Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like Riven (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

Every game below overlaps with Riven 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 Riven on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The 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.

Horizontal

Vertical

Platform

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
Xbox

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: The Witness, which both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing.
Riven is tagged Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich, Singleplayer, Atmospheric, Mystery 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.
3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.

Why players value Riven

The five things Steam players tag Riven 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.

Puzzle
Adventure
Exploration
First-Person
Story Rich

Riven at a glance
Reception	Very Positive on Steam (92% of 2,865)
Watch-outs	players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes, visual glitches
Price	$20.99

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
The Witness
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 10 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: Very Positive (84% of 21,324)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $39.99 — $19.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleExplorationFirst-PersonWalking SimulatorMysteryPhilosophicalRelaxingSurreal
Full entry Games like this one Store page
2
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Walking Simulator, First-Person and Multiple Endings.
The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.
The Stanley Parable at a glance
Released 2013 Studio Galactic Cafe
Player sentiment 92% positive of 45,775 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 45,775)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Comedy, Narration, Indie, Walking Simulator, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $14.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Walking SimulatorFirst-PersonMultiple EndingsExplorationStory RichSurrealPuzzleCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
3
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Emotional.
Partner up with your friend online and set sail for an unforgettable puzzle adventure in this bite-sized standalone We Were Here experience. Work together to overcome brain-teasing challenges and make fun memories, using your best communication, teamwork and trust skills.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip at a glance
Released 2023 Studio Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment 90% positive of 24,073 Price $1.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 24,073)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Co-op, Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $1.99 — $19.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleCasualEmotionalFirst-Person3DMysteryStory RichMultiple Endings
Full entry Games like this one Store page
4
We Were Here Forever
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 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: Very Positive (91% of 18,807)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Escape Room, Online Co-Op, Puzzle, Co-op, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $17.99 — $3.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Puzzle3DMysteryExplorationStory RichCasualFirst-Person
Full entry Games like this one Store page
5
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 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: Very Positive (82% of 17,696)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Co-op Campaign, Story Rich, Escape Room — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $4.93 — $16.06 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleStory RichExplorationInvestigationMysteryFirst-PersonCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
6
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Investigation and Logic.
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap.
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Bitbeast Games
Player sentiment 81% positive of 12,548 Price Free
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (81% of 12,548)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Free to Play, Horror, Puzzle, Investigation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleInvestigationLogicFirst-PersonCasualExplorationRealisticMultiple Endings
Full entry Games like this one Store page
7
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Story Rich and Puzzle.
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Frogwares
Player sentiment 80% positive of 14,479 Price $2.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (80% of 14,479)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Adventure, Detective, Mystery, Story Rich, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $2.99 — $18.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:MysteryStory RichPuzzleInvestigationFirst-Person3DCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
8
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Multiple Endings, Walking Simulator and First-Person.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of 2013's The Stanley Parable. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will make a choice, and you will become powerless. You are not here to win. The Stanley Parable is a game that plays you.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe at a glance
Released 2022 Studio Crows Crows Crows
Player sentiment 94% positive of 36,046 Price $24.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 36,046)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Multiple Endings, Comedy, Choices Matter, Walking Simulator, Narration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $24.99 — $4.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Multiple EndingsWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonExploration3DStory RichCasualMystery
Full entry Games like this one Store page
9
Escape Simulator
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, First-Person and Mystery.
First-person puzzler you can play solo or in an online co-op. Explore a set of highly interactive escape rooms. Move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash pots and break locks! Play thousands of community-made rooms through the level editor.
Escape Simulator at a glance
Released 2021 Studio Pine Studio
Player sentiment 94% positive of 19,336 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 19,336)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Puzzle, Co-op, Multiplayer, Escape Room, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $19.99 — $1.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleFirst-PersonMysteryCasualVRStory RichInvestigationExploration
Full entry Games like this one Store page
10
OneShot
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Puzzle and Multiple Endings.
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: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 64,849)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, Story Rich
Why players like it: Story Rich, Pixel Graphics, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Cute — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $9.99 — $11.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Story RichPuzzleMultiple EndingsExplorationSurrealCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
11
We Were Here
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Exploration.
Lost in a frozen wasteland and split up from your partner inside an abandoned castle, the only possession you have left is a walkie-talkie with a familiar voice on the other end. Can the two of you find your way out in time?
We Were Here at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment 89% positive of 33,121 Price Free
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 33,121)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Why players like it: Free to Play, Co-op, Escape Room, Puzzle, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleMysteryExplorationFirst-PersonInvestigationMultiple EndingsCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
12
GRIS
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Relaxing, Story Rich and Puzzle.
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
GRIS at a glance
Released 2018 Studio Nomada Studio
Player sentiment 96% positive of 96,216 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 96,216)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, Story Rich
Why players like it: Beautiful, Atmospheric, Great Soundtrack, Indie, Female Protagonist — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $14.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:RelaxingStory RichPuzzleSurrealCasualExplorationWalking Simulator
Full entry Games like this one Store page
13
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and First-Person.
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: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 52,603)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Story Rich, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $4.99 — $16.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Story RichWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonMysteryExplorationPuzzleEmotional
Full entry Games like this one Store page
14
Journey
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Relaxing and Walking Simulator.
Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.
Journey at a glance
Released 2012 Studio Not recorded
Player sentiment 94% positive of 38,401 Price $3.74
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 38,401)
Matches Riven on: 3 of 5 — Adventure, Exploration, Story Rich
Why players like it: Beautiful, Atmospheric, Adventure, Indie, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $3.74 — $17.25 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Riven:ExplorationRelaxingWalking SimulatorCasualStory RichMystery3D
Full entry Games like this one Store page
15
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Walking Simulator, First-Person and Story Rich.
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: Very Positive (88% of 27,676)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Horror, Psychological Horror, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $1.99 — $19.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Walking SimulatorFirst-PersonStory RichPuzzleExplorationMysterySurreal
Full entry Games like this one Store page
16
Strobophagia | Rave Horror
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Multiple Endings, Mystery and 3D.
An occult forest rave ⸸ Strange rituals ⸸ Enigmatic organisers ⸸ An ancient evil ⸸ Pure Psychedelic Horror
Strobophagia | Rave Horror at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Green Tile Digital
Player sentiment 83% positive of 110 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (83% of 110)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Why players like it: Psychedelic, Adventure, Survival Horror, Choices Matter, Multiple Endings — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $19.99 — $1.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Multiple EndingsMystery3DSurrealFirst-PersonExplorationPuzzle
Full entry Games like this one Store page
17
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Exploration and First-Person.
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: Very Positive (80% of 46,767)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Horror, Multiplayer, Survival Horror, Puzzle, Psychological Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $6.99 — $14.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleExplorationFirst-Person3DMysteryVRStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
18
The Room
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Casual.
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: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 31,750)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Puzzle, Mystery, Point & Click, Atmospheric, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $4.99 — $16.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleMysteryCasualFirst-PersonStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
19
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Puzzle and Mystery.
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 29,068)
Matches Riven on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Story Rich
Why players like it: Story Rich, Psychological Horror, Indie, Horror, Dark — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $2.99 — $18.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:Story RichPuzzleMysteryEmotionalCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
20
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, Mystery and Story Rich.
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Outer Wilds at a glance
Released http Studio Mobius Digital
Player sentiment 96% positive of 107,214 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 107,214)
Matches Riven on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Exploration, Space, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $14.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:ExplorationMysteryStory RichPuzzleFirst-Person3D
Full entry Games like this one Store page
21
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including VR, First-Person and Casual.
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: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 13,118)
Matches Riven on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Horror, VR, Singleplayer, Robots, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $29.99 — $9.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:VRFirst-PersonCasualPuzzleStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
22
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including First-Person, Walking Simulator and Story Rich.
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 10,175)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, First-Person, Story Rich
Why players like it: Free to Play, Comedy, First-Person, Narration, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:First-PersonWalking SimulatorStory RichCasualPuzzle
Full entry Games like this one Store page
23
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Mystery.
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Puzzle Agent at a glance
Released 2010 Studio Telltale
Player sentiment 89% positive of 2,838 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 2,838)
Matches Riven on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Story Rich
Why players like it: Puzzle, Adventure, Point & Click, Casual, Detective — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $4.99 — $16.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:PuzzleCasualMysterySurrealStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
24
Backrooms: Escape Together
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Realistic, First-Person and Casual.
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: Very Positive (89% of 48,808)
Matches Riven on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Horror, Psychological Horror, Online Co-Op, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Riven: $9.99 — $11.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Riven:RealisticFirst-PersonCasualExplorationPuzzle3D
Full entry Games like this one Store page

