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 games like Backpack Hero on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
- Xbox
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: Balatro, which both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult.
- 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.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
Why players value Backpack Hero
The five things Steam players tag Backpack Hero with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Replay Value
- Turn-Based
- Inventory Management
- Roguelike Deckbuilder
- Deckbuilding
| Reception | on Steam (86% of 8,500) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | $9.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
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, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (98% of 197,690)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 4 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Game, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Roguelike DeckbuilderRogue-likeDeckbuildingStrategyReplay ValueRogue-liteTurn-BasedCard Battler
- 2
Slay the Spire
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: (97% of 217,947)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 4 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Roguelike Deckbuilder, Card Game, Card Battler, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Roguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerRogue-likeDeckbuildingTurn-BasedStrategyRogue-liteReplay Value
- 3
Monster Train
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 22,925)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Battler, Rogue-lite, Card Game, Turn-Based Tactics, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Card BattlerRogue-liteDeckbuildingRogue-likeTurn-Based StrategyStrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderChoices Matter
- 4
Across the Obelisk
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (80% of 13,086)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 4 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Rogue-like, Strategy, 2D, Fantasy, Roguelike Deckbuilder — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-likeStrategy2DFantasyRoguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerDeckbuildingTurn-Based
- 5
Wildermyth
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (95% of 18,232)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: Party-Based RPG, Choices Matter, Story Rich, Character Customization, Turn-Based Tactics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Choices MatterProcedural GenerationFantasyRogue-liteTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedModdableStrategy
- 6
Backpack Battles
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 20,654)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 4 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based, Inventory Management, Roguelike Deckbuilder
Why players like it: Early Access, Auto Battler, Inventory Management, Strategy, PvP — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Inventory ManagementStrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderCard BattlerRogue-likeTurn-BasedReplay Value2D
- 7
Rogue Tower
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (83% of 5,921)
Matches Backpack Hero on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: Tower Defense, Strategy, Rogue-like, Casual, Procedural Generation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyRogue-likeCasualProcedural GenerationRogue-liteBuildingFantasy
- 8
Loop Hero
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (93% of 36,517)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Tactical, Rogue-like, Pixel Graphics, Deckbuilding, Rogue-lite — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-likeDeckbuildingRogue-liteChoices Matter2DFantasy
- 9
Darkest Dungeon II
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (75% of 26,801)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: Turn-Based Tactics, Dungeon Crawler, Rogue-lite, Dark Fantasy, Lovecraftian — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $12.39 — $2.40 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-liteRogue-likeTurn-Based2DProcedural GenerationTurn-Based Strategy
- 10
The Last Spell
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 13,649)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: Strategy, Singleplayer, Turn-Based Strategy, RPG, Turn-Based Tactics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $6.24 — $3.75 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-Based2DRogue-liteFantasyRogue-like
- 11
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (86% of 27,710)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Turn-Based, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Free to Play, Strategy, Card Game, RPG, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyDeckbuildingFantasyTurn-BasedCard BattlerCasual
- 12
Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (86% of 8,251)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based
Why players like it: RPG, Strategy, Indie, Turn-Based Combat, Rogue-like — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $2.99 — $7.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyRogue-likeRogue-liteTurn-BasedFantasy2DReplay Value
- 13
Invisible, Inc.
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (91% of 5,778)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: Cyberpunk, Difficult, Turn-Based Tactics, Isometric, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyRogue-liteTurn-BasedRogue-likeFemale ProtagonistProcedural GenerationChoices MatterTurn-Based Strategy
- 14
The Legend of Bum-Bo
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (81% of 5,934)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Turn-Based, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Rogue-lite, Indie, Strategy, Adventure, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-liteStrategyCasualDeckbuildingTurn-BasedTurn-Based StrategyRogue-like
- 15
PlateUp!
