Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Pony Island (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Pony Island 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: DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition, which both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle.
- Pony Island is tagged Puzzle, Indie, Psychological Horror, Pixel Graphics, Hacking, Singleplayer, Demons, Horror 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.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Inscryption.
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
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Indie, Psychological Horror and Horror; released around the same time (2015).
DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. In order to secure a partnership in a famous company, Price seizes the property of an elderly woman. In that very moment, he finds out the price of his humanity.
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Jesse Makkonen Player sentiment 93% positive of 12,901 Price $0.69 IndiePsychological HorrorHorrorPixel Graphics2DStory RichDarkPuzzle
- 2
Undertale
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and puzzle; shares 11 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 GraphicsFunnyIndie2DCuteMemes
- 3
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Puzzle; 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 Psychological HorrorStory RichPuzzleHorrorIndieDarkGore2D
- 4
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Dark; released around the same time (2017).
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 HorrorPuzzleDarkIndieStory RichGreat SoundtrackPsychological HorrorFunny
- 5
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 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 Story RichPixel GraphicsIndieGreat SoundtrackCutePuzzle2DPsychological Horror
- 6
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Psychological Horror and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
An unsettling adventure following a boy with a prosthetic face. After a string of mysterious murders, Sal and his three friends discover something truly sinister casting shadows over their small town.
Sally Face - Episode One at a glance Released 2016 Studio Portable Moose Player sentiment 97% positive of 29,068 Price $2.99 Story RichPsychological HorrorIndieHorrorDarkPuzzle2DDemons
- 7
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Psychological Horror and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
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 HorrorIndieHorrorStory Rich2DDarkGreat Soundtrack
- 8
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2012).
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair at a glance Released 2012 Studio Spike Chunsoft Player sentiment 96% positive of 32,628 Price $19.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackPsychological HorrorPuzzleHorrorDarkMemesFunny
- 9
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
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 RichIndieGreat SoundtrackShortPsychological HorrorDarkPuzzleHorror
- 10
Little Nightmares
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Dark and Puzzle; released around the same time (2017).
Take on the role of Six, a lone child lost in a massive metal vessel known as the Maw, surrounded by dangerous, distorted versions of adults. You’ll need to do your best to escape in one piece or your fate will be worse than you ever dared dream.
Little Nightmares at a glance Released 2017 Studio Tarsier Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 116,529 Price $19.99 HorrorDarkPuzzleIndieStory RichPsychological HorrorGreat SoundtrackShort
- 11
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Story Rich; released around the same time (2016).
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 HorrorStory RichIndieDarkPuzzleGreat SoundtrackShort
- 12
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2017).
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony at a glance Released 2017 Studio Spike Chunsoft Player sentiment 83% positive of 23,187 Price $39.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackPsychological HorrorHorrorPuzzleDarkFunnyMemes
- 13
Lucius
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Gore and Puzzle; released around the same time (2012).
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 HorrorGorePuzzleIndieDarkPsychological HorrorStory RichFunny
- 14
Changed
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Cute, Psychological Horror and Puzzle; released around the same time (2018).
You are trapped in an experiment, trying to find ways to make you still "yourself" , persevere, and survive.
Changed at a glance Released 2018 Studio DragonSnow Player sentiment 86% positive of 18,545 Price $4.99 CutePsychological HorrorPuzzlePixel GraphicsIndieStory Rich2DGreat Soundtrack
- 15
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Dark; 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 HorrorPsychological HorrorDarkPuzzleStory RichIndieFunny
- 16
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Funny and Short; released around the same time (2015).
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist at a glance Released 2015 Studio Crows Crows Crows Player sentiment 93% positive of 10,175 Price Free IndieFunnyShortStory RichExperimentalPuzzlePsychological Horror
- 17
Inscryption
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Daniel Mullins Games; both horror, psychological, story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and Dark.
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Inscryption at a glance Released 2021 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 148,199 Price $19.99 Story RichHorrorDarkPuzzleExperimental2DPixel Graphics
- 18
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2016).
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 HorrorHorrorGreat SoundtrackGoreDark
- 19
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2013).
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 RichPsychological HorrorIndieDarkShortPuzzle
- 20
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Horror; released around the same time (2018).
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 Psychological HorrorStory RichHorrorGoreGreat SoundtrackIndie2DCute
- 21
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Dark and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
Welcome to Circus Baby's Pizza World, where family fun and interactivity go beyond anything you've seen at those *other* pizza places! Now hiring: Late night technician. Must enjoy cramped spaces and be comfortable around active machinery. Not responsible for death or dismemberment.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location at a glance Released 2016 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 90% positive of 12,642 Price $7.99 HorrorDarkIndieStory RichPsychological HorrorMemesFunnyGore
- 22
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Gore and Psychological Horror.
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 HorrorGorePsychological HorrorPuzzleDarkIndieStory Rich
- 23
Little Nightmares II
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Dark.
Little Nightmares II is the second game in a series that has thrilled and captivated millions of players worldwide since 2017. Now it’s your turn to try to survive this critically acclaimed entry in the most charming horror series ever made.
Little Nightmares II at a glance Released 2021 Studio Tarsier Studios Player sentiment 93% positive of 58,455 Price $29.99 HorrorPuzzleDarkPsychological HorrorStory RichIndieGreat Soundtrack
- 24
My Beautiful Paper Smile
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Psychological Horror, Horror and Story Rich.
Welcome, child, to your new home. Here you shall learn the art of perfection. Here you shall learn to smile. Be sure that smile doesn’t fade into sadness, or you will need to run and hide…
My Beautiful Paper Smile at a glance Released 2021 Studio Two Star Games Player sentiment 84% positive of 424 Price $14.99 Psychological HorrorHorrorStory RichPuzzle2DIndieDark
Common questions
What game is most like Pony Island?
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition, on the evidence we have. It both horror, psychological, 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 Pony Island" 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 Pony Island. 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 Pony Island do?
Inscryption is also from Daniel Mullins Games, 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.