Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Backpack Hero (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Backpack Hero on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Balatro, which both story-rich, strategy and relaxing.
- Backpack Hero is tagged Replay Value, Turn-Based, Inventory Management, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding, 2D, Fantasy, Rogue-like by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 4 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Balatro
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and relaxing; shares 13 player tags including Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like and Deckbuilding; released around the same time (2024).
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Balatro at a glance Released 2024 Studio LocalThunk Player sentiment 98% positive of 197,690 Price $14.99 Roguelike DeckbuilderRogue-likeDeckbuildingStrategyReplay ValueRogue-liteTurn-BasedCard Battler
- 2
Slay the Spire
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and relaxing; shares 12 player tags including Roguelike Deckbuilder, Card Battler and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2019).
We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!
Slay the Spire at a glance Released 2019 Studio Mega Crit Player sentiment 97% positive of 217,947 Price $24.99 Roguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerRogue-likeDeckbuildingTurn-BasedStrategyRogue-liteReplay Value
- 3
Monster Train
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Card Battler, Rogue-lite and Deckbuilding; released around the same time (2020).
Monster Train is a strategic roguelike deck building game with a twist. Set on a train to hell, you’ll use tactical decision making to defend multiple vertical battlegrounds. With real time competitive multiplayer and endless replayability, Monster Train is always on time.
Monster Train at a glance Released 2020 Studio Shiny Shoe Player sentiment 96% positive of 22,925 Price $24.99 Card BattlerRogue-liteDeckbuildingRogue-likeTurn-Based StrategyStrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderChoices Matter
- 4
Across the Obelisk
Why it matched: both fantasy and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and 2D; released around the same time (2022).
Set forth in a co-op roguelite deckbuilder where every choice matters! Craft decks of breathtaking power. Journey alone or with up to three friends. Plot your party’s path to glory and face powerful enemies in deep tactical combat on your quest to save the kingdom of Senenthia in Across the Obelisk!
Across the Obelisk at a glance Released 2022 Studio Dreamsite Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 13,086 Price $19.99 Rogue-likeStrategy2DFantasyRoguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerDeckbuildingTurn-Based
- 5
Wildermyth
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Choices Matter, Procedural Generation and Fantasy; released around the same time (2021).
Wildermyth follows heroes over their whole careers, from their pitchfork days to their powerful primes, and on into old age and memory. It’s a party-based procedural storytelling RPG where tactical combat and story decisions will alter your world and reshape your cast of characters.
Wildermyth at a glance Released 2021 Studio Worldwalker Games LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,232 Price $24.99 Choices MatterProcedural GenerationFantasyRogue-liteTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedModdableStrategy
- 6
Backpack Battles
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 9 player tags including Inventory Management, Strategy and Roguelike Deckbuilder; published by the same company; released around the same time (2025).
A PvP inventory management auto battler! Buy and craft powerful items, then carefully arrange them in your backpack.
Backpack Battles at a glance Released 2025 Studio PlayWithFurcifer Player sentiment 91% positive of 20,654 Price $14.99 Inventory ManagementStrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerRogue-likeTurn-BasedReplay Value2D
- 7
Rogue Tower
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Rogue-like and Casual; released around the same time (2022).
Rogue Tower is a tower defense game with roguelike elements and a continuously expanding path which you can influence. Unlock, build, upgrade, expand, defend.
Rogue Tower at a glance Released 2022 Studio Die of Death Games Player sentiment 83% positive of 5,921 Price $14.99 StrategyRogue-likeCasualProcedural GenerationRogue-liteBuildingFantasy
- 8
Child of Light
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Fantasy, Turn-Based and Female Protagonist.
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Child of Light at a glance Released 2014 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,481 Price $14.99 FantasyTurn-BasedFemale Protagonist2DTurn-Based StrategyCasual
- 9
Loop Hero
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-like, Deckbuilding and Rogue-lite; released around the same time (2021).
The Lich has thrown the world into a timeless loop and plunged its inhabitants into never ending chaos. Wield an expanding deck of mystical cards to place enemies, buildings, and terrain along each unique expedition loop for the brave hero.
Loop Hero at a glance Released 2021 Studio Four Quarters Player sentiment 93% positive of 36,517 Price $14.99 Rogue-likeDeckbuildingRogue-liteChoices Matter2DFantasy
- 10
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Deckbuilding and Fantasy; released around the same time (2020).
Command mighty Witcher-world heroes in epic online PvP card battles!
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game at a glance Released 2020 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 86% positive of 27,710 Price Free StrategyDeckbuildingFantasyTurn-BasedCard BattlerCasual
- 11
Darkest Dungeon II
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-lite, Rogue-like and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2023).
Darkest Dungeon II is a roguelike road trip of the damned. Form a party, equip your stagecoach, and set off across the decaying landscape on a last gasp quest to avert the apocalypse. The greatest dangers you face, however, may come from within...
Darkest Dungeon II at a glance Released 2023 Studio Red Hook Studios Player sentiment 75% positive of 26,801 Price $12.39 Rogue-liteRogue-likeTurn-Based2DProcedural GenerationTurn-Based Strategy
- 12
Gems of War - Puzzle RPG
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Turn-Based Strategy, Strategy and 2D.
Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat!
Gems of War - Puzzle RPG at a glance Released 2014 Studio Infinity Plus 2 Player sentiment 79% positive of 10,815 Price Free Turn-Based StrategyStrategy2DCasualFantasy
- 13
The Last Spell
Why it matched: both fantasy and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2023).
Defend the last bastion of humanity with your squad of heroes! Exterminate fiendish monsters with magic and brute force by night and re-build your battered city defenses by day in this tactical RPG with rogue-lite mechanics.
The Last Spell at a glance Released 2023 Studio Ishtar Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,649 Price $6.24 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-Based2DRogue-liteFantasyRogue-like
- 14
Artifact
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Card Battler, Deckbuilding and Strategy.
Artifact now features two games: Artifact Classic, the original Dota 2 trading card game, and Artifact Foundry, a special edition with streamlined gameplay, new cards, new single-player content, and an improved new player experience.
Artifact at a glance Released 2018 Studio Valve Player sentiment 47% positive of 24,768 Price Free Card BattlerDeckbuildingStrategyTurn-Based StrategyFantasyCasualTurn-Based
- 15
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Turn-Based Strategy, Fantasy and Female Protagonist.
The critically acclaimed RPG that raised the bar, from the creators of Baldur's Gate 3. Gather your party. Master deep, tactical combat. Venture as a party of up to four - but know that only one of you will have the chance to become a God.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2017 Studio Larian Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 205,637 Price $44.99 Turn-Based StrategyFantasyFemale ProtagonistChoices MatterStrategyModdable
- 16
Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Why it matched: both fantasy and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Rogue-like and Rogue-lite; released around the same time (2020).
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms!
Iratus: Lord of the Dead at a glance Released 2020 Studio Unfrozen Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,251 Price $2.99 StrategyRogue-likeRogue-liteTurn-BasedFantasy2DReplay Value
- 17
Invisible, Inc.
Why it matched: both story-rich and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Rogue-lite and Turn-Based.
Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life.
Invisible, Inc. at a glance Released 2015 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 91% positive of 5,778 Price $19.99 StrategyRogue-liteTurn-BasedRogue-likeFemale ProtagonistProcedural GenerationChoices MatterTurn-Based Strategy
- 18
The Banner Saga
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Turn-Based, Strategy and Turn-Based Strategy.
Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.
The Banner Saga at a glance Released 2014 Studio Stoic Player sentiment 89% positive of 15,950 Price $24.99 Turn-BasedStrategyTurn-Based StrategyFantasyChoices Matter2D
- 19
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Turn-Based, Strategy and Fantasy.
Harebrained Schemes' biggest Shadowrun game to date, and the definitive Shadowrun RPG experience available on PC. Now a standalone title with tons of new content & improvements!
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut at a glance Released 2014 Studio Harebrained Schemes Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,570 Price $14.99 Turn-BasedStrategyFantasyTurn-Based StrategyModdableFemale Protagonist
- 20
Town of Salem 2
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Casual and Fantasy; released around the same time (2023).
A multiplayer online social deduction game for 7–15 players. Use deception, strategy, and teamwork to find the truth—or get away with murder.
Town of Salem 2 at a glance Released 2023 Studio BlankMediaGames LLC Player sentiment 69% positive of 9,203 Price Free StrategyCasualFantasyChoices Matter
- 21
PlateUp!
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Rogue-lite, Building and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2022).
Cook and serve your dishes, design and decorate your restaurants, and expand your culinary kingdom with new unlocks, abilities and dishes in procedurally-generated locations. Classic cooking action with permanent roguelite progression. Hire your friends - or do it all yourself!
PlateUp! at a glance Released 2022 Studio It's happening Player sentiment 95% positive of 27,072 Price $19.99 Rogue-liteBuildingRogue-likeProcedural GenerationCasualControllerStrategy
- 22
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, 2D and Strategy.
The best-selling, award-winning franchise is back – on your home PC in gorgeous HD for the first time.
Scribblenauts Unlimited at a glance Released 2012 Studio 5th Cell Media Player sentiment 94% positive of 12,381 Price $19.99 Casual2DStrategyFantasyModdableReplay Value
- 23
The Legend of Bum-Bo
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Rogue-lite, Strategy and Casual; released around the same time (2019).
A puzzle based deck building rogue-like prequel to The Binding of Isaac... Made of cardboard!
The Legend of Bum-Bo at a glance Released 2019 Studio Edmund McMillen Player sentiment 81% positive of 5,934 Price $14.99 Rogue-liteStrategyCasualDeckbuildingTurn-BasedTurn-Based StrategyRogue-like
- 24
Age of Wonders 4
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Fantasy and Turn-Based Strategy; released around the same time (2023).
Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!
Age of Wonders 4 at a glance Released 2023 Studio Triumph Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 22,976 Price $49.99 StrategyFantasyTurn-Based StrategyChoices MatterModdable
Common questions
What game is most like Backpack Hero?
Balatro, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, strategy and relaxing. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Backpack Hero" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Backpack Hero. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.