Games With Branching Narratives Based On Your Playstyle

by

Games with branching narratives go beyond simply being played – they let you shape the story and decide what happens. These games feature complex systems where your choices matter, reflecting your personal style and ethics. Developers create detailed storylines so that every decision feels important and changes the game world. The following games are prime examples of this kind of immersive, player-driven storytelling.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

This game puts you in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, where almost everything you do – from conversations to actions – has different results depending on luck and your decisions. The story changes based on whether you play as a good character or a bad one. Your character’s race and class also affect how other characters respond to you, and with so many possibilities, every game will be a unique experience.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Okay, so I’m playing as Geralt, and the world is a total mess – war everywhere, and tons of monsters to fight. What’s really cool is that even little choices I make early on can seriously mess things up (or help!) way later in the game. The game keeps track of everything – who I side with in the war, how I treat people – and it all leads to one of three different endings. The best part? It doesn’t show you right away how your choices matter, which keeps you from trying to just ‘win’ the game and forces you to actually think about what you’re doing.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

Okay, so I recently played this game by Quantic Dream, and it’s set in the future with these incredibly realistic androids who start becoming self-aware. It’s all about their struggle for rights, which is super engaging. What’s really cool is how the story branches. You play as three different characters, and the game actually shows you a map of every possible choice and where it leads. Seriously, your decisions matter – mess up a quick-time event or make the wrong call, and a character can permanently die! Because of this, the ending you get can be totally different – you could end up with a peaceful solution, or things could explode into a full-blown revolution. It’s wild!

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

Okay, so as Commander Shepard, I’ve got this crazy mission: stopping an ancient alien threat, but it’s basically a suicide run. To even have a chance, I need to build a team of specialists, and it’s not just about skills. Their loyalty is totally tied to how I deal with their personal problems and how I run things on missions. Seriously, if I don’t prep the ship right or if my squad doesn’t trust me, people die – permanently – during the final battle. And the cool part? The game remembers everything I did in the first one, so my choices back then actually shape what’s happening now. It adds a ton to the story!

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

After surviving a gunshot to the head, the player explores the harsh Mojave Wasteland and determines the future of its different power groups. You can side with the organized New California Republic (NCR), the brutal Caesar’s Legion, or forge your own path. Your actions matter – the game remembers your reputation with each town and group, changing how people react to you. Plus, you have a lot of freedom to play how you want, even eliminating key characters, and still finish the game by finding other ways to achieve your goals.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

You’re a detective who’s lost their memory and is investigating a murder, all while dealing with internal voices. These voices represent different skills you improve, and they’ll offer advice during conversations, influencing how you approach situations. Instead of simply failing, messing up a task can lead to funny or upsetting side quests. Plus, your political choices will directly impact the city of Revachol and its future.

‘Dragon Age: Origins’ (2009)

BioWare’s new game takes place in a gritty fantasy world where your background shapes how everyone sees you. You’ll be caught in a political struggle while trying to build a team to fight off a devastating monster invasion called the Blight. The choices you make about leading the kingdom and using ancient magic will decide who ends up in power and who lives through the final conflict. Building strong relationships with your companions is also key, as their approval unlocks new parts of the story.

‘Undertale’ (2015)

This unique role-playing game challenges typical fantasy conventions by letting you finish the entire story without fighting. Choosing to show mercy or defeat monsters dramatically changes the story’s atmosphere and how challenging the game becomes. Characters will even remember your choices across different playthroughs and directly acknowledge how you’ve been playing. The game features multiple storylines – Neutral, Pacifist, and Genocide – depending on the path you choose.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

In Cyberpunk 2077, you play as V, navigating the gritty and dangerous streets of Night City while haunted by the digital ghost of a rock star. Your choices in conversations and how you complete missions will affect your relationships with the people who can help you – fixers and powerful corporations. The game has several different endings, determined by who you team up with and how you deal with a life-threatening illness. The character you create at the beginning also unlocks unique dialogue options throughout the game.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2012)

In a world overrun by zombies, Lee Everett focuses on keeping a young girl named Clementine safe. But the real threat isn’t the zombies – it’s what people do to survive. The game centers on building strong relationships and making quick decisions with life-or-death consequences. Your conversations and choices shape Clementine’s personality and how she handles the dangers around her, leading to a unique and heartbreaking story tailored to your actions.

