Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like SUNLESS SEA (2026)
Every game below overlaps with SUNLESS SEA 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: Darkwood, which both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric.
- SUNLESS SEA is tagged Exploration, Lovecraftian, Survival, Story Rich, Dark, Adventure, Atmospheric, Singleplayer 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.
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
Darkwood
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Horror, Top-Down and Survival; released around the same time (2017).
Darkwood - a new perspective on survival horror. Scavenge and explore a rich, ever-changing free-roam world by day, then hunker down in your hideout and pray for the morning light.
Darkwood at a glance Released 2017 Studio Acid Wizard Studio Player sentiment 95% positive of 24,890 Price $3.99 HorrorTop-DownSurvivalDarkIndieLovecraftianExplorationRPG
- 2
Darkest Dungeon
Why it matched: both horror and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Rogue-like, RPG and Lovecraftian; released around the same time (2016).
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes against unimaginable horrors, stress, disease, and the ever-encroaching dark. Can you keep your heroes together when all hope is lost?
Darkest Dungeon at a glance Released 2016 Studio Red Hook Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 161,942 Price $3.74 Rogue-likeRPGLovecraftianDarkIndie2DRogue-liteHorror
- 3
DREDGE
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, Lovecraftian and Horror.
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
DREDGE at a glance Released 2023 Studio Black Salt Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 56,620 Price $10.79 ExplorationLovecraftianHorrorRPGStory RichIndie
- 4
We Happy Few
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Indie and Horror; released around the same time (2018).
From the independent studio that brought you Contrast, We Happy Few is an action/adventure game set in a drug-fuelled, retrofuturistic city in an alternative 1960s England. Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.
We Happy Few at a glance Released 2018 Studio Compulsion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 13,772 Price $59.99 SurvivalIndieHorrorExplorationDarkStory Rich
- 5
Kholat
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Indie and Exploration; released around the same time (2015).
The most terrifying journey of your life set in the beautiful winter scenery of the Ural Mountains. Uncover the horrific mystery behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Narrated by the famous Sean Bean.
Kholat at a glance Released 2015 Studio IMGN.PRO Player sentiment 66% positive of 6,913 Price $19.99 HorrorIndieExplorationSurvivalStory RichDark
- 6
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and Indie; 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 HorrorStory RichIndieDarkExplorationGreat SoundtrackLovecraftian
- 7
Call of Cthulhu
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Lovecraftian, Horror and Story Rich; released around the same time (2018).
1924. Private Investigator Pierce is sent to look into the tragic death of the Hawkins family. Plunge into a world of creeping madness and cosmic horror. Cryptic clues, shadowy figures, and pure terror bar your way as you fight to retain your sanity and solve an otherworldly mystery.
Call of Cthulhu at a glance Released 2018 Studio Cyanide Studio Player sentiment 79% positive of 13,871 Price $19.99 LovecraftianHorrorStory RichRPGDark
- 8
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and Great Soundtrack; 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 Story RichHorrorGreat SoundtrackIndie2DLovecraftianRogue-likeRogue-lite
- 9
The Evil Within 2
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and Survival; released around the same time (2017).
Detective Sebastian Castellanos has lost everything, including his daughter, Lily. To save her, he must descend into the nightmarish world of STEM. Horrifying threats emerge from every corner, and he must rely on his wits to survive. For his one chance at redemption, the only way out is in.
The Evil Within 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Tango Gameworks Player sentiment 92% positive of 30,959 Price $39.99 HorrorStory RichSurvivalDarkGreat Soundtrack
- 10
Prey
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and Exploration; released around the same time (2017).
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Prey at a glance Released 2017 Studio Arkane Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 54,539 Price $29.99 HorrorStory RichExplorationRPGGreat Soundtrack
- 11
Metro Exodus
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and Survival.
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Metro Exodus at a glance Released 2020 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 135,440 Price $29.99 Story RichHorrorSurvivalExplorationGreat Soundtrack
- 12
Subnautica: Below Zero
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Survival, Horror and Exploration.
Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.
Subnautica: Below Zero at a glance Released 2021 Studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment Player sentiment 90% positive of 108,227 Price $29.99 SurvivalHorrorExplorationIndieStory Rich
- 13
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Why it matched: both survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Story Rich and Exploration; 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 RichExplorationIndieDarkLovecraftian
- 14
Don't Starve
Why it matched: both open world, survival and horror; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Indie and Exploration; released around the same time (2013).
Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style.
Don't Starve at a glance Released 2013 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 113,392 Price $9.99 SurvivalIndieExplorationRogue-like2DTop-DownHorror
- 15
Omori
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.
Omori at a glance Released 2020 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 88,417 Price $19.99 Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackRPGHorror2DExploration
- 16
The Evil Within
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Horror, Survival and Dark; released around the same time (2014).
Developed by Shinji Mikami -- creator of the seminal Resident Evil series -- and the talented team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within embodies the meaning of pure survival horror. Highly-crafted environments, horrifying anxiety, and an intricate story are combined to create an immersive world that will bring you to the height of tension.
The Evil Within at a glance Released 2014 Studio Tango Gameworks Player sentiment 85% positive of 33,579 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvivalDarkStory Rich
- 17
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Dark and Lovecraftian.
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 HorrorDarkLovecraftianIndieExplorationStory Rich
- 18
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Why it matched: both open world, survival, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Survival; released around the same time (2018).
As Lara Croft races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, she must become the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider at a glance Released 2018 Studio Crystal Dynamics Player sentiment 85% positive of 87,978 Price $5.99 Story RichExplorationSurvivalGreat SoundtrackDark
- 19
State of Decay
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Survival, RPG and Exploration; released around the same time (2013).
The end is here. Life as you knew it has gone to hell after the mother of all zombie outbreaks. Now you and the few scattered survivors must band together to survive and rebuild in a 3rd-person action game set in a dynamic open world.
State of Decay at a glance Released 2013 Studio Undead Labs Player sentiment 85% positive of 17,480 Price Not listed SurvivalRPGExplorationHorrorIndie
- 20
Bendy and the Dark Revival
Why it matched: both survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Indie and Story Rich.
Bendy and the Dark Revival® is a first-person survival horror game set in the creepiest cartoon studio to ever exist. Discover the truth. Escape the studio. Above all, fear the Ink Demon…and survive.
Bendy and the Dark Revival at a glance Released 2022 Studio Joey Drew Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 16,194 Price $5.99 HorrorIndieStory RichDarkSurvivalGreat Soundtrack
- 21
Fallout 4
Why it matched: both open world, survival, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Exploration, RPG and Story Rich; released around the same time (2015).
From Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, comes Fallout 4. A landmark in open-world RPG design and winner of over 200 ‘Best Of’ honors, including the DICE and BAFTA Game of the Year.
Fallout 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 428,604 Price $19.99 ExplorationRPGStory RichGreat SoundtrackSurvival
- 22
Curious Expedition 2
Why it matched: both survival, horror and story-rich; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Survival and Rogue-lite.
Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based narrative roguelike set in a reimagined version of the late 19th century that uses procedural gameplay and story elements to create completely unique and epic adventures every time you play.
Curious Expedition 2 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Maschinen-Mensch Player sentiment 89% positive of 4,143 Price $4.99 ExplorationSurvivalRogue-liteRogue-likeRPGLovecraftianStory Rich
- 23
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Survival, Exploration and RPG.
Enter the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone — a vast open world where anomalies, mutants, and rivals stand in your way. Explore, scavenge, and try to survive in this brutal and dangerous land. Evolving with every update, now overhauled and crowned with UPDATE 2.0.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl at a glance Released 2024 Studio GSC Game World Player sentiment 80% positive of 138,669 Price $41.99 SurvivalExplorationRPGStory Rich
- 24
Amnesia: Rebirth
Why it matched: both survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Lovecraftian.
A first-person horror adventure. Uncover your past and survive the Algerian desert. Fear is your enemy; stay calm to not succumb to an illness threatening you and your loved one. Avoid darkness, hide from monsters and solve puzzles. Adventure Mode available for a less scary experience.
Amnesia: Rebirth at a glance Released 2020 Studio Frictional Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 9,326 Price $29.99 Story RichExplorationLovecraftianHorrorDarkGothic
Common questions
What game is most like SUNLESS SEA?
Darkwood, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric. 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 SUNLESS SEA" 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 SUNLESS SEA. 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.