Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like SteamWorld Dig (2026)
Every game below overlaps with SteamWorld Dig 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: Mighty No. 9, which both science fiction and relaxing.
- SteamWorld Dig is tagged Platformer, Mining, Steampunk, Metroidvania, Indie, Adventure, Western, 2D 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.
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
Mighty No. 9
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Side Scroller and Robots; released around the same time (2016).
Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!
Mighty No. 9 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Inti Creates Player sentiment 50% positive of 3,453 Price $19.99 PlatformerSide ScrollerRobotsIndieCasualSci-fi2DGreat Soundtrack
- 2
Machinarium
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Steampunk, Robots 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 SteampunkRobots2DCasualSci-fiIndieGreat Soundtrack
- 3
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, 2D and RPG; 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 Sci-fi2DRPGExplorationIndieSandboxCasual
- 4
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2010).
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 PlatformerIndieGreat Soundtrack2DExplorationSci-fiShortMetroidvania
- 5
Fez
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Exploration; released around the same time (2012).
Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.
Fez at a glance Released 2012 Studio Polytron Corporation Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,237 Price $9.99 PlatformerIndieExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasual2DControllerMetroidvania
- 6
ICEY
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Side Scroller, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
ICEY is a 2D side-scrolling action game and a META game in disguise. As you follow the narrator's omnipresent voice, you will see through ICEY's eyes and learn the truth about her world. The narrator will constantly urge you in one direction, but you must ask, "Why? Why am I following his directions?“ Obey? Rebel?
ICEY at a glance Released 2016 Studio FantaBlade Network Player sentiment 90% positive of 27,873 Price $10.99 Side ScrollerIndie2DRPGGreat SoundtrackSci-fiMetroidvaniaPlatformer
- 7
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Metroidvania and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.
Dust: An Elysian Tail at a glance Released 2013 Studio Humble Hearts LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 19,062 Price $14.99 PlatformerMetroidvaniaIndieRPG2DGreat SoundtrackExplorationController
- 8
Starbound
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Exploration and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
You’ve fled your home, only to find yourself lost in space with a damaged ship. Your only option is to beam down to the planet below, repair your ship and set off to explore the universe...
Starbound at a glance Released 2016 Studio Chucklefish Player sentiment 90% positive of 123,280 Price $14.99 SandboxExplorationIndie2DRPGSci-fi
- 9
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
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 PlatformerIndie2DCasualSci-fiGreat Soundtrack
- 10
Broken Age
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Casual; released around the same time (2014).
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 IndieGreat SoundtrackCasual2DSci-fiShort
- 11
DuckTales
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Casual and Great Soundtrack.
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
DuckTales at a glance Released 1989 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 88% positive of 7,930 Price $3.74 PlatformerCasualGreat Soundtrack2DExplorationControllerSide ScrollerShort
- 12
Hyper Light Drifter
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Indie and Exploration; released around the same time (2016).
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Hyper Light Drifter at a glance Released 2016 Studio Heart Machine Player sentiment 93% positive of 19,135 Price $19.99 Great SoundtrackIndieExplorationRPG2DMetroidvaniaSci-fi
- 13
Limbo
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2010).
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO
Limbo at a glance Released 2010 Studio Playdead Player sentiment 92% positive of 62,016 Price $12.49 IndiePlatformer2DShortSide ScrollerCasualController
- 14
Child of Light
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Great Soundtrack and Platformer; released around the same time (2014).
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Child of Light at a glance Released 2014 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,481 Price $14.99 RPGGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2DSide ScrollerIndieCasual
- 15
Touhou Luna Nights
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Side Scroller and Exploration.
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Touhou Luna Nights at a glance Released 2019 Studio Team Ladybug Player sentiment 97% positive of 14,936 Price $17.99 MetroidvaniaSide ScrollerExplorationPlatformerRPG2DControllerIndie
- 16
Awesomenauts
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including 2D, Platformer and Indie; released around the same time (2012).
Use your power, show your might! Play this Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game! AWESOMENAUTS combines 2D platforming with team-based strategy and hero based action. Whether you are a new recruit or an intergalactic legend, play AWESOMENAUTS!
Awesomenauts at a glance Released 2012 Studio Ronimo Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 26,853 Price $8.99 2DPlatformerIndieGreat SoundtrackControllerSci-fiSide Scroller
- 17
Hollow Knight
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Hollow Knight at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Cherry Player sentiment 97% positive of 559,290 Price $14.99 MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat Soundtrack2DIndieExplorationControllerSide Scroller
- 18
Fallout: New Vegas
Why it matched: both western and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Exploration and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2010).
Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas. Enjoy your stay!
Fallout: New Vegas at a glance Released 2010 Studio Obsidian Entertainment Player sentiment 96% positive of 261,194 Price $9.99 RPGExplorationSci-fiWesternSandbox
- 19
Universe Sandbox
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, Casual and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2015).
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Universe Sandbox at a glance Released 2015 Studio Giant Army Player sentiment 96% positive of 32,082 Price $20.09 SandboxCasualSci-fiIndieExploration
- 20
SpaceChem
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Indie, Sci-fi and Great Soundtrack; 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 IndieSci-fiGreat Soundtrack2DCasual
- 21
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Exploration, Sandbox and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2009).
Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.
SPORE Galactic Adventures at a glance Released 2009 Studio EA - Maxis Player sentiment 89% positive of 7,761 Price $19.99 ExplorationSandboxSci-fiRPGCasual
- 22
Mark of the Ninja
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Indie and 2D.
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 PlatformerIndie2DSide ScrollerControllerShortCasual
- 23
Spiral Knights
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Great Soundtrack and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2011).
Join the ranks of the Spiral Knights. Stranded on an alien world, you must explore the ever-changing Clockworks beneath its surface.
Spiral Knights at a glance Released 2011 Studio Grey Havens Player sentiment 84% positive of 24,215 Price Free RPGGreat SoundtrackSci-fiCasualIndie
- 24
Cave Story
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Metroidvania and Indie.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerMetroidvaniaIndieGreat Soundtrack2DExplorationSci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like SteamWorld Dig?
Mighty No. 9, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction 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 SteamWorld Dig" 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 SteamWorld Dig. 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.