Few games dare to play with time and solitude the wayThe Longingdoes. Set in a dark, underground world, it places players in the shoes of a lonely Shade waiting 400 real-time days for the awakening of his king. What makes it extraordinary is not just the wait, but what happens in between the choices to explore, read, decorate, or simply do nothing. This unique blend of idle mechanics, existential storytelling, and atmospheric world-building makes it one of a kind. However, there are other games that echo parts of this unusual experience. If you’re seeking games likeThe Longing, either for their introspective nature, time-based progression, or quiet storytelling, here are some that may resonate deeply with you.
Games That Embrace Real-Time Mechanics
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While much brighter in tone,Animal Crossing: New HorizonssharesThe Longing’suse of real-time mechanics. Time progresses according to the real world, with seasons, holidays, and events unfolding naturally. Players slowly build their island, decorate homes, and form gentle relationships with anthropomorphic neighbors. Unlike typical games that push for fast achievements,Animal Crossinginvites a slow, personal rhythm, making it a peaceful escape much like Shade’s patient journey.
A Dark Room
This minimalist text-based adventure begins with a single option light a fire. Over time, more choices unfold, building a surprisingly complex narrative and resource system. Much likeThe Longing, it rewards patience, curiosity, and trust in the unknown. The story unravels subtly, letting the player feel the passage of time through incremental progress. If you appreciated the slow unfurling mystery of Shade’s world,A Dark Roommight offer a compelling parallel.
Atmospheric and Narrative-Driven Games
Journey
Journeyis a short but unforgettable experience. With no dialogue and minimal UI, it places players in a vast desert, guiding a robed figure toward a distant mountain. The emotional impact comes from the solitude, the gradual change in scenery, and the occasional appearance of another silent traveler. While not bound to real-time mechanics,Journeyexcels in conveying emotion through pacing, music, and visuals key aspects shared withThe Longing.
Eastshade
InEastshade, you play as a traveling painter exploring a lush open world. There’s no combat or typical questing, only conversations, art creation, and personal discovery. The calm exploration and reflective tone mirror the passive, thoughtful pacing ofThe Longing. It’s a perfect game for those who prefer to take their time and lose themselves in immersive storytelling.
Night in the Woods
Set in a decaying town populated by anthropomorphic characters,Night in the Woodsfollows Mae, a college dropout returning home. The story is driven by dialogue and personal interactions, exploring themes of depression, nostalgia, and societal decay. Its pacing is measured, giving players time to explore and absorb the atmosphere, similar to the wayThe Longingasks players to engage with the Shade’s emotional solitude and slow life.
Games With Passive or Idle Progression
Forager
Though more active and colorful,Foragerincludes idle elements where players gather resources and automate processes over time. While not narrative-focused likeThe Longing, it appeals to players who enjoy watching slow, steady progress unfold. It also rewards curiosity and exploration, with hidden secrets scattered across its expanding world.
Out There
This space exploration game emphasizes resource management and survival rather than direct action. It’s a lonely, text-rich experience where players make crucial decisions that affect the story. Much like the Shade’s introspection,Out Therefocuses on isolation and facing the unknown. The game progresses slowly, with outcomes often determined by your emotional and strategic responses.
Philosophical and Experimental Games
Everything
InEverything, players can take control of literally anything from animals to ptopics, planets to bacteria. The game explores the interconnectedness of existence through gameplay and narration by philosopher Alan Watts. Its non-linear, meditative experience aligns with the slow, philosophical tone ofThe Longing, urging players to reflect on time, existence, and identity.
Gris
Grisis a side-scrolling platformer that tells its story through visual metaphor and stunning art. Though more traditional in structure thanThe Longing, it shares the same introspective themes. As Gris regains her voice and navigates grief, players are taken through emotional landscapes that speak volumes without words. It’s deeply emotional, quiet, and patient appealing to the same audience who found comfort in the Shade’s journey.
The Stillness of the Wind
This game follows an elderly woman living alone on a remote farm. Days pass slowly as you tend goats, make cheese, and receive letters from family in the distant city. It’s a meditation on aging, solitude, and the passage of time. LikeThe Longing, it refuses to rush the player, instead allowing emotional weight to build gradually. It’s haunting, gentle, and deeply personal.
Key Themes Shared With The Longing
Players drawn toThe Longingare often looking for something outside traditional gameplay. The following themes help define games that align with it:
- Real-time progression Time flows even when you’re not playing, creating a persistent world.
- Solitude and introspection Characters often exist in isolation, inviting reflection.
- Atmospheric world-building Mood and tone are prioritized over action or fast pacing.
- Emphasis on choice or inaction Players are not forced to act quickly or decisively.
- Philosophical or existential themes Stories explore deeper questions about meaning and identity.
Games likeThe Longingare rare gems, standing apart from the mainstream with their focus on time, emotion, and minimalism. While few games offer the exact same combination of idle progression, melancholy storytelling, and real-time evolution, several others capture parts of that magic. Whether it’s the slow rhythms ofThe Stillness of the Wind, the philosophical wanderings ofEverything, or the warm, real-time charm ofAnimal Crossing, there’s a quiet world out there waiting for you. IfThe Longingtaught us anything, it’s that sometimes, it’s okay to wait, to breathe, and to simply be.