Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Lab (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Lab 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 The Lab on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe 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.
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
- Multi-platform
- Nintendo
- PC
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: Polarity, which both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and puzzle.
- The Lab is tagged Free to Play, VR, Singleplayer, Action, First-Person, Adventure, Funny, Sandbox 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.
- 6 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Counter-Strike: Source.
Why players value The Lab
The five things Steam players tag The Lab 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.
- Free to Play
- VR
- Singleplayer
- Action
- First-Person
| Reception | on Steam (95% of 6,671) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | Free |
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
Polarity
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, First-Person and Strategy; released around the same time (2016).
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.6/10 · Steam: (79% of 4,668)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Puzzle, First-Person, Indie, Local Co-Op, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $12.99 — $12.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:PuzzleFirst-PersonStrategySci-fiFPSSandboxShooter
- 2
BONEWORKS
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including VR, Sandbox and Shooter; released around the same time (2019).
BONEWORKS is an Experimental Physics VR Adventure. Use found physics weapons, tools, and objects to fight across dangerous playscapes and mysterious architecture.
BONEWORKS at a glance Released 2019 Studio Stress Level Zero Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,454 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (92% of 36,454)
Matches The Lab on: 4 of 5 — VR, Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: VR, Physics, Action, Sandbox, Shooter — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $29.99 — $29.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:VRSandboxShooterPuzzleFirst-PersonSimulationFPSSci-fi
- 3
Moonbase Alpha
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Free to Play and Funny.
NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha.
Moonbase Alpha at a glance Released 2010 Studio Virtual Heroes Player sentiment 91% positive of 12,875 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (91% of 12,875)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer, First-Person
Why players like it: Space, Simulation, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationFree to PlayFunnyMemesStrategySandboxFirst-PersonPuzzle
- 4
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Casual.
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap.
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends at a glance Released 2021 Studio Computer Lunch Player sentiment 89% positive of 27,958 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (89% of 27,958)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Clicker, Free to Play, Simulation, Science, Idler — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:Free to PlaySimulationCasualSci-fiSandboxFamily FriendlyStrategy
- 5
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Sci-fi, Simulation and Sandbox.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (89% of 22,334)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Space, Sci-fi, Simulation, Physics, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $34.99 — $34.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:Sci-fiSimulationSandboxPuzzleFirst-PersonStrategy
- 6
Reus
Why it matched: both open world, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Sandbox; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (78% of 5,991)
Matches The Lab on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: God Game, Strategy, Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $9.99 — $9.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:StrategySimulationSandboxCasualPuzzleFamily FriendlyFunny
- 7
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (89% of 7,761)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Simulation, Action, Space, Adventure, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $19.99 — $19.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationSandboxStrategySci-fiFunnyCasual
- 8
Only If
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, First-Person and Puzzle; released around the same time (2014).
Only If is a surreal first person adventure-puzzle game. It takes idiom into reality.
Only If at a glance Released 2014 Studio Creability Player sentiment 62% positive of 5,953 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.2/10 · Steam: (62% of 5,953)
Matches The Lab on: 4 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Free to Play, Adventure, First-Person, Horror, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:Free to PlayFirst-PersonPuzzleSimulationFPSCasualFunny
- 9
Jurassic World Evolution
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Sandbox; released around the same time (2018).
Place yourself at the heart of the Jurassic franchise and build your own Jurassic World. Bioengineer dinosaurs that think, feel and react intelligently to the world around them and face threats posed by espionage, breakouts and devastating tropical storms in an uncertain world where life always finds a way.
Jurassic World Evolution at a glance Released 2018 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 87% positive of 55,272 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (87% of 55,272)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Building, Dinosaurs, Simulation, Management, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $44.99 — $44.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationStrategySandboxSci-fiCasual
- 10
Counter-Strike: Source
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Shooter, FPS and First-Person.
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.
Counter-Strike: Source at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 96% positive of 193,040 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.7/10 · Steam: (96% of 193,040)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Shooter, FPS, Action, Multiplayer, Team-Based — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $9.99 — $9.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:ShooterFPSFirst-PersonStrategySimulationSandbox
- 11
Ravenfield
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sandbox; released around the same time (2017).
Fight upon the Ravenfield together with your Blue allies! Take down those pesky Reds using helicopters, tanks, guns, and active ragdoll physics!
Ravenfield at a glance Released 2017 Studio SteelRaven7 Player sentiment 97% positive of 79,971 Price $17.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: (97% of 79,971)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: FPS, War, Singleplayer, Shooter, Military — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $17.99 — $17.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:FPSShooterSandboxFirst-PersonFunnyStrategySimulation
- 12
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Why it matched: both open world, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Casual and Sandbox; released around the same time (2012).
The best-selling, award-winning franchise is back – on your home PC in gorgeous HD for the first time.
Scribblenauts Unlimited at a glance Released 2012 Studio 5th Cell Media Player sentiment 94% positive of 12,381 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (94% of 12,381)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Puzzle, Casual, Adventure, Sandbox, Family Friendly — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $19.99 — $19.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:PuzzleCasualSandboxFamily FriendlyFunnyStrategy
- 13
Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle
Why it matched: both atmospheric, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Puzzle and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Help legendary horror icon Jason Voorhees stalk and slay campers across 100+ puzzle levels in a hilariously off kilter puzzle game. Jason will terrorize victims from the campgrounds of Crystal Lake to the highrises of Manhattan, from supermax prisons to space stations... and beyond!
Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle at a glance Released 2018 Studio Blue Wizard Digital Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,080 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (94% of 6,080)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Free to Play, Puzzle, Horror, Gore, Violent — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:Free to PlayPuzzleCasualStrategyFunnySimulation
- 14
PC Building Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and First-Person; released around the same time (2019).
Build and grow your very own computer repair enterprise as you learn to diagnose, fix and build PCs. With real-world licensed components and comprehensive hardware and software simulation, you can plan and bring your ultimate PC to life.
PC Building Simulator at a glance Released 2019 Studio Claudiu Kiss Player sentiment 93% positive of 52,742 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (93% of 52,742)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Singleplayer, First-Person
Why players like it: Simulation, Education, Immersive Sim, Building, Management — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $19.99 — $19.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationSandboxFirst-PersonCasualFunnyPuzzle
- 15
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, First-Person and Puzzle; released around the same time (2015).
New cars, new tools, new options, more parts and much more fun in the next version of Car Mechanic Simulator! Take your wrench! Create and expand your auto repairs service empire. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 will take you behind the scenes of daily routine in car workshop.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 14,625 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (92% of 14,625)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Automobile Sim, Simulation, Singleplayer, Building, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $19.99 — $19.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationFirst-PersonPuzzleCasualFunnySandbox
- 16
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (92% of 7,092)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Space, Free to Play, Open World, Singleplayer, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:Free to PlaySci-fiSimulationSandboxStrategyCasual
- 17
Planet Coaster
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Family Friendly; released around the same time (2016).
Planet Coaster® - the future of coaster park simulation games has arrived! Surprise, delight and thrill incredible crowds as you build your coaster park empire - let your imagination run wild, and share your success with the world.
Planet Coaster at a glance Released 2016 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 91% positive of 72,148 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 72,148)
Matches The Lab on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Simulation, Building, Management, Sandbox, Family Friendly — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $44.99 — $44.99 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter (details)
Shared with The Lab:SimulationSandboxFamily FriendlyStrategyFunnyCasual
- 18
Fallout Shelter
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
Fallout Shelter at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 82,585 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (88% of 82,585)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Free to Play, Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Free to Play, Base-Building, Survival, Post-apocalyptic, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, monetisation inside the game, lost progress or broken saves (details)
Shared with The Lab:Free to PlaySimulationStrategyCasualSandboxFunny
- 19
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and First-Person.
Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,510 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 38,510)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — VR, Singleplayer, First-Person
Why players like it: Simulation, Automobile Sim, Realistic, Sandbox, Moddable — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $24.99 — $24.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationSandboxFirst-PersonPuzzleVRStrategy
- 20
Dorfromantik
Why it matched: both open world, strategy, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Strategy and Casual.
Dorfromantik is a peaceful building strategy and puzzle game where you create a beautiful and ever-growing village landscape by placing tiles. Explore a variety of colorful biomes, discover and unlock new tiles and complete quests to fill your world with life!
Dorfromantik at a glance Released 2022 Studio Toukana Interactive Player sentiment 96% positive of 29,565 Price $9.09 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 29,565)
Matches The Lab on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Relaxing, City Builder, Turn-Based Strategy, Board Game — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $9.09 — $9.09 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:PuzzleStrategyCasualSandboxSimulationFamily Friendly
- 21
Hitman: Blood Money
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Puzzle and Shooter.
Money Talks. Silence Pays. Prepare to Make a Killing. When assassins from Agent 47's contract agency, The ICA, are eliminated in a series of hits, it seems a larger, more powerful agency has entered the fray. Sensing he may be a target, 47 travels to America, and prepares to make a killing.
Hitman: Blood Money at a glance Released 2006 Studio Feral Interactive Player sentiment 94% positive of 16,066 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (94% of 16,066)
Matches The Lab on: 3 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: Stealth, Action, Assassin, Singleplayer, Third Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $9.99 — $9.99 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Lab:SandboxPuzzleShooterFirst-PersonStrategySimulation
- 22
Golf It!
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Casual, Funny and Simulation.
Embark on an exciting journey with Golf It! Seize your putter, rally your friends, and immerse yourself in an epic minigolf adventure. Conquer countless courses, create lasting memories, and refine your skills to emerge as the ultimate minigolf champion. Your thrilling golfing odyssey begins here!
Golf It! at a glance Released 2023 Studio Perfuse Entertainment Player sentiment 90% positive of 31,054 Price $8.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (90% of 31,054)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — VR, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Mini Golf, Golf, Casual, Sports — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $8.99 — $8.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:CasualFunnySimulationSandboxVRFamily FriendlyMemesStrategy
- 23
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 90% positive of 47,023 Price $59.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (90% of 47,023)
Matches The Lab on: 2 of 5 — Singleplayer, Action
Why players like it: Dinosaurs, Building, Simulation, Management, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: $59.99 — $59.99 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:SimulationSandboxStrategySci-fiCasual
- 24
VRChat
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including VR, Free to Play and Memes; released around the same time (2017).
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat.
VRChat at a glance Released 2017 Studio VRChat Inc. Player sentiment 75% positive of 268,090 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (75% of 268,090)
Matches The Lab on: 4 of 5 — Free to Play, VR, Action, First-Person
Why players like it: VR, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Anime, Memes — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Lab: Free — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Lab:VRFree to PlayMemesFunnyFirst-PersonSimulationCasualSandbox
Common questions
What game is most like The Lab?
Polarity, on the evidence we have. It both open world, science fiction, atmospheric, strategy and puzzle. 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 Lab" 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 Lab. 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.
What else did the makers of The Lab do?
Counter-Strike: Source is also from Valve, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
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.