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 games like Outer Wilds on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
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.
Why players value Outer Wilds
The five things Steam players tag Outer Wilds with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Exploration
- Space
- Mystery
- Story Rich
- Adventure
| Reception | on Steam (96% of 107,214) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | $14.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (80% of 46,767)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Horror, Multiplayer, Survival Horror, Puzzle, Psychological Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $6.99 — $8.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorPuzzlePsychological HorrorExplorationFirst-Person3DMysterySci-fi
- 2
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (97% of 177,458)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Adventure
Why players like it: Cats, Adventure, Atmospheric, Cyberpunk, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:ExplorationBeautifulPuzzleHorrorSci-fiIndieMystery
- 3
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (91% of 54,539)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Space, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Sci-fi, Immersive Sim, Space, Singleplayer, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Sci-fiSpaceHorrorFirst-PersonStory RichExplorationPsychological HorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (96% of 52,603)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Story Rich, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds: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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (88% of 27,676)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Horror, Psychological Horror, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $1.99 — $13.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorPsychological HorrorFirst-PersonStory RichIndiePuzzleExplorationGreat Soundtrack
- 6
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (96% of 56,620)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Exploration, Fishing, Lovecraftian, Adventure, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $10.79 — $4.20 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:ExplorationMysteryPsychological HorrorHorrorSimulationStory RichIndie3D
- 7
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (91% of 18,807)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Escape Room, Online Co-Op, Puzzle, Co-op, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $17.99 — $3.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Puzzle3DMysteryExplorationPsychological HorrorStory RichFirst-PersonHorror
- 8
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (82% of 4,898)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Puzzle, Visual Novel, Story Rich, Psychological Horror, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzleStory RichPsychological HorrorMysterySci-fiHorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 9
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (82% of 17,696)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Co-op Campaign, Story Rich, Escape Room — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $4.93 — $10.06 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzleStory RichExplorationHorrorMysteryFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorIndie
- 10
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (81% of 51,598)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 2 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery
Why players like it: Sexual Content, FPS, Horror, Singleplayer, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $59.99 — $45.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorPuzzleMysterySci-fiFirst-PersonExploration
- 11
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (89% of 36,934)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Horror, First-Person, Singleplayer, Puzzle, Cartoony — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $5.99 — $9.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report softlocks and broken quests, performance and stutter, lost progress or broken saves, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorFirst-PersonPuzzleMysteryIndieStory RichGreat SoundtrackPsychological Horror
- 12
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (84% of 21,324)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $39.99 — $25.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzleExplorationFirst-PersonIndieMysteryGreat SoundtrackStory RichBeautiful
- 13
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (70% of 12,114)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Horror, Walking Simulator, Atmospheric, Story Rich, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorStory RichFirst-PersonPsychological HorrorExplorationMysteryIndiePuzzle
- 14
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.7/10 · Steam: (98% of 141,903)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 2 of 5 — Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Psychological Horror, Cute, Story Rich, Horror, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Psychological HorrorStory RichHorrorFirst-Person3DPuzzleSimulation
- 15
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (89% of 48,808)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 2 of 5 — Exploration, Adventure
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Horror, Psychological Horror, Online Co-Op, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorPsychological HorrorFirst-PersonExplorationPuzzle3DSci-fi
- 16
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (86% of 63,191)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 2 of 5 — Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Action, Supernatural, Female Protagonist, Story Rich, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $3.99 — $11.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Story RichSci-fiHorrorPsychological HorrorEpicGreat Soundtrack
- 17
Amnesia: Rebirth
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including First-Person, Puzzle and Story Rich.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (77% of 9,326)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Action-Adventure, First-Person, Puzzle, Story Rich, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:First-PersonPuzzleStory RichExplorationHorrorPsychological HorrorMystery
- 18
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (98% of 31,750)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Puzzle, Mystery, Point & Click, Atmospheric, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzleMysteryIndieHorrorFirst-PersonBeautifulStory Rich
- 19
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (97% of 35,093)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Detective, Mystery, Puzzle, Story Rich, Atmospheric — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:MysteryPuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackFirst-PersonHorror
- 20
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (97% of 12,197)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Puzzle, Free to Play, Psychological Horror, Point & Click, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzlePsychological HorrorMysteryIndieHorrorStory RichGreat Soundtrack
- 21
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (95% of 35,674)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Exploration, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Horror, Gore, Psychological Horror, Survival Horror, Atmospheric — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $1.99 — $13.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Outer Wilds:HorrorPsychological HorrorPuzzleFirst-PersonIndieExplorationStory Rich
- 22
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (95% of 16,814)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Co-op, Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer, Escape Room — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $5.99 — $9.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:PuzzleHorrorMysteryIndiePsychological HorrorStory Rich3D
- 23
Surrounded
Why it matched: both open world, horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, 3D and Psychological Horror.
A 6-player open world horror game. Explore a abandoned town, filled with mysteries, be chased around with your friends and survive creatures capable of ending your life. Uncover what really happened.
Surrounded at a glance Released 2026 Studio Nightmare Studios Player sentiment 44% positive of 571 Price $8.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 4.8/10 · Steam: (44% of 571)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 3 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich
Why players like it: Horror, Multiplayer, Survival Horror, Atmospheric, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $8.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Horror3DPsychological HorrorExplorationFirst-PersonMysteryStory Rich
- 24
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (91% of 99,328)
Matches Outer Wilds on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure
Why players like it: Adventure, Atmospheric, Story Rich, Walking Simulator, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Outer Wilds: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Outer Wilds:Story RichMysteryFirst-PersonExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackHorror
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.