Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Descendant (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Descendant 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: The Walking Dead: A New Frontier, which both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing.
- The Descendant is tagged Adventure, Point & Click, Casual, Story Rich, Post-apocalyptic, Episodic, Choices Matter, 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.
- 3 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
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2016).
After society was ripped apart by undead hands, pockets of civilization emerge from the chaos. But at what cost? Can the living be trusted on this new frontier?
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier at a glance Released 2016 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 84% positive of 18,555 Price $14.99 Story RichChoices MatterPost-apocalypticEpisodicPoint & ClickHorrorCasual
- 2
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Post-apocalyptic and Sci-fi.
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT at a glance Released 2022 Studio KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Player sentiment 92% positive of 67,641 Price $39.99 Story RichPost-apocalypticSci-fiHorror
- 3
The Walking Dead: Season Two
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Episodic and Point & Click; released around the same time (2013).
The Walking Dead: Season Two continues the story of Clementine, a young girl orphaned by the undead apocalypse. Left to fend for herself, she has been forced to learn how to survive in a world gone mad.
The Walking Dead: Season Two at a glance Released 2013 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 33,969 Price $14.99 Story RichEpisodicPoint & ClickChoices MatterHorrorPost-apocalyptic
- 4
The Walking Dead
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Point & Click and Episodic; released around the same time (2012).
A five-part adventure horror series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series.
The Walking Dead at a glance Released 2012 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,414 Price $14.99 Story RichPoint & ClickEpisodicChoices MatterHorrorPost-apocalyptic
- 5
The Walking Dead: The Final Season
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2018).
A secluded school might finally be Clementine’s chance for a home, but protecting it will mean sacrifice.
The Walking Dead: The Final Season at a glance Released 2018 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 21,498 Price $19.99 Story RichChoices MatterPost-apocalypticHorrorEpisodicPoint & Click
- 6
Tales from the Borderlands
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Episodic; released around the same time (2014).
Tales from the Borderlands is a five-part episodic game set on the unforgiving world of Pandora between the events of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3. This is a story full of Borderlands' trademark humor, following two adventurers on their quest for greatness.
Tales from the Borderlands at a glance Released 2014 Studio Telltale Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 19,550 Price $19.99 Story RichChoices MatterEpisodicPoint & ClickSci-fiCasual
- 7
Steins;Gate
Why it matched: both horror, science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Sci-fi and Choices Matter.
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Steins;Gate at a glance Released 2009 Studio 5pb. Inc. Player sentiment 97% positive of 26,892 Price $29.99 Story RichSci-fiChoices MatterHorrorCasual
- 8
Metro: Last Light
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Story Rich and Horror; released around the same time (2013).
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Metro: Last Light at a glance Released 2013 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 81,499 Price $19.99 Post-apocalypticStory RichHorrorSci-fi
- 9
The Room
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Point & Click, Indie and Horror; released around the same time (2014).
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 Point & ClickIndieHorrorCasualStory Rich
- 10
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Horror; released around the same time (2016).
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 Story RichIndieHorrorPoint & ClickCasual
- 11
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Choices Matter, Story Rich and Horror; released around the same time (2020).
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series contains all 4 Seasons, 400 Days, and The Walking Dead: Michonne, which includes over 50 hours of gameplay across 23 unique episodes.
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series at a glance Released 2020 Studio Skybound Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 46,852 Price $49.99 Choices MatterStory RichHorrorPost-apocalypticPoint & Click
- 12
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Horror, Casual and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
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 HorrorCasualStory RichIndieAlternate History
- 13
Muv-Luv
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, science fiction, story-rich and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Sci-fi and Post-apocalyptic.
One of the most highly-acclaimed visual novel series arrives on Steam, newly revamped and officially in English! An interdimensional love story that takes high school romance on a roller-coaster ride through the depths of despair, culminating in a sci-fi grand finale of epic proportions.
Muv-Luv at a glance Released 2003 Studio âge Player sentiment 93% positive of 2,078 Price $11.99 Story RichSci-fiPost-apocalypticCasual
- 14
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Why it matched: both horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2016).
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma at a glance Released 2016 Studio Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 82% positive of 4,898 Price $19.99 Story RichChoices MatterSci-fiHorrorPoint & Click
- 15
Fallout 3
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi and Story Rich.
Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters.
Fallout 3 at a glance Released 2008 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 22,174 Price $9.99 Post-apocalypticSci-fiStory RichHorror
- 16
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Story Rich and Sci-fi.
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 Post-apocalypticStory RichSci-fiChoices Matter
- 17
Life Is Strange
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Episodic; released around the same time (2015).
Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future.
Life Is Strange at a glance Released 2015 Studio Don’t Nod Player sentiment 96% positive of 175,705 Price Free Story RichChoices MatterEpisodicPoint & ClickIndieCasual
- 18
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Story Rich and Choices Matter; released around the same time (2018).
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9 year old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange universe. Contains links to Life is Strange 2
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 93% positive of 15,089 Price Free Free to PlayStory RichChoices MatterPoint & ClickCasualIndie
- 19
Machinarium
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Point & Click, Story Rich and Casual.
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 Point & ClickStory RichCasualSci-fiIndie
- 20
Broken Age
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Point & Click, Story Rich and Indie; 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 Point & ClickStory RichIndieCasualEpisodicSci-fi
- 21
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Choices Matter; released around the same time (2016).
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 Story RichIndieChoices MatterCasual
- 22
The Test
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Story Rich, Choices Matter and Horror; released around the same time (2020).
You will answer a series of questions that will reveal truths from deep within. These questions may make you uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and if you do, are you sure you want the answers you seek?
The Test at a glance Released 2020 Studio Randumb Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 20,122 Price $1.19 Story RichChoices MatterHorrorCasual
- 23
Black Mesa
Why it matched: both horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 4 player tags including Sci-fi, Story Rich and Horror; released around the same time (2020).
Relive Half-Life.
Black Mesa at a glance Released 2020 Studio Crowbar Collective Player sentiment 95% positive of 144,554 Price $19.99 Sci-fiStory RichHorrorIndie
- 24
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both horror, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and Story Rich; released around the same time (2015).
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 Free to PlayIndieStory RichCasual
Common questions
What game is most like The Descendant?
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier, on the evidence we have. It both post-apocalyptic, horror, story-rich, atmospheric 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 The Descendant" 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 The Descendant. 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.