8 Narrative games like Balatro that you should try

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We filtered the 49 games similar to Balatro down to the 8 that fit the “Narrative” category. Egyptian Senet, Lara Croft Go and Poker Night 2 top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Balatro.

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GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

The best narrative games like Balatro

8 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Balatro. Each one has been evaluated across 12 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Egyptian Senet

iRank78

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualRelaxingNarrativeMultiplayer

Steam👍 78%· 365

Year 2015Dev Ezzat StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, sports simulation and puzzle design, while skipping roguelike runs

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrativeIsometricHorror

Steam👍 93%· 4.0KIGDB86· 5OC83· 19

Year 2015Dev Square Enix Montréal · Square EnixOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, adventure storytelling and precision platforming, while skipping roguelike runs

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrativeFirst Person

Steam👍 88%· 7.4KRAWG👍 68%· 220MC75IGDB65· 3

Year 2013Dev Telltale GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the turn-based strategy games cluster, with card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: sports simulation, puzzle design and adventure storytelling, while skipping roguelike runs

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Steam Xbox

#4Telltale Texas Hold ‘Em

iRank50

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DTactical

Steam👍 68%· 370RAWG👍 24%· 21

Year 2008Dev Telltale GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, adventure storytelling and deep simulation, while skipping roguelike runs

Details →

Steam

#57 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat

iRank36

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DCozy

Steam👍 54%· 768RAWG👍 5%· 20IGDB40· 1

Year 2013Dev MousechiefPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design, while skipping roguelike runs

Details →

Steam

#6G.I.R.L.S. will be Girls

iRank63

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DPixel Art

Steam👍 63%· 263

Year 2015Dev ZooPlaytime ~5hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based strategy games cluster, with card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: horror tension, puzzle design and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping roguelike runs

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Steam itch.io

#7Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

iRank87

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DMultiplayer

Steam👍 89%· 1.7KMC84

Year 2011Dev Playdek · Asmodee DigitalPlaytime ~2hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical, fantasy world and setting scifi, while skipping roguelike runs

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Steam

#8Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy

iRank85

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloNarrative2DPvPCompetitive

Steam👍 90%· 338RAWG👍 85%· 20MC76

Year 2009Dev HeR InteractivePlaytime ~6hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based strategy games cluster, with turn-based strategy, card game strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, adventure storytelling and precision platforming, while skipping roguelike runs

Details →

Steam

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