Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Machinarium (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Machinarium 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 Tiny Bang Story, which both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing.
- Machinarium is tagged Point & Click, Puzzle, Hand-drawn, Steampunk, Robots, 2D, Atmospheric, Story Rich 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 Tiny Bang Story
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 12 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Hand-drawn; released around the same time (2011).
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 Point & ClickPuzzleHand-drawnSteampunk2DStory RichCasualFamily Friendly
- 2
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack; 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 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackCasual2DCuteTouch-FriendlySurreal
- 3
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Casual; released around the same time (2010).
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 PuzzlePoint & ClickCasualSurrealHand-drawnTouch-Friendly2DStory Rich
- 4
Syberia
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Casual.
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 & ClickPuzzleCasualSteampunkStory RichGreat SoundtrackSci-fi
- 5
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Point & Click and Great Soundtrack; 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 IndiePoint & ClickGreat SoundtrackPuzzle2DCasualStory RichTouch-Friendly
- 6
OneShot
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
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 SoundtrackCutePuzzle2DSurrealCasual
- 7
GRIS
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Indie and Hand-drawn.
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 Great SoundtrackIndieHand-drawn2DStory RichPuzzleSurrealCasual
- 8
Deponia
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Indie; released around the same time (2012).
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 & ClickPuzzleIndieStory Rich2DGreat SoundtrackHand-drawnSteampunk
- 9
Unpacking
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Cute, Casual and Puzzle.
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 CuteCasualPuzzleStory RichIndiePoint & ClickFamily Friendly2D
- 10
Figment
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Hand-drawn.
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 SoundtrackSurrealCuteStory RichCasual
- 11
Broken Age
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Point & Click, Story Rich and Indie.
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 RichIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleCasual2DSci-fi
- 12
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Point & Click and Puzzle; released around the same time (2013).
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 Rich2DGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 13
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and 2D; 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 PuzzleIndie2DGreat SoundtrackCasualStory Rich
- 14
The Room
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Indie.
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 PuzzlePoint & ClickIndieCasualSteampunkTouch-FriendlyStory Rich
- 15
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle.
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 RichIndiePuzzlePoint & ClickHand-drawn2DCasual
- 16
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Point & Click and Puzzle.
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 RichPoint & ClickPuzzleIndieSurreal2DHand-drawnGreat Soundtrack
- 17
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Indie.
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 PuzzlePoint & ClickIndieStory Rich2DSurrealGreat SoundtrackHand-drawn
- 18
LoveChoice
Why it matched: both story-rich, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Cute.
"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 SoundtrackCuteCasualIndiePuzzle2DStylized
- 19
SpaceChem
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2011).
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
SpaceChem at a glance Released 2011 Studio Zachtronics Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,085 Price $9.99 PuzzleIndieSci-fiGreat Soundtrack2DCasualTouch-Friendly
- 20
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Cute.
Partner up with your friend online and set sail for an unforgettable puzzle adventure in this bite-sized standalone We Were Here experience. Work together to overcome brain-teasing challenges and make fun memories, using your best communication, teamwork and trust skills.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip at a glance Released 2023 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 24,073 Price $1.99 PuzzleCasualCuteStory RichLinearIndie
- 21
The Witness
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Surreal.
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 PuzzleIndieSurrealCasualGreat SoundtrackStory Rich
- 22
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Why it matched: both puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Casual, Great Soundtrack and 2D; released around the same time (2009).
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio PopCap Games, Inc. Player sentiment 98% positive of 155,468 Price $4.99 CasualGreat Soundtrack2DFamily FriendlyPuzzleCuteIndieTouch-Friendly
- 23
Journey
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Casual; 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 IndieGreat SoundtrackCasualStory RichStylizedFamily Friendly
- 24
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle; 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 RichIndiePuzzleGreat SoundtrackCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Machinarium?
The Tiny Bang Story, 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 Machinarium" 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 Machinarium. 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.