Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Owlboy (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Owlboy 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: Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric.
- Owlboy is tagged Pixel Graphics, Adventure, Indie, Platformer, Metroidvania, 2D, Story Rich, Atmospheric 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
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2020).
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps at a glance Released 2020 Studio Moon Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,084 Price $29.99 MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat SoundtrackStory RichCuteAction-Adventure2DIndie
- 2
Celeste
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndiePlatformer2D Platformer2DStory RichCute
- 3
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Metroidvania and Platformer; released around the same time (2016).
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio Moon Studios GmbH Player sentiment 95% positive of 71,430 Price $19.99 Great SoundtrackMetroidvaniaPlatformerStory RichCuteFantasy2DIndie
- 4
Hollow Knight
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Hollow Knight at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Cherry Player sentiment 97% positive of 559,290 Price $14.99 MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat Soundtrack2DIndieStory RichCute
- 5
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Metroidvania and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.
Dust: An Elysian Tail at a glance Released 2013 Studio Humble Hearts LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 19,062 Price $14.99 PlatformerMetroidvaniaIndie2DFantasyGreat SoundtrackStory Rich
- 6
Child of Light
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Fantasy, Great Soundtrack and Platformer; released around the same time (2014).
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Child of Light at a glance Released 2014 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,481 Price $14.99 FantasyGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2DStory RichCuteIndie
- 7
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Why it matched: both fantasy and story-rich; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.
Skul: The Hero Slayer at a glance Released 2021 Studio SOUTHPAW GAMES Player sentiment 93% positive of 57,566 Price $19.99 IndiePixel Graphics2DPlatformerMetroidvaniaAction-AdventureFantasyStory Rich
- 8
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics 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 IndiePixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackFantasy2DStory RichRetro
- 9
Omori
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Pixel Graphics and Indie; released around the same time (2020).
Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.
Omori at a glance Released 2020 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 88,417 Price $19.99 Story RichPixel GraphicsIndieGreat Soundtrack2DFantasy
- 10
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio snekflat Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,976 Price $14.99 MetroidvaniaPlatformer2D2D PlatformerCuteGreat SoundtrackFunnyStory Rich
- 11
Fez
Why it matched: both atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2012).
Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.
Fez at a glance Released 2012 Studio Polytron Corporation Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,237 Price $9.99 PlatformerIndiePixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPuzzle-Platformer2DCuteRetro
- 12
Webbed
Why it matched: both fantasy and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including 2D Platformer, Cute and Pixel Graphics.
Swing through the trees, spin sticky webs, and make friends with bugs! Be the adorable spider you've always wanted to be.
Webbed at a glance Released 2021 Studio Sbug Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 15,267 Price $9.99 2D PlatformerCutePixel GraphicsPuzzle-Platformer2DPlatformerIndieFantasy
- 13
Blasphemous 2
Why it matched: both fantasy and story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Fantasy, Metroidvania and 2D Platformer.
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.
Blasphemous 2 at a glance Released 2023 Studio The Game Kitchen Player sentiment 91% positive of 21,269 Price $9.49 FantasyMetroidvania2D PlatformerPixel Graphics2DPlatformerAction-AdventureStory Rich
- 14
Eternal Senia
Why it matched: both fantasy and story-rich; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Indie and Story Rich; released around the same time (2015).
Thoughts and expectations ARPG
Eternal Senia at a glance Released 2015 Studio Sanctum Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 12,057 Price Free Great SoundtrackIndieStory RichCute2DPixel GraphicsFantasy
- 15
Trine 2: Complete Story
Why it matched: both fantasy and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer and 2D Platformer; released around the same time (2013).
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op.
Trine 2: Complete Story at a glance Released 2013 Studio Frozenbyte Player sentiment 95% positive of 22,041 Price $19.99 Puzzle-PlatformerPlatformer2D PlatformerFantasyIndieGreat Soundtrack2D
- 16
Pony Island
Why it matched: both story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2016).
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Pony Island at a glance Released 2016 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,104 Price $4.99 IndiePixel GraphicsGreat Soundtrack2DStory RichFunnyCute
- 17
Jump King
Why it matched: both fantasy and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Platformer; released around the same time (2019).
Take up the challenge and face true high-stakes platforming in Jump King! Struggle upwards in search of the Smoking Hot Babe of legend, but explore with care; a single missed jump could lead to a long fall back down...
Jump King at a glance Released 2019 Studio Nexile Player sentiment 90% positive of 13,391 Price $12.99 IndiePixel GraphicsPlatformer2DRetroFunnyFantasy
- 18
Nine Sols
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Metroidvania, 2D and Platformer.
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Nine Sols at a glance Released 2024 Studio RedCandleGames Player sentiment 94% positive of 45,195 Price $29.99 Metroidvania2DPlatformerStory RichIndieAction-Adventure
- 19
Cave Story
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Metroidvania and Indie.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerMetroidvaniaIndieGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroStory Rich
- 20
Titan Souls
Why it matched: both fantasy and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2015).
Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.
Titan Souls at a glance Released 2015 Studio Acid Nerve Player sentiment 79% positive of 13,818 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsIndieGreat Soundtrack2DFantasyAction-AdventureRetro
- 21
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackStory RichPlatformer2D PlatformerIndie2DRetro
- 22
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
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 RichIndie2DFantasyGreat Soundtrack
- 23
Undertale
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Story Rich and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2015).
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
Undertale at a glance Released 2015 Studio 8-4 Player sentiment 96% positive of 338,731 Price $9.99 Great SoundtrackStory RichPixel GraphicsFunnyIndie2DCuteRetro
- 24
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: both fantasy; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Retro; released around the same time (2014).
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance Released 2014 Studio Yacht Club Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,898 Price $39.99 PlatformerPixel GraphicsRetroGreat SoundtrackIndie2DFantasyFunny
Common questions
What game is most like Owlboy?
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, on the evidence we have. It both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric. 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 Owlboy" 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 Owlboy. 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.