Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Papers, Please (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Papers, Please 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 Papers, Please 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.
- Mobile
- PC
- PlayStation
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: Mini Metro, which both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult.
- Papers, Please is tagged Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer, Pixel Graphics, Dystopian , Multiple Endings 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.
- 1 are from the same studio: Return of the Obra Dinn.
Why players value Papers, Please
The five things Steam players tag Papers, Please 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.
- Indie
- Political
- Simulation
- Point & Click
- Singleplayer
| Reception | on Steam (97% of 80,337) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | $9.99 |
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
Mini Metro
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Puzzle and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving?
Mini Metro at a glance Released 2015 Studio Dinosaur Polo Club Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,729 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (96% of 16,729)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Strategy, Puzzle, Minimalist, Simulation, Trains — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:StrategyPuzzleSimulationIndieCasual2DDifficultGreat Soundtrack
- 2
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
World of Goo at a glance Released 2008 Studio 2D Boy Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,589 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (94% of 6,589)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Indie, Physics, Singleplayer, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackCasual2DDifficultStory RichStrategy
- 3
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and 2D.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (93% of 9,957)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle, 2D Platformer, Platformer, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleIndie2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultCasualStory RichStrategy
- 4
Baba Is You
Why it matched: both atmospheric, strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Difficult.
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!
Baba Is You at a glance Released 2019 Studio Hempuli Oy Player sentiment 98% positive of 24,536 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (98% of 24,536)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Indie, Difficult, Singleplayer, Logic — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleIndieDifficultPixel Graphics2DGreat SoundtrackCasualRetro
- 5
SpaceChem
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Difficult and Indie; released around the same time (2011).
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
SpaceChem at a glance Released 2011 Studio Zachtronics Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,085 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (92% of 5,085)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Difficult, Programming, Indie, Logic — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleDifficultIndieGreat Soundtrack2DSimulationCasualAddictive
- 6
OneShot
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Story Rich, Pixel Graphics and Indie; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (98% of 64,849)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Story Rich, Pixel Graphics, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Cute — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:Story RichPixel GraphicsIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleMultiple Endings2DReplay Value
- 7
Beholder
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Dystopian , Strategy and Simulation; released around the same time (2016).
You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?
Beholder at a glance Released 2016 Studio Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) Player sentiment 92% positive of 31,040 Price $13.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (92% of 31,040)
Matches Papers, Please on: 5 of 5 — Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Dystopian , Choices Matter, Political Sim, Strategy, Dark — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $13.99 — $4.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:Dystopian StrategySimulationStory RichMultiple EndingsPoliticalPoint & ClickIndie
- 8
Zuma
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, 2D and Strategy.
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Zuma at a glance Released 2003 Studio Oberon Media Player sentiment 96% positive of 6,806 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (96% of 6,806)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Match 3, Puzzle, Arcade, 2D, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $4.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Papers, Please:Puzzle2DStrategyCasualRetroReplay ValueIndieDifficult
- 9
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Difficult and Puzzle.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (96% of 13,118)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Horror, VR, Singleplayer, Robots, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $29.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:CasualDifficultPuzzleStory RichIndieStrategy
- 10
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Point & Click; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (77% of 2,654)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Point & Click, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Adventure, Indie, Pixel Graphics, Point & Click, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $7.99 — $2.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:IndiePixel GraphicsPoint & ClickGreat SoundtrackPuzzle2DCasualStory Rich
- 11
Mark of the Ninja
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, 2D and Replay Value.
In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.
Mark of the Ninja at a glance Released Not recorded Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 15,877 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (97% of 15,877)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Stealth, Platformer, Ninja, Indie, 2D — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:Indie2DReplay ValuePuzzleStory RichStrategyCasual
- 12
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Lucas Pope; both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Indie.
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 Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Detective, Mystery, Puzzle, Story Rich, Atmospheric — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetroMultiple Endings
- 13
Titan Souls
Why it matched: both atmospheric, strategy, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Difficult and Indie; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (79% of 13,818)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Souls-like, Pixel Graphics, Difficult, Indie, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:Pixel GraphicsDifficultIndieGreat Soundtrack2DRetroPuzzleStrategy
- 14
Reus
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Indie and Simulation; released around the same time (2013).
In Reus, you control powerful giants to shape the planet to your will. You can create mountains, oceans, forests and more. Enrich your planet with plants, minerals and animal life. There is only one thing on the planet that you do not control: mankind, with all their virtues and and all their vices.
