Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Emily is Away (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Emily is Away 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: Rewrite, which both story-rich and relaxing.
- Emily is Away is tagged Free to Play, Story Rich, Singleplayer, Choices Matter, Indie, Interactive Fiction, Simulation, Retro 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.
- 5 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
Rewrite
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 11 player tags including Visual Novel, Casual and Interactive Fiction; released around the same time (2011).
In this city built upon the ideal coexistence of civilization and the environment, Tennouji Kotarou spends his days with his friends, Kanbe Kotori and Yoshino Haruhiko. In this peaceful city, a tumultuous event shakes the foundations of Kazamatsuri once a year.
Rewrite at a glance Released 2011 Studio Key Player sentiment 95% positive of 783 Price $49.99 Visual NovelCasualInteractive FictionChoose Your Own AdventureSimulationDating Sim2DRomance
- 2
To the Moon
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2011).
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.
To the Moon at a glance Released 2011 Studio Freebird Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 86,409 Price $9.99 Story RichIndiePixel GraphicsInteractive FictionRomanceShort2DFunny
- 3
LoveChoice
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Romance, Dating Sim and Choices Matter.
"What is love?" We try to answer that with this game. The game encourages people to have a warm, soft, and understanding heart.
LoveChoice at a glance Released 2021 Studio Akaba Studio Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,611 Price $1.99 RomanceDating SimChoices MatterStory RichVisual NovelSimulationCasualIndie
- 4
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Dating Sim, Romance and Visual Novel; released around the same time (2017).
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is a game where you play as a Dad and your goal is to meet and romance other hot Dads. Are you ready? Hi ready, I'm Dad.
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator at a glance Released 2017 Studio Game Grumps Player sentiment 92% positive of 6,260 Price $14.99 Dating SimRomanceVisual NovelSimulationIndieCasualFunnyChoices Matter
- 5
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Visual Novel, Dating Sim and Romance.
Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! at a glance Released 2021 Studio Team Salvato Player sentiment 97% positive of 32,198 Price $14.99 Visual NovelDating SimRomanceStory Rich2DInteractive FictionText-BasedIndie
- 6
Everlasting Summer
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Visual Novel, Story Rich and Free to Play; released around the same time (2014).
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Everlasting Summer at a glance Released 2014 Studio Soviet Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 78,073 Price Free Visual NovelStory RichFree to PlayChoices MatterRomance2DDating SimIndie
- 7
Sakura Swim Club
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Visual Novel, Dating Sim and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
In Sakura Swim Club, follow the story of Kaede, just your average guy. Upon transferring to a new school, he meets two beautiful girls in the swim club. Things haven't gone well for the swim club lately, but with Kaede's help, that all changes.
Sakura Swim Club at a glance Released 2015 Studio Winged Cloud Player sentiment 85% positive of 2,772 Price $9.99 Visual NovelDating SimIndieCasualStory RichRomance2DIlluminati
- 8
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Visual Novel, Pixel Graphics and Story Rich; released around the same time (2016).
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action at a glance Released 2016 Studio Sukeban Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 38,684 Price $14.99 Visual NovelPixel GraphicsStory RichChoices MatterCasualSimulation2DFunny
- 9
Kanon
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Casual, Visual Novel and Simulation.
A tale of small miracles in a snow-covered town— Kanon, the very first game from visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring HD visuals and full voice support! (The protagonist is only voiced in certain scenes.)
Kanon at a glance Released 1999 Studio Key Player sentiment 98% positive of 478 Price $29.99 CasualVisual NovelSimulationDating SimChoose Your Own Adventure2DText-BasedRomance
- 10
Air
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Casual, Simulation and Visual Novel.
Summer stretches on endlessly. Beneath the vast blue sky. Beneath the air in which she awaits— AIR, the second game released by visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring the side story novel, "First Sky Chapter" and full voice support!
Air at a glance Released 2000 Studio Key Player sentiment 98% positive of 848 Price $29.99 CasualSimulationVisual NovelDating SimChoose Your Own Adventure2DText-BasedRomance
- 11
NEKOPARA Vol. 0
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Visual Novel, Dating Sim and Casual; released around the same time (2015).
Please note that NEKOPARA Vol. 0 is a fandisc for NEKOPARA Vol. 1What's NEKOPARA? Why, it's a cat paradise! This is a story just before Kashou opened "La Soleil".Enjoy a page from the leisurely, daily lives of Shigure and the Minaduki household's catgirls!
NEKOPARA Vol. 0 at a glance Released 2015 Studio NEKO WORKs Player sentiment 94% positive of 17,786 Price $2.99 Visual NovelDating SimCasual2DStory RichIndieRomanceFunny
- 12
Love Is All Around
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Dating Sim, Visual Novel and Romance.
