17 Best Video Games Based on Books – Epic Literary Adaptations in 2026

These video games not only respect their source books but enhance them with player choice, allowing you to shape endings and explore themes in ways movies can’t.

If you’re an avid reader tired of passive stories or a genre fan craving more from your favorite books, these adaptations address that by offering point-of-view shifts and expanded lore.

Let’s uncover why these video games stand out.

Our Top Picks for Video Games Based on Books

These top titles elevate narratives, turning passive reading into active adventures with branching plots and moral choices. From fantasy worlds to post-apocalyptic horrors, these games capture the essence of their novels while adding unique gameplay layers.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

(2015)

– Masterpiece RPG that enriches Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series with a vast open world, complex characters, and mature themes. Its narrative depth and combat make it a standout among the best action RPGs.

Metro Exodus

(2019)

– Gripping survival shooter that embodies Dmitry Glukhovsky’s grim novels, blending horror with exploration in a visually stunning Russian wasteland. Perfect for fans of captivating survival horror games.

Parasite Eve

(1998)

– Unique horror-RPG hybrid sequel to Hideaki Sena’s novel, featuring cinematic sequences and innovative combat in a modern New York setting. A classic that merges science fiction with thrilling gameplay.

These picks prioritize story-driven experiences over simple mechanics, solving the pain point of finding video games that honor the depth of books. For the curious explorer interested in art and technology intersections, they showcase how video games reinterpret classics. Keep scrolling to discover the full list of these remarkable adaptations.

17 Best Video Games Based on Books – Must-Play Literary Adventures

This selection of the best video games based on books spans genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, each drawing from novels to create compelling worlds and narratives, which offer diverse gameplay while staying true to their respective books.

How many of these best video games based on books have you played?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Based on The Witcher Book Series by Andrzej Sapkowski

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• Type of game
• Action RPG
• PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
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• Developer: CD Projekt RedPublisher: CD Projekt
• Average playtime
• 52 hours main story
• Branching quests, moral choices, monster hunting system
• Best for
• RPG fans seeking deep lore

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter in a war-torn fantasy world. Primary activities include questing, battling creatures, and exploring vast landscapes, with a visual aesthetic of lush forests, gritty cities, and magical ruins in a medieval-inspired setting.

The Witcher 3 is often hailed as a masterpiece that not only respects its source material but also enriches it. It faithfully adapts the complex characters and mature themes of the novels while creating a vast, beautiful world and a compelling story that stands on its own.

Why we chose it Its epic storytelling and expansive world-building make

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

a definitive literary adaptation. It elevates Sapkowski’s novels with branching quests, deep characters, and immersive RPG gameplay.

In my experience, the game’s narrative rivals the best books, with multiple endings based on player choices. One unique aspect is the Gwent card game minigame, adding strategic depth. The art style captures the novels’ gritty fantasy, blending realism with supernatural elements. It’s a standout choice for lovers of great action RPG games.

My Verdict:

Fans of the novels will adore how

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

expands the universe with rich side stories and character development. It’s a must-play for anyone who likes immersive fantasy adventures.

What do gamers say?

masoudloveskimberly ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! It’s the definitive game where you can walk around and be enthralled by everything! Not to mention having such fun combat/gameplay once you get used to it. The story is so good. The characters are so good.

★ For readers The Witcher Series What do readers say?

DeepDream1984 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Are they the best fantasy novel every written? No. Are they better than most of what is popular out there? Absolutely. What makes the Witcher books unique is that they do not follow the usual fantasy formula or tropes. So if you read a lot of fantasy novels, the Witcher books are refreshing.

Metro Exodus

Sequel to the Book Metro 2035 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

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• First-person shooter
• PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia
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• Developer: 4A GamesPublisher: Deep Silver
• Average playtime
• 15 hours main story
• Open-world exploration, crafting, moral choices affecting endings
• Best for
• Post-apocalyptic enthusiasts

Metro Exodus

continues Artyom’s journey from Moscow’s metro tunnels to a cross-country trek in an eerie post-apocalyptic game setting, seeking a new home.

