Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Portal (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Portal 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: Portal 2, which made by the same studio, Valve.
- Portal is tagged Puzzle, Puzzle-Platformer, First-Person, 3D Platformer, Singleplayer, Sci-fi, Comedy, Female Protagonist 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.
- 4 are from the same studio: Portal 2, Half-Life: Source, The Lab, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch.
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
Portal 2
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 14 player tags including Platformer, Puzzle and First-Person; released around the same time (2011).
The "Perpetual Testing Initiative" has been expanded to allow you to design co-op puzzles for you and your friends!
Portal 2 at a glance Released 2011 Studio Valve Player sentiment 99% positive of 466,026 Price $9.99 PlatformerPuzzleFirst-PersonDark HumorStory RichPuzzle-PlatformerFunnyFemale Protagonist
- 2
Half-Life 2
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and Classic; released around the same time (2004).
Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat.
Half-Life 2 at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 98% positive of 278,618 Price $9.99 FPSSci-fiClassicStory RichFirst-PersonPhysicsPuzzle
- 3
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and Classic.
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Half-Life: Blue Shift at a glance Released 2001 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 21,191 Price $4.99 FPSSci-fiClassicFirst-PersonShortStory RichPuzzle
- 4
Broken Age
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Comedy and Funny.
A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story.
Broken Age at a glance Released 2014 Studio Double Fine Player sentiment 84% positive of 8,219 Price $14.99 Story RichComedyFunnyPuzzleFemale ProtagonistClassicSci-fiShort
- 5
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Classic and Sci-fi.
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Half-Life: Opposing Force at a glance Released 1999 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 28,900 Price $4.99 FPSClassicSci-fiFirst-PersonStory RichPuzzle
- 6
Half-Life: Source
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including FPS, Classic and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2004).
Winner of over 50 Game of the Year awards, Half-Life set new standards for action games when it was released in 1998. Half-Life: Source is a digitally remastered version of the critically acclaimed and best selling PC game, enhanced via Source technology to include physics simulation, enhanced effects, and more.
Half-Life: Source at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 69% positive of 16,699 Price $9.99 FPSClassicSci-fiFirst-PersonStory Rich
- 7
Gunpoint
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Comedy and Platformer.
Gunpoint is a stealth puzzle game that lets you rewire its levels to trick people. You play a freelance spy who takes jobs from his clients to break into high security buildings and steal sensitive data.
Gunpoint at a glance Released 2013 Studio Suspicious Developments Player sentiment 98% positive of 13,326 Price $9.99 PuzzleComedyPlatformerFunnyShortStory RichSci-fi
- 8
The Lab
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both science fiction, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including First-Person, Funny and Sci-fi.
Welcome to The Lab, a compilation of Valve’s room-scale VR experiments set in a pocket universe within Aperture Science. Fix a robot, defend a castle, adopt a mechanical dog, and more. Still not sold? It’s free!
The Lab at a glance Released 2016 Studio Valve Player sentiment 95% positive of 6,671 Price Free First-PersonFunnySci-fiFPSPuzzle
- 9
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including FPS, First-Person and Comedy.
Step into the boots of Grayson Hunt after a crash landing on an old resort planet forces him to make a hard choice: survival or revenge. Execute masterful kills with Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition’s unique combat system that rewards you for performing the most creative and deadly kills imaginable.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition at a glance Released 2017 Studio People Can Fly Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,652 Price $39.99 FPSFirst-PersonComedySci-fiFunnyDark HumorStory Rich
- 10
Tomb Raider II
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Female Protagonist, Classic and Puzzle.
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Tomb Raider II at a glance Released 1997 Studio Core Design Player sentiment 87% positive of 2,360 Price $3.49 Female ProtagonistClassicPuzzlePlatformer3D PlatformerPuzzle-PlatformerStory Rich
- 11
Deponia
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Comedy, Puzzle and Funny.
In Deponia, the world has degenerated into a vast garbage dump, in which the crotchety Rufus ekes out his sorry existence.
Deponia at a glance Released 2012 Studio Daedalic Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 14,513 Price $0.99 ComedyPuzzleFunnyStory RichDark HumorClassicSci-fi
- 12
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Physics and Comedy; released around the same time (2008).
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 PuzzlePhysicsComedyFunnyClassicStory Rich
- 13
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle and Platformer; released around the same time (2008).
