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10 Games Like Undertale That Blend Emotion and Gameplay in 2025

Monumental games like Undertale are simply one in a million and always leave you craving for more after that first playthrough. I have to admit – I’ve spent months chasing that same magical mix of quirky humor, emotional storytelling, and innovative gameplay that made Undertale so special.

Fortunately, there are quite a few heartwarming adventures and mind-bending RPGs that can give you that familiar feeling of discovering something truly special.

Of course, filling the shoes of Undertale is no small feat by any measure.

The game’s unique combat system combined with unforgettable characters, like Sans and Papyrus, raised the bar for the RPG genre to a new level. The way it remembers your choices and demolishes the fourth wall showed us that video games could be more than just mindless fun and make us constantly question our own actions.

Alas, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that any Undertale fan should check out EarthBound and Deltarune. Why? Well, the first one is the major influence behind the titular game and the latter is an ongoing Toby Fox sequel-ish project with new characters and mechanics.

But beyond these obvious choices, I’ve discovered some breathtaking games that will rekindle the same spark we all found in Undertale’s Underground.

Our Top Picks for Games Like Undertale

Before diving deep into each title, here’s a quick look into the best games that capture the essence of what makes Undertale so unforgettable:

  1. Stardew Valley (2016) – heartwarming game like Undertale with meaningful stories and loads of freedom
  2. To The Moon (2011) – a narrative masterpiece that’ll make you laugh and cry, just like your first time through the Underground
  3. Lisa: The Painful (2014) – dark, twisted, and  thought-provoking RPG that subverts expectations
  4. OneShot (2016) – a unique, fourth-wall-breaking adventure where your choices deeply impact a fragile world.
  5. Wandersong (2017) – a joyful, music-driven journey where you use song to solve puzzles, spread happiness, and save the world.

Keep reading to discover why these games made the cut and explore more amazing titles that’ll fill that Undertale-shaped hole in your heart.

10 Games Like Undertale You Can’t Miss in 2025

When Toby Fox released Undertale in 2015, it changed how we think about RPGs forever. Its unique combat system, unforgettable characters, and the way it played with our expectations created something we rarely see. The games I’ve chosen share that same spirit of innovation, whether through their storytelling, gameplay mechanics, or raw emotional impact.

1. Stardew Valley (Best Indie RPG for Peaceful Gameplay)

Stardew Valley
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2016PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, MobileConcernedApe

It may not seem like an obvious choice for fans of Undertale at first glance, but Stardew Valley shares that same heart and soul that made us fall in love with the world of Underground. Just like how Undertale turned all RPG traditions upside down, Stardew Valley took the simple farming sim genre and transformed it into one of the most beloved indie games available right now.

The game’s cast of characters is truly reminiscent of Undertale’s memorable crew. Each villager has their own story to tell, and just like discovering Sans’ hidden depths, you’ll find yourself genuinely caring about these tiny pixel people. The game’s creator ConcernedApe definitely poured the same amount of love into every detail that made Toby Fox’s work so remarkable.

Similar to many sandbox-based games like Stardew Valley, it lets you choose your own path. Whether you want to focus on farming, mining, fishing, or building relationships, the game never forces you down a specific route – much like other games with multiple paths and endings.

Get your copy of Stardew Valley >

2. To the Moon (Best Story-Driven Adventure Game)

To the Moon
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2011PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, MobileFreebird Games

If Undertale’s emotional storytelling left you in tears, To The Moon will have you reaching for that second tissue box. As one of the greatest adventure games I’ve ever played, it tells the tale of two doctors who traverse through a dying man’s memories to fulfill his last wish.

The pixel art style might be simple, but it proves that powerful storytelling doesn’t need cutting-edge graphics. The way it handles themes of love, loss, and memory rivals any of the best-known AAA titles. The soundtrack, composed by Kan Gao, hits those same emotional heights as Undertale’s beloved score.

While there’s less emphasis on traditional gameplay, To The Moon’s narrative choices and puzzle elements always kept me locked in. The humor sprinkled between emotional moments is never overdone and provides that perfect balance that Undertale fans will appreciate.