Primary activities involve scavenging, great stealth game combat against mutants and humans, and narrative-driven decisions, set in a bleak, detailed visual aesthetic of ruined landscapes, snowy tundras, and abandoned structures.

This game perfectly captures the grim atmosphere the best post-apocalyptic games and books have to offer.

It blends linear, narrative-driven horror with open-world exploration, bringing the terrifying mutants and desperate human factions of the Russian wasteland to life. The third game in the series, it expands on the novels’ themes of hope amid despair.

Why we chose it

Metro Exodus

captures the bleak survivalist tone of Glukhovsky’s novels with stunning environments and tense exploration. Its mix of horror and player-driven choices fully immerses fans in post-apocalyptic Russia.

From community feedback, players praise the immersive sound design, which heightens tension in dark corners. The visual style evokes the books’ claustrophobic horror, with realistic lighting and weather effects.

My Verdict:

Book series readers will appreciate how

Metro Exodus

deepens the lore with personal stories and ethical dilemmas. It’s ideal for those craving intense, story-rich shooters.

What do gamers say?

SilentSnooper ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Exodus is a really good game tbh. I was pleasantly surprised after playing the first two games in the series. I’d recommend it for sure.

★ For readers Metro 2035 What do readers say?

0xRangerx0 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ IMO Metro 2035 is the best Metro book in the trilogy.

Parasite Eve [Based on the Novel Parasite Eve by Hideaki Sena]

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• Type of game
• Survival horror RPG
• PlayStation
• Creator
• Developer & Publisher: Square
• Average playtime
• 11 hours main story
• Active time battle system, mitochondrial powers, multiple endings
• Best for
• JRPG horror fans

Parasite Eve

serves as a sequel to the novel, where police officer Aya Brea battles mitochondrial mutations causing spontaneous combustion in New York. Primary activities include exploring urban locations, fighting mutated creatures with guns and powers, and solving puzzles, in a visual aesthetic of pre-rendered backgrounds with 3D models, evoking late ’90s cinematic style.

Why we chose it

Parasite Eve

fuses horror and RPG mechanics to create a truly cinematic experience. It expands Sena’s novel into a thrilling, modern setting while keeping the story’s science fiction core intact.

Parasite Eve

is a unique blend of horror and JRPG elements. It serves as a direct sequel to the novel, taking its core concepts of mitochondrial mutation and biological horror and setting them within a cinematic, modern-day New York City.

Its compelling story and innovative combat system make it a classic PlayStation title. Players highlight the eerie opera house opening as a standout moment. The graphics, though dated, capture the novel’s sci-fi horror with detailed creature designs.

My Verdict:

Novel fans will love how

Parasite Eve

expands the science fiction lore with personal stakes. It’s a short but impactful experience for horror enthusiasts.

★ For gamers Steam Gift Cards What do gamers say?

NativeMasshole ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Love this game! I gave up when I tried playing it on console not too long ago, though. The walk speed is atrocious and the amount of load screens only makes it that much slower. Definitely better on an emulator where you can speed things up.

★ For readers

Parasite Eve

What do readers say?

JaySilver ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I got my friend to read it and he doesn’t even know there is a video game. He said it was so bizarre but overall a good horror.

• BioShock [Inspired by
• 1984 by George Orwell]
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• First-person shooter
• PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
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• Developer: 2K BostonPublisher: 2K Games
• Average playtime
• 12 hours main story
• Plasmid powers, moral choices, underwater city exploration
• Best for
• Story-driven shooters

BioShock

• plunges you into Rapture, an underwater utopia gone wrong, where you
• uncover its secrets while battling splicers

. Primary activities include shooting, using genetic powers, and making choices that affect the ending, with a visual aesthetic of art deco architecture, leaky corridors, and retro-futuristic designs.

Why we chose it

BioShock

transforms philosophical literature into an interactive narrative masterpiece. Its underwater world and moral choices echo Orwellian and Rand-inspired themes, making it a thought-provoking FPS.

While not a direct adaptation, BioShock is a brilliant critique of philosophical concepts found in classic literature. Its underwater city of Rapture is a compelling setting, and the game’s famous plot twist directly engages with the book’s themes.

