5 Best Walking Simulators on PC (2023)

Walking simulators have revolutionized the gaming industry, providing players with captivating experiences that focus on exploration and storytelling. These games, known for their immersive narratives and atmospheric environments, have gained significant popularity on the PC platform. If you're a fan of the genre or looking to dive into the world of walking simulators, you're in luck! Here we'll take a closer look at the top 5 best walking simulators available on PC in 2023.

5. The Stanley Parable

The Stanley Parable is more of a thinking game that makes you question things. In the game, you play a guy named Stanley, who works in an office. But one day, he finds out that all of his coworkers have disappeared. Along the way, there's a narrator who talks to you in a funny British accent. He tells you what to do, and he also makes fun of you sometimes. It's a really cool game!

What makes The Stanley Parable remarkable is its exploration of the nature of choice and free will in video games. The game presents players with branching paths and multiple endings, each offering a different perspective on the story. It challenges the notion of player agency and raises questions about the boundaries between the player and the game. The Stanley Parable‘s clever writing, witty narration, and self-awareness make it one of the best walking simulators on PC. It pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling and invites players to reflect on the medium itself.

4. Death Stranding

Death Stranding is a video game where you walk around a world that's messed up after something bad happened. You play as a delivery person named Sam who has to bring stuff all over the place. The story is hard to understand and talks a lot about big ideas like life and death and what it means to be human.

In Death Stranding, you step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges. Your mission is to traverse a broken and empty world, facing difficult obstacles along the way, all in an effort to bring together a fractured society. The story of the game is deep and makes you think, exploring ideas of being alone, making connections, and the resilience of the human soul. It poses important questions about what it means to be human and emphasizes the significance of building meaningful bonds in a world that's falling apart. Overall, Death Stranding‘s unique gameplay involves careful planning of routes and inventory management make it one of the best walking simulators on PC.

3. Journey

Next up is Journey, which is a special kind of game where you walk around and explore. The game is set in a vast desert and allows players to control a robed figure on a journey to reach a distant mountain. The game has no dialogue or text, relying on its stunning visuals and atmospheric music to convey its story.

Furthermore, Journey is an incredible game that focuses on simplicity. The game's graphics are stunning, featuring huge sand dunes and ancient ruins that leave players in awe. Also, the music is both hauntingly beautiful and perfectly suited to the gameplay, invoking a wide range of emotions as players embark on their solo adventure. One of the most unique aspects of the game is its multiplayer feature, which allows players to come across and interact with others they encounter on their journey. Despite the lack of communication options, these interactions are incredibly impactful and create a strong sense of connection and shared experience. Overall, Journey is a true masterpiece that highlights how a game that's focused on walking can have a profound impact on players.

2. What Remains of Edith Finch

Our second pick for the top walking simulators on PC in 2023 is What Remains of Edith Finch. This game is not your typical action-packed adventure, but rather a narrative-driven experience. It revolves around the protagonist, Edith Finch, a young woman who decides to revisit her family's residence after a long absence. As she navigates through the vast and intricate house, she gradually uncovers the tales of her relatives.

What makes What Remains of Edith Finch special is how it tells its story. Instead of following a typical format, each family member's tale is told in a creative and imaginative way. You'll encounter interactive mini-games and dream-like sequences that add to the experience. Additionally, the game's story is emotionally impactful, touching on themes like family, loss, and the passage of time. The stunningly beautiful environments and haunting soundtrack create a melancholic atmosphere that lingers with players even after they've completed the game. What Remains of Edith Finch is a captivating and deeply touching journey that showcases the artistic potential of the walking simulator genre.

1. Firewatch

Firewatch is a captivating game that takes you on an immersive journey through the untamed Wyoming wilderness of the 1980s. You step into the shoes of Henry. His main duty is to keep a vigilant eye out for fires and promptly report them. The beauty of this game lies in its narrative-driven experience. As you navigate through the game, Henry engages in conversations with his supervisor, Delilah, using a trusty walkie-talkie. These exchanges are pivotal in unraveling the game's intriguing story. Together, you and Delilah piece together the unfolding events, giving you a sense of being right there in the moment.

Moreover, this game is truly outstanding! Its breathtaking graphics, captivating plot, and engaging characters place it among the top walking simulators available on PC. The stunning depiction of Wyoming's serene and picturesque landscapes will transport you to a world of tranquility and isolation. The voice acting is exceptional, particularly the remarkable performances by Rich Sommer as Henry and Cissy Jones as Delilah, which breathe life into the characters. Firewatch seamlessly combines elements of exploration, mystery, and personal drama, making it an absolute must-play for anyone who craves a compelling story-driven adventure. Overall, Firewatch is one of the best walking simulators on PC as of 2023.

Have you played any of these walking simulators on PC? Which one was your favorite? Are there any other walking simulators that you think should have made the list? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.