the harshest environments in search of ancient relics and tombs.
She even has her fair share of baddies to beat up along the way. The games are filled with danger and puzzles which have to be tackled, and given Ms. Croft’s athletic prowess, there’s nothing she can’t really conquer. You can try your hand at some of her earlier games like Tomb Raider Legend, Anniversary and Underworld while you wait for the upcoming title that’s scheduled to release sometime next year.
2 – Assassin’s Creed:
Here’s another great pick if you’re scouting the scene for games similar to Uncharted. The Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, is renowned for its unique blend of historical fiction, action-adventure, and stealth gameplay. The series began with Assassin’s Creed in 2007, introducing players to the conflict between Assassins and Templars.
It’s followed by Assassin’s Creed II, which is part of the Ezio trilogy along with “Brotherhood” and “Revelations.” These titles focus on Ezio Auditore’s journey in Renaissance Italy and Constantinople. Assassin’s Creed III shifts to the American Revolution, while “Black Flag” takes to the high seas with pirate adventures. “Unity” and “Rogue” explore the French Revolution and the Seven Years’ War, respectively.
The series then moves to Victorian London in “Syndicate,” ancient Egypt in “Origins,” ancient Greece in “Odyssey,” and the Viking era in “Valhalla.” Each game weaves real historical events with a fictional narrative, offering open-world exploration, parkour, and a focus on stealthy assassinations, evolving significantly in gameplay and narrative scope over time.
3 – Prince of Persia:
Time to put down your guns for a while. The Prince of Persia series, a pioneering force in the action-adventure genre, began with its original game in 1989, focusing on platforming and puzzle-solving. The franchise gained mainstream success with “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” in 2003, known for its innovative time-manipulation mechanics and narrative depth.
This was followed by “Warrior Within” in 2004, introducing a darker tone and more combat-focused gameplay. “The Two Thrones” in 2005 concluded the Sands of Time trilogy, blending elements from its predecessors and concluding the Prince’s story with a balance of action and storytelling. The series then rebooted in 2008 with “Prince of Persia,” featuring an open-world design and a new artistic style.
A return to the original trilogy’s narrative came with “The Forgotten Sands” in 2010, exploring events between the first two games of the Sands of Time trilogy. Each installment is known for its acrobatic gameplay, engaging stories, and the innovative integration of time-based mechanics, making the series a staple in the adventure gaming landscape.
4 – Batman: Arkham City:
The dark knight invades our roster of Uncharted alternatives with the mention of Batman: Arkham City. The sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum lets you take on the role of the caped crusader as he stealthy makes his way through the dark streets of Arkham City which are anything but safe. You’ll be plunged into an intense, atmospheric scenario where you’ll come face to face with familiar villains like Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Mr. Freeze, and Two-Face.
Batman: Arkham City is developed and published by Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros., respectively. Here, you’ll have to rely on your keen senses and quick thinking to make your way through the shadows, dispensing justice to the evildoers.
5. The Last of Us
The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, is a genre-defining action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mutant Cordyceps fungus. The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl who may be key to a cure. This narrative-driven game expertly blends stealth, survival horror, and third-person action, set against the backdrop of a decaying United States.
The game’s storytelling is renowned for its emotional depth, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human will to survive. Players must navigate through environments overrun by infected and hostile humans, making use of limited resources and crafting to survive.
The relationship between Joel and Ellie forms the heart of the game, offering a poignant and memorable journey. Its sequel, “The Last of Us Part II,” continues this legacy with an equally compelling narrative and refined gameplay.
6. Far Cry Series
The Far Cry series, a staple in the open-world first-person shooter genre, is known for its blend of action, adventure, and exploration in exotic, often politically unstable regions. Each installment introduces a new setting, from tropical islands to Himalayan mountains, and most recently, the rural United States in “Far Cry 5.”
The series is celebrated for its immersive worlds, freedom of approach in gameplay, and memorable antagonists. Players can choose to engage in stealth, direct combat, or use the environment to their advantage. The narratives often focus on fighting against tyrannical leaders or oppressive regimes, with player choices impacting the game’s world and story.
The Far Cry series also features crafting, wildlife hunting, and various side missions, contributing to a rich and dynamic open-world experience.
7. Gears of War Series
Gears of War is an iconic third-person shooter series set in a dystopian world, chronicling humanity’s struggle against the monstrous Locust Horde and later, the Swarm. Known for its gritty aesthetic, intense combat, and cover-based mechanics, the series has been a defining force in the genre.
Players take on the role of COG soldiers, like Marcus Fenix and JD Fenix, battling through war-torn environments with a variety of weapons, including the iconic Lancer with its chainsaw bayonet. The series is notable for its emphasis on cooperative gameplay, both in its campaign and multiplayer modes.
The narrative, while action-packed, also delves into themes of war, loss, and survival. Its stunning visuals, engaging storyline, and robust multiplayer offerings have made it a longstanding favorite among gamers.
8. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 by Rockstar Games is an epic tale of outlaw life at the turn of the 20th century. Set in a meticulously crafted open world, the game follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. Players experience a vivid representation of the American frontier, complete with dynamic weather, diverse ecosystems, and detailed wildlife.