‘Divinity: Original Sin 2’ (2017)

In this game, you play as a powerful Sourcerer striving to become a god, but the world is afraid of your abilities. You have incredible freedom to complete quests – you can fight, talk your way through situations, or sneak around undetected. Each character you choose has a personal story and struggles that shape the conversations and choices you make. When playing with others, your party members might have their own hidden agendas and could even turn against you as the game reaches its climax.

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ (2003)

Journey to a galaxy far, far before the events of the movies and uncover a dangerous Sith conspiracy. Your choices matter – the game tracks your moral decisions, influencing your alignment with the Light or Dark Side. Giving in to the Dark Side will visibly change your character and grant you powerful, destructive abilities. Ultimately, you’ll face a crucial decision that will decide the fate of the Republic and everyone fighting alongside you.

‘Deus Ex: Human Revolution’ (2011)

In a futuristic, cyberpunk world, Adam Jensen discovers a massive plot centered around technologically enhancing humans. Players can tackle challenges in many ways, using combat, stealth, or social skills. Conversations with enemies are particularly challenging, requiring you to carefully observe their body language to win arguments. Ultimately, the choices you make throughout the game will determine the fate of humanity, leading to a significant philosophical decision.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

In the game, you can play as either Empress Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano, both fighting to take back the throne of Dunwall. The game monitors how stealthily or aggressively you play – this is called the Chaos system – and changes the game world based on your actions. If you cause a lot of death and destruction (High Chaos), the world becomes darker and more desperate. But if you focus on stealth and avoid killing (Low Chaos), the world remains hopeful and stable. You can also find ways to complete objectives without killing anyone, which opens up different story paths.

‘Fable II’ (2008)

In this game, your character in Albion develops from childhood to adulthood, and your choices shape not only their personality but also their appearance. Doing good things will make your character look more angelic, while evil deeds will result in a more demonic look. You can also influence the game’s economy by becoming a landowner or manipulating market prices. Ultimately, you’ll face a tough decision: will you prioritize the well-being of others, or focus on gaining personal wealth?

‘Heavy Rain’ (2010)

This thrilling story follows four detectives as they try to catch the Origami Killer. It’s a dangerous investigation where characters can die, and the story continues even when they do, changing to reflect their loss. Whether the detectives succeed in risky situations and chases depends on how well players perform during crucial moments. While the killer’s identity stays consistent, everyone else’s survival is uncertain.

‘Until Dawn’ (2015)

Eight teenagers are trapped in a mountain lodge and must survive a terrifying night as they’re hunted by mysterious attackers. The game uses a ‘Butterfly Effect’ system, meaning even small choices can have huge consequences later on. Players can find special items called totems that briefly show them possible futures, helping them make crucial decisions. Whether all eight characters live or die depends on your quick thinking and smart choices.

‘Life is Strange’ (2015)

In the game, Max Caulfield gains the ability to turn back time, which she uses to solve the mystery of a missing person. The gameplay centers around being able to preview the results of your decisions and change them if you don’t like what happens. However, big choices have lasting effects that can’t be fixed by rewinding time. Ultimately, the story leads to a difficult decision where you must choose between saving a town or someone you care about.

‘The Wolf Among Us’ (2013)

In Fabletown, a hidden community of fairytale creatures in New York City, Sheriff Bigby Wolf investigates a disturbing murder. As players guide Bigby, they choose whether he’ll embrace his heroic side or give in to his ferocious instincts as the Big Bad Wolf. The case unfolds differently depending on where you investigate and how you question people. How you treat the other Fables will ultimately determine who supports you when the truth is revealed.

‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ (2004)

In modern Los Angeles, you play a newly turned vampire caught in a web of political intrigue. The vampire clan you choose significantly changes how you play – for example, members of the Nosferatu clan must stay hidden from the public. Through conversations, you can try to seduce, threaten, or control others, depending on your character’s abilities. The story branches based on the alliances you forge, ultimately leading to different outcomes for the city’s power players.

