Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Layers of Fear (2016) (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Layers of Fear (2016) 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: Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, which both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle.
- Layers of Fear (2016) is tagged Horror, Psychological Horror, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person, Singleplayer, Story Rich, Indie 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: Blair Witch.
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
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 13 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-PersonPsychological HorrorExplorationMysteryIndie
- 2
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 12 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Survival Horror.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent, a first person survival horror. A game about immersion, discovery and living through a nightmare. An experience that will chill you to the core.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent at a glance Released 2010 Studio Frictional Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 35,674 Price $1.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorSurvival HorrorPuzzleFirst-PersonDarkLovecraftianIndie
- 3
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 12 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
- 4
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Horror, First-Person and Puzzle; 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-PersonPuzzleSurvival HorrorDarkMysteryIndieStory Rich
- 5
Amnesia: Rebirth
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including First-Person, Puzzle and Story Rich; released around the same time (2020).
A first-person horror adventure. Uncover your past and survive the Algerian desert. Fear is your enemy; stay calm to not succumb to an illness threatening you and your loved one. Avoid darkness, hide from monsters and solve puzzles. Adventure Mode available for a less scary experience.
Amnesia: Rebirth at a glance Released 2020 Studio Frictional Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 9,326 Price $29.99 First-PersonPuzzleStory RichExplorationLovecraftianHorrorSurvival HorrorDark
- 6
Little Nightmares
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Dark and Puzzle; released around the same time (2017).
Take on the role of Six, a lone child lost in a massive metal vessel known as the Maw, surrounded by dangerous, distorted versions of adults. You’ll need to do your best to escape in one piece or your fate will be worse than you ever dared dream.
Little Nightmares at a glance Released 2017 Studio Tarsier Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 116,529 Price $19.99 HorrorDarkPuzzleIndieStory RichPsychological HorrorGreat SoundtrackSurvival Horror
- 7
Strobophagia | Rave Horror
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Psychedelic, Survival Horror and Mystery; released around the same time (2020).
An occult forest rave ⸸ Strange rituals ⸸ Enigmatic organisers ⸸ An ancient evil ⸸ Pure Psychedelic Horror
Strobophagia | Rave Horror at a glance Released 2020 Studio Green Tile Digital Player sentiment 83% positive of 110 Price $19.99 PsychedelicSurvival HorrorMysteryPsychological HorrorSurrealHorrorFirst-PersonExploration
- 8
Blair Witch
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bloober Team SA; both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Indie; released around the same time (2019).
A first-person, story-driven psychological horror game based on the cinematic lore of the Blair Witch. Explore the haunted grounds of the Black Hills Forest in a harrowing investigation that forces you to confront the evil that resides deep in the woods.
Blair Witch at a glance Released 2019 Studio Bloober Team SA Player sentiment 79% positive of 8,116 Price $29.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorIndieFirst-PersonWalking SimulatorDarkStory RichSurvival Horror
- 9
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Puzzle.
Inside the Backrooms is a horror multiplayer game mixed with different mechanics that will make you spend an intense night with friends. Explore, think, interact, but be careful, it is rumored that there are several entities wishing to find you...
Inside the Backrooms at a glance Released 2022 Studio MrFatcat Player sentiment 80% positive of 46,767 Price $6.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPuzzlePsychological HorrorExplorationFirst-PersonDarkMystery
- 10
Kholat
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Horror, Walking Simulator and Psychological Horror; 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 SimulatorPsychological HorrorSurvival HorrorIndieFirst-PersonExplorationMystery
- 11
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and First-Person; 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 HorrorSurvival HorrorFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorDarkPuzzleStory RichIndie
- 12
Scorn
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and First-Person.
Scorn is an atmospheric first-person horror adventure game set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and somber tapestry.
Scorn at a glance Released 2022 Studio Ebb Software Player sentiment 77% positive of 19,678 Price $39.99 HorrorPuzzleFirst-PersonDarkPsychological HorrorLovecraftianWalking SimulatorSurreal
- 13
The Room
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Indie; 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 PuzzleMysteryIndieShortHorrorFirst-PersonDarkLovecraftian
- 14
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Psychological Horror and Mystery; released around the same time (2018).
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film.
Cube Escape: Paradox at a glance Released 2018 Studio Rusty Lake Player sentiment 97% positive of 12,197 Price Free PuzzlePsychological HorrorMysteryIndieHorrorStory RichDarkSurreal
- 15
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Exploration; 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 PuzzleStory RichExplorationHorrorMysteryFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorDark
- 16
Call of Cthulhu
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Lovecraftian, Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2018).
1924. Private Investigator Pierce is sent to look into the tragic death of the Hawkins family. Plunge into a world of creeping madness and cosmic horror. Cryptic clues, shadowy figures, and pure terror bar your way as you fight to retain your sanity and solve an otherworldly mystery.
Call of Cthulhu at a glance Released 2018 Studio Cyanide Studio Player sentiment 79% positive of 13,871 Price $19.99 LovecraftianHorrorPsychological HorrorStory RichMysteryFirst-PersonWalking SimulatorDark
- 17
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
Fear and isolation seep through the walls of an abandoned southern farmhouse. "7" marks a new beginning for survival horror with the “Isolated View” of the visceral new first-person perspective.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard at a glance Released 2017 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 95% positive of 126,252 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorPuzzleStory RichExploration
- 18
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 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 SoundtrackPuzzleIndieHorrorFirst-Person
- 19
I'm on Observation Duty 3
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Psychological Horror, Survival Horror and Horror; released around the same time (2020).
A thrilling psychological horror game. Your job is to look for anomalies in a haunted house. If you see anyhting suspicious (furniture moving, extra objects, intruders), take a photo and send a report. Includes both VR- (windows only) and non-VR (windows, mac, linux)-versions.
I'm on Observation Duty 3 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Notovia Player sentiment 77% positive of 368 Price $2.99 Psychological HorrorSurvival HorrorHorrorPuzzleMysteryFirst-PersonExplorationLovecraftian
- 20
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Puzzle; 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 Psychological HorrorStory RichPuzzleHorrorIndieDarkSurrealGreat Soundtrack
- 21
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Mystery, Puzzle and Story Rich; 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 MysteryPuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackFirst-PersonHorrorWalking Simulator
- 22
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; 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 SoundtrackPsychological HorrorPuzzleHorrorDarkWalking Simulator
- 23
Pony Island
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2016).
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Pony Island at a glance Released 2016 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,104 Price $4.99 PuzzleIndiePsychological HorrorHorrorDarkGreat SoundtrackStory RichShort
- 24
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2014).
Welcome back to the new and improved Freddy Fazbear's Pizza! As always, Fazbear Entertainment is not responsible for death or dismemberment.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 94% positive of 26,115 Price $7.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorFirst-PersonIndieDarkStory RichMystery
Common questions
What game is most like Layers of Fear (2016)?
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, on the evidence we have. It both survival, horror, psychological, 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 Layers of Fear (2016)" 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 Layers of Fear (2016). 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 Layers of Fear (2016) do?
Blair Witch is also from Bloober Team SA, 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.