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 Puzzle-PlatformerPuzzlePlatformerClassicStory RichShort
- 14
Tomb Raider: Legend
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Female Protagonist, Puzzle and Platformer; released around the same time (2006).
Follow Lara Croft down a path of discovery as she travels the globe to remote, exotic locales in search of one of history's greatest artifacts, that unleashes unwelcome figures from Lara's mysterious past.
Tomb Raider: Legend at a glance Released 2006 Studio Crystal Dynamics Player sentiment 88% positive of 6,103 Price $0.97 Female ProtagonistPuzzlePlatformerClassicStory Rich3D Platformer
- 15
Mirror's Edge
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, 3D Platformer and Female Protagonist; released around the same time (2009).
In a city where information is heavily monitored, couriers called Runners transport sensitive data. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, & you are being hunted. You are a Runner called Faith and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story.
Mirror's Edge at a glance Released 2009 Studio DICE Player sentiment 88% positive of 39,319 Price $19.99 First-Person3D PlatformerFemale ProtagonistPlatformerPuzzleSci-fi
- 16
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Comedy and FPS; released around the same time (2005).
You're the Stranger, a mysterious bounty hunter on a mission to bag the ultimate prize. And you need that money like no one else because there is something very wrong with your health and the only way to fix it is a very costly operation.
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath at a glance Released 2005 Studio Oddworld Inhabitants Player sentiment 87% positive of 1,817 Price $9.99 ClassicComedyFPSStory RichFirst-PersonSci-fi
- 17
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Female Protagonist, Puzzle and Platformer; released around the same time (2007).
Tomb Raider: Anniversary retraces Lara Croft's original genre-defining adventure globe-trotting 3rd person action-adventure in pursuit of the legendary Scion artifact. Using an enhanced 'Tomb Raider: Legend' game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara's adventure and pursuit of a mystical artifact known only as the...
Tomb Raider: Anniversary at a glance Released 2007 Studio Crystal Dynamics Player sentiment 82% positive of 7,403 Price $0.98 Female ProtagonistPuzzlePlatformerClassic3D PlatformerStory Rich
- 18
Syberia
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Female Protagonist and Story Rich.
Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.
Syberia at a glance Released 2002 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 88% positive of 6,824 Price $12.99 PuzzleFemale ProtagonistStory RichClassicSci-fi
- 19
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Classic and Female Protagonist.
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster celebrates two of the most cherished and beloved entries to the world-renowned franchise, completely remastered in gorgeous High Definition & now available on PC / Windows!
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster at a glance Released 2016 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 88% positive of 23,525 Price $29.99 Story RichClassicFemale ProtagonistPuzzleSci-fi
- 20
Tomb Raider: Underworld
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Female Protagonist, Puzzle and Platformer; released around the same time (2008).
Tomb Raider: Underworld represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of...
Tomb Raider: Underworld at a glance Released 2008 Studio Crystal Dynamics Player sentiment 77% positive of 6,883 Price $0.98 Female ProtagonistPuzzlePlatformerClassic3D PlatformerStory Rich
- 21
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, First-Person and FPS.
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 PuzzleFirst-PersonFPSSci-fiStory Rich
- 22
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and First-Person; released around the same time (2007).
Approximately 20 years after Deus Ex, the world is only beginning to recover from a catastrophic worldwide depression. In this techno-nightmare, take part in the dark struggle to raise the world from its own ashes.
Deus Ex: Invisible War at a glance Released 2007 Studio Ion Storm Player sentiment 57% positive of 2,498 Price $1.74 FPSSci-fiFirst-PersonFemale ProtagonistStory RichClassic
- 23
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including FPS, First-Person and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2004).
Fast multiplayer action set in the Half-Life 2 universe! HL2's physics adds a new dimension to deathmatch play. Play straight deathmatch or try Combine vs. Resistance teamplay. Toss a toilet at your friend today!
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 91% positive of 15,340 Price Not listed FPSFirst-PersonSci-fiPhysicsFunny
- 24
Little Nightmares
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle and Story Rich.
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 Puzzle-PlatformerPuzzleStory RichPlatformerFemale ProtagonistShort
Common questions
What game is most like Portal?
Portal 2, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Valve. 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 Portal" 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 Portal. 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 Portal do?
Portal 2, Half-Life: Source, The Lab, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch are also from Valve, and appear 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.