This entrant in our lineup of games like Uncharted blends story missions with open-world exploration, allowing players to engage in various activities like hunting, fishing, gambling, and interacting with NPCs. Its narrative explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the end of the Wild West era, offering a deep, emotionally resonant story.
The game’s attention to detail, from character animations to environmental interactions, sets a new standard in immersive storytelling and open-world design.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures roam a jungle landscape that is a blend of lush nature and ancient ruins. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter, uncovering the mysteries of her past and the fate of the old world.
The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and tactical combat against a variety of mechanical beasts. Each creature requires a different strategy, encouraging players to utilize different weapons and tactics. The narrative is richly woven with tribal lore, advanced technology, and compelling characters, creating a unique universe.
The game is praised for its visually stunning world, innovative combat, and the strong, relatable protagonist in Aloy.
10. Just Cause Series
The Just Cause series is celebrated for its over-the-top action and expansive open worlds. Players assume the role of Rico Rodriguez, an operative working to overthrow dictators in politically unstable regions.
The series is known for its emphasis on creative destruction, offering a wide array of tools, vehicles, and weapons. Players can grapple, parachute, and wingsuit across massive environments, causing chaos and destruction in spectacular fashion.
Each game in the series ups the ante with larger worlds, more stunts, and even more outrageous physics, making it a playground for those who love action-packed, freewheeling adventures.
11. Max Payne Series
Max Payne, a series renowned for its film noir style and bullet-time gameplay, is a pioneer in the third-person shooter genre. The games follow Max Payne, a troubled detective avenging his family’s murder while unraveling conspiracies in a crime-ridden city.
The series is known for its gritty narrative, stylized action sequences, and the innovative use of slow-motion in combat, creating a distinctive and immersive experience.
The games’ stories, told through graphic novel panels and voiceovers, add to the noir atmosphere, while the gameplay blends traditional shooting mechanics with cinematic set pieces.
12. Control
Developed by Remedy Entertainment, Control is an action-adventure game that combines supernatural elements with a unique and ever-changing environment. Set within the Federal Bureau of Control, players navigate the Oldest House, a mysterious building with shifting architecture.
The protagonist, Jesse Faden, seeks answers about her past and battles otherworldly threats using an array of telekinetic abilities. The game stands out for its surreal setting, enigmatic narrative, and engaging gameplay that mixes exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
Its visual design and atmospheric storytelling create an immersive experience that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary.
13. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, is set in 13th-century Japan during the Mongol invasion. Players control Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior fighting to protect his homeland.
This addition to our lineup of games like uncharted combines open-world exploration with a deep combat system that allows players to approach battles as a traditional samurai or use stealthy tactics as the Ghost. The narrative explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the consequences of war.
The game’s visual design, from the sweeping landscapes to the detailed character models, captures the beauty and brutality of feudal Japan, making it a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience.
14. Watch Dogs Series
The Watch Dogs series by Ubisoft blends action and adventure in a modern setting, focusing on technology and hacking. Set in various cities, players use hacking abilities to manipulate the environment, gather information, and disrupt corrupt systems.
The series combines open-world exploration with narrative-driven gameplay, allowing players to approach objectives in various ways. The narrative explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the power of technology in society.
Each installment expands on the hacking mechanics and open-world design, offering a unique perspective on the adventure genre.
15. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a critically acclaimed open-world RPG set in a vast, fantasy universe. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, navigating a world filled with rich stories, complex characters, and morally ambiguous choices.
The game combines narrative depth, expansive exploration, and deep combat mechanics. Players engage in swordplay, magic, and monster hunting, while also making choices that significantly impact the story and world.
The The Witcher 3’s narrative, based on Slavic mythology and the novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski, is known for its emotional storytelling, multidimensional characters, and intricate quests. “The Witcher 3” is celebrated for its detailed world-building, dynamic environments, and the freedom it offers players in shaping their journey.
16. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, developed by Respawn Entertainment, is a riveting action-adventure game set in the Star Wars universe. Taking place after “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” the game centers on Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Padawan who survived the infamous Order 66. Tasked with rebuilding the Jedi Order, Cal’s journey is a thrilling mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and cinematic combat.
The gameplay blends agile lightsaber duels with the strategic use of Force powers, set against a backdrop of diverse and beautifully rendered planets, each with unique challenges. This uncharted alternative excels in immersing players in the Star Wars lore, introducing new characters and locations while tying into the broader saga. As players navigate through Imperial forces and ancient mysteries, they also experience Cal’s growth from a fugitive to a powerful Jedi.
Fallen Order stands out for its compelling story, engaging combat mechanics, and faithful representation of the Star Wars aesthetic, appealing to both fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Conclusion:
Why do you adore playing Uncharted? Do you fancy yourself as treasure hunter and adventurer in an alternate universe? Is it because of the charismatic characters, graphics, exotic locations, heaps of action and engaging storyline?
Well, whatever factors fit your bill, you’ll surely find some great games scattered across our similar games like Uncharted list that is soaked in one or more of them. And after you zero in on a few that caught your eye, do leave your comments below.
