Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Firewatch (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Firewatch 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: The Witness, which both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing.
- Firewatch is tagged Adventure, Atmospheric, Story Rich, Walking Simulator, Mystery, First-Person, Singleplayer, Exploration 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.
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
The Witness
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Exploration, First-Person and Colorful; released around the same time (2016).
You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.
The Witness at a glance Released 2016 Studio Thekla, Inc. Player sentiment 84% positive of 21,324 Price $39.99 ExplorationFirst-PersonColorfulIndieWalking SimulatorMysteryCasualGreat Soundtrack
- 2
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.
What Remains of Edith Finch at a glance Released 2017 Studio Giant Sparrow Player sentiment 96% positive of 52,603 Price $4.99 Story RichWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonMysteryExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackShort
- 3
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Comedy, Walking Simulator and First-Person.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of 2013's The Stanley Parable. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will make a choice, and you will become powerless. You are not here to win. The Stanley Parable is a game that plays you.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe at a glance Released 2022 Studio Crows Crows Crows Player sentiment 94% positive of 36,046 Price $24.99 ComedyWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonFunnyExplorationStory RichCasualMystery
- 4
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Comedy, First-Person and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist at a glance Released 2015 Studio Crows Crows Crows Player sentiment 93% positive of 10,175 Price Free ComedyFirst-PersonIndieWalking SimulatorFunnyShortStory RichCasual
- 5
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Comedy, Indie and Walking Simulator; released around the same time (2013).
The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.
The Stanley Parable at a glance Released 2013 Studio Galactic Cafe Player sentiment 92% positive of 45,775 Price $14.99 ComedyIndieWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonFunnyExplorationStory RichShort
- 6
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Walking Simulator and First-Person; released around the same time (2016).
A first-person psychological horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling. Explore an ever-shifting Victorian mansion as a painter seeking to complete his masterpiece, even at the cost of his own sanity.
Layers of Fear (2016) at a glance Released 2016 Studio Bloober Team SA Player sentiment 88% positive of 27,676 Price $1.99 HorrorWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonStory RichIndieExplorationGreat SoundtrackMystery
- 7
The Room
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Indie and Short; released around the same time (2014).
A mysterious invitation leads to the attic of an abandoned house. In the room is a cast-iron safe laced with strange carvings and on top, a note from your distant companion. It promises something ancient and astonishing concealed in the iron chamber - you need only find a way in.
The Room at a glance Released 2014 Studio Fireproof Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 31,750 Price $4.99 MysteryIndieShortHorrorCasualFirst-PersonStory Rich
- 8
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Horror; released around the same time (2019).
As we explore these frozen wastes, misfortune strikes once again. Through the fierce blizzard, a flare lights the sky, followed by a cry for help over the radio - broken, dying... No one else can come to their rescue. Can we make it back - together?
We Were Here Together at a glance Released 2019 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 82% positive of 17,696 Price $4.93 Story RichExplorationHorrorMysteryFirst-PersonCasualIndie
- 9
Kholat
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Walking Simulator and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
The most terrifying journey of your life set in the beautiful winter scenery of the Ural Mountains. Uncover the horrific mystery behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Narrated by the famous Sean Bean.
Kholat at a glance Released 2015 Studio IMGN.PRO Player sentiment 66% positive of 6,913 Price $19.99 HorrorWalking SimulatorIndieFirst-PersonExplorationMysteryStory Rich
- 10
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Mystery, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2012).
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair at a glance Released 2012 Studio Spike Chunsoft Player sentiment 96% positive of 32,628 Price $19.99 MysteryStory RichGreat SoundtrackHorrorComedyMatureFunnyWalking Simulator
- 11
ABZU
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Exploration, Great Soundtrack and Casual; released around the same time (2016).
From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.
ABZU at a glance Released 2016 Studio Giant Squid Player sentiment 93% positive of 27,628 Price $19.99 ExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualColorfulIndieShortStory RichWalking Simulator
- 12
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Mystery and Story Rich.