The narrative explores objectivism and control, inspired by the novels. Community notes praise the immersive audio logs that reveal the story’s dark corners. The visuals blend beauty and decay, mirroring the books’ dystopian themes. It’s among the top FPS games based on books.

My Verdict:

Lovers of inspiring works will enjoy

BioShock

‘s thematic echoes in an interactive form. It’s a landmark for narrative gamers.

What do gamers say?

01111000marksthespot ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s fun and worth playing. It’s very polished. It is primarily a FPS. It has some RPG elements like a simplified skill system and choice of spells.

★ For readers What do readers say?

roguecongress ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ 1984 was fantastic. I had the same devastating experience to the tragic ending and the feeling of relief at Orwell’s style of prose. A must-read supplement to Orwell’s work, if you haven’t already read it, is his essay “Politics and the English Language”.

Spec Ops: The Line

Based on Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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• Developer: Yager DevelopmentPublisher: 2K Games
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• 6 hours main story
• Choice-based story, squad commands, Dubai setting
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• Psychological shooters

Spec Ops: The Line

• follows
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in sandstorm-ravaged Dubai, uncovering horrors. Primary activities involve cover-based shooting, commanding teammates, and making choices, with a visual aesthetic of ruined luxury buildings buried in sand, creating a desolate, orange-tinted wasteland.

Why we chose it

Spec Ops: The Line

subverts traditional shooters to deliver a morally complex, literary-inspired story. Its psychological depth mirrors Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, challenging players with shocking choices and consequences.

Spec Ops: The Line

is a haunting deconstruction of war games, heavily based on the novel’s descent into madness. It takes the rabbit hole of moral ambiguity and turns it into a third-person shooter with a twisting plot. Players often cite the white phosphorus scene as a game-changer. The aesthetics capture the novel’s themes of isolation in dark corners.

My Verdict:

Fans of the book will recognize the psychological depth in

Spec Ops: The Line

. It’s short but powerful for those seeking story over action.

What do gamers say?

yummyonionjuice ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ The story is 10/10. I’ve never experienced anything like this game in my decades of gaming. Gameplay is definitely dated but if you can slog through it for the story it’s worth imo.

★ For readers Heart of Darkness What do readers say?

Keaton126 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I am not so cavalier in my recommendation of Heart of Darkness, though I think the book itself is excellent and a worthy classic.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

Based on Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game First-person shooter PC Creators Developer: GSC Game WorldPublisher: THQ Average playtime 15 hours main story Anomalies, artifacts, non-linear world Best for Survival exploration

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

casts you as a stalker exploring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, seeking artifacts amid anomalies and mutants. Primary activities include scavenging, combat, and faction interactions, with a visual aesthetic of radioactive ruins, foggy forests, and industrial decay in a post-apocalyptic Ukraine.

Why we chose it

Its survival-focused gameplay faithfully adapts the eerie atmosphere of

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

. The open-world hazards, anomalies, and mutant threats immerse players in the novel’s tense, alien landscape.

Heavily based on the novel’s Alien Zone, this great S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

game creates a harsh, unforgiving world where survival is key. It captures the books’ sense of mystery and danger in dark corners. Players appreciate the emergent gameplay, like sudden mutant attacks. The graphics evoke the novel’s eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.

My Verdict:

Book series admirers will find

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

a true spiritual successor. It’s perfect for popular stalker game fans.

What do gamers say?

forkie1 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ All-in-all, there’s a reason people still talk about these games. They’re incredibly immersive, atmospheric and authentic.

★ For readers Roadside Picnic What do readers say?

WizardWatson9 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I loved “A Roadside Picnic”. It’s a brilliant, unique, idea-driven work of science fiction that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

Based on a Short Story by Harlan Ellison

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Adventure, Point-and-Click, Puzzle PC, Mac Creators Developer: Cyberdreams, The Dreamers Guild Co-Designer: Harlan EllisonPublisher: Cyberdreams Average playtime 6–8 hours Dark narrative, psychological horror, multiple endings Best for Fans of dark, psychological storytelling

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

throws you into a twisted, post-apocalyptic world ruled by a sadistic AI. The point-and-click gameplay mixes exploration, puzzles, and narrative choices, and the eerie visuals and unsettling sound design create a constant sense of dread. Every decision matters, and the tension never lets up as you navigate the AI’s traps and torment.