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (95% of 27,072)
Matches Backpack Hero on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: Co-op, Management, Cooking, Rogue-lite, Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-liteBuildingRogue-likeProcedural GenerationCasualControllerStrategy
- 16
Artifact
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy, relaxing and difficult; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.5/10 · Steam: (47% of 24,768)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Turn-Based, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Card Game, Trading Card Game, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Card BattlerDeckbuildingStrategyTurn-Based StrategyFantasyCasualTurn-Based
- 17
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (91% of 13,481)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: RPG, Fantasy, Great Soundtrack, Turn-Based, Female Protagonist — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install, launchers, accounts and anti-cheat (details)
Shared with Backpack Hero:FantasyTurn-BasedFemale Protagonist2DTurn-Based StrategyCasual
- 18
Curious Expedition 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-lite, Turn-Based and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2021).
Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based narrative roguelike set in a reimagined version of the late 19th century that uses procedural gameplay and story elements to create completely unique and epic adventures every time you play.
Curious Expedition 2 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Maschinen-Mensch Player sentiment 89% positive of 4,143 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (89% of 4,143)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Turn-Based
Why players like it: Adventure, Simulation, Dynamic Narration, Alternate History, Hex Grid — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $4.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-liteTurn-BasedRogue-likeTurn-Based StrategyStrategyProcedural Generation
- 19
Stoneshard
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2020).
Stoneshard is a hardcore turn-based RPG about the harsh life of a medieval mercenary: travel with your own caravan, descend into procedurally generated dungeons, learn new skills, survive hunger and injuries - and remember, every mistake can mean death and loss of progress.
Stoneshard at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ink Stains Games Player sentiment 75% positive of 35,515 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (75% of 35,515)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Replay Value, Turn-Based
Why players like it: RPG, Rogue-like, Strategy, Pixel Graphics, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-likeStrategyTurn-BasedProcedural Generation2DReplay Value
- 20
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Casual and Rogue-lite; released around the same time (2026).
"The Scroll of Taiwu" is an indie game themed around Chinese mythology and wuxia. Players assume the role of the mysterious "heir of the Taiwu clan" in an alternate ancient China, working through generations of heirs to defeat a powerful hereditary enemy and shape the fate of the human world.
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome at a glance Released 2026 Studio ConchShip Games Player sentiment 65% positive of 70,159 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.3/10 · Steam: (65% of 70,159)
Matches Backpack Hero on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: RPG, Martial Arts, Sandbox, Open World, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $29.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyCasualRogue-liteBuildingRogue-like2D
- 21
Inscryption
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Card Battler, Deckbuilding and Rogue-lite; released around the same time (2021).
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Inscryption at a glance Released 2021 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 148,199 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: (97% of 148,199)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 1 of 5 — Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Battler, Card Game, Story Rich, Deckbuilding, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:Card BattlerDeckbuildingRogue-liteStrategyRogue-like2D
- 22
Cult of the Lamb
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-lite, Building and 2D; released around the same time (2022).
Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.
Cult of the Lamb at a glance Released 2022 Studio Massive Monster Player sentiment 96% positive of 128,972 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (96% of 128,972)
Matches Backpack Hero on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: Base-Building, Cute, Action Roguelike, Singleplayer, Dungeon Crawler — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Backpack Hero:Rogue-liteBuilding2DFantasyControllerStrategy
- 23
Dwarf Fortress
Why it matched: both fantasy, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Building and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2022).
Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Keep your dwarves happy, grow their community and beware of digging too deeply. The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created.
Dwarf Fortress at a glance Released 2022 Studio Bay 12 Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 31,446 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (95% of 31,446)
Matches Backpack Hero on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: Dwarf, Colony Sim, Strategy, Simulation, Base-Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $29.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyBuildingRogue-likeProcedural GenerationFantasyModdable
- 24
Library Of Ruina
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Deckbuilding and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2021).
"May you find your book in this place." Combat between the guests and the librarians breaks out as if it were on a stage. Defeated guests turn into books, and the Library grows onward. And eventually, get your hands on… The one singular, perfect book.
Library Of Ruina at a glance Released 2021 Studio ProjectMoon Player sentiment 94% positive of 44,826 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 44,826)
Matches Backpack Hero on: 2 of 5 — Turn-Based, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Story Rich, Card Game, Strategy, Difficult, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Backpack Hero: $29.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Backpack Hero:StrategyDeckbuildingTurn-BasedCard BattlerTurn-Based Strategy2D
Common questions
What game is most like Backpack Hero?
Balatro, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult. 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.