The Witness at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Thekla, Inc.
Player sentiment	84% positive of 21,324	Price	$39.99

The Stanley Parable at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Galactic Cafe
Player sentiment	92% positive of 45,775	Price	$14.99

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip at a glance
Released	2023	Studio	Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment	90% positive of 24,073	Price	$1.99

We Were Here Forever at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment	91% positive of 18,807	Price	$17.99

We Were Here Together at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment	82% positive of 17,696	Price	$4.93

Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Bitbeast Games
Player sentiment	81% positive of 12,548	Price	Free

Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Frogwares
Player sentiment	80% positive of 14,479	Price	$2.99

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	Crows Crows Crows
Player sentiment	94% positive of 36,046	Price	$24.99

Escape Simulator at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	Pine Studio
Player sentiment	94% positive of 19,336	Price	$19.99

OneShot at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Future Cat LLC
Player sentiment	98% positive of 64,849	Price	$9.99

We Were Here at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment	89% positive of 33,121	Price	Free

GRIS at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Nomada Studio
Player sentiment	96% positive of 96,216	Price	$14.99

What Remains of Edith Finch at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Giant Sparrow
Player sentiment	96% positive of 52,603	Price	$4.99

Journey at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Not recorded
Player sentiment	94% positive of 38,401	Price	$3.74

Layers of Fear (2016) at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Bloober Team SA
Player sentiment	88% positive of 27,676	Price	$1.99

Strobophagia | Rave Horror at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Green Tile Digital
Player sentiment	83% positive of 110	Price	$19.99

Inside the Backrooms at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	MrFatcat
Player sentiment	80% positive of 46,767	Price	$6.99

The Room at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Fireproof Games
Player sentiment	98% positive of 31,750	Price	$4.99

Sally Face - Episode One at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Portable Moose
Player sentiment	97% positive of 29,068	Price	$2.99

Outer Wilds at a glance
Released	http	Studio	Mobius Digital
Player sentiment	96% positive of 107,214	Price	$14.99

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

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

Puzzle Agent at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	Telltale
Player sentiment	89% positive of 2,838	Price	$4.99

Backrooms: Escape Together at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	Triiodide Studios
Player sentiment	89% positive of 48,808	Price	$9.99

Common questions

What game is most like Riven?

The Witness, on the evidence we have. It both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing. 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 Riven" 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 Riven. 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.

More on Riven

Riven: the full recordPrice, platforms, accessibility and what players report going wrong Best PlayStation gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score Best Steam Deck gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score