Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Journey (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Journey 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 psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing.
- Journey is tagged Beautiful, Atmospheric, Adventure, Indie, Exploration, Relaxing, Great Soundtrack, Co-op 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 psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Exploration, Indie and Walking Simulator; 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 ExplorationIndieWalking SimulatorMysteryRelaxingCasualGreat SoundtrackStory Rich
- 2
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 SoundtrackCasualIndieBeautifulFamily FriendlyStory Rich
- 3
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Relaxing; released around the same time (2012).
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 SoundtrackRelaxingBeautifulCasualMusicStory RichExploration
- 4
Firewatch
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.
Firewatch at a glance Released 2016 Studio Campo Santo Player sentiment 91% positive of 99,328 Price $19.99 Story RichWalking SimulatorMysteryExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 5
Riven
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Story Rich and Mystery.
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 ExplorationStory RichMystery3DWalking SimulatorCasualRelaxing
- 6
Life Is Strange
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Mystery; released around the same time (2015).
Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future.
Life Is Strange at a glance Released 2015 Studio Don’t Nod Player sentiment 96% positive of 175,705 Price Free Story RichGreat SoundtrackMysteryIndieWalking SimulatorCasual
- 7
GRIS
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Beautiful, Great Soundtrack and Indie.
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 BeautifulGreat SoundtrackIndieRelaxingStory RichCasualExplorationWalking Simulator
- 8
Fez
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Exploration and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2012).
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 IndieExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualMysteryBeautifulRelaxing
- 9
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both 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 SoundtrackIndieBeautiful3D
- 10
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Walking Simulator, Exploration and 3D.
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 Walking SimulatorExploration3DStory RichCasualMystery
- 11
Syberia
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Story Rich and Mystery.
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 CasualStory RichMysteryClassicBeautifulGreat Soundtrack
- 12
The Room
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Mystery, Indie and Casual; 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 MysteryIndieCasualBeautifulStory Rich
- 13
OneShot
Why it matched: both 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
- 14
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Mystery; 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 RichIndieMysteryNarrativeCasual
- 15
Machinarium
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Casual and Family Friendly; released around the same time (2009).
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 Story RichCasualFamily FriendlyStylizedIndieGreat Soundtrack
- 16
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Casual; released around the same time (2008).
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 IndieGreat SoundtrackCasualClassicStory RichBeautiful
- 17
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Indie, Walking Simulator and Exploration; 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 IndieWalking SimulatorExplorationStory RichCasual
- 18
Clannad
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Classic.
From the world renowned visual novel studio Key, the highly rated story of CLANNAD is now available on Steam! Improved visuals, achievement integration, and Dangopedia make this the best version of CLANNAD to date.
Clannad at a glance Released 2004 Studio Key Player sentiment 98% positive of 10,936 Price $44.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackClassicCasualFamily Friendly
- 19
Twelve Minutes
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Mystery and Story Rich.
An interactive thriller about a man trapped in a time loop. Featuring James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe.
Twelve Minutes at a glance Released 2021 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 73% positive of 8,079 Price $7.49 IndieMysteryStory RichNarrativeExploration3DGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Steins;Gate
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Mystery; released around the same time (2009).
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 SoundtrackMysteryCasual
- 21
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Casual; released around the same time (2008).
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 IndieGreat SoundtrackCasualClassicStory RichFamily Friendly
- 22
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Beautiful; released around the same time (2013).
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 RichIndieBeautifulGreat SoundtrackCasualWalking Simulator
- 23
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Beautiful; released around the same time (2013).
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 RichIndieBeautifulGreat SoundtrackCasualWalking Simulator
- 24
Everlasting Summer
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Mystery; 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 Story RichGreat SoundtrackMysteryIndieClassicCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Journey?
The Witness, on the evidence we have. It both 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 Journey" 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 Journey. 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.