8 Time-Travel Games That Bend Reality

Time travel in video games sparks imagination, letting players twist the fabric of reality to solve puzzles, fight battles, or unravel stories. These mechanics create thrilling moments, blending strategy, creativity, and exploration in ways that feel fresh and engaging.

I’ve dived into countless titles that play with time, and some stand out for their clever approaches. Below, I rank the eight best time-travel games, starting from the eighth and working up to the first, each offering a unique spin on bending time.

Life is Strange (2015)

‘Life is Strange’ centers on Max Caulfield, a teenager who can rewind time to alter events. You use this power to solve mysteries, make choices, and shape relationships, with each decision rippling through the story.

The rewind mechanic is simple but impactful, letting you test different outcomes in conversations or avoid danger. While the gameplay leans more on story than complex mechanics, its emotional depth makes every time shift feel meaningful.

The Sexy Brutale (2017)

‘The Sexy Brutale’ traps you in a mansion where a masked ball repeats in a time loop, with guests meeting grim fates. You play as Lafcadio Boone, using time rewinds to prevent murders by manipulating events.

Each loop reveals new clues, letting you alter the environment or redirect characters to change outcomes. The puzzle-driven time manipulation blends stealth and strategy, creating a satisfying detective-like experience.

Timesplitters 2 (2002)

‘Timesplitters 2’ is a fast-paced shooter where time travel fuels its wild, era-hopping missions. You jump across settings like the Wild West and futuristic cities, battling enemies with period-specific weapons.

The time-jumping structure keeps gameplay varied, with each level’s distinct vibe and arsenal. Its arcade-style action makes every mission a chaotic, time-bending blast, perfect for fans of quick reflexes.

Deathloop (2021)

‘Deathloop’ puts you in Colt’s shoes, an assassin stuck in a day-long time loop on a mysterious island. Your goal is to eliminate eight targets in one perfect run, using knowledge from past loops to plan your moves.

The loop-based progression blends sharp gunplay with creative problem-solving, as you uncover shortcuts and enemy patterns. Its mix of action and strategy makes every attempt thrilling and rewarding.

Outer Wilds (2019)

‘Outer Wilds’ drops you into a solar system caught in a 22-minute time loop, resetting when the sun goes supernova. You explore planets to uncover secrets, piecing together the mystery with each cycle.

The exploration-driven loop encourages curiosity, as every discovery carries over to inform your next run. Its open-ended approach makes time travel feel like a personal journey of discovery.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)

‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask’ traps Link in a three-day loop as a moon threatens to destroy Termina. You reset time with an ocarina, using each cycle to complete quests and save the world.

The three-day cycle creates urgency, as you juggle tasks and learn character schedules. Its blend of time management and classic Zelda gameplay feels inventive and immersive.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)

‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ gives you a dagger that rewinds time, freezes enemies, or slows the battlefield. You play as the Prince, navigating traps and fighting foes to undo a magical disaster.

The time-control mechanics pair with fluid platforming and combat, letting you correct mistakes or outmaneuver opponents. Its elegant design makes every move feel like a dance with time.

Braid (2008)

‘Braid’ is a puzzle-platformer where you manipulate time to solve intricate challenges. Each world introduces a unique twist, like rewinding to undo actions or creating time-immune objects to navigate obstacles.

The creative time mechanics demand clever thinking, blending artful visuals with brain-bending puzzles. Its innovative approach makes every level a fresh, mind-twisting adventure.

Which time-travel game is your favorite, or did I miss a hidden gem that bends time in a cool way? Share your thoughts in the comments.