10 Clone Video Games That Seems Better Than The Original

Every great thing has a cheap copy. This saying is especially true of video games, where for every industry-defining hit, a slew of imitators inevitably follows. From pixel-for-pixel platformers to indie roguelikes clearly inspired by bigger names, clone games are a dime a dozen—and most of them aren’t worth your time.

But not all.

While many clones fall flat as pale imitations, there are a few that do the unthinkable: they surpass their source of inspiration. Whether it’s by refining gameplay mechanics, expanding creative ideas, or simply delivering a more polished experience, these copycats ended up stealing the spotlight from the very games they were trying to mimic.

Let’s take a look at 10 clone video games that not only held their own against the originals—but might just be better.

1. Stardew Valley (Clone of: Harvest Moon)

Why it’s better: More depth, better controls, modernized systems

Harvest Moon walked so Stardew Valley could sprint. While the beloved farming sim franchise established the genre, it also stagnated over time, hampered by outdated mechanics and inconsistent releases.

Enter Stardew Valley—developed by one person, no less. It modernized the farming sim formula with more robust systems, better character development, same-sex relationships, and mod support. It didn’t just clone Harvest Moon; it perfected it.

2. Cities: Skylines (Clone of: SimCity)

Why it’s better: More freedom, fewer restrictions, superior modding community

When EA’s 2013 reboot of SimCity launched with server issues, restrictive gameplay, and a disappointing online requirement, it was a disaster. That same year, a little-known developer released Cities: Skylines, and everything changed.

With greater control over zoning, better traffic systems, and a thriving modding scene, Cities: Skylines delivered the city-building sandbox fans had been craving. It took everything SimCity did and did it better, proving the student had become the master.

3. Genshin Impact (Clone of: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)

Why it’s better: More content, co-op play, regular updates

When Genshin Impact debuted, comparisons to Breath of the Wild were immediate and relentless. The visual style, gliding mechanics, and elemental puzzles were all reminiscent of Nintendo’s open-world masterpiece.

But Genshin did something unique—it added RPG depth, an expansive roster of characters, gacha mechanics (for better or worse), and frequent content drops. With its multiplayer support and massive world, many argue that Genshin’s ongoing experience is even more engaging than BotW’s one-and-done journey.

4. Palworld (Clone of: Pokémon)

Why it’s better: Survival mechanics, open-world exploration, mature tone

Pokémon fans have long wished for a deeper, more complex take on monster catching, and Palworld delivered—though not without controversy. Combining creature collection with third-person shooter gameplay and crafting systems, Palworld shocked players with its mature tone and dark undertones.

Instead of simply catching and battling creatures, you can arm your “Pals,” build factories, and explore a massive open world. While it may lack the charm of Pokémon, its bold risks and deeper mechanics have captured the imagination of players in ways Game Freak’s formula hasn’t in years.

5. The Outer Worlds (Clone of: Fallout)

Why it’s better: Sharper writing, better pacing, less bloat

Obsidian Entertainment had already made waves with Fallout: New Vegas, but when Bethesda’s grip on the Fallout series became controversial (especially after Fallout 76), fans craved a return to form.

The Outer Worlds delivered that and more. It took the quirky sci-fi, RPG-heavy DNA of Fallout and condensed it into a more focused, compelling narrative with better pacing, sharper dialogue, and meaningful choices. Without the bloat and bugs of Fallout, it was like Fallout—but better edited.

6. Axiom Verge (Clone of: Metroid)

Why it’s better: Complex story, experimental weapons, fresh mechanics

Metroid set the bar for exploration-based platformers, but Nintendo’s sporadic release schedule left a void. Axiom Verge filled that void with eerie pixel art, a haunting soundtrack, and unique gameplay twists like glitch mechanics and weapon experimentation.

Where Metroid leaned on nostalgia, Axiom Verge innovated, bringing new life to the genre. It’s a love letter to Metroid that dares to break the rules—and succeeds.

7. Deep Rock Galactic (Clone of: Left 4 Dead)

Why it’s better: Unique setting, progression systems, cooperative synergy

Left 4 Dead popularized four-player co-op shooters, but Deep Rock Galactic took the concept to the next level. Set in space caves full of alien bugs, the game combines Left 4 Dead’s team-based survival with resource gathering, class-based roles, and procedural level design.

It also adds long-term progression and skill trees, making each run feel more meaningful. Plus, the camaraderie among the dwarven characters makes it uniquely charming. It’s Left 4 Dead—but with space dwarves and way more strategy.

8. Team Fortress 2 (Clone of: Quake Mods like Team Fortress Classic)

Why it’s better: Distinct classes, iconic art style, longevity

The original Team Fortress was a mod of Quake, a fast-paced, gritty shooter. Valve took the concept and transformed it into something timeless with Team Fortress 2. With a unique art style, refined class systems, and consistent updates, TF2 became a cultural phenomenon.

It retained the team-based essence of the original but added balance, humor, and accessibility. Decades later, it’s still played—and still more beloved than the original mod that inspired it.

9. Hollow Knight (Clone of: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)

Why it’s better: Beautiful world-building, better difficulty balance, huge content value

The “Metroidvania” genre owes much to Symphony of the Night, but Hollow Knight took that DNA and built an empire with it. It created a world that was both mysterious and melancholic, filled with secrets, precise platforming, and jaw-dropping boss battles.

Its balance of exploration and challenge, combined with a vast amount of content for a low price, makes it arguably the best Metroidvania experience to date. Even Symphony of the Night feels simplistic by comparison.

10. Black Mesa (Clone of: Half-Life)

Why it’s better: Modern graphics, expanded environments, refined design

Valve’s Half-Life was a groundbreaking FPS, but time hasn’t been kind to its visuals and mechanics. Black Mesa, a fan-made remake sanctioned by Valve, brought the classic into the modern era with stunning results.

More than just a graphical update, Black Mesa redesigned some of Half-Life’s clunkiest sections, expanded the infamous Xen levels, and fine-tuned the AI and level design. It’s what Half-Life always should have been—and now finally is.