Progression
Best Linear story Games
Narrative-driven linear progression
48 games ranked by linear story intensity
Pathfinder: Kingmaker — Enhanced Plus Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldTurn-based combatDeep systemsLinear story
Horizon Zero Dawn™ Complete Edition
Windows
Open worldExplorationStealthLinear storySolo contemplative
Blasphemous 2
Windows
PlatformingSkill masteryPixel artFantasy mythologyExploration
Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatCo-op chaosExploration
Red Dead Redemption 2
Windows
Open worldSandboxLinear storyExplorationPhotorealistic
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Windows
Open worldExplorationLinear storySolo contemplativeMelee combat
Hollow Knight
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingSkill masteryOpen worldExplorationMelee combat
Monster Hunter: World
Windows
Open worldExplorationSkill masteryMMO socialCo-op chaos
Persona 5 Royal
Windows
Dialogue choicesMystery and detectiveAnime/mangaTurn-based combatLinear story
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesExplorationLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodical
Enderal: Forgotten Stories
Windows
ExplorationOpen worldLinear storySolo contemplativeFantasy mythology
Black Myth: Wukong
Windows
Fantasy mythologySkill masteryMelee combatTenseLinear story
Cyberpunk 2077
WindowsmacOS
Open worldShootingSci-fi technologySolo contemplativeLinear story
Thea 2: The Shattering
Windows
Deck buildingResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
Crying Suns
WindowsmacOS
Pixel artResource managementSci-fi technologyReal-time combatLinear story
Baldur's Gate 3
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesLinear storyTurn-based combatDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
Windows
Melee combatSkill masteryCollectionCo-op chaosLinear story
Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Windows
Melee combatStealthOpen worldSkill masterySolo contemplative
Portal 2
WindowsLinux
PlatformingShootingPuzzle solvingLinear storyWhimsical
Lies of P
WindowsmacOS
Skill masteryExplorationDialogue choicesMelee combatSolo contemplative
Pillars of Eternity
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationOpen worldFantasy mythologyLinear storySolo contemplative
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldLinear storyDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Total War: WARHAMMER II
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleMethodicalFantasy mythologyTurn-based combatTerritory control
NieR Replicant™ ver.1.22474487139...
Windows
Linear storyFranticAnime/mangaExplorationSolo contemplative
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Windows
Open worldStealthSolo contemplativeLinear storyExploration
Dawn of Man
WindowsmacOS
Base managementCity/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldDialogue choices
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Windows
Map scaleWarfare emphasisMethodicalTerritory controlSpreadsheet territory
Anno 1800
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxExplorationDialogue choicesBase management
Anno 2205™
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Tropico 6
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingDiplomacySandboxDialogue choicesBase management
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Windows
Map scaleSandboxDialogue choicesSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Total War: WARHAMMER
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleOpen worldMethodicalFantasy mythologyReal-time combat
Songs of Conquest
WindowsmacOS
Local multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodicalSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
DARK SOULS™ III
Windows
Skill masteryExplorationOpen worldMelee combatTense
Age of Mythology: Retold
Windows
Fantasy mythologyResource managementReal-time combatWarfare emphasisLinear story
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Windows
Dialogue choicesSci-fi technologyMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Windows
Open worldDialogue choicesSandboxLinear storyExploration
Homeworld Remastered Collection
WindowsmacOS
Sci-fi technologyMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesReal-time combat
Homeworld 3
Windows
Sci-fi technologyResource managementWarfare emphasisMethodicalLinear story
BATTLETECH
WindowsmacOSLinux
MethodicalTurn-based combatSci-fi technologySolo contemplativeExploration
Wartales
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatMethodical
Creeper World 4
Windows
Map scaleBase managementResource managementWarfare emphasisMethodical
Strategic Mind: The Pacific
Windows
Warfare emphasisSolo contemplativeMethodicalTurn-based combatTerritory control
Darkest Dungeon® II
WindowsmacOS
Cosmic horrorTurn-based combatMethodicalExplorationTense
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldExplorationTurn-based combatDeep systems
Inscryption
WindowsmacOSLinux
Deck buildingPixel artLinear storyTensePuzzle solving
Griftlands
WindowsmacOSLinux
Deck buildingDialogue choicesTurn-based combatLinear storySolo contemplative
Call of Duty®
Windows
ShootingSolo contemplativeWar and conflictMethodicalCo-op chaos