Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Grim Fandango (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Grim Fandango 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 Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, which both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle.
- Grim Fandango is tagged Adventure, Point & Click, Classic, Story Rich, Comedy, Noir, Cult Classic, Great Soundtrack 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.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Maniac Mansion.
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 Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 12 player tags including Point & Click, Comedy and Classic.
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike.
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio LucasArts Player sentiment 95% positive of 6,227 Price $9.99 Point & ClickComedyClassicFunnyRemakePuzzle1990'sGreat Soundtrack
- 2
Maniac Mansion
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Lucasfilm Games; both story-rich and puzzle; shares 11 player tags including Classic, Point & Click and Remake.
Quick, Dr. Fred's Kidnapped Sandy and he's about to start the experiment...
Maniac Mansion at a glance Released 1987 Studio Lucasfilm Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 226 Price $5.99 ClassicPoint & ClickRemake1990'sRetroStory RichGreat SoundtrackFunny
- 3
Deponia
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 12 player tags including Point & Click, Comedy and Puzzle.
In Deponia, the world has degenerated into a vast garbage dump, in which the crotchety Rufus ekes out his sorry existence.
Deponia at a glance Released 2012 Studio Daedalic Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 14,513 Price $0.99 Point & ClickComedyPuzzleFunnyIndieStory RichDark HumorGreat Soundtrack
- 4
Resident Evil
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Remake and Puzzle; released around the same time (1996).
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil at a glance Released 1996 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,244 Price $19.99 ClassicRemakePuzzleThird PersonCult ClassicStory RichDifficultGreat Soundtrack
- 5
Resident Evil
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Remake and Puzzle; released around the same time (2002).
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil at a glance Released 2002 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,244 Price $19.99 ClassicRemakePuzzleThird PersonCult ClassicStory RichDifficultGreat Soundtrack
- 6
Tomb Raider II
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Classic, Third Person and Puzzle; released around the same time (1997).
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 ClassicThird PersonPuzzle1990'sRetroDifficultStory Rich
- 7
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Why it matched: both atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Classic, Puzzle and Cult Classic; released around the same time (1997).
Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee at a glance Released 1997 Studio Oddworld Inhabitants Player sentiment 85% positive of 4,534 Price $2.99 ClassicPuzzleCult ClassicRetroFunnyComedy1990'sDifficult
- 8
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
World of Goo at a glance Released 2008 Studio 2D Boy Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,589 Price $14.99 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackComedyFunnyClassicDifficultStory Rich
- 9
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Point & Click and Puzzle.
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 IndiePoint & ClickPuzzleStory RichRetroGreat SoundtrackDifficult
- 10
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Indie.
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 PuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetroNoir
- 11
Broken Age
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Point & Click, Story Rich and Comedy.
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 Point & ClickStory RichComedyIndieFunnyGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRetro
- 12
Resident Evil 0
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Classic, Remake and Third Person.
Before the mansion, before the destruction of Raccoon City, there was Resident Evil 0. Now remastered with improved visuals and sounds, as well as the all-new Wesker Mode, there's never been a better time to experience the origins of the Resident Evil story.
Resident Evil 0 at a glance Released 2016 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 80% positive of 19,622 Price $19.99 ClassicRemakeThird PersonPuzzleDifficultStory RichGreat Soundtrack
- 13
Resident Evil 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Remake, Third Person and Puzzle; released around the same time (1998).
A deadly virus engulfs the residents of Raccoon City in September of 1998, plunging the city into chaos as flesh eating zombies roam the streets for survivors. An unparalleled adrenaline rush, gripping storyline, and unimaginable horrors await you. Witness the return of Resident Evil 2.
Resident Evil 2 at a glance Released 1998 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 97% positive of 221,677 Price $39.99 RemakeThird PersonPuzzleStory RichClassicDifficult
- 14
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective at a glance Released 2010 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 97% positive of 8,549 Price $29.99 PuzzleStory RichGreat SoundtrackPoint & ClickCult ClassicFunnyClassicComedy
- 15
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
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 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultClassicStory Rich
- 16
Life is Strange 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Point & Click.
After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges.
Life is Strange 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 87% positive of 40,943 Price Free Story RichGreat SoundtrackPoint & ClickThird PersonPuzzleComedyFunnyClassic
- 17
Syberia
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Story Rich; released around the same time (2002).
Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.
Syberia at a glance Released 2002 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 88% positive of 6,824 Price $12.99 Point & ClickPuzzleStory RichClassicEscape RoomGreat SoundtrackThird Person
- 18
Another World
Why it matched: both atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Retro, Remake and Difficult.
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike.
Another World at a glance Released 1991 Studio Éric Chahi Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,044 Price $9.99 RetroRemakeDifficultPuzzle1990'sClassicCult Classic
- 19
Lucius
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Third Person.
Equipped with supernatural powers, take control of Lucius as he begins his blood filled tour of horror through his own house.
Lucius at a glance Released 2012 Studio Shiver Games Player sentiment 81% positive of 10,912 Price $1.99 PuzzleIndieThird PersonStory RichDifficultFunny
- 20
Little Big Adventure
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Comedy and Retro; released around the same time (1996).
Little Big Adventure is a retro action-adventure game originally released in 1994. Equipped with your Magicball, you will have to face the evil Dr. Funfrock to save your girlfriend and the world of Twinsun.
Little Big Adventure at a glance Released 1996 Studio Adeline Software International Player sentiment 88% positive of 454 Price $9.99 Story RichComedyRetro1990'sPuzzleFunny
- 21
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Story Rich and Puzzle.
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 Great SoundtrackStory RichPuzzleIndieDifficult
- 22
Kathy Rain
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Indie and Story Rich.
Set in the '90s, Kathy Rain tells the story of a strong-willed journalism major who has to come to terms with her troubled past as she investigates the mysterious death of her recently deceased grandfather.
Kathy Rain at a glance Released 2016 Studio Clifftop Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 4,003 Price $9.99 Point & ClickIndieStory RichPuzzleNoirRetroThird Person
- 23
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Story Rich; released around the same time (1999).
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Half-Life: Opposing Force at a glance Released 1999 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 28,900 Price $4.99 Classic1990'sStory RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRetro
- 24
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Story Rich; released around the same time (2001).
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Half-Life: Blue Shift at a glance Released 2001 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 21,191 Price $4.99 Classic1990'sStory RichPuzzleRetroGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like Grim Fandango?
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle. 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 Grim Fandango" 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 Grim Fandango. 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.
What else did the makers of Grim Fandango do?
Maniac Mansion is also from Lucasfilm Games, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
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.