Spiritfarer isn’t just a game. It’s an experience, a journey, and for many, a lesson in love and letting go. From the moment you step into Stella’s shoes (the character you’ll be playing along the whole story), you’re welcomed into a world brimming with charm, warmth, and emotion. You’re not just ferrying spirits to the afterlife; you’re building bonds, uncovering their stories, and giving them a safe space to confront their pasts. Does it sound a bit sad ? Yes, it does. And Spiritfarer is sad, but also heartwarming.
What sets Spiritfarer apart is how it handles the complex theme of death with such grace and tenderness. It’s a game that makes you laugh with its quirky characters, warms your heart with its small moments of connection, and inevitably brings tears to your eyes when it’s time to say goodbye. The gameplay balances thoughtful management mechanics, soothing exploration, and moments of joy, like hugging your spirit friends or catching a perfect meal.
Everything about Spiritfarer feels crafted with love! The art is stunning, the soundtrack is beautiful, and the storytelling is unforgettable. It’s one of those rare games that stays with you long after you’ve set the controller down. Or at least, that’s the impact it had on me!
If you loved Spiritfarer and are looking for something that can recreate even a piece of that magic, I’ve put together a list of games that might just do the trick. While no game can truly replace Spiritfarer, these titles share similar vibes, emotional depth, or gameplay elements that make them worth exploring. I hope you’ll find something worth playing after experiencing Spiritfarer, because I know it’s not easy if you’ve truly liked it. Anyway, let’s dive in!
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a delightful mix of action and farming simulation. You play as Sakuna, a spoiled harvest goddess who’s tasked with clearing an island of demons while caring for a small group of humans. The game alternates between side-scrolling action where you battle monsters and a detailed rice farming simulator in the village you call home.
The mechanics are incredibly well-integrated. Items you find during battles help improve your rice yields and gear, while better rice boosts your strength for tougher levels. Sakuna herself is a wonderfully flawed but lovable character, and both her story and the supporting cast evolve beautifully over time. I really learned to love Sakuna as time goes by.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games combine platforming with meaningful storylines and light management elements, creating a unique and satisfying gameplay experience.
Cozy Grove
Cozy Grove is a charming life-sim where you play as a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island. As you explore, you uncover secrets and help the spirits of the island find peace. Unlike Spiritfarer, it’s a real-time game, meaning there’s a limited amount of progress you can make each day. But it might really scratch the Spiritfarer itch, so please don’t let it scare you!!
The gameplay revolves around crafting, decorating, and fulfilling tasks for the spirits. You plant trees and bushes to gather resources, but there’s no intensive farming involved, so it’s perfect if you want something lighter. The slower pace encourages small, daily doses of cozy gameplay, which makes it feel like a lovely routine (in my opinion!)
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games center around helping spirits move on, with emotional storylines and light management gameplay.
Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is an adventure game that takes place in Possum Springs, a small town populated by anthropomorphic animals. You play Mae, a college dropout returning home, as she reconnects with old friends and uncovers a dark secret tied to the town’s coal mines.
The game’s strength lies in its characters and dialogue. The writing is sharp, funny, and often poignant, making every interaction feel meaningful. The mix of exploration and heartfelt story creates a unique and immersive experience. If you like narrative heavy games, this is one to try!
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games offer deeply emotional stories with well-developed characters and themes of self-discovery and loss.
Wandersong
Wandersong is a whimsical side-scrolling adventure where you solve puzzles through the power of song. You play as a cheerful bard on a mission to save the world by singing, using an intuitive “song wheel” mechanic to interact with your surroundings and progress the story.
What starts as a seemingly simple game evolves into a heartfelt tale full of twists and creative gameplay moments. Its wholesome vibe and unexpected depth make it an unforgettable indie gem in my opinion. I know a lot of people who weren’t fan of it, but if you have the chance, I hope you can give it a try!
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games focus on emotional storytelling and delivering messages of hope and connection.
The Wild at Heart
The Wild at Heart follows two runaway children who stumble upon a magical forest. Here, they encounter the Greenshields, who help them fight back against a looming darkness. The game blends exploration, light combat, and puzzle-solving, with the player relying on adorable spritelings to help overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
The mix of non-linear exploration, unique characters, and atmospheric world-building makes it a deeply engaging and cozy adventure.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games explore themes of self-discovery and feature charming visuals with light management mechanics.
