Best Of
10 Best Games Like High on Life
Talking guns, you said? Sounds highly appropriate, given the unique personalities different types of guns have. The pistol, subtle but powerful. The shotgun, bold and not to be taken for granted. Even snipers and rifles have their own unique charms that tap into different emotions within us.
High on Life features personable, talking guns on steroids. Alien creatures that inject comedic relief into otherwise serious first-person shooting gameplay. Meanwhile, the game’s sci-fi universe, while deadly, finds lots of ways to sweeten the deal, with its bounty hunting, hilarious story, and intergalactic adventures.
But if you’ve already played it and are looking for more of the same vibe, then feel free to peruse the best games like High on Life we have for you below.
10. The Outer Worlds 2
The first-person shooting in High on Life is more like an escort for the silly, humorous, intergalactic, sci-fi adventure. In that sense, you might want more narrative set in an alien world, which The Outer Worlds 2 nails perfectly.
This one focuses more on deep RPG mechanics, with a satirical tone for capitalism and the status quo. Do start with the first game, and then enjoy the sequel, with its improved crafting and combat system.
9. Goat Simulator 3
Goat Simulator 3, on the other hand, hardly takes its combat seriously, if there are even any battles at all. What’s important here is wreaking havoc as a goat, mindlessly rummaging and crashing through every object and person in sight.
Even the quests you’ll go on are hardly stress-inducing: crash a party, headbutt a couple, or meditate for five minutes. It’s a fun game, full of constant surprises, and definitely helps to take your mind off things.
8. Returnal
But perhaps you want a serious game that will challenge you, one set in a brutal, alien planet. Returnal is what you’re looking for, with its intense third-person roguelike shooting mechanics. You’ll enjoy a tough but satisfying bullet hell control system, where the level design and frantic combat have you hooked.
Meanwhile, the story will take you places, capturing your interest with its mind-bending themes and ideas. Plus, it looks damn good on PS5, with a stunning, 2D presentation and smooth movement.
7. South Park: The Fractured but Whole
Like the series, South Park: The Fractured but Whole is determined to have players let loose and enjoy crime-fighting with friends. It isn’t too intense, focusing instead on telling a purely comedic story. You enjoy the feeling and presentation of an animated TV show, with the characters and locations you visit adapted straight out of the series.
6. Trover Saves the Universe
Trover Saves the Universe probably first came to mind among the best games like High on Life. Having been created by the same studio, it makes sense that they both share a similar touch of self depreciating humor and absurd space-themed story. Expect more of the same vulgar tone as High on Life, but also lots of puzzles, platforming, and conflicting decision-making.
5. Sunset Overdrive
Rather than an alien sci-fi universe, Sunset Overdrive, instead, takes you to a punk rock skating culture right here on Earth. But the tone and humor in both games aren’t all too different. After an open-world apocalypse, the world has now become your playground to zip, grind, and wall-run aboard your skateboard, which is also similar to the skating gameplay element in High on Life.
While skating, you’re also shooting bad guys, and just enjoying the hell out of customizing unique weapons, explosives, and special abilities.
4. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
The best games like High on Life have a whopping ton of absurd, sci-fi-inspired weapons. And Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is among the games that lead the charge with a variety of 20 unique weapons. These guns have flamboyant effects like ricocheting bullets and ones that turn enemies into bushes. Some shoot traps and even summon inter-dimensional objects.
Not to mention that the base game itself focuses on a sci-fi narrative, with Ratchet and Clank hopping between alien dimensions. And all along, treating players to hilarious banter.
3. Psychonauts 2
The trippy universe of Psychonauts 2 also shares immense similarities to High on Life. You experience the colorful, mind-2000s, psychedelic aesthetic on another level, entering people’s minds to reveal surreal visualizations of their fears and mental health.
The game really leans into unexpected art styles that gel well with its mature themes layered with contemptuous humor. But it can be a different experience altogether, with the psychic powers you unlock, and unique enemies embodying regret and anxiety you fight.
Thus, if you’re looking for a reasonable balance between eccentric personalities and heavy themes of trauma and mental healing, Psychonauts 2 is perfect for you.
2. Journey to the Savage Planet
Also ranking high on the list of the best games like High on Life is Journey to the Savage Planet, where hallucinogenic plants and strange, spherical birds thrive. The alien world you’ll visit has it all, from quirky plants to hostile species and mysterious ruins.
While exploring, you’ll unravel a satirical narrative on the corporate world, layered with lighthearted dialogue and humor. But also interestingly similar to High on Life’s talking guns is your robotic companion, EKO. This dude is a character and a half, often enriching your journey with upbeat commentary, though at times, rather dry humor.
1. Borderlands 2
But no other game can beat the immense variety of absurd weapons in Borderlands 2. Literally millions of variations of weapons are on here, with the most diabolical effects, often insane projectiles, and ridiculous damage. You have guns that scream at you, while others blow up in your face. Some fire Minecraft-like blocks, while others are over-powered rocket launchers.
The story, too, has its fair share of humor, especially Handsome Jack and Clapjack’s iconic voice lines. Yet, you cannot ignore how deep and rewarding the gameplay itself is, with a thorough RPG system and loot for days. It’s a looter shooter that’s a definite time well-spent post-credits.