The player becomes Gu Yi, uses the first-person perspective to immerse himself in meeting six beauties, and embarks on a joyful and sweet love journey with them. Six girls that are charming, innocent, intelligent, wild, sexy, glamorous, who will go to the end with you is up to you to decide.
Love Is All Around at a glance Released 2023 Studio intiny Player sentiment 93% positive of 45,888 Price $9.99 Dating SimVisual NovelRomanceChoices MatterInteractive FictionStory RichChoose Your Own AdventureSimulation
- 13
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Simulation and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2013).
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 IndieSimulationPixel GraphicsStory RichRetro2DCasual
- 14
Eternal Senia
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and Story Rich; released around the same time (2015).
Thoughts and expectations ARPG
Eternal Senia at a glance Released 2015 Studio Sanctum Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 12,057 Price Free Free to PlayIndieStory Rich2DPixel GraphicsCasualVisual Novel
- 15
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Visual Novel, Free to Play and Dating Sim; released around the same time (2017).
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Doki Doki Literature Club! at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Salvato Player sentiment 96% positive of 227,039 Price Free Visual NovelFree to PlayDating SimStory RichRomanceIndieCasual
- 16
DAVE THE DIVER
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Casual and Simulation.
DAVE THE DIVER is a casual, singleplayer adventure RPG featuring deep-sea exploration and fishing during the day and sushi restaurant management at night. Join Dave and his quirky friends as they seek to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Blue Hole.
DAVE THE DIVER at a glance Released 2023 Studio MINTROCKET Player sentiment 97% positive of 161,518 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsCasualSimulationStory Rich2DFunnyIndie
- 17
The Test
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Choose Your Own Adventure, Simulation and Story Rich.
You will answer a series of questions that will reveal truths from deep within. These questions may make you uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and if you do, are you sure you want the answers you seek?
The Test at a glance Released 2020 Studio Randumb Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 20,122 Price $1.19 Choose Your Own AdventureSimulationStory RichPixel GraphicsChoices MatterVisual NovelCasual
- 18
Broken Age
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Funny; released around the same time (2014).
A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story.
Broken Age at a glance Released 2014 Studio Double Fine Player sentiment 84% positive of 8,219 Price $14.99 Story RichIndieFunnyCasual2DRetroShort
- 19
Tricolour Lovestory
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Visual Novel, Dating Sim and Simulation; released around the same time (2017).
Time flies and never comes back. But with an incredible 1-million-word script and 100+ original CGs, this game will take you back to when you were young, simple and pure. Go and get the love of your life back, start something new, or end everything in flame, that's for you to decide!
Tricolour Lovestory at a glance Released 2017 Studio HL-Galgame Player sentiment 81% positive of 28,058 Price $1.99 Visual NovelDating SimSimulationCasualRomanceStory RichIndie
- 20
Undertale
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2015).
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
Undertale at a glance Released 2015 Studio 8-4 Player sentiment 96% positive of 338,731 Price $9.99 Story RichChoices MatterPixel GraphicsFunnyIndie2DRetroDating Sim
- 21
HuniePop
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Dating Sim, Romance and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
HuniePop is a unique sim experience for PC, Mac and Linux. It's a gameplay first approach that's part dating sim, part puzzle game, with light RPG elements, a visual novel style of presentation, an abrasive western writing style and plenty of "plot".
HuniePop at a glance Released 2015 Studio HuniePot Player sentiment 96% positive of 31,679 Price $9.99 Dating SimRomanceIndieCasualStory Rich2D
- 22
NGU IDLE
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and Funny; released around the same time (2019).
NGU Idle is a Free To Play Idle game that's full of weird humor, tons of upgrades and hundreds of hours of content! Try out NGU Idle today and experience the joy of Numbers Going Up!
NGU IDLE at a glance Released 2019 Studio 4G Player sentiment 96% positive of 12,947 Price Free Free to PlayIndieFunnySimulationCasualStory Rich
- 23
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky at a glance Released 2015 Studio Michael Zahniser Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,092 Price Free Free to PlaySimulation2DIndieCasualStory Rich
- 24
The Henry Stickmin Collection
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Funny, Choose Your Own Adventure and Choices Matter.
A choose-your-own-path where failing is more fun than succeeding.
The Henry Stickmin Collection at a glance Released 2020 Studio PuffballsUnited Player sentiment 99% positive of 59,357 Price $5.99 FunnyChoose Your Own AdventureChoices Matter2DIndieInteractive FictionCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Emily is Away?
Rewrite, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich 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 Emily is Away" 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 Emily is Away. 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.