Gris
Gris is a stunning platforming adventure that follows a young girl navigating a colorless world as she regains her voice and discovers the light within herself. The game is a metaphorical journey through grief, told without dialogue but with breathtaking visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. I think it’s important to know before starting the game that you will be dealing with grief. A lot of people didn’t know (or didn’t understand it right away), and I think it changes the experience completely!
The platforming mechanics are simple yet elegant, and the unfolding narrative is deeply emotional. It’s an experience that stayed with me long after the credits roll.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games deal with themes of loss and self-discovery, combining emotional storytelling with beautiful art and music.
Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a whimsical crafting adventure set in a world inspired by gothic fables and fairy tales. You play as a mysterious old witch living in the woods, tasked with exploring the countryside, collecting magical ingredients, and crafting potions to influence the quirky cast of characters you encounter.
The game is filled with dark humor and clever writing, making it an enjoyable and slightly twisted experience. Though it’s a shorter game, it packs in a lot of charm, with its unique art style and fun crafting mechanics leaving a lasting impression.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games focus on crafting, management, and exploring a magical world filled with interesting characters and stories.
The Last Campfire
The Last Campfire is a heartfelt puzzle adventure where you play as Ember, a soul on a journey to help others who have lost their way. Along the way, you solve environmental puzzles and interact with quirky non-playable characters who assist you in your quest.
The game’s art style is charming, and the relaxing background music adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a short but impactful experience, with themes of hope and purpose shining through.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games share a reflective, emotional tone, focusing on themes of helping others and finding meaning in life.
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is a narrative-driven visual novel set in a sci-fi world. You play as a young colonist growing up on an alien planet, shaping your character’s personality and relationships through choices made during a ten-year span. The game features card-based gameplay for skill checks, and the choices you make ripple across multiple playthroughs.
The story is rich, with strong character development and representation. Themes of survival, love, and identity are explored in unique and meaningful ways, making it a highly replayable experience. Seriously, you can replay it many times (which makes it worth its price!)
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games deliver story-rich experiences with emotional depth and a focus on self-discovery.
SEASON: A Letter to the Future
Season is a meditative adventure game where you play as Estelle, traveling the world on her bicycle to document its sights and sounds before a mysterious event reshapes everything. You’ll journal your discoveries, take photographs, and interact with locals as you piece together the world’s story.
The game feels like a love letter to memory and art, blending stunning 3D visuals with thought-provoking themes. It’s an experience you can finish in a day or savor over weeks, depending on how deeply you explore.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games focus on emotional storytelling, introspection, and exploring a beautifully crafted world.
Sable
Sable is an open-world exploration game set on the desert planet of Midden. You play as Sable, a young girl on a rite-of-passage journey to discover her identity. As you explore ruins and solve environmental puzzles, you meet a diverse cast of characters and unravel the history of the world.
The game’s unique art style feels like stepping into a graphic novel, with stunning visuals and a serene soundtrack. It’s all about taking your time, exploring at your own pace, and soaking in the quiet beauty of the world.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games feature a calm, exploratory experience and a focus on self-discovery through interactions with unique characters.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is an emotional narrative adventure about exploring the Finch family home and uncovering the mysterious fates of its members. You play as Edith, the last surviving member, as she pieces together her family’s tragic and surreal history.
Each family member’s story is told through unique and imaginative gameplay mechanics, creating an anthology of unforgettable vignettes. It’s a deeply moving game that explores themes of memory, fate, and loss. I really enjoyed it honestly.
Why it’s similar to Spiritfarer: Both games tackle heavy emotional themes with beautiful storytelling and a focus on connecting with characters.
Wrap Up
As you know, Spiritfarer is one of those rare games that leaves a lasting impression, blending heartfelt storytelling with cozy gameplay in a truly magical way. While no game can fully replicate its unique charm, there are plenty of incredible titles out there that share some of its most-loved aspects, from emotional narratives to creative management mechanics and beautifully crafted worlds. I hope you can give the games on this list a chance, because they are truly great !
And I hope you can find something that you like as much as you liked Spirifarer~ And if you have other recommendations about it, please do tell me, I want to know!
But that’s it for this article ! Thank you so much for reading, and as always, happy cozy gaming!
