Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Outer Wilds (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Outer Wilds 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: Inside the Backrooms, which both horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle.
- Outer Wilds is tagged Exploration, Space, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure, Great Soundtrack, Atmospheric, Puzzle 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
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Psychological Horror.
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 HorrorPuzzlePsychological HorrorExplorationFirst-Person3DMysterySci-fi
- 2
Prey
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Sci-fi, Space and Horror.
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Prey at a glance Released 2017 Studio Arkane Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 54,539 Price $29.99 Sci-fiSpaceHorrorFirst-PersonStory RichExplorationPsychological HorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 3
Stray
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, science fiction, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Beautiful and Puzzle.
Lost, alone and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten cybercity and find their way home.
Stray at a glance Released 2022 Studio BlueTwelve Studio Player sentiment 97% positive of 177,458 Price $14.99 ExplorationBeautifulPuzzleHorrorSci-fiIndieMystery
- 4
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Story Rich, First-Person and Mystery.
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 RichFirst-PersonMysteryExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackPsychological HorrorPuzzle
- 5
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and First-Person.
A first-person psychological horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling. Explore an ever-shifting Victorian mansion as a painter seeking to complete his masterpiece, even at the cost of his own sanity.
Layers of Fear (2016) at a glance Released 2016 Studio Bloober Team SA Player sentiment 88% positive of 27,676 Price $1.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorFirst-PersonStory RichIndiePuzzleExplorationGreat Soundtrack
- 6
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Psychological Horror.
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma at a glance Released 2016 Studio Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 82% positive of 4,898 Price $19.99 PuzzleStory RichPsychological HorrorMysterySci-fiHorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 7
DREDGE
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Exploration, Mystery and Psychological Horror.
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 ExplorationMysteryPsychological HorrorHorrorSimulationStory RichIndie3D
- 8
We Were Here Forever
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, 3D and Mystery.
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 Puzzle3DMysteryExplorationPsychological HorrorStory RichFirst-PersonHorror
- 9
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, First-Person and Puzzle.
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-PersonPuzzleMysteryIndieStory RichGreat SoundtrackPsychological Horror
- 10
The Witness
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Exploration and First-Person.
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 PuzzleExplorationFirst-PersonIndieMysteryGreat SoundtrackStory RichBeautiful
- 11
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Exploration.
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 HorrorIndie
- 12
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and First-Person.
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 HorrorStory RichFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorExplorationMysteryIndiePuzzle
- 13
CONTROL Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Sci-fi and Horror.
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 RichSci-fiHorrorPsychological HorrorEpicGreat Soundtrack
- 14
Atomic Heart
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, science fiction, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Mystery.
In a mad and sublime utopian world, take part in explosive encounters. Adapt your fighting style to each opponent, use your environment and upgrade your equipment to fulfill your mission. If you want to reach the truth, you'll have to pay in blood.
Atomic Heart at a glance Released 2023 Studio Mundfish Player sentiment 81% positive of 51,598 Price $59.99 HorrorPuzzleMysterySci-fiFirst-PersonExploration
- 15
Half-Life: Alyx
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and First-Person.
Half-Life: Alyx is Valve’s VR return to the Half-Life series. It’s the story of an impossible fight against a vicious alien race known as the Combine, set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2. Playing as Alyx Vance, you are humanity’s only chance for survival.
Half-Life: Alyx at a glance Released 2020 Studio Campo Santo Player sentiment 98% positive of 105,097 Price $59.99 Story RichHorrorFirst-PersonSci-fiBeautifulPsychological HorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 16
MiSide
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Horror.
Let's imagine that you have a game in which you care for a character. But could you imagine one day getting into that game yourself?
MiSide at a glance Released 2024 Studio AIHASTO Player sentiment 98% positive of 141,903 Price $14.99 Psychological HorrorStory RichHorrorFirst-Person3DPuzzleSimulation
- 17
The Room
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery 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 PuzzleMysteryIndieHorrorFirst-PersonBeautifulStory Rich
- 18
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Puzzle and Story Rich.
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-PersonHorror
- 19
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Psychological Horror and Mystery.
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 RichGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Puzzle.
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 HorrorPuzzleFirst-PersonIndieExplorationStory Rich
- 21
The Past Within
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Horror and Mystery.
The Past Within is the new co-op experience from Rusty Lake! Play together with someone you deem trustworthy: one in The Past, the other in The Future. Observe and communicate what you see around you. Solve the puzzles and uncover Albert Vanderboom’s plan.
The Past Within at a glance Released 2022 Studio Rusty Lake Player sentiment 95% positive of 16,814 Price $5.99 PuzzleHorrorMysteryIndiePsychological HorrorStory Rich3D
- 22
Firewatch
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Mystery and First-Person.
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 RichMysteryFirst-PersonExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackHorror
- 23
Backrooms: Escape Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, science fiction, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and First-Person.
A visually lifelike co-op horror game for 1-6 people. Journey through 11 procedurally generated levels, using what's available to survive and progress deeper into the Backrooms.
Backrooms: Escape Together at a glance Released 2022 Studio Triiodide Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 48,808 Price $9.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorFirst-PersonExplorationPuzzle3DSci-fi
- 24
Little Big Adventure
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Puzzle.
Little Big Adventure is a retro action-adventure game originally released in 1994. Equipped with your Magicball, you will have to face the evil Dr. Funfrock to save your girlfriend and the world of Twinsun.
Little Big Adventure at a glance Released 1996 Studio Adeline Software International Player sentiment 88% positive of 454 Price $9.99 Story RichExplorationPuzzleSpaceMystery
Common questions
What game is most like Outer Wilds?
Inside the Backrooms, on the evidence we have. It both horror, psychological, science fiction, 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 Outer Wilds" 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 Outer Wilds. 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.