The Return of Point-and-Click Adventures on PC

26 June 2025

Once considered a relic of the past, point-and-click adventure games are staging a striking comeback—and it's not just nostalgia at play. With the rise of indie developers, narrative-driven gameplay, and players craving slower, story-rich experiences, these games are getting a new lease of life on PC.

What Happened to Point-and-Click Adventures?

Let's rewind the clock a bit. Back in the '80s and '90s, point-and-click adventures were the kings of PC gaming. Titles like Monkey Island, King's Quest, Myst, and Grim Fandango weren’t just successful—they defined an entire generation of gaming.

But then something changed.

As graphics and hardware evolved, players moved toward faster-paced genres—first-person shooters, open-world sandboxes, and real-time strategy games took center stage. Meanwhile, adventures that required patience, puzzle-solving, and heavy reading quietly slipped into the shadows.

So, what went wrong?

Mainstream appeal shifted. The market grew more competitive. And honestly, the mechanics of point-and-click adventures started to feel outdated. Pixel hunting, clunky interfaces, and obscure puzzles? Not everyone's cup of tea.

But that was then. The gaming world has turned a corner, and point-and-click is back—arguably better than ever.

Why Point-and-Click Adventures Are Making a Comeback

1. Indie Developers Are Breathing New Life into the Genre

Let’s give credit where it’s due—indie developers are the real MVPs here.

Without the constraints of massive budgets or publisher demands, indie studios have the freedom to experiment. They’re not chasing the next battle royale craze—they’re telling heartfelt stories.

Games like Thimbleweed Park, Unavowed, and The Darkside Detective prove that you don’t need cutting-edge visuals or mega explosions to make something unforgettable. The charm of these titles lies in their writing, atmosphere, and clever design.

And because they’re made by gamers who grew up loving the classics, these new entries preserve the soul of point-and-click while updating the mechanics.

2. Streaming and YouTube Boost Story-Driven Games

Let’s be real—watching someone solve puzzles and react to story twists is perfect streaming content.

Point-and-click adventures have found a second home on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. With their rich narratives and quirky humor, they provide hours of entertaining content, whether you're playing or just watching.

Creators like Jacksepticeye and Game Grumps have covered modern and retro point-and-click games, exposing them to massive audiences. Viewers who never touched a LucasArts game in their life are now diving into the genre—and loving it.

3. Gamers Want Slower, More Meaningful Experiences

Not every gamer wants to be locked in a lobby with 99 others, scrambling for loot.

There’s a growing appetite for games that slow things down. Adventures that make you think. Stories that stick with you long after you close the game.

Point-and-click adventures are designed to engage your brain. They’re interactive novels with puzzles thrown in. They're not about how fast you click—they’re about what you think about while you do.

In a gaming culture that often prizes reflexes over reflection, these games offer a refreshing change.

4. Nostalgia Is Real, But It’s Not Everything

Sure, there’s a heavy nostalgia factor at play here. Returning to pixelated towns and talking to weird NPCs hits a certain emotional note for many gamers.

But let’s not pretend that’s the only reason for the comeback.

Modern point-and-click games aren’t just retreads. Many take the formula and reimagine it for today’s audience. They respect the roots while trimming the fat.

Take Return to Monkey Island (2022), for example. It’s a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern polish. It hits all the right notes for longtime fans while remaining accessible to new players.

What Modern Point-and-Click Games Are Doing Right

Streamlined Interfaces and Controls

Gone are the clunky verb lists and pixel-perfect clicking. Today’s games are more intuitive. You click, interact, and move on.

Developers have done away with the stuff that used to frustrate players—like walking into every room 10 times just to figure out which object was interactable.

It’s smoother. It’s smarter. And it respects your time.

Better Writing, Deeper Stories

Let’s face it—earlier games had some pretty wacky logic and paper-thin plots.

Modern titles are tightening things up. We’re getting complex characters, branching narratives, and dialogue that feels human.

Take Kathy Rain or Whispers of a Machine. These games deal with loss, identity, and even AI ethics—topics you don’t usually find in standard action games.

They hook you with their storytelling, not just their puzzles.

Accessibility and Portability

Another reason we’re seeing a return of point-and-clicks? They’re super accessible.

These games don’t demand top-tier hardware. You can run them on modest PCs, laptops, or even your Steam Deck. Controls are straightforward—no learning curve, no 100-page manuals.

Plus, they’re ideal for portable play. Whether you're on a train, on a couch, or killing time at a coffee shop, these games fit neatly into your lifestyle.

The Best Modern Point-and-Click Games on PC

Need a primer to dive into the modern wave? Here's a shortlist of must-plays:

1. Thimbleweed Park (Terrible Toybox)

Created by Ron Gilbert (the mind behind Monkey Island), this quirky mystery is packed with humor, secrets, and retro flair. It’s like Twin Peaks meets X-Files—with pixels.

2. Unavowed (Wadjet Eye Games)

Mixing the supernatural with urban storytelling, Unavowed hooks you in with its mature plot and party-based gameplay. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed with Planescape: Torment.

3. Return to Monkey Island (Terrible Toybox)

A triumphant return to a beloved franchise, complete with fresh art, sharp writing, and a big ol' dose of nostalgia.

4. The Darkside Detective Series (Spooky Doorway)

Lighthearted, short-form cases packed with jokes, pop culture references, and monsters. It’s like Scooby-Doo with better one-liners.

5. Kathy Rain: Director’s Cut (Clifftop Games)

A gritty, 90s-set mystery with a punk-rock protagonist. Dialogue-heavy and emotionally gripping—a modern-day Veronica Mars in pixels.

The Future of Point-and-Click Adventures

We’re not looking at a one-time fluke. Point-and-click adventures are here to stay—just maybe not in the form you remember.

The genre is evolving. Expect more experimental takes, genre mashups, and immersive storytelling.

VR point-and-clicks? Already happening. Narrative horror infused with point-and-click mechanics? It's on the rise. Think fewer locked doors, more emotional depth.

And as tools like Unity and Godot become more accessible, more creators will bring their stories to life in this format.

Final Thoughts: It's a Great Time to Be a Fan

The gaming world moves fast—trends rise and fall quicker than a mouse click. But point-and-click adventures? They’ve proven they can stand the test of time.

They may have faded for a while, but they never truly left. And with modern polish, captivating stories, and a fresh generation of developers, they’re back in the spotlight—and better than ever.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newbie, it’s time to fire up Steam, grab your mouse, and dive into these pixelated stories. Because point-and-click adventures aren’t just making a return—they’re making a statement.