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Outer Wilds at a glance Released http Studio Mobius Digital Player sentiment 96% positive of 107,214 Price $14.99 ExplorationMysteryStory RichGreat SoundtrackIndieHorrorFirst-Person
- 13
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Mystery and Comedy.
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Puzzle Agent at a glance Released 2010 Studio Telltale Player sentiment 89% positive of 2,838 Price $4.99 CasualMysteryComedyShortHorrorFunnyStory Rich
- 14
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Walking Simulator and Story Rich; released around the same time (2013).
From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Dear Esther comes a new first-person horrorgame that will drag you to the depths of greed, power and madness. It will bury its snout into your ribs and it will eat your heart.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs at a glance Released 2013 Studio The Chinese Room Player sentiment 70% positive of 12,114 Price $19.99 HorrorWalking SimulatorStory RichFirst-PersonExplorationMysteryIndieShort
- 15
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Horror, First-Person and Casual; released around the same time (2019).
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a collection of classic and original mini-games set in the Five Nights universe. Experience the horror in flat (non-VR) mode or VR. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are supported. A VR Headset is NOT required to play.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED at a glance Released 2019 Studio Steel Wool Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 13,118 Price $29.99 HorrorFirst-PersonCasualStory RichIndieFunny
- 16
Secret Neighbor: Hello Neighbor Multiplayer
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Horror, First-Person and Mystery; released around the same time (2019).
Hello Neighbor Multiplayer. Secret Neighbor is a Multiplayer Social Horror Game where a group of intruders try to rescue their friend from the Neighbor's creepy basement. Only problem is one of the intruders is the Neighbor in disguise.
Secret Neighbor: Hello Neighbor Multiplayer at a glance Released 2019 Studio Hologryph Player sentiment 86% positive of 19,379 Price $19.99 HorrorFirst-PersonMysteryColorfulFunnyIndieThrillerCasual
- 17
We Happy Few
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Indie and Horror; released around the same time (2018).
From the independent studio that brought you Contrast, We Happy Few is an action/adventure game set in a drug-fuelled, retrofuturistic city in an alternative 1960s England. Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.
We Happy Few at a glance Released 2018 Studio Compulsion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 13,772 Price $59.99 First-PersonIndieHorrorExplorationMatureStory Rich
- 18
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Story Rich and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Return of the Obra Dinn at a glance Released 2018 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 35,093 Price $19.99 MysteryStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackFirst-PersonHorrorWalking Simulator
- 19
Journey
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Exploration and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2012).
Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.
Journey at a glance Released 2012 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 94% positive of 38,401 Price $3.74 IndieExplorationGreat SoundtrackWalking SimulatorCasualStory RichMystery
- 20
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, First-Person and Mystery; released around the same time (2017).
Bendy and the Ink Machine® is the first person puzzle action horror game that will forever ruin your childhood love of cartoons.
Bendy and the Ink Machine at a glance Released 2017 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 89% positive of 36,934 Price $5.99 HorrorFirst-PersonMysteryIndieStory RichGreat SoundtrackFunny
- 21
Steins;Gate
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Mystery.
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Steins;Gate at a glance Released 2009 Studio 5pb. Inc. Player sentiment 97% positive of 26,892 Price $29.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackMysteryThrillerHorrorCasual
- 22
We Were Here Forever
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Mystery, Exploration and Story Rich.
You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever?
We Were Here Forever at a glance Released 2022 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 18,807 Price $17.99 MysteryExplorationStory RichCasualFirst-PersonHorror
- 23
Only If
Why it matched: both open world, horror, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including First-Person, Horror and Indie; released around the same time (2014).
Only If is a surreal first person adventure-puzzle game. It takes idiom into reality.
Only If at a glance Released 2014 Studio Creability Player sentiment 62% positive of 5,953 Price Free First-PersonHorrorIndieWalking SimulatorComedyCasualFunny
- 24
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2016).
OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.
OneShot at a glance Released 2016 Studio Future Cat LLC Player sentiment 98% positive of 64,849 Price $9.99 Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackExplorationCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Firewatch?
The Witness, on the evidence we have. It both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric 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 Firewatch" 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 Firewatch. 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.