The Best Nonlinear Games

Update, : The Invincible added at rank #20.
1

Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary (2022)

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84
Review score
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Xbox One PC Windows Xbox Series X

Entirely rebuilt from the ground up, Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary is the ultimate celebration of the decade-old original, bringing refined visuals, completely redesigned and revised gameplay sections, and a whole new chapter to the award-winning, brain-twisting first-person puzzler.

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  • nonlinear
  • soundtrack
  • collectathon
  • puzzle
  • linear
  • logic
  • minimalist
  • narrative
  • 3d
  • action-adventure
  • first-person
  • mystery
  • atmospheric
  • controller-support
  • physics

2

Teacup (2020)

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96
Review score
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Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One PC Windows

Teacup is a short and wholesome narrative adventure game with a focus on exploration and non-linear progression. You play as the titular Teacup, a shy and introverted young frog who loves drinking tea and reading. The day before she is to host a tea party at her house, she realizes she is completely out of tea, and thus must venture into the woods around her to find the herbs she needs to restock her pantry. During your adventure you will meet the charming inhabitants of the forest. Some are talkative, some are grumpy, but all of them will lend you an ear on your adventure. Explore this gorgeous watercolor world filled with friendly animals, playful minigames, puzzles, and beautiful, calming wilderness.


  • nonlinear
  • scroller
  • cute
  • exploration
  • adventure
  • narrative
  • relaxing
  • horror
  • family-friendly
  • colourful
  • coffee
  • story
  • non-linear
  • funny
  • 2d

3

DOOMBLADE (2023)

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85
Review score
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PC Windows

Take on the role of Gloom Girl as you join forces with a talking sentient sword, Doomblade, to exact vengeance on the Dread Lords. Explore interconnecting worlds, slaying monsters with the sword's brutal wrath. With memorable boss design, good graphics, and catchy music, prepare to teach your enemies fear with the Doom Drop, Wicked Wind, and the Nightmare Onion abilities. Are you ready for the quest?


Pros:
  • Refreshing movement mechanics
  • Engaging exploration
  • Great art
  • Fun boss fights
  • Nuanced gameplay
Cons:
  • Sluggish player movement
  • Lack of guidance
  • Challenging environmental hazards
  • Frustrating difficulty spike

  • dark
  • nonlinear
  • metroidvania
  • humor
  • 2d
  • scroller
  • multiple-endings
  • platform
  • action-adventure
  • exploration
  • souls
  • colourful
  • atmospheric
  • soundtrack
  • fantasy

4

Pilgrims (2019)

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96
Review score
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IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Pilgrims is a playful adventure game, created by the team behind Machinarium and Samorost. Roam the land as you please and make new friends, share a laugh with your fellow travelers and help them complete their little stories, your way. How many different solutions can you find?


  • card
  • cartoony
  • hand-drawn
  • short
  • nonlinear
  • relaxing
  • stylized
  • replay-value
  • family-friendly
  • point-and-click
  • 2d
  • funny
  • comedy
  • experimentation
  • puzzle

5

Mail Time (2023)

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76
Review score
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Android PC Windows Mac OS

It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure!


  • lgbtq
  • nonlinear
  • conversation
  • cute
  • relaxing
  • emotional
  • third-person
  • stylized
  • cartoony
  • 3d
  • funny
  • open-world
  • exploration
  • colourful
  • comedy

6

Manifold Garden (2019)

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92
Review score
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Playstation 5 Xbox Series X PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone Mac OS

Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.


  • abstract
  • surreal
  • philosophical
  • nonlinear
  • puzzle
  • psychedelic
  • experimental
  • minimalist
  • multiple-endings
  • first-person
  • atmospheric
  • exploration
  • relaxing
  • colourful
  • mystery

7

HighFleet (2021)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows

Battle for survival in the skies of a mysterious future Earth in this unique action-strategy game mixing arcade combat, exploration, management and diplomacy. As giant flying ships wage spectacular aerial warfare, a prophecy tells of one who will save the world – could it be you?


  • rogue-like
  • strategy
  • diplomacy
  • tactical
  • nonlinear
  • post-apocalyptic
  • real-time
  • choices
  • inventory
  • military
  • building
  • sci-fi
  • stylized
  • management
  • battle

8

Bonfire Peaks (2020)

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92
Review score
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Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo Switch

A difficult open world puzzle game about climbing mysterious ruins and setting fire to your belongings.


  • sokoban
  • voxel
  • puzzle
  • nonlinear
  • movement
  • grid
  • cinematic
  • emotional
  • 3d
  • stylized
  • atmospheric
  • relaxing
  • third-person
  • pixel
  • difficult

9

A Monster's Expedition (2020)

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88
Review score
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Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Linux IOS iPhone Mac OS PC Windows

An adorable and relaxing open world puzzle adventure for monsters who love to learn about humans!


  • sokoban
  • relaxing
  • puzzle
  • nonlinear
  • family-friendly
  • open-world
  • post-apocalyptic
  • exploration
  • surreal
  • 3d
  • historical
  • cartoony
  • alternate
  • funny
  • atmospheric

10

Astronite (2022)

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70
Review score
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Xbox One Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Playstation 5 PC Windows

Astronite is a 1bit metroidvania that combines action, exploration, puzzles and platforms. Recover the planet where you and yours lived before it was invaded by strange creatures.


  • 8-bit
  • platform
  • souls
  • nonlinear
  • metroidvania
  • 2d
  • scroller
  • music
  • precision
  • action-adventure
  • open-world
  • pixel
  • sci-fi
  • exploration
  • shooter

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