Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Celeste (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Celeste 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: Hollow Knight, which both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult.
- Celeste is tagged Precision Platformer, Difficult, Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack, Indie, Platformer, 2D Platformer, Female Protagonist 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.
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
Hollow Knight
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and 2D; released around the same time (2017).
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Hollow Knight at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Cherry Player sentiment 97% positive of 559,290 Price $14.99 PlatformerGreat Soundtrack2DDifficultIndieExplorationStory RichCute
- 2
Owlboy
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Platformer; released around the same time (2016).
Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.
Owlboy at a glance Released 2016 Studio D-Pad Studio Player sentiment 84% positive of 6,122 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsIndiePlatformer2DStory RichPuzzle-PlatformerRetroCute
- 3
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, 2D Platformer and Platformer.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99 Puzzle-Platformer2D PlatformerPlatformerIndie2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultStory Rich
- 4
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Story Rich; released around the same time (2020).
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps at a glance Released 2020 Studio Moon Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,084 Price $29.99 PlatformerGreat SoundtrackStory RichExplorationCute2DIndieDifficult
- 5
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Platformer and Story Rich; released around the same time (2016).
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio Moon Studios GmbH Player sentiment 95% positive of 71,430 Price $19.99 Great SoundtrackPlatformerStory RichCuteDifficult2DIndieSide Scroller
- 6
Cave Story
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerIndieGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroExplorationDifficult
- 7
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackStory RichPlatformer2D PlatformerIndie2DDifficult
- 8
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Exploration, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio snekflat Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,976 Price $14.99 ExplorationPlatformer2D2D PlatformerCuteGreat SoundtrackStory RichDifficult
- 9
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Precision Platformer, Platformer and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
Discover the lost treasures of Ukampa in South America as Aban Hawkins searches for his estranged father, world-famous archeaologist, Jim Hawkins. Aban Hawkins races into the frozen tundra of the antarctic, undiscovered temple ruins and the vast caverns of South America in search of his father and the legendary treasure rumored to lie...
1001 Spikes at a glance Released 2016 Studio Nicalis Player sentiment 83% positive of 770 Price $14.99 Precision PlatformerPlatformerIndieDifficult2DPixel GraphicsRetroGreat Soundtrack
- 10
GRIS
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Indie and Female Protagonist; released around the same time (2018).
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
GRIS at a glance Released 2018 Studio Nomada Studio Player sentiment 96% positive of 96,216 Price $14.99 Great SoundtrackIndieFemale ProtagonistPlatformer2DStory RichPuzzle-PlatformerExploration
- 11
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and 2D; released around the same time (2021).
Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.
Skul: The Hero Slayer at a glance Released 2021 Studio SOUTHPAW GAMES Player sentiment 93% positive of 57,566 Price $19.99 IndiePixel Graphics2DPlatformerDifficultSide ScrollerStory RichCute
- 12
CrossCode
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Female Protagonist and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
CrossCode at a glance Released 2018 Studio Radical Fish Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,408 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsFemale ProtagonistIndieGreat Soundtrack2DStory RichRetroDifficult
- 13
Child of Light
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Female Protagonist and Platformer; released around the same time (2014).
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 Great SoundtrackFemale ProtagonistPlatformer2DStory RichCuteSide ScrollerIndie
- 14
Jump King
Why it matched: both atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Precision Platformer and Indie; released around the same time (2019).
Take up the challenge and face true high-stakes platforming in Jump King! Struggle upwards in search of the Smoking Hot Babe of legend, but explore with care; a single missed jump could lead to a long fall back down...
Jump King at a glance Released 2019 Studio Nexile Player sentiment 90% positive of 13,391 Price $12.99 DifficultPrecision PlatformerIndiePixel GraphicsPlatformer2DRetroSide Scroller
- 15
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Story Rich.
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 IndiePixel GraphicsStory RichRetro2DGreat SoundtrackDifficult
- 16
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Precision Platformer and Platformer.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsPrecision PlatformerPlatformerIndie2D PlatformerGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetro
- 17
Changed
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Cute, Difficult and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2018).
You are trapped in an experiment, trying to find ways to make you still "yourself" , persevere, and survive.
Changed at a glance Released 2018 Studio DragonSnow Player sentiment 86% positive of 18,545 Price $4.99 CuteDifficultPixel GraphicsIndieStory Rich2DGreat SoundtrackLGBTQ+
- 18
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Precision Platformer, Platformer and Difficult.
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Super Meat Boy at a glance Released 2010 Studio Team Meat Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,100 Price $14.99 Precision PlatformerPlatformerDifficultIndie2D PlatformerPixel Graphics2DGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Tomb Raider II
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Female Protagonist, Platformer and Retro.
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Tomb Raider II at a glance Released 1997 Studio Core Design Player sentiment 87% positive of 2,360 Price $3.49 Female ProtagonistPlatformerRetroPuzzle-PlatformerExplorationDifficultStory Rich
- 20
Webbed
Why it matched: both atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including 2D Platformer, Cute and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2021).
Swing through the trees, spin sticky webs, and make friends with bugs! Be the adorable spider you've always wanted to be.
Webbed at a glance Released 2021 Studio Sbug Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 15,267 Price $9.99 2D PlatformerCutePixel GraphicsPuzzle-PlatformerExploration2DPlatformerIndie
- 21
Touhou Luna Nights
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Difficult, Side Scroller and Exploration; released around the same time (2019).
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Touhou Luna Nights at a glance Released 2019 Studio Team Ladybug Player sentiment 97% positive of 14,936 Price $17.99 DifficultSide ScrollerExplorationPlatformerFemale Protagonist2DPixel GraphicsIndie
- 22
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Difficult, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2018).
A roguelite monster-management simulation inspired by the likes of the SCP Foundation, Cabin in the Woods, and Warehouse 13. Order your employees to perform work with the creatures and watch as it unfolds; harness greater energy, and expand the facility
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation at a glance Released 2018 Studio ProjectMoon Player sentiment 94% positive of 56,811 Price $24.99 DifficultStory RichGreat SoundtrackIndie2DCute
- 23
Salt and Sanctuary
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including 2D, Difficult and Platformer; released around the same time (2016).
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Salt and Sanctuary at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ska Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 21,874 Price $17.99 2DDifficultPlatformerIndieSide ScrollerStory Rich
- 24
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack.
Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP at a glance Released 2012 Studio Capybara Player sentiment 77% positive of 2,654 Price $7.99 IndiePixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackFemale Protagonist2DStory RichExplorationRetro
Common questions
What game is most like Celeste?
Hollow Knight, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, atmospheric 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 Celeste" 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 Celeste. 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.