Get your copy of To the Moon >

3. LISA: Complete Edition (Best Dark RPG Experience)

Lisa: The Painful
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2015PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchDingaling Productions

Lisa: The Painful might be the closest spiritual cousin to Undertale in terms of how it plays with your expectations of what an exciting RPG game can be. This post-apocalyptic journey is definitely not for the faint of heart. Imagine Undertale’s darker moments, but dialed up to eleven across an entire game.

The combat system feels familiar yet fresh, with unique party members and permanent consequences for your choices. Just like how Undertale remembers your actions across playthroughs, Lisa ensures that every decision you make has a long-lasting impact.

The game’s dark humor and surprisingly deep character development create an experience that’s both unsettling and captivating. While it might not be as wholesome as Undertale, it shares that same tension that makes you think about the consequences of your actions in video games.

Get your copy of Lisa: Complete Edition >   

4. OneShot (Best Fourth-Wall-Breaking RPG)

OneShot
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2016PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Steam DeckFuture Cat LLC

If you loved how Undertale broke the fourth wall and made you question your role as a player, OneShot takes that concept to a whole new level. This puzzle-adventure game doesn’t just acknowledge you as the player – it makes You – the player – an actual player character in its world.

You guide Niko, a child trying to save a dying world by returning the sun to its rightful place. Like Undertale, the game remembers your choices and actions even after closing it. The way it interacts with your computer’s operating system creates some genuinely surprising moments that’ll remind you of your first encounter with Flowey.

The pixel art style creates a beautifully melancholic atmosphere, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the game’s mysterious tone. While the play time is shorter than some other entries on this list, I’m sure OneShot’s impact will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Get your Steam gift card today >

5. Wandersong (Phenomenal Music Adventure)

Wandersong
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2017PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchInfinite Fall

Undertale’s iconic music is a core part of its storytelling, so Wandersong takes that concept and makes the whole game out of it. You play as a bard who saves the world not through fighting, but through singing – a peaceful approach that Undertale fans will definitely appreciate.

Like Undertale’s pacifist route, this game shows how conflicts can be resolved without violence. The colorful art style and charming characters create an uplifting atmosphere, while still tackling some surprisingly deep themes about purpose and determination.

While some brain twisters remind me of some of the most engaging puzzle games, Wandersong has way more to offer. The way music integrates into both puzzles and character interactions is a unique gameplay experience that, akin to Undertale, isn’t afraid to try something different with traditional gaming concepts.

Get your copy of Wandersong >

6. Cave Story+ (Best Action Platformer RPG)

Cave Story
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2004 (Original)
2011 (Plus)
PC, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo SwitchConcernedApe

Cave Story+ is one of the best games like Undertale to show how even a single developer could create something simply extraordinary. This enhanced version of the classic indie game offers the same charming characters and engaging storyline that inspired many modern indie developers, including Undertale’s Toby Fox himself.

The game combines smooth platforming action with RPG elements in a way that feels natural and engaging. Like Undertale, it features multiple endings based on your choices and actions throughout the game. Plus, the weapon upgrade system adds more depth to combat and encourages further exploration.

The cast of memorable characters and the way their stories unfold share that same sense of discovery that made meeting Undertale’s monsters so memorable. And I’ll have no shame admitting the chiptune soundtrack absolutely slaps – something every Undertale fan will appreciate.

Get your copy of Cave Story+ >

7. Everhood (Best Rhythm-Based RPG)

Everhood
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2021PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchForeign Gnomes

If Undertale’s unique battle system captivated you, Everhood takes that concept in an entirely different direction turns it into rhythm-based encounters. Think of it as a mix between Undertale’s bullet-hell segments and Guitar Hero, creating something almost unholy, but surprisingly fun and fresh.

The story follows a wooden doll on a quest to recover their stolen arm, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Just like Undertale, the deeper you go, the more it challenges your perceptions of reality and morality, leading to some genuinely mind-bending moments.

