The world of video games has long leaned on familiar favourites: medieval settings, fantasy realms, and sci-fi futures. But some creators dig deeper — into ancestral heritage, into cultures that might not be globally famous, but have spirit, mythology, rituals, and stories that deserve the spotlight.
Games about Indigenous cultures are more than just adventures — they’re experiences that blend folklore, spirituality, and a deep dive into tradition. In this roundup, we focused on indigenous culture games — games that don’t just dip into tribal aesthetics, but treat them with respect, creativity, and heart. We looked for titles that use Indigenous storytelling, draw from local myths and customs, and bring something truly different to the table. Let’s dive into the list of the best cultural exploration games!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Never Alone Foxtales | 2015-07-28 | Platform & Puzzle | E-Line Media | |
 | Spirit Of The North | 2020-05-07 | Adventure & Puzzle | Infuse Studio | |
 | Raji An Ancient Epic | 2020-10-15 | Platform & Puzzle | Nodding Heads Games | |
 | Mulaka | 2018-02-27 | Indie & Adventure | Lienzo | |
 | Assassins Creed III Remastered | 2019-03-29 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Ubisoft Barcelona | |
 | Green Hell | 2019-09-05 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Creepy Jar |
Never Alone
| Release date: | 2014-11-18 |
| Genre: | Platform & Puzzle |
| Developer: | E-Line Media |
In Never Alone, you play as Nuna, a young Iñupiaq girl, and her loyal fox companion.
Together, they set off on a journey to stop an eternal blizzard threatening their homeland. The game pulls directly from Iñupiaq legends and is woven with documentary-style segments featuring Native storytellers from the community.
It’s more than a beautiful platformer — it’s an interactive tale about heritage, spirits, and survival in a land of snow and wind.
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Spirit of the North
| Release date: | 2020-05-07 |
| Genre: | Puzzle & Adventure & Indie |
| Developer: | Infuse Studio |
This quiet, wordless game draws from Icelandic folklore as you explore ancient ruins and wide-open wilderness as a lone fox chasing a mysterious red light.
No dialogue, no cutscenes — just nature, music, and a meditative, mystical journey.
More of a spiritual experience than a traditional game — perfect for players who love symbolism, serenity, and connection to nature.
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Raji: An Ancient Epic
| Release date: | 2020-10-15 |
| Genre: | Platform & Puzzle & Adventure & Indie |
| Developer: | Nodding Heads Games |
Set in the heart of Hindu mythology, Raji follows a young girl chosen by the gods to rescue her brother from demons.
Along the way, you uncover tales of ancient deities, battle mythic monsters, and explore the rich visual and spiritual landscape of India.
Think Prince of Persia, but rooted in deeply personal, cultural storytelling.
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Mulaka
| Release date: | 2018-02-27 |
| Genre: | Platform & Adventure & Indie |
| Developer: | Lienzo |
Based on the traditions of the Tarahumara people of northern Mexico, Mulaka puts you in the role of a shaman fighting mythic creatures, communing with gods, and journeying across breathtaking natural landscapes.
The game blends Indigenous legend, spirituality, and ecological themes.
One of the few titles that authentically explores Central American Indigenous heritage.
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Thunderbird Strike
| Release date: | 2017 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Elizabeth LaPensée |
A short but powerful artistic game created by Native American artist Elizabeth LaPensée.
You guide the mythical Thunderbird across the land, destroying pipelines and reviving nature along the way.
It’s not your typical AAA experience — it’s an interactive protest, a symbolic journey, and a game with something to say.
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Assassin's Creed III
| Release date: | 2012-11-21 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montreal |
This is more mainstream territory, but with a strong Indigenous angle.
The protagonist, Connor, is half-Mohawk and half-English, and his Native heritage plays a key role in the story. Set during the American Revolution, the game respects and highlights his cultural roots.
Not exactly a “tribal” game, but one of the first major titles to treat Indigenous identity seriously.
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Spirits of Amazonia (Green Hell's DLC)
| Release date: | 2019-09-05 |
| Genre: | Simulator & Strategy |
| Developer: | Creepy Jar |
While Green Hell is known for its brutal Amazonian survival gameplay, the Spirits of Amazonia expansion brings Indigenous culture into the spotlight.
You meet local tribes, learn their rituals, explore their spiritual beliefs, and experience the Amazon beyond the usual survival tropes.
A powerful example of culture-driven storytelling in a harsh, immersive setting.
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Not every game has to be about saving the galaxy or conquering kingdoms. Occasionally, the most powerful stories come from ancestral fireside tales — passed down through generations.
These tribal games rooted in Indigenous cultures and folklore might surprise you. Some are quiet and reflective, others bold and unapologetic — but all of them honour a legacy that still lives and breathes.