Why we chose it

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

captures Harlan Ellison’s chilling vision with precision and turns it into an interactive experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The game remains faithful to the short story, expanding the world while keeping the original’s dark, psychological core. Each character has a personal journey that reflects the story’s themes, and AM’s manipulations feel cruel and personal.

The puzzles and dialogue choices echo the moral dilemmas in the book, which makes the horror feel immediate and immersive.

It’s rare to see a game so closely mirror a literary work while still giving players agency.

My Verdict:

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

stands out as a masterful adaptation. Its faithful storytelling and intense atmosphere make it one of the best video games based on a book.

What do gamers say?

bombur432 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s a phenomenal game!! And one I’m also playing ATM!! It really hit the vibe of lovecraft perfectly in a lot of ways. The pre-gun portions are definitely my favourite, with the whole escape sequence being absolutely stunning and heart pounding.

★ For readers The Shadow Over Innsmouth What do readers say?

poirotsgreycells ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s my favorite from lovecraft! The part with Zadok drags because Lovecraft puts every single word in the accent and I think it gets annoying really fast, but I love the mystery and chase sequences 11.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

Best Doyle and Lovecraft-Inspired Adaptation

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Detective adventure, horror PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, Switch 2023 (remake), 2006 (original)

Creators Developer and Publisher: Frogwares Average playtime 12–15 hrs Holmes + Lovecraft, clue-solving, sanity system Best for Story & mystery fans

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

blends detective storytelling with Lovecraftian horror. You explore misty streets and unsettling interiors, where you collect evidence and connect clues while a sense of dread grows with every step.

The 2023 remake updates the visuals and pacing but keeps the focus on Holmes’s logical mind colliding with forces beyond comprehension.

Why we chose it

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

respects two very different literary traditions. Doyle’s detail-driven detective meets Lovecraft’s cosmic terror, and the result is a narrative that feels grounded yet deeply unnerving.

Holmes is written as you’d expect, logical and precise, but here he faces mysteries no reasoning can fully solve. That tension drives the experience and gives the adaptation weight.

It isn’t a direct retelling of Doyle or Lovecraft, but it honors both. The dialogue, atmosphere, and creeping madness capture the feel of each author’s world that pulls them together in a way that feels natural.

My Verdict:

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

is a sharp, unsettling adaptation that brings two literary icons into one compelling story.

What do gamers say?

demoze ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ This was one of my first soulslikes (first was Lords of the Fallen, which I stopped playing halfway), so I learned the game from the ground up. So, to me, parrying was the main way to play the game and I never really relied on dodge other than certain occasions where it’s better. As such, this game was a 9 - 10 for me.

★ For readers The Adventures of Pinocchio What do readers say?

starlight_aesthete ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ The original “Adventures of Pinnochio” is WILD.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege [Inspired by Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Franchise]

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25–30 hours (per season, multiplayer varies)

• Tactical team-based play and intense strategy
• Best for
• Competitive multiplayer gamers, tactical strategy enthusiasts

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

• is a tactical shooter that
• emphasizes strategy and team coordination

. You plan attacks, fortify positions, and execute precise moves with your squad; every match feels intense and calculated. The visuals and sound design heighten the tension that creates an immersive battlefield experience.

Why we chose it

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

turns Clancy’s military novels into high-stakes, strategic multiplayer action that rewards planning and teamwork over reflexes alone.

While it doesn’t follow a single book plot, the game captures the tone and intensity of Clancy’s storytelling. Everything reflects the realism, tactical depth, and suspense of the source material. Players feel the stakes of each operation, with careful planning and coordination echoing the calculated operations described in the novels.

My Verdict:

Rainbow Six Siege guarantees unmatched tactical intensity and strategic gameplay. It translates the essence of Clancy’s stories into a multiplayer experience that stands out among book-inspired games.