Reus at a glance Released 2013 Studio Abbey Games Player sentiment 78% positive of 5,991 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (78% of 5,991)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: God Game, Strategy, Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:StrategyIndieSimulationCasualPuzzle2DReplay ValueAddictive
- 15
Beholder 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Dystopian , Strategy and Simulation.
You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!
Beholder 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) Player sentiment 87% positive of 8,144 Price $17.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (87% of 8,144)
Matches Papers, Please on: 5 of 5 — Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Dystopian , Strategy, Choices Matter, Political Sim, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $17.99 — $8.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:Dystopian StrategySimulationStory RichPoliticalMultiple EndingsAddictivePoint & Click
- 16
HuniePop
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Casual; released around the same time (2015).
HuniePop is a unique sim experience for PC, Mac and Linux. It's a gameplay first approach that's part dating sim, part puzzle game, with light RPG elements, a visual novel style of presentation, an abrasive western writing style and plenty of "plot".
HuniePop at a glance Released 2015 Studio HuniePot Player sentiment 96% positive of 31,679 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 31,679)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Nudity, Mature, Sexual Content, Anime, Dating Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleIndieCasualStory RichStrategyGreat Soundtrack2D
- 17
Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle
Why it matched: both atmospheric, strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Strategy.
Help legendary horror icon Jason Voorhees stalk and slay campers across 100+ puzzle levels in a hilariously off kilter puzzle game. Jason will terrorize victims from the campgrounds of Crystal Lake to the highrises of Manhattan, from supermax prisons to space stations... and beyond!
Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle at a glance Released 2018 Studio Blue Wizard Digital Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,080 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (94% of 6,080)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Puzzle, Horror, Gore, Violent — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleCasualStrategyIndieDifficultSimulation
- 18
Unpacking
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Casual, Pixel Graphics and Puzzle.
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
Unpacking at a glance Released 2021 Studio Witch Beam Player sentiment 93% positive of 40,694 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (93% of 40,694)
Matches Papers, Please on: 4 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Relaxing, Cute, Casual, Pixel Graphics, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:CasualPixel GraphicsPuzzleStory RichSimulationIndiePoint & Click2D
- 19
Uplink
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Strategy and Simulation.
Uplink lets you play as a freelance hacker tackling risky contracts for corporations. Break into systems, steal data, sabotage rivals, and upgrade your gear. Support factions or go rogue in this immersive, strategy-driven hacking simulation game where your choices shape the outcome.
Uplink at a glance Released 2006 Studio Introversion Software Player sentiment 91% positive of 2,437 Price $11.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (91% of 2,437)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Hacking, Indie, Strategy, Singleplayer, Cyberpunk — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $11.99 — $2.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:IndieStrategySimulation2DPuzzleStory Rich
- 20
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Difficult 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 33,261)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Horror, Singleplayer, Robots, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:SimulationDifficultIndieStrategyStory RichPixel GraphicsRetro
- 21
The Witness
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
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 Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $39.99 — $30.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleIndieDifficultCasualGreat SoundtrackStory Rich
- 22
Bendy and the Dark Revival
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Story Rich and Puzzle.
Bendy and the Dark Revival® is a first-person survival horror game set in the creepiest cartoon studio to ever exist. Discover the truth. Escape the studio. Above all, fear the Ink Demon…and survive.
Bendy and the Dark Revival at a glance Released 2022 Studio Joey Drew Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 16,194 Price $5.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (92% of 16,194)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Horror, Action, Singleplayer, First-Person, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $5.99 — $4.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:IndieStory RichPuzzleStrategyGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 23
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
Find yourself trapped alone in a room with a ticking time bomb. Your friends have the manual to defuse it, but they can't see the bomb, so you're going to have to talk it out – fast!
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes at a glance Released 2015 Studio Steel Crate Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 17,112 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (97% of 17,112)
Matches Papers, Please on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Simulation
Why players like it: Co-op, Local Multiplayer, Puzzle, Party Game, Board Game — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Papers, Please:PuzzleCasualIndieDifficultSimulationStrategy
- 24
Machinarium
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and 2D; released around the same time (2009).
Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!
Machinarium at a glance Released 2009 Studio Amanita Design Player sentiment 95% positive of 20,634 Price $3.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (95% of 20,634)
Matches Papers, Please on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Point & Click, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Point & Click, Puzzle, Hand-drawn, Steampunk, Robots — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Papers, Please: $3.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Papers, Please:Point & ClickPuzzle2DStory RichCasualIndieGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like Papers, Please?
Mini Metro, on the evidence we have. It both strategy, puzzle, relaxing 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 Papers, Please" 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 Papers, Please. 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.
What else did the makers of Papers, Please do?
Return of the Obra Dinn is also from Lucas Pope, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
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.