CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience similar games & best alternatives
CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience
2020
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Quick resume
CHANGE is an award nominated homeless survival experience set in a randomly created city with rogue-like elements. Explore, survive, earn perks, find items & kindness to develop your character & escape to a new life. Over 7 years of development & over 200 updates so far!
Global score
91/100
Genres
Adventure, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
Pros
- Meaningful and empathetic portrayal of homelessness
- Challenging and engaging survival mechanics
- High replayability with varied characters and perks
- Active developer support and updates
- Portion of proceeds donated to homeless charities
Cons
- Some bugs and occasional clunky controls
- Repetitive gameplay loops after progression
- Limited character customization and expression
- Some players find happiness mechanics harsh
- Lack of multiplayer or deeper social interaction
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players make many personal choices about survival strategies, such as begging, busking, stealing, or working jobs, showing control over actions despite some RNG elements."
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Competence3
"Players face challenging survival mechanics requiring skillful resource management and decision-making, though some repetitive elements exist."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on individual survival without leaderboards or direct player-vs-player competition; players set personal goals."
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Continuation4
"Many players report long sessions and repeated playthroughs motivated by unlocking perks and improving strategies."
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Cooperation1
"Some interaction with NPC homeless characters and minor community elements exist, but gameplay is primarily individual."
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Creativity2
"Players experiment with different survival approaches and character builds, but within a structured game world."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions emphasize empathy and survival rather than dominance."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to gain perspective and emotional engagement with homelessness, often as a meaningful escape."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and empathy, not obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Players try various strategies, perks, and character scenarios to explore different survival experiences."
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Exploration2
"Players explore a procedurally generated city with randomized shops and events, though environments are limited."
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Expression-2
"Limited character customization; some cosmetic elements but mostly standardized presentation."
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Fantasy-4
"Game focuses on realistic, grounded scenarios of homelessness rather than imaginative or fantastical elements."
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Fellowship1
"Some sense of community with NPC homeless characters, but mostly a solitary experience."
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Growth4
"Players learn survival skills, manage mental health, and develop strategies to improve outcomes over time."
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Health-4
"Game depicts unhealthy habits like addiction and poor hygiene as survival challenges rather than promoting health."
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Idle-3
"Requires active attention to manage multiple survival meters and time-sensitive tasks."
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Intimacy-3
"Limited social interaction mostly surface-level with NPCs; no deep relationship building."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership roles; players focus on individual survival without managing or guiding others."
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Progression4
"Players accumulate items, perks, and unlock new buildings and characters as they progress."
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Relaxation-2
"Gameplay is tense and challenging with emotional strain, though some find it oddly relaxing."
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Sensation1
"Simple graphics and sound create an immersive atmosphere but sensory stimulation is moderate."
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Status-3
"Achievements and progression are personal; no social recognition or visibility elements."
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Story3
"Narrative elements and character backstories provide emotional immersion and meaningful context."
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Strategy4
"Players engage in complex resource management, planning, and problem solving to survive."
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Thrill3
"Random events and risk of failure create suspense and tension during gameplay."
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Value4
"Players perceive good value due to meaningful gameplay, replayability, and charitable contributions."
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Violence-4
"Game focuses on survival and resource management rather than combat or destruction."
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Survival5
"Core gameplay centers on overcoming threats, managing resources, and staying alive in harsh conditions."
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Last update: 06/03/2026