‘Alpha Protocol’ (2010)

In this spy thriller, Michael Thorton, a former agent, races to stop a global conspiracy that could trigger World War III. The game features a unique dialogue system where your choices – whether to be professional, charming, or forceful – affect how characters respond and what benefits you receive. Plus, the order in which you complete missions impacts the intelligence you can gather.

‘NieR: Automata’ (2017)

In a ruined future, androids 2B and 9S battle machines in a seemingly endless war. The story isn’t revealed all at once – you need to play through it multiple times to see the complete picture from different viewpoints. There are twenty-six different endings, ranging from deeply emotional conclusions to lighthearted moments. The true ending presents a special choice, asking players to make a powerful sacrifice for the greater good.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

I’m completely hooked on Henry’s story! You play as him in this incredibly detailed world based on medieval Bohemia, and honestly, who you are really matters. It’s not just about being a knight; your social standing impacts every conversation and interaction. What I love is that quests aren’t simple – you can usually solve them in a bunch of different ways, whether it’s through clever thinking, a good fight, or just talking your way out of trouble. And it’s awesome that failing a quest doesn’t just end things – the story actually changes based on your mistakes! Plus, how people treat you in each town depends on your reputation – good or bad – and even how the guards react if you mess up. It feels so real!

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

You wake up after being frozen, only to discover a solar system ruled by powerful corporations. The game lets you choose to side with these companies or fight against them. Talking your way through situations is key, often letting you avoid fights and discover unique endings. Plus, you can eliminate any character you encounter, and the story will adapt to their absence.

‘Tyranny’ (2016)

In this game, you play as a Fatebinder in a world conquered by an evil overlord. Instead of fighting the war, you’re dealing with the aftermath – settling arguments and upholding the law among the different groups within the conquering army. While you can create spells, the game is mostly about navigating politics, dealing with backstabbing, and making tough choices that will determine which factions thrive and which are destroyed.

‘Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’ (2018)

In this game, you play as The Watcher, chasing a dangerous god through a chain of islands. You’ll captain a ship and lead a crew, navigating tricky relationships between the local islanders and powerful trading companies. How you build your reputation matters, as your companions have their own beliefs and will leave if you betray them. Ultimately, your choices will have lasting effects on the political landscape of the entire region, shaping its future for years to come.

‘Wasteland 3’ (2020)

In this game, the Desert Rangers venture into the snowy mountains of Colorado seeking help from a powerful leader called the Patriarch. You’ll face tough choices: support his harsh leadership or aid his children in taking over. The game is designed for two players, and you can even disagree with your partner, leading to different paths. Plus, the game world reacts to your actions with frequent radio updates about what you’ve been up to.

‘Torment: Tides of Numenera’ (2017)

You are the Last Castoff, venturing through a strange world blending science and fantasy, where you’ll grapple with ideas about what people leave behind and what it means to be aware. While you can fight, most problems are solved through conversation and your choices. Instead of being simply ‘good’ or ‘evil,’ the game tracks your beliefs and worldview with a ‘Tides’ system. The dominant ‘Tide’ – shaped by your decisions – changes how the world reacts to you and affects your relationships with other characters.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

I’m so excited about this game! You play as a diplomat sent to this incredible magical island – everyone’s desperate because a terrible plague is sweeping across the land, and this island is rumored to have the cure. But it’s not simple! You’re stuck in the middle of all these different countries wanting to claim the island, and you also have to consider what’s right for the people who already live there. You meet companions from various groups, and their stories and quests actually change how you see things – you can really start to side with different factions. How the story ends depends on who you choose to ally with and how well you treat the island’s ancient protectors – it sounds like your choices really matter!

‘Papers, Please’ (2013)

In this game, you play as a border inspector in the fictional country of Arstotzka, a communist state. You’re responsible for deciding who can enter, and you’ll have to manage your family’s finances while making tough decisions about whether to help people seeking refuge or those involved in the resistance. You can take bribes to get by, but doing so carries risks, like fines or even arrest. Your choices determine one of twenty different endings, depending on how closely you follow the government’s rules and whether you support rebel groups.

