Subverse

18 Narrative games like Subverse that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 36 games similar to Subverse down to the 18 that fit the “Narrative” category. Shadowhand: RPG Card Game, Caves of Qud and Keep Driving top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Subverse.

iRank71/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Tags

CasualHardcoreSolo

Year 2024Dev Studio FOW Interactive

Stores

Steam ↗GOG ↗

Quick answer

Within the “Narrative” category, the closest game to Subverse is Shadowhand: RPG Card Game — scoring 86/100 on our similarity scale. Caves of Qud and Keep Driving follow close behind.

#1Shadowhand: RPG Card Game86 #2Caves of Qud77 #3Keep Driving72 #4Darkest Dungeon®68 #5Invisible, Inc.68

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The best narrative games like Subverse

18 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Subverse. Each one has been evaluated across 17 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.

#1Shadowhand: RPG Card GameClosest overall match

86

Shadowhand: RPG Card Game

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeCasualSkill TreeLoot

Steam👍 82%· 825IGDB65· 2

Dev Grey Alien Games · Positech GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, visual novel storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy, vibe relaxing and historical setting, while skipping punishing difficulty

RIDE WITH SHADOWHANDShadowhand is a strategic RPG card game. Duel powerful enemies with unique solitaire-style turn-based combat. Build mini-decks and equip your character strategically to sneak, slice and blast through foes!

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression91Tone57Setting0

77

Caves of Qud

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeHardcoreSci-FiExplorationSkill TreeIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 12KRAWG👍 83%· 46IGDB94· 1OC90· 11

Year 2015Dev Freehold Games · Kitfox GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, roguelike runs and survival mechanics, while skipping puzzle design

Caves of Qud is a science fantasy roguelike epic steeped in retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants. Come inhabit an exotic world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations. Decide: is it a dying earth, or is it on the verge of rebirth?Who are you?

It predates Subverse by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone83Progression81Setting54

72

Keep Driving

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeCasualExplorationSkill Tree

Steam👍 94%· 6.0KIGDB90· 1OC89· 22

Year 2025Dev YCJY GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, roguelike runs and open world exploration, while skipping puzzle design

It’s the early 2000’s, and you’ve just bought your first car. A long, slow summer lies ahead. Hearing about a festival on the other side of the country, you fire up your engine, plot a course on your map, and hit the road. How, if you get there at all, is up to you.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone82Progression58Visuals0

#4Darkest Dungeon®

68

Darkest Dungeon®

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeHardcoreExplorationLoot

Steam👍 92%· 159KRAWG👍 86%· 1.4KMC84IGDB83· 10OC84· 80

Year 2016Dev Red Hook StudiosPlaytime ~8hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping puzzle design

Darkest Dungeon is a roguelike RPG developed by Red Hook Studios. The works of Howard Lovecraft served as the main inspiration for the game which addresses the themes of fear and psychological trauma.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and visuals.

It predates Subverse by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression85Tone63Setting0

#5Invisible, Inc.Closest on tone

68

Invisible, Inc.

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreNarrativeSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 91%· 5.7KRAWG👍 65%· 346MC82IGDB86· 10OC83· 43

Year 2015Dev Klei EntertainmentPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, deep simulation and procedural generation, while skipping puzzle design

Developed by the Canadian Klei Entertainment, Invisible Inc. is a turn-based strategy with elements of stealth and roguelike. The game takes place in a dystopian future: in 2074 and the huge multinational corporations seized power from the world government. Invisible Inc.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting.

