Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Only Up (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Only Up 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 Evil Within, which both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult.
- Only Up is tagged Parkour, 3D Platformer, Difficult, Psychological Horror, Casual, Adventure, Third Person, Bullet Time 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.
- 4 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 Evil Within
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Psychological Horror, Third Person and Difficult.
Developed by Shinji Mikami -- creator of the seminal Resident Evil series -- and the talented team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within embodies the meaning of pure survival horror. Highly-crafted environments, horrifying anxiety, and an intricate story are combined to create an immersive world that will bring you to the height of tension.
The Evil Within at a glance Released 2014 Studio Tango Gameworks Player sentiment 85% positive of 33,579 Price $19.99 Psychological HorrorThird PersonDifficultCinematicStory Rich
- 2
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, relaxing and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Psychological Horror, Casual and Difficult; 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 HorrorCasualDifficultStory Rich
- 3
CONTROL Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Third Person and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2020).
Winner of over 80 awards, CONTROL is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
CONTROL Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2020 Studio Remedy Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 63,191 Price $3.99 Story RichThird PersonPsychological HorrorDifficult
- 4
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Difficult, Psychological Horror and Story Rich.
A roguelite monster-management simulation inspired by the likes of the SCP Foundation, Cabin in the Woods, and Warehouse 13. Order your employees to perform work with the creatures and watch as it unfolds; harness greater energy, and expand the facility
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation at a glance Released 2018 Studio ProjectMoon Player sentiment 94% positive of 56,811 Price $24.99 DifficultPsychological HorrorStory RichSimulationRogue-like
- 5
The Witness
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, relaxing and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Exploration, Difficult and Casual.
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 ExplorationDifficultCasualStory Rich
- 6
Lucius
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Third Person, Psychological Horror and Story Rich.
Equipped with supernatural powers, take control of Lucius as he begins his blood filled tour of horror through his own house.
Lucius at a glance Released 2012 Studio Shiver Games Player sentiment 81% positive of 10,912 Price $1.99 Third PersonPsychological HorrorStory RichDifficult
- 7
The Test
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 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 HorrorCasual
- 8
Chained Together
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Platformer and Simulation; released around the same time (2024).
Climb up from the depths of Hell. Scale various worlds solo or chained together with your friends in the 1-4 player platforming sensation.
Chained Together at a glance Released 2024 Studio Anegar Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 63,719 Price $3.99 CasualPlatformerSimulation3D PlatformerThird PersonExplorationPhysics
- 9
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Replay Value.
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 RichExplorationReplay ValuePsychological HorrorCasual
- 10
DREDGE
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Exploration, Psychological Horror and Simulation; released around the same time (2023).
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
DREDGE at a glance Released 2023 Studio Black Salt Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 56,620 Price $10.79 ExplorationPsychological HorrorSimulationStory Rich
- 11
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Psychological Horror, Exploration 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 Psychological HorrorExplorationStory RichCasual
- 12
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
Why it matched: both open world, horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Cinematic; released around the same time (2022).
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT at a glance Released 2022 Studio KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Player sentiment 92% positive of 67,641 Price $39.99 Story RichExplorationCinematicThird Person
- 13
Crab Game
Why it matched: both horror, psychological and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Psychological Horror, Parkour and Platformer; released around the same time (2021).
Crab Game is a First-Person Multiplayer game where you play through several different minigames based on children's games, until only one player stands victorious.
Crab Game at a glance Released 2021 Studio Dani Player sentiment 91% positive of 151,093 Price Free Psychological HorrorParkourPlatformerPhysicsArcadeCasual3D Platformer
- 14
We Were Here Forever
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Exploration, Psychological Horror and Story Rich; released around the same time (2022).
You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever?
We Were Here Forever at a glance Released 2022 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 18,807 Price $17.99 ExplorationPsychological HorrorStory RichCasual
- 15
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Difficult and Story Rich.
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 SimulationDifficultStory RichPsychological Horror
- 16
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Psychological Horror; 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 RichExplorationPsychological HorrorCasual
- 17
Firewatch
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Casual.
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 RichExplorationCasual
- 18
Snake Pass
Why it matched: both atmospheric, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including 3D Platformer, Difficult and Platformer.
Slither, coil and climb your way to the top of Haven Tor in this one of a kind physics based, puzzle platform adventure from award winning independent studio Sumo Digital!
Snake Pass at a glance Released 2017 Studio Sumo Digital Player sentiment 80% positive of 3,340 Price $3.99 3D PlatformerDifficultPlatformerPhysicsCasualExplorationSimulation
- 19
Professional Fishing
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Casual and Exploration.
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 SimulationCasualExplorationPsychological Horror
- 20
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Exploration, 3D Platformer and Third Person; released around the same time (2022).
A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits at a glance Released 2022 Studio Ember Lab Player sentiment 92% positive of 17,564 Price $39.99 Exploration3D PlatformerThird PersonCinematicStory Rich
- 21
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, relaxing and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Story Rich and Replay Value.
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 SimulationStory RichReplay ValueCasualDifficult
- 22
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Exploration, Story Rich and Psychological Horror.
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 ExplorationStory RichPsychological HorrorSimulation
- 23
Ultimate Custom Night
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Difficult, Psychological Horror and Story Rich.
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 DifficultPsychological HorrorStory RichSimulation
- 24
Five Nights at Freddy's 4
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Difficult, Psychological Horror and Story Rich.
In this last chapter of the Five Nights at Freddy's original story, you must once again defend yourself against Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and even worse things that lurk in the shadows.
Five Nights at Freddy's 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,924 Price $7.99 DifficultPsychological HorrorStory RichSimulation
Common questions
What game is most like Only Up?
The Evil Within, on the evidence we have. It both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult. 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 Only Up" 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 Only Up. 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.