If you want a story to get invested in while you wait for a new release, start with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor for focused cinematic action, Red Dead Redemption 2 for a sprawling character drama, Cyberpunk 2077 for customizable sci-fi quests, or Horizon Forbidden West for machine-hunting adventure. For a longer, RPG-led science-fiction saga, consider Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Choose by platform and the kind of combat and pacing you want—not by a single overall ranking.
Choose by story shape and action style
| Game | Story and world | Action style | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | A continuing, character-led story with a defined protagonist and cinematic science-fiction setting. | Third-person action centered on lightsaber combat. | Players looking for a focused adventure rather than a sprawling role-playing world. |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Arthur Morgan’s character drama unfolds across a large open world. | Gunplay; it is a story-and-world alternative to The Witcher 3, not a close match for its melee combat. | Players who want an expansive, slower-paced world and emotionally driven story. |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Open-world science-fiction quests built around the player’s role and choices. | Customizable role-playing action. | Players who want quest-driven exploration in a futuristic setting. |
| Horizon Forbidden West | An open-world narrative adventure following Aloy, with side quests alongside the main story. | Ranged and melee action against machines. | Players looking for exploration and machine-focused combat, particularly on PS5. |
| Mass Effect Legendary Edition | Commander Shepard’s story across three games. | RPG-oriented combat, rather than focused action-adventure combat. | Players who value a complete, long-form sci-fi story over a direct action-adventure substitute. |
Focused cinematic action
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Lucasfilm describes Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as a single-player, third-person action-adventure that continues Cal Kestis’s story five years after Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. That makes it a strong fit if you want one central hero and a cinematic sci-fi adventure. Check your platform’s official storefront for the edition and availability that apply to you; the source establishing the story and format does not establish current stock or price. Lucasfilm’s game overview.
Open worlds and character-led stories
Red Dead Redemption 2
Choose Red Dead Redemption 2 for an expansive world and a story centered on Arthur Morgan. Its gunplay makes it a different kind of action game from The Witcher 3: the connection is the appeal of an absorbing world and character-driven story, not a similar melee system. GamesRadar lists it for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in its guide. GamesRadar’s games-like-The-Witcher-3 guide.
Cyberpunk 2077
If you want futuristic quests and more control over how your character approaches combat, Cyberpunk 2077 is the open-world option here. GamesRadar points to CD Projekt Red’s quest design and worldbuilding as the connection to The Witcher 3. Its guide lists PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2; that list does not mean every edition has the same performance or features. Check the official storefront for the version you intend to play. GamesRadar’s games-like-The-Witcher-3 guide.
#1 Best Overall
- FATEFORGE: CHRONICLES OF KAAN is a mythical action-adventure cooperative campaign game. The game offers an accessible, RPG-like board game experience for 1 to 4 players.
- PLAYER DRIVEN STORY: You make the choices. You are the heroes: Set off on an epic journey across the continent of Kaan! What Fate will you forge for the lands of Kaan?
- APP GUIDES YOU LIKE A TRUE GAMEMASTER: It remembers & reacts to your choices, often when you least expect it to. It also handles all the admin, tells the story & sets the atmosphere, so you can focus on the gameplay & be the hero in your adventure.
- EPISODIC PLAY: Play in episodes of under an hour! Full of surprising twists with a sprawling story and intense fights played in episodes of under an hour.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West combines an open world and Aloy’s narrative with side quests and combat against machines. TechRadar recommends it as a narrative-driven adventure; its inclusion is a critic guide’s recommendation, not a universal ranking. For a PS5-centered choice that emphasizes exploration and varied machine encounters, it is a natural fit. Confirm the current PS5 edition and availability with the storefront where you plan to buy or play it. TechRadar’s best PS5 games guide.
A longer sci-fi story beyond action-adventure
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
For a story that spans a trilogy, Mass Effect Legendary Edition collects the three-game Commander Shepard arc. GamesRadar lists PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and notes playability on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Its RPG orientation makes it an adjacent pick, not a direct replacement for a real-time action-adventure. GamesRadar’s games-like-The-Witcher-3 guide.
Rank #2
- Immersive Solo Narrative – Play as Luma and her bear companion, Brom, in a heartfelt quest to heal the Wildwoods from a dark shadow, guided by a richly illustrated storybook.
- Innovative River Card Mechanic – Experience tension and flow in every scene with the unique River System, making each challenge dynamic and engaging.
- Quick Setup & Easy Storage – Start your adventure in under 2 minutes! Each chapter’s cards are pre-packaged and the in-box tray keeps everything organized for fast setup and teardown.
- Storyfold System Debut – Wildwoods is the first game to use the new Storyfold system, designed for immersive storytelling, engaging solo gameplay, and accessibility.
- Stunning Art & Engaging Gameplay – Enjoy beautiful artwork and a captivating narrative that brings the magical forest and its creatures to life.
Future games to watch, not current recommendations
Announcements can make a game sound like an ideal next adventure, but a planned window is not proof that it is available to play. Treat these as watchlist items until their official listings confirm release status.
- Crossfire: Xbox Wire announced it on June 5, 2026, as a single-player narrative tactical action-adventure for Xbox Series X|S, following mercenary Layla Qassem and featuring an Adaptive Cover system. The announcement does not establish that it is currently released or available. Check the latest official listing before treating it as playable. Xbox Wire’s Crossfire announcement.
- Mudang: Two Hearts: Xbox Wire described it as a third-person narrative action-adventure planned for 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC, combining cinematic storytelling, stealth, and dynamic combat. The announcement gives a year, not a precise date, and does not establish current availability. Xbox Wire’s Mudang: Two Hearts announcement.
Check platform fit before choosing
Platform lists in editorial guides are useful starting points, but storefront listings are the better check for the edition you can actually access. That matters especially when a guide spans console generations or lists multiple versions of a game. Confirm the platform, edition, and current availability for your region before purchasing or downloading.
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Best Value
- The KerPlunk game kids love featuring the Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyears and crane inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5!
- Roll the die and remove a stick of the matching color. If any Buzz Lightyears fall, you must keep them.
- When all the Buzz Lightyears have tumbled down, the player with the fewest wins!
- Clouds on the sticks let colorblind players easily identify which stick to pull.
- Fun for the whole family, kids and adults alike, easy to learn and perfect for family game night or party play!
Rank #4
- Return to Nottingham and help save the kingdom once again in this all new expansion
- Introduces new mechanics such as moving around Friar Tuck, new enemies, and a new board
- Must be used with the original game The Adventures of Robin Hood
- Seamlessly continues the original story
- Plays 2-4 players and introduces a new multi-chapter story
Rank #3
- IMMERSIVE STORY: Dive into the Mass Effect universe as Commander Shepard, leading a squad through a Cerberus cruiser to unveil secrets before a massive storm hits Hagalaz.
- DYNAMIC GAMEPLAY: Experience a unique card-driven AI and evolving story that alters based on your choices, ensuring a different gameplay experience with each session.
- DEEP CHARACTER CUSTOMIZATION: Equip and upgrade your squad, including iconic characters like Liara and Garrus, with powerful abilities and gear as you progress through the game.
- COOPERATIVE MISSIONS: Engage in a co-operative, narrative-driven campaign for up to four players, featuring optional loyalty missions that unlock special powers for each squadmate.
- MULTIPLE ENDINGS: A branching narrative with a variety of endings based on your decisions, enhancing replay value and player engagement.
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