It predates Subverse by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone86Visuals71Combat58Setting39

#6Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense

61

Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreNarrativeMelee

Steam👍 94%· 11KRAWG👍 90%· 38

Year 2018Dev Ironhide Game StudioPlaytime ~6hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: tower defense planning, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat, while skipping puzzle design

Vez’nan the powerful almighty wizard has returned! Embark on an epic journey as you gather his army and fulfill his devious plans... muahaha. Get ready to show the Kingdom who the real boss is! Fight your way as you conquer the new and the good old realms.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Combat75Tone73Setting0Visuals0

#7Shadows Over Loathing

76

Shadows Over Loathing

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSkill TreeExploration

Steam👍 96%· 3.3KOC81· 10

Year 2022Dev AsymmetricPlaytime ~5hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: open world exploration and visual 2d, while skipping visual novel storytelling

Shadows over Loathing — a slapstick-figure comedy adventure-RPG full of mobsters, monsters, and mysteries.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression75Tone52Visuals0

#8Tactical Breach Wizards

75

Tactical Breach Wizards

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 98%· 12KIGDB84· 3OC87· 21

Dev Suspicious DevelopmentsPlaytime ~6hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world and historical setting, while skipping visual novel storytelling

Tactical Breach Wizards is a small-scale, turn-based tactics game where you play a team of wizards in modern-day tactical gear, breaching and clearing rooms full of terrorists, drug dealers, corrupt cops, and worse. It's still in early development, so everything about it might change!

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals68Tone53Setting36

#9Derelict StarClosest on setting

73

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSci-FiSpaceExplorationLoot

Steam👍 74%· 2.9KRAWG👍 44%· 62

Year 2018Dev Snowhound Games · 1C CompanyPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy, roguelike runs and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping puzzle design

In a grim dystopian future, where mankind has scattered across the galaxy and the human society has split into two distinct classes, you are a poor stateless outcast forced to live off scraps from derelict alien stations and ships in the outer space, yet you dream of becoming a privileged citizen…

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: visuals and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting94Progression81Tone30

#10Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

66

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSkill TreeExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 88%· 20KIGDB85· 14OC89· 88

Year 2018Dev Obsidian Entertainment · Versus EvilOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with open world exploration and fantasy world, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression73Visuals68Tone40

#11Torment: Tides of Numenera

66

Torment: Tides of Numenera

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 70%· 4.4KIGDB82· 22OC80· 110

Year 2017Dev inXile Entertainment · TechlandOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals68Setting50Tone45

#12Pathfinder: Kingmaker

66

Pathfinder: Kingmaker

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSkill TreeExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 78%· 35KIGDB66· 3OC72· 36

Year 2018Dev Owlcat Games · Deep SilverOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings open world exploration, fantasy world and setting medieval, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression75Visuals68Tone41

#13Final Fantasy VII

66

Final Fantasy VII

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeSci-FiIsometric

IGDB85· 4OC81· 25

Year 1997Dev Square Product Development Division 1 · Square EnixOn PlayStation 3

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, setting cyberpunk and visual third person, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: tone and setting.

It predates Subverse by 27 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals53Tone39Setting39

#14Willy-Nilly Knight

61

Willy-Nilly Knight

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeIsometricFantasy

Steam👍 74%· 301

Year 2017Dev Double Dice GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world and early access, while skipping puzzle design

Do you ever dream of being a real hero from a fairy-tale about dragons, sorcerers and knights? If the answer is yes, then you're in luck. Because you are in a fairy-tale right now! Moreover, you are the Knight by yourself! You are fearless, you have sharp sword and your destiny awaits you.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals57Tone35Setting0

#15Defender's Quest: Valley of the Forgotten (DX edition)

61

Defender's Quest: Valley of the Forgotten (DX edition)

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeIsometricDark

Steam👍 95%· 3.5KRAWG👍 82%· 34

Year 2012Dev Level Up LabsOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning, dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world, while skipping puzzle design

Defender's Quest is a Tower-Defense/RPG Hybrid that focuses on tactical depth, customization, and story. That means no random encounters, no spikey-haired emo kids, no forced time sinks, and no tedious, repetitive battles.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and tone.

It predates Subverse by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals40Tone35Setting0

Complete list of narrative games like Subverse

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Subverse, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Xenogears

Xenogears

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

The Banner Saga 3

The Banner Saga 3

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

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