‘The Stanley Parable’ (2013)

The game features a narrator who leads you, as the character Stanley, through an office. The narrator reacts to any choices you make that go against the planned story, creating strange and funny alternate paths. It playfully questions how much control players actually have in games, and offers many different endings – from successfully escaping to literally breaking the game itself.

‘Road 96’ (2021)

During a turbulent summer, players guide teenagers as they try to escape the oppressive country of Petria. Each playthrough is unique thanks to a randomly generated world, with different events and people to meet. Your decisions have real consequences, impacting the nation’s political situation and the results of the next election. Will you fight for change through protests, or try to influence things through voting? The future of Petria depends on your choices.

‘Oxenfree’ (2016)

Okay, so I just heard about this game and it sounds AMAZING! It’s about a group of friends who accidentally open some kind of ghostly portal on this old, abandoned military island. What’s really cool is that you can actually jump into conversations – interrupt people or just stay quiet – and it totally affects how everyone feels about you and how the story goes. Seriously, who lives or dies depends on what you say! And it’s not a simple story either – there’s time looping and weird supernatural stuff happening, which means there are a ton of different ways the game can end. I’m so hyped to try it out and see all the possibilities!

‘The Quarry’ (2022)

Hackett’s Quarry puts you in the shoes of camp counselors trying to make it through one terrifying final night, as they’re hunted by both the townspeople and monstrous creatures. Your choices have real consequences – anyone can live or die, or even become infected. The game boasts a huge story with almost 200 different endings, and a special ‘Death Rewind’ system lets you correct some fatal errors on subsequent playthroughs.

‘Beyond: Two Souls’ (2013)

In the game, you control Jodie, a young woman connected to an invisible companion named Aiden who gives her special abilities. Players switch between controlling Jodie and Aiden to sneak past enemies and fight. The story unfolds through flashbacks and changes depending on how well you play. Ultimately, the game ends with a crucial decision: will Jodie choose to live, or move on to the afterlife? This choice decides her final destiny.

‘Infamous 2’ (2011)

In Infamous 2, Cole MacGrath fights a formidable enemy called the Beast in the city of New Marais. Your choices throughout the game determine whether Cole becomes a hero or a villain, thanks to the Karma system. Choosing ‘blue’ options unlocks ice powers and a heroic path, while ‘red’ choices grant fire powers and lead to infamy. Ultimately, your decisions drastically alter the story’s ending and the future of all those with superpowers.

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)

Captain Walker commands a team sent into Dubai, which has been devastated by a massive sandstorm, on a scouting mission. The game challenges typical military shooter storylines by making players face difficult moral choices to move forward. As the story gets bleaker, the way it’s told is affected by hallucinations and the team’s declining mental health. The game’s endings vary, from complete collapse to a subdued acceptance of fate.

‘Prey’ (2017)

In Prey, you play as Morgan Yu, navigating the abandoned Talos I space station and battling dangerous, shape-shifting aliens known as the Typhon. As you progress, you can acquire alien abilities by using neuromods, but this will also make the station’s security systems see you as an enemy. Whether or not the remaining crew survives rests on your decisions to tackle optional tasks and rescue them. The game’s ending is determined by your empathy and the choices you make, and is presented in a distinctive and memorable way.

‘Metro Exodus’ (2019)

Artyom ventures out of the Moscow Metro and embarks on a perilous journey across a ruined Russia aboard a steam train. Throughout the game, your actions have consequences, as a hidden system tracks how you treat both enemies and the people you meet. Killing innocent characters or members of dangerous cults will result in losing crew members as the story progresses. Ultimately, whether Artyom survives depends on how many of his companions make it through the journey with him.

‘Triangle Strategy’ (2022)

In the fantasy world of House Wolffort, a fierce battle for resources is raging between three powerful factions. Your choices matter deeply, tracked through a system called the Scales of Conviction, which balances practicality, ethics, and freedom. You’ll lead a party whose members have opinions of their own – you’ll need to convince them to support your decisions. The story changes dramatically based on your actions, ultimately leading to one of four different endings that will determine the fate of the land.