The psychedelic visuals and incredible soundtrack make each battle feel like a music video come to life. While the gameplay might take some getting used to, mastering the rhythm-based combat system is incredibly satisfying.

Get your copy of Everhood >

8. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Classic RPG With a Twist)

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2004Nintendo Switch, Nintendo GameCubeIntelligent Systems

While not an indie game like Undertale, The Thousand-Year Door deserves a spot on this list because of how it revolutionized RPG traditions with its charm and creativity. Just as Undertale deconstructed RPG tropes, Paper Mario took its genre basics and folded (pun intended) them into something nobody expected.

The game’s paper aesthetic isn’t just for show – it’s woven into every aspect of the gameplay, from solving puzzles to fighting battles. The combat system, which incorporates timing-based button presses and audience interaction, keeps you engaged in every fight, similar to how Undertale’s battle system demands your full attention.

The Mario series is mostly known for being one of the most iconic platformer games ever, but the writing is what really takes center stage here. Packed with the same kind of clever humor and heartfelt moments that made Undertale so special. Each character, even minor NPCs, has a very colorful personality and memorable dialogue.

Get Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door cheaper >

9. Night in the Woods (Best Narrative Adventure)

Night in the Woods
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2017PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, MobileInfinite Fall

Like Undertale’s masterful blend of humor and serious themes, Night in the Woods tackles heavy subjects through the lens of charming animal characters. You play as Mae, a college dropout returning to her hometown only to find that everything has changed.

While it doesn’t feature RPG genre staples like combat, it shares that same dedication to character development and emotional storytelling. The way it handles themes of mental health, economic struggle, and friendship felt genuine and relatable, just like Undertale’s exploration of determination and mercy.

The gorgeous art style and atmospheric soundtrack create a world that feels alive with secrets and stories to find. Each day brings new opportunities to hang out with friends, explore the town, and uncover the darker mystery lurking beneath the surface.

Get your copy of Night in the Woods >

10. Eastward (Best Story-Rich Action RPG)

Eastward
Release YearPlatformsDeveloper
2021PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchKasey Ozymy

Eastward is another game like Undertale that shows how pixel art can deliver an emotionally powerful story. This post-apocalyptic adventure follows John and Sam, an unlikely duo whose touching relationship develops throughout their journey in ways that’ll remind you of bonding with Undertale’s memorable cast.

The game combines satisfying action-RPG combat with various environmental puzzles, all while telling a story that carefully balances both humor and heart. Its detailed pixel art creates a world that feels alive with personality – every location tells its own story through breathtaking visual design.

The relationship between the main characters echoes the kind of emotional depth that Undertale fans know and love. Furthermore, the quirky supporting cast provides that perfect mix of humor and mystery that is rarely found these days outside the indie scene.

Get your copy of Eastward >

More Indie Games You’ll Love

If you’ve worked your way through these recommendations and are hungry for more unique games to check out, the indie game scene is bursting with creativity. From puzzle games that’ll bend your mind to narrative adventures that’ll touch your heart, we have even more remarkable indie games for you to discover.


FAQs

Is Undertale the biggest indie game?

No, but Undertale is one of the most popular indie games to date. It sold over 3.5 million copies and its cultural impact on gaming is monumental.

What is the new Undertale called?

Deltarune is the new game from Toby Fox, Undertale’s creator. While similar to Undertale, it’s set in a different universe with different characters.

Will there be an Undertale 3?

No, Toby Fox has no plans to make Undertale 3. He’s currently focused on completing all chapters of Deltarune, a new Undertale-esque game.

Dovydas

Dovydas

Contributor | MMORPGs, FPS, racing, and action aficionado

I specialize in MMORPGs, FPS, racing, and action games, but still praise Assassin’s Creed II as the greatest. My approach blends over 10 years of in-depth analysis of all the latest games, industry trends, and everything behind the curtains.
I’m driven by love for video games as a medium, believing they represent the highest form of art, combining music, writing, cinema, and many more. My goal is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm, helping others discover the games that best suit their tastes.