Myst
Myst is a 1993 adventure and puzzle game developed by Cyan and created by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller. Players explore a mysterious, deserted island rendered in lush pre-rendered visuals, solving intricate environmental puzzles and piecing together a story hidden in enchanted books that transport them to other worlds called Ages.
The game was renowned for its atmospheric, first-person exploration and its non-violent, cerebral approach, presenting a quiet, slow-paced world to be understood through observation rather than conquered through action. Navigation used pre-rendered still images clicked one node at a time, and its striking visuals, immersive ambient sound and mechanical puzzles helped showcase the storytelling potential of the emerging CD-ROM format.
Myst became one of the best-selling PC games of its time and helped drive adoption of CD-ROM drives in home computers. It has been remade and re-released repeatedly, including modern versions with real-time 3D that let players explore the island on current platforms.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Myst, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Witness | € 36,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Obduction | € 30,49 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Quern - Undying Thoughts Indie | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Riven (2024 remake) | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Xbox |
| Myst (2021) | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Xbox |
The Witness
€ 36,99A silent island full of panel puzzles that teach their own rules, in the purest Myst tradition.
The Witness runs on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Linux, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
Obduction
€ 30,49Cyan's own successor to Myst: alien worlds, no hand-holding, and machinery you have to reason out.
Obduction runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
Quern - Undying Thoughts Indie
€ 24,99A gorgeous indie first-person puzzle adventure in the Myst tradition.
Quern - Undying Thoughts runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Riven (2024 remake)
€ 29,99A gorgeous ground-up remake of Myst's acclaimed sequel.
Riven (2024 remake) runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
Myst (2021)
€ 29,99A full 3D remake with real-time graphics and optional VR.
Myst (2021) runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
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