‘Tactics Ogre: Reborn’ (2022)

In the Valerian Isles, Denam Pavel finds himself caught in a conflict filled with ethnic cleansing and political unrest. The game is well-known for offering three distinct paths – Law, Chaos, and Neutral – that significantly alter the storyline and the characters you encounter. Your choices matter from the very beginning, as you’ll be forced to decide whether to participate in or reject a massacre, shaping your character’s moral path. Once you finish the game, the unique ‘World Tarot’ system lets you revisit crucial moments and make different decisions.

‘Chrono Trigger’ (1995)

In this game, players take on the roles of time travelers working to stop a dangerous alien parasite from wiping out humanity. It’s well-known for pioneering the ‘New Game Plus’ feature, letting you replay with your progress, and offers a huge variety of different endings – more than a dozen! The ending you get depends on when you choose to confront the final boss and which optional missions you finish. What you do in the past has lasting consequences, permanently changing the future world around you.

‘Catherine’ (2011)

In this game, you play as Vincent, who’s caught in a love triangle between his girlfriend, Katherine, and a new interest, Catherine. You’ll solve puzzles and navigate relationships by responding to texts and answering questions. Your choices affect Vincent’s path, influencing whether he ends up with Katherine, Catherine, or chooses to be alone. A ‘morality meter’ tracks your decisions, leaning towards either freedom or a more orderly life.

‘The Forgotten City’ (2021)

You’ll investigate an ancient Roman city stuck in a repeating time loop, doomed by a single, terrible sin. To break the curse, you’ll need to cleverly change the timeline and uncover hidden clues. Instead of fighting, you’ll use conversation and logic to overcome challenges. The more of the city’s secrets you discover, the more unique endings you can unlock – there are four in total.

‘Pentiment’ (2022)

In this game, you play as Andreas Maler, a detective investigating murders in a Bavarian town over a quarter-century. You decide Andreas’s past, which affects how he interacts with people and the languages he can use. The game challenges you to determine who the real killer is without offering confirmation, and the town itself changes based on your choices. Ultimately, your decisions influence the town’s story and are reflected in its artwork.

‘Tales from the Borderlands’ (2014)

Rhys and Fiona tell the story of their wild journey on Pandora by flashing back to different moments. The game plays with how well you can trust their memories, as they often recall events in conflicting ways. Your choices in conversations affect both the humor and how much Rhys and Fiona trust each other. Ultimately, the team you end up with is determined by how you managed your money and built relationships throughout the game.

’80 Days’ (2014)

In this game, you help Phileas Fogg travel around the world in just eighty days. You’ll plan the route on a 3D globe and take care of money, health, and supplies. Each city you visit presents new story events that can either help you reach your goal faster or slow you down. Because the story changes based on your choices, you’ll only experience a small part of the overall content in any single playthrough.

‘Wildermyth’ (2021)

Okay, so as a player, you start with pretty basic heroes, but they actually grow over time, becoming total legends across different adventures. It’s cool because they don’t just get stronger, they build relationships – sometimes they even have kids who can join your party later on! And things happen that change them permanently – like getting a magical arm or being stuck with a cursed item. The best part is, the story isn’t pre-written; it happens because of your choices and the unique journey each of your heroes takes. It feels really personal and dynamic.

‘The Banner Saga’ (2014)

Lead a group of humans and giants as they escape a growing darkness and a relentless mechanical army. As their leader, you’ll need to carefully manage resources and keep everyone’s spirits up while making tough choices on the battlefield. Be warned: characters can die for good if you don’t manage well or make the wrong story decisions. Your choices matter, as the story continues across all three games, remembering what you did in the first one.

‘As Dusk Falls’ (2022)

I’m totally hooked on this new game! It’s about two families caught in a really tense hostage situation at a motel in Arizona. What’s amazing is that you get to shape the story – every character’s path changes based on your choices. After each part, it shows you all the possible decisions and what percentage of other players picked the same thing, which is wild. It’s a really deep story too, dealing with how past hurts affect people now, and whether they can find a way to heal or if things are just going to end badly for everyone involved.

Share your favorite branching narrative moments and which outcomes you unlocked in the comments.

Read More

2025-12-11 08:58