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In this list, we shall go over five of the very best video games that have time travel elements in them, both in their narrative and gameplay.
Time Travel is one of the best narrative tools in fiction. The stories involving these elements allow characters to navigate their way around the consequences of their actions, often opening up the possibilities of even darker consequences. The what-if scenarios, character growth, and the thrill of time travel we see in this genre are unmatched, and video games have managed to capture everything we love about it across various games.
In addition to capturing the narrative essence of time travel, video games have also managed to integrate this fascinating concept into gameplay itself. While most games fail at doing so effectively, a few games have mastered their time mechanics and have etched their names in the upper echelon of gaming. In this list, we shall go over five of the very best video games that have time travel elements in them, both in their narrative and gameplay.
1) Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time may have made time travel mainstream in AAA gaming, but it was the sequel, Warrior Within, that really perfected the elements. The game’s narrative revolved around the consequences of meddling with time and threw you into the desolate Island of Time. While the island may be falling apart, the game gives you the option to go back in time to when the island was full in its glory. The back and forth between a haunting present and a glorious past makes Warrior Within a joy to play.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Considered to be one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time beautifully interweaves time travel elements into both its gameplay and story. The game sees Link alternating between the past and the present and between his adult and younger selves. The narrative integrates this switch between young and old to expand upon Link’s growth, making for a memorable story.
3) Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a series best known for its anime adaptation. The anime focuses on a “mad” scientist as he meddles with time travel, only to find himself stuck in the midst of a larger controversy. While the anime does the time travel justice, the visual novel game expands upon the elements and characters in a multitude of ways. This game features several side stories that go into detail about the conspiracies in the world, making for an adrenaline-fueled story. We recommend playing through this even if you’ve seen the anime.
4) Quantum Break
Quantum Break was fairly well received at release but was universally deemed as a game that failed to live up to its potential. Fast forward to 2025, many have backtracked on the statement, and we, too, believe we were harsh on the game. Remedy’s Quantum Break brings a solid time travel heist narrative split across episodes. The game integrates the time travel aspects directly into its gameplay, making for a very flashy combat system. The game is not without its issues, however. The live-action cutscenes are long and take away from the gameplay. Still, if you’re willing to look past that, the gameplay has a lot of meat to chew on.
5) Life Is Strange
Life Is Strange is one of the best choice-driven narrative games of all time. All of the games in the series feature super-powered protagonists struggling with their identity in coming-of-age stories. The original Life Is Strange delves into time manipulation as its main power and source of conflict. The plot revolves around these powers and their inevitable consequences, making for an emotional roller coaster you need to experience.
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