Returnal is a blistering third-person shooter wrapped up in a brutal roguelike package that throws players onto a hostile alien world where death is only the beginning. Set in the constantly shifting world of Atropos, it combines bullet-hell gameplay with a narrative that’s fragmented and revealed over multiple playthroughs.
If you like the mix of hard gameplay, sci-fi vibe, and a loop based on learning through failure then this list is for you. Here are 10 games that feel similar, whether through roguelike mechanics, challenging combat or mysterious, otherworldly settings.
Remnant II
Remnant II is a third-person shooter with Soulslike design, creating a hybrid action RPG that feels both familiar and new. The game takes place in several procedurally generated worlds and pits players against tough enemies, large-scale bosses and layered progression systems.
Gunplay, abilities, and stamina management are at the heart of combat, which demands strategic positioning and clever resource management. Its Archetype system provides for flexible builds, and encourages experimentation with playstyles and team compositions. The co-op play adds depth and replay value.
What sets Remnant II apart is that it’s unpredictable. World generation, encounters, bosses and quests change between playthroughs so every run feels fresh.
Dead Space
Dead Space takes place on a derelict mining ship in deep space, and follows engineer Isaac Clarke as he searches for his missing partner, only to discover a horrific outbreak.
Combat is tense and slow, favoring strategy over brute force. There is constant pressure of limited resources, precise dismemberment mechanics and claustrophobic environments. All meetings look dangerous.
The game also excels at atmosphere, using sound design, lighting and isolation to build a strong sense of dread. It remains one of the best sci-fi/survival horror mashups around.
Hades
Hades is a fast-paced roguelike dungeon crawler set in a gorgeous Greek mythology world. You play as Zagreus trying to escape the Underworld, learning story elements through repeated runs.
The combat is reactive and can be customized a lot, with different weapons and abilities that can be combined in different ways. Procedural encounters and godly boons ensure no two runs will be the same.
But where Hades truly excels is in its storytelling. Death is the story’s catalyst, sparking new conversations and character dynamics, and giving the progression a sense of importance and engagement.
Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 combines roguelike gameplay with a fully 3D environment, third-person shooting and increasing difficulty.
You begin alone on an alien world, fighting off ever more difficult hordes of enemies. The longer you stay in a run, the harder the game becomes, forcing you to adapt constantly.
Item stacking is a big deal, allowing for powerful and unpredictable builds. This creates a chaotic but rewarding gameplay loop that keeps players coming back for more.
Control
Set inside the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, Control follows Jesse Faden as she navigates a reality-bending environment filled with supernatural phenomena.
The combat system combines traditional gunplay with telekinetic powers that enable players to creatively manipulate objects and the environment. Gameplay is fast, fluid, and always changing.
But Control is more than a combat game, it has a surreal story with cryptic lore and eerie imagery that rewards exploration and curiosity.
The Binding of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac is a dark roguelike that combines twin-stick shooting with procedurally generated dungeons.
Every run has randomized enemies, rooms and items, meaning it plays very differently. Combat is all about bullet hell, so you will need fast reflexes and the ability to adapt.
One of the most influential roguelikes of the genre, its addictive loop and high replayability have made it so.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a unique exploration adventure where you are trapped in a 22-minute time loop. You play an astronaut uncovering the secrets of an ancient alien civilization.
It’s not a fight game, it’s more of a knowledge and discovery game. Each loop uncovers new information, aiding you in piecing together the bigger mystery.
Its open-ended design sparks curiosity, providing a slower but profoundly rewarding experience.
Scars Above
Scars Above is a third person sci-fi shooter with methodical combat and exploration elements.
You play Dr. Kate Ward, stranded on a hostile alien planet. Combat is more about strategy, managing your stamina and exploiting the enemy’s weaknesses than brute force.
The game also has a discovery aspect; you can scan creatures and environments to unlock new abilities and crafting options.
DOOM Eternal
Fast-paced shooter DOOM Eternal throws players into a never-ending war against the demonic hordes.
Combat is aggressive and movement-based, and health, ammo and armor are all directly tied to how you choose to engage the enemy. That’s a fast skill-based loop that rewards quick thinking and precision.
Every fight is hard-hitting, making this one of the most satisfying action experiences around.
Saros
Saros builds from fast paced, replay-driven design with a focus on evolving worlds and cyclical gameplay.
The game takes place on the alien planet Carcosa and features changing environments and environmental storytelling that unfolds over multiple runs. Each cycle cleanses the world, gradually revealing more of its mystery.
Saros is a haunting and engaging sci-fi experience with good combat feedback and a structure that is based on learning by failure.
Summary
These 10 games are a taste of the varied elements that make Returnal so compelling, from intense combat and roguelike loops to atmospheric storytelling and sci-fi exploration.
If you’re looking for something equally challenging or just want another immersive experience, there’s plenty here to keep you busy.
What are your favorite games that are similar to Returnal? Tell us.