Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like GRIS (2026)
Every game below overlaps with GRIS 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 story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing.
- GRIS is tagged Beautiful, Atmospheric, Great Soundtrack, Indie, Female Protagonist, Adventure, Hand-drawn, Platformer 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.
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 story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 11 player tags including Puzzle, Exploration 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 PuzzleExplorationColorfulIndieWalking SimulatorRelaxingSurrealCasual
- 2
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 11 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Female Protagonist.
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 IndieGreat SoundtrackFemale ProtagonistPuzzleRelaxingBeautiful2DCasual
- 3
OneShot
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 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 SoundtrackPuzzle2DExplorationSurrealCasual
- 4
Figment
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Hand-drawn; released around the same time (2017).
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost.
Figment at a glance Released 2017 Studio Bedtime Digital Games Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,696 Price $3.99 IndiePuzzleHand-drawnGreat SoundtrackSurrealColorfulStory RichCasual
- 5
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle 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-PlatformerPuzzlePlatformerIndie2DGreat SoundtrackCasualStory Rich
- 6
Unpacking
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Relaxing, Casual and Puzzle; released around the same time (2021).
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
Unpacking at a glance Released 2021 Studio Witch Beam Player sentiment 93% positive of 40,694 Price $19.99 RelaxingCasualPuzzleStory RichIndieFemale ProtagonistColorful2D
- 7
Fez
Why it matched: both atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Puzzle.
Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.
Fez at a glance Released 2012 Studio Polytron Corporation Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,237 Price $9.99 PlatformerIndiePuzzleExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualPuzzle-Platformer2D
- 8
Webbed
Why it matched: both atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Exploration and 2D; 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 Puzzle-PlatformerExploration2DPlatformerRelaxingIndiePuzzleColorful
- 9
ABZU
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Relaxing, Exploration and Great Soundtrack; 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 RelaxingExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualColorfulIndieBeautifulStory Rich
- 10
Child of Light
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 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 RichHand-drawnBeautifulIndie
- 11
Machinarium
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Hand-drawn and 2D.
Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!
Machinarium at a glance Released 2009 Studio Amanita Design Player sentiment 95% positive of 20,634 Price $3.99 PuzzleHand-drawn2DStory RichCasualSurrealIndieGreat Soundtrack
- 12
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle.
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons at a glance Released 2013 Studio Starbreeze Studios Player sentiment 94% positive of 41,281 Price $14.99 Story RichIndiePuzzleBeautifulGreat SoundtrackPlatformerCasualWalking Simulator
- 13
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle.
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons at a glance Released 2013 Studio Starbreeze Studios AB Player sentiment 94% positive of 41,281 Price $14.99 Story RichIndiePuzzleBeautifulGreat SoundtrackPlatformerCasualWalking Simulator
- 14
The Tiny Bang Story
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Hand-drawn and 2D.
Life on Tiny Planet was calm and carefree until a great disaster occurred - Tiny Planet was hit by a meteor! The world fell apart and now its future depends only on you! Use your imagination and creativity: in order to restore Tiny Planet and help its inhabitants you will have to fix a variety of machines and mechanisms as well as solve...
The Tiny Bang Story at a glance Released 2011 Studio Colibri Games Player sentiment 87% positive of 6,649 Price $0.99 PuzzleHand-drawn2DStory RichCasualSurrealIndieRelaxing
- 15
Trine Enchanted Edition
Why it matched: both atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Beautiful and Platformer.
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world of great castles and strange machinery, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op.
Trine Enchanted Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio Frozenbyte Player sentiment 96% positive of 15,942 Price $14.99 Puzzle-PlatformerBeautifulPlatformerPuzzleGreat SoundtrackIndieCasual2D
- 16
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Beautiful, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; 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 BeautifulPlatformerGreat SoundtrackStory RichExplorationPuzzle2DIndie
- 17
Eternal Senia
Why it matched: both story-rich, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Anime, Female Protagonist and Great Soundtrack; 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 AnimeFemale ProtagonistGreat SoundtrackIndieStory Rich2DPuzzleCasual
- 18
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Puzzle and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
Fran Bow is a creepy adventure game that tells the story of Fran, a young girl struggling with a mental disorder and an unfair destiny.
Fran Bow at a glance Released 2015 Studio Killmonday Games AB Player sentiment 97% positive of 22,936 Price $14.99 Story RichPuzzleIndieFemale ProtagonistSurreal2DHand-drawnGreat Soundtrack
- 19
LoveChoice
Why it matched: both story-rich, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Beautiful; released around the same time (2021).
"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 Story RichGreat SoundtrackBeautifulCasualIndiePuzzle2DAnime
- 20
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 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 SoundtrackCasual2DSurrealStory Rich
- 21
Riven
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Exploration and Story Rich.
Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.
Riven at a glance Released 1997 Studio Cyan Worlds Player sentiment 92% positive of 2,865 Price $20.99 PuzzleExplorationStory RichWalking SimulatorCasualSurrealRelaxing
- 22
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Walking Simulator and Exploration.
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 IndieWalking SimulatorExplorationStory RichSurrealPuzzleCasual
- 23
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle; released around the same time (2016).
An unsettling adventure following a boy with a prosthetic face. After a string of mysterious murders, Sal and his three friends discover something truly sinister casting shadows over their small town.
Sally Face - Episode One at a glance Released 2016 Studio Portable Moose Player sentiment 97% positive of 29,068 Price $2.99 Story RichIndiePuzzleHand-drawn2DCasual
- 24
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; 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 ExplorationPlatformer2DGreat SoundtrackPuzzleStory RichColorfulPuzzle-Platformer
Common questions
What game is most like GRIS?
The Witness, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle 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 GRIS" 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 GRIS. 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.