6 Games with Wolves (+1 Bonus Fox You Shouldn't Miss)
- Jane Dillinger
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Discover six of the best video games where wolves take center stage—from emotional indie adventures and realistic wildlife simulations to Nintendo classics—plus one upcoming fox game worth adding to your wishlist.
Almost a year ago, I wrapped up my list of games starring foxes with a little promise:
"Maybe I'll have to return for a full 'Games with Wolves' list later."
Then... I didn't.
Not because I forgot. Quite the opposite.
If you've ever heard of the Zeigarnik effect, you'll know that unfinished tasks have a funny way of lingering in the back of your mind. I recently mentioned it in my Skool community, and while thinking about examples, this article immediately came back to me. Apparently, my brain had been quietly keeping score for almost a year.
So here we are.
This time it's all about wolves.
They're everywhere in games—as enemies, companions, mounts, or symbols—but surprisingly few games let them take center stage.
I managed to find six where wolves are the real stars, plus one bonus fox game as a little nod to last year's article.
Because fair is fair.
Neva (2024)
From the creators of Gris comes another emotional journey—this time with a wolf at its heart. You play as Alba, a young woman traveling through a dying world alongside a wolf cub named Neva, who gradually grows into a powerful companion. Their relationship evolves naturally over the course of the game, making every milestone feel earned. Stunning hand-painted visuals and wordless storytelling make Neva one of the most memorable indie games of recent years.
Blanc (2023)
Sometimes less really is more. Blanc is a cozy puzzle adventure about an unlikely friendship between a wolf cub and a fawn, separated from their families after a snowstorm. You can play solo, controlling both characters, or share the experience in local or online co-op, with each player taking one animal. Their unique abilities complement each other, making teamwork feel natural whether you're playing alone or together. Combined with its hand-drawn black-and-white art style, Blanc feels like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook.
LOST EMBER: Rekindled Edition (2025)
What if you could experience the world through the eyes of countless animals? In LOST EMBER, your primary form is a wolf, but you can also possess birds, fish, wombats, mountain goats, and many other creatures as you uncover the story of a fallen civilization. Rather than combat, the game emphasizes exploration, atmosphere, and quiet reflection, making it a relaxing journey through a breathtaking world reclaimed by nature.
Originally released in 2019, LOST EMBER returned in 2025 as the Rekindled Edition. The story and gameplay remain the same, but the visuals have been significantly enhanced, making this the best version to experience if you're playing the game for the first time.
WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition (2025)
If you've ever wondered what life as a real wolf is like, this is probably the closest you'll get without moving to Yellowstone. Developed with input from wildlife experts, WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition is a remarkably authentic simulation of a wolf's life. You hunt, establish territory, find a mate, raise pups, and defend your pack against predators and rival wolves. It's educational without ever feeling like homework, and one of the few games that treats wolves as animals rather than fantasy creatures.
Although the game first became available in Early Access in 2019, it wasn't officially released until 2025, after years of updates and expansion. Today, it's widely regarded as one of the most authentic wildlife simulations ever made.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Link has taken many forms over the years, but few are as iconic as his transformation into a wolf. While you don't spend the entire game on four legs, Wolf Link plays a major role throughout the adventure, using enhanced senses and unique abilities to navigate the Twilight Realm. Combined with Midna's unforgettable companion role, it remains one of the series' darkest and most beloved entries.
Wolf (1994)
Long before realistic wildlife simulators became a thing, there was Wolf. Released for DOS in 1994 and recognized by the Guinness World Records as the first video game played entirely as a wolf, it let players experience life from the perspective of one of nature's most iconic predators. You hunt, survive, raise a family, and compete with rival predators in a surprisingly ambitious simulation for its time. By today's standards it's undeniably dated, but its place in gaming history is unquestionable.
+1 Bonus Fox Game: This Dead Winter (Upcoming)
Last time, the bonus game featured a wolf. This time, it's only fair to return the favor.
This Dead Winter hasn't been released yet, but it's one of my most anticipated indie games. You play as a fox exploring a mysterious valley where the ruins of an ancient civilization meet the technology of more recent settlers. Along the way, you'll solve environmental puzzles, uncover long-forgotten secrets, gain supernatural abilities, and encounter spirits—some willing to help, others determined to stand in your way.
I'm especially looking forward to it because the fox looks incredibly lifelike and expressive, and I have a soft spot for games that let me freely explore beautiful open worlds. If the final game lives up to its promise, I have a feeling it won't stay on my wishlist for long.
Why Wolves Make Great Game Characters
If foxes are often portrayed as clever tricksters or magical guides, wolves tend to represent something different. They embody loyalty, resilience, family, and the untamed side of nature. Whether they're protecting a child (Neva), searching for a way home (Blanc), raising a pack (WolfQuest), or simply trying to survive (Lost Ember), they're rarely just another animal. They're usually the emotional heart of the story.
And yes, I kept my promise.
The wolf list is finally complete.
...Which probably means I've accidentally started a tradition. So if you have a favorite game starring another animal, let me know. I might have just found my next unfinished task.
Topics: Video Games, Indie Games, Animal Protagonists, Cozy Games, Adventure Games
Comments