Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like NGU IDLE (2026)
Every game below overlaps with NGU IDLE 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: AdVenture Communist, which both horror, psychological and relaxing.
- NGU IDLE is tagged Free to Play, Idler, Indie, Clicker, Adventure, Funny, Simulation, Singleplayer 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.
- 11 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
AdVenture Communist
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Clicker and Casual; released around the same time (2016).
The world's greatest communism simulator!
AdVenture Communist at a glance Released 2016 Studio Hyper Hippo Games Player sentiment 64% positive of 4,677 Price Free Free to PlayClickerCasualSimulationIndieFunnyIdlerPsychological Horror
- 2
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and Funny; released around the same time (2015).
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist at a glance Released 2015 Studio Crows Crows Crows Player sentiment 93% positive of 10,175 Price Free Free to PlayIndieFunnyStory RichCasualPsychological Horror
- 3
The Test
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Story Rich and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2020).
You will answer a series of questions that will reveal truths from deep within. These questions may make you uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and if you do, are you sure you want the answers you seek?
The Test at a glance Released 2020 Studio Randumb Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 20,122 Price $1.19 SimulationStory RichPsychological HorrorRPGCasual
- 4
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and RPG; 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 RichIndieRPGPsychological HorrorCasual
- 5
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Psychological Horror, Free to Play and Story Rich; released around the same time (2017).
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Doki Doki Literature Club! at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Salvato Player sentiment 96% positive of 227,039 Price Free Psychological HorrorFree to PlayStory RichIndieCasual
- 6
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Psychological Horror, Casual and Story Rich; 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 Psychological HorrorCasualStory RichIndieFunny
- 7
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and story-rich; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Indie; released around the same time (2017).
Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator!
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator at a glance Released 2017 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 94% positive of 33,261 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationIndieStory RichPsychological HorrorFunny
- 8
Chinese Parents
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Psychological Horror, Simulation and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
In this casual sim set in China, you step into the shoes of an average kid from birth towards the end of your high school. Study hard, have fun, make friends and face your ultimate challenge, the “Gaokao”. What will your life be after that? And when you have a child, will you be a Tiger Parent?
Chinese Parents at a glance Released 2018 Studio 墨鱼玩游戏 Player sentiment 91% positive of 27,000 Price $9.99 Psychological HorrorSimulationCasualRPGIndieFunny
- 9
Pool 2D - Poolians
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Casual; released around the same time (2019).
Pool 2D is a free pool game including 8-ball,9-ball,15-ball,3-ball,rotation and blackjack. The graphics are spectacular and the physics are realistic and accurate. Whether you play against the computer or against real players from all over the world online, the action is smooth and fast paced!
Pool 2D - Poolians at a glance Released 2019 Studio Poolians.com Player sentiment 86% positive of 10,282 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationCasualIndieFunnyPsychological Horror
- 10
Real Pool 3D - Poolians
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Real Pool 3D (Poolians) is one of the best online pool games. Play against the computer or real players all over the world! It supports 8 different types of pool games and team play mode.
Real Pool 3D - Poolians at a glance Released 2018 Studio Poolians.com Player sentiment 76% positive of 19,904 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationCasualIndieFunnyPsychological Horror
- 11
Business Tour - Board Game with Online Multiplayer
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Casual and Indie; released around the same time (2017).
Business Tour is a free-to-play multiplayer tabletop game. Build your own monopoly, play with friends, complete daily tasks, and compete against players from around the world. Easy to learn, fun to master, and perfect for quick matches.
Business Tour - Board Game with Online Multiplayer at a glance Released 2017 Studio 8Floor Player sentiment 60% positive of 80,320 Price Free Free to PlayCasualIndieFunnySimulationPsychological Horror
- 12
Ultimate Custom Night
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and story-rich; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2018).
Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!
Ultimate Custom Night at a glance Released 2018 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 95% positive of 62,777 Price Free Free to PlayIndiePsychological HorrorStory RichFunnySimulation
- 13
Her Story
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game.
Her Story at a glance Released 2015 Studio Sam Barlow Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,394 Price $9.99 Psychological HorrorStory RichSimulationCasual
- 14
Only Up
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Psychological Horror, Casual and Story Rich; released around the same time (2023).
You are a young teenage Jackie from the ghetto who wants to get out of poverty and embark on a journey of learning about the world and yourself. The world has definitely gone crazy, though it has never been normal, but maybe now is the chance for you. Crisis is a time for action and decisive steps...
Only Up at a glance Released 2023 Studio Indiesolodev Player sentiment 73% positive of 14,972 Price Not listed Psychological HorrorCasualStory RichSimulation
- 15
People Playground
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Funny and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2019).
Shoot, stab, burn, poison, tear, vaporise, or crush ragdolls in a large open space.
People Playground at a glance Released 2019 Studio mestiez Player sentiment 98% positive of 317,401 Price $9.99 SimulationFunnyPsychological HorrorIndieCasual
- 16
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Psychological Horror and Indie; 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 RichPsychological HorrorIndieCasual
- 17
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Indie; released around the same time (2021).
Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! at a glance Released 2021 Studio Team Salvato Player sentiment 97% positive of 32,198 Price $14.99 Psychological HorrorStory RichIndieCasual
- 18
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Funny, Psychological Horror and Story Rich; released around the same time (2022).
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 FunnyPsychological HorrorStory RichCasual
- 19
Shakes and Fidget
Why it matched: both story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, RPG and Casual; released around the same time (2016).
Shakes & Fidget is a hilarious fantasy role-playing satire and at the same time, an award-winning RPG! Sounds crazy? With over 50 million enthusiastic players, it ranks among the most celebrated online role-playing games worldwide!
Shakes and Fidget at a glance Released 2016 Studio Playa Games GmbH Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,847 Price Free Free to PlayRPGCasualClickerIndieFunnyStory Rich
- 20
Firewatch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Funny; 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 RichIndieFunnyCasual
- 21
Clicker Heroes
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Clicker, Idler and Casual; released around the same time (2015).
Click your way through hordes of monsters, earn gold, and recruit quirky heroes with powerful skills. Progress even while you're idle, and watch the numbers climb into the absurd. It’s a never-ending journey of clicks, crits, and colossal damage.
Clicker Heroes at a glance Released 2015 Studio Playsaurus Player sentiment 90% positive of 62,148 Price Free ClickerIdlerCasualFree to PlayIndieFunnyRPGSimulation
- 22
Sinking Simulator
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Indie and Casual; released around the same time (2019).
The sequel to the unfinished Sinking Simulator, now with a lot more POWER!!!! Witness your witty love of chaos and destruction sinking 2D ships and everything else on board!
Sinking Simulator at a glance Released 2019 Studio Wicpar Player sentiment 85% positive of 4,411 Price $0.99 SimulationIndieCasualPsychological HorrorFree to Play
- 23
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Psychological Horror and Casual; 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 Story RichPsychological HorrorCasualIndie
- 24
Professional Fishing
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Are you falling asleep with a rod? Never again! Professional Fishing will never let you fall asleep! Play an amazing fishing simulator and feel like a real angler! Create your own fishing club and compete with others!
Professional Fishing at a glance Released 2018 Studio MasterCode Player sentiment 76% positive of 4,260 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationCasualIndiePsychological Horror
Common questions
What game is most like NGU IDLE?
AdVenture Communist, on the evidence we have. It both horror, psychological 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 NGU IDLE" 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 NGU IDLE. 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.