Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like SpaceChem (2026)
Every game below overlaps with SpaceChem 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: Mini Metro, which both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult.
- SpaceChem is tagged Puzzle, Difficult, Programming, Indie, Logic, Singleplayer, Automation, Sci-fi by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Mini Metro
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 11 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 StrategyPuzzleSimulationIndieCasual2DBuildingTouch-Friendly
- 2
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Simulation and Puzzle; released around the same time (2013).
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 IndieSimulationPuzzle2DAddictiveGreat SoundtrackStrategyCasual
- 3
World of Goo
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack; 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 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackCasual2DBuildingTouch-FriendlyDifficult
- 4
Baba Is You
Why it matched: both 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 PuzzleIndieDifficultLogicProgramming2DGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 5
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Space, Simulation and Science; released around the same time (2015).
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Kerbal Space Program at a glance Released 2015 Studio Squad Player sentiment 96% positive of 146,438 Price $39.99 SpaceSimulationScienceBuildingIndieEducationSci-fiDifficult
- 6
Hacknet
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Programming and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2015).
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
Hacknet at a glance Released 2015 Studio Team Fractal Alligator Player sentiment 94% positive of 26,101 Price $1.49 SimulationProgrammingGreat SoundtrackLogic2DEducationDifficultSci-fi
- 7
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Space.
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Defy Gravity Extended at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paul Fisch Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,531 Price $0.55 IndiePuzzleSpace2DDifficultCasualSci-fiGreat Soundtrack
- 8
Peggle
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Puzzle and Addictive; released around the same time (2007).
Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun! Aim, shoot, clear the orange pegs, then sit back and cheer as 10 whimsical teachers guide you to Peggle greatness.
Peggle at a glance Released 2007 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 98% positive of 14,434 Price $4.99 CasualPuzzleAddictive2DStrategyDifficultGreat Soundtrack
- 9
Braid
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and 2D; 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 PuzzleIndie2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultCasualStrategy
- 10
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation.
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Hardspace: Shipbreaker at a glance Released 2022 Studio Blackbird Interactive Player sentiment 89% positive of 22,334 Price $34.99 SpaceSci-fiSimulationPuzzleStrategyBuildingGreat Soundtrack
- 11
Reus
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 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 StrategyIndieSimulationCasualPuzzle2DAddictiveGreat Soundtrack
- 12
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Casual and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2009).
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio PopCap Games, Inc. Player sentiment 98% positive of 155,468 Price $4.99 StrategyCasualGreat Soundtrack2DPuzzleAddictiveIndieTouch-Friendly
- 13
Bejeweled 3
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Strategy; released around the same time (2010).
The biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game. Find your perfect match with 8 breathtaking game modes that meet all your moods.
Bejeweled 3 at a glance Released 2010 Studio PopCap Games, Inc. Player sentiment 96% positive of 8,122 Price $4.99 PuzzleCasualStrategyAddictiveGreat SoundtrackTouch-FriendlyIndie2D
- 14
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Building, 2D and Simulation.
Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.
Oxygen Not Included at a glance Released 2019 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 143,589 Price $24.99 Building2DSimulationStrategySpaceIndieSci-fiDifficult
- 15
Dyson Sphere Program
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Automation, Space and Building.
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
Dyson Sphere Program at a glance Released 2021 Studio Youthcat Studio Player sentiment 97% positive of 91,586 Price $19.99 AutomationSpaceBuildingSimulationSci-fiStrategyIndieCasual
- 16
Zuma
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 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 Puzzle2DStrategyCasualIndieDifficultAddictive
- 17
Mini Motorways
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Casual.
Mini Motorways is a strategy simulation game about designing the road map for a growing city. Build a traffic network, one road at a time, to create a bustling metropolis. Redesign your roads and place your motorways to get everyone where they need to go. How long can you keep the city moving?
Mini Motorways at a glance Released 2021 Studio Dinosaur Polo Club Player sentiment 96% positive of 24,384 Price $9.99 StrategySimulationCasualIndiePuzzleBuildingGreat SoundtrackTouch-Friendly
- 18
Poly Bridge
Why it matched: both strategy, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Building, Simulation and Puzzle.
Unleash your engineering creativity with an engaging and fresh bridge-building simulator with all the bells and whistles. Enjoy hours of physics-based puzzle solving in the Campaign and then jump in the Sandbox to create your own bridge designs and puzzles!
Poly Bridge at a glance Released 2016 Studio Dry Cactus Player sentiment 91% positive of 18,905 Price $9.99 BuildingSimulationPuzzleDifficultIndieGreat SoundtrackEducationStrategy
- 19
Polarity
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Strategy.
Polarity takes it to the next level, demanding all of your wits and reflexes. Full-featured local co-op campaign.
Polarity at a glance Released 2016 Studio Bluebutton Games Player sentiment 79% positive of 4,668 Price $12.99 PuzzleIndieStrategySci-fiGreat SoundtrackSpaceDifficult
- 20
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 PuzzleCasualIndieDifficultSimulationStrategy
- 21
FTL: Faster Than Light
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Space, Strategy and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2012).
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
FTL: Faster Than Light at a glance Released 2012 Studio Subset Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 78,616 Price $9.99 SpaceStrategySci-fiIndieDifficult2DSimulation
- 22
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky at a glance Released 2015 Studio Michael Zahniser Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,092 Price Free SpaceSci-fiSimulation2DIndieStrategyCasual
- 23
Sanctum
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Indie and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2011).
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Sanctum at a glance Released 2011 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 3,359 Price $1.99 StrategyIndieSci-fiCasualGreat SoundtrackDifficult
- 24
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Sci-fi and Difficult.
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Ikaruga at a glance Released 2001 Studio Treasure Player sentiment 95% positive of 2,364 Price $9.99 Great SoundtrackSci-fiDifficultIndieAddictive2DSpacePuzzle
Common questions
What game is most like SpaceChem?
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 SpaceChem" 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 SpaceChem. 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.