Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Operator (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Operator 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: Her Story, which both psychological, crime, story-rich and puzzle.
- The Operator is tagged Detective, Investigation, Conspiracy, Puzzle, Atmospheric, Mystery, Immersive Sim, Thriller 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
Her Story
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich and puzzle; shares 11 player tags including Investigation, Choose Your Own Adventure and Interactive Fiction.
A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game.
Her Story at a glance Released 2015 Studio Sam Barlow Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,394 Price $9.99 InvestigationChoose Your Own AdventureInteractive FictionDetectivePuzzleCrimeVisual NovelFMV
- 2
Unheard - Voices of Crime
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Detective, Puzzle and Mystery.
What if you could hear every word spoken at the scene of a crime? “Acoustic Detectives” wanted for testing our new device! Return aurally to crime scenes and use the voices you hear to identify potential suspects and solve the mysteries. What is it that’s connecting these seemingly unrelated cases?
Unheard - Voices of Crime at a glance Released 2019 Studio NEXT Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 33,900 Price $6.99 DetectivePuzzleMysteryRPGSimulationStory RichInvestigationPoint & Click
- 3
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Detective, Mystery and Story Rich.
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter at a glance Released 2016 Studio Frogwares Player sentiment 80% positive of 14,479 Price $2.99 DetectiveMysteryStory RichPuzzleCrimeThrillerInvestigationPoint & Click
- 4
The Test
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Choose Your Own Adventure, Simulation and Story Rich; 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 Choose Your Own AdventureSimulationStory RichVisual NovelMysteryInvestigationRPGDetective
- 5
L.A. Noire
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Detective, Crime and Story Rich.
In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department.
L.A. Noire at a glance Released 2011 Studio Team Bondi Player sentiment 86% positive of 36,822 Price $19.99 DetectiveCrimeStory RichMysteryInvestigationPuzzleThriller
- 6
Murdered: Soul Suspect
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Detective, Mystery and Crime.
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT™ takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach, challenging gamers to solve the hardest case of all… their own murder.
Murdered: Soul Suspect at a glance Released 2014 Studio Airtight Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 17,391 Price $19.99 DetectiveMysteryCrimeStory RichPuzzleRPGPoint & Click
- 7
Heavy Rain
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Narration and Detective.
Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. The hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer. Four characters, each following their own leads, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.
Heavy Rain at a glance Released 2010 Studio Quantic Dream Player sentiment 86% positive of 30,991 Price $19.99 Story RichNarrationDetectiveThrillerInteractive FictionInvestigationMysteryCrime
- 8
Tails Noir
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Detective, Visual Novel and Story Rich; released around the same time (2021).
Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation.
Tails Noir at a glance Released 2021 Studio Eggnut Player sentiment 67% positive of 3,472 Price $4.99 DetectiveVisual NovelStory RichInteractive FictionPoint & ClickInvestigationConspiracyMystery
- 9
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Detective, Visual Novel and Story Rich.
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy at a glance Released 2019 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 98% positive of 44,855 Price $29.99 DetectiveVisual NovelStory RichMysteryCrimePuzzlePoint & Click
- 10
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Detective.
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Puzzle Agent at a glance Released 2010 Studio Telltale Player sentiment 89% positive of 2,838 Price $4.99 PuzzlePoint & ClickDetectiveMysteryStory RichConspiracyInteractive Fiction
- 11
Twelve Minutes
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Mystery, Puzzle and Story Rich; released around the same time (2021).
An interactive thriller about a man trapped in a time loop. Featuring James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe.
Twelve Minutes at a glance Released 2021 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 73% positive of 8,079 Price $7.49 MysteryPuzzleStory RichPoint & ClickThrillerNarrative
- 12
MiSide
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Story Rich, Thriller and Puzzle; released around the same time (2024).
Let's imagine that you have a game in which you care for a character. But could you imagine one day getting into that game yourself?
MiSide at a glance Released 2024 Studio AIHASTO Player sentiment 98% positive of 141,903 Price $14.99 Story RichThrillerPuzzleSimulationRPG
- 13
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Story Rich.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective at a glance Released 2010 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 97% positive of 8,549 Price $29.99 PuzzleMysteryStory RichDetectiveVisual NovelPoint & Click
- 14
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Puzzle and Mystery.
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 RichPuzzleMysteryPoint & ClickNarrativeInteractive Fiction
- 15
Hacknet
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Story Rich and Crime.
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 SimulationStory RichCrimeDetective
- 16
Kathy Rain
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Point & Click, Mystery and Detective.
Set in the '90s, Kathy Rain tells the story of a strong-willed journalism major who has to come to terms with her troubled past as she investigates the mysterious death of her recently deceased grandfather.
Kathy Rain at a glance Released 2016 Studio Clifftop Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 4,003 Price $9.99 Point & ClickMysteryDetectiveStory RichPuzzleRPG
- 17
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Detective and Simulation.
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You at a glance Released 2016 Studio Osmotic Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 15,565 Price $9.99 Story RichDetectiveSimulationInteractive FictionVisual NovelMysteryPoint & Click
- 18
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Visual Novel and Story Rich.
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 PuzzleVisual NovelStory RichMysteryThrillerPoint & Click
- 19
The Past Within
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Point & Click; released around the same time (2022).
The Past Within is the new co-op experience from Rusty Lake! Play together with someone you deem trustworthy: one in The Past, the other in The Future. Observe and communicate what you see around you. Solve the puzzles and uncover Albert Vanderboom’s plan.
The Past Within at a glance Released 2022 Studio Rusty Lake Player sentiment 95% positive of 16,814 Price $5.99 PuzzleMysteryPoint & ClickStory RichThriller
- 20
Escape Simulator
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Simulation; released around the same time (2021).
First-person puzzler you can play solo or in an online co-op. Explore a set of highly interactive escape rooms. Move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash pots and break locks! Play thousands of community-made rooms through the level editor.
Escape Simulator at a glance Released 2021 Studio Pine Studio Player sentiment 94% positive of 19,336 Price $19.99 PuzzleMysterySimulationStory RichInvestigationPoint & Click
- 21
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
Why it matched: both psychological, crime, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Investigation and Detective; released around the same time (2020).
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap.
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege at a glance Released 2020 Studio Bitbeast Games Player sentiment 81% positive of 12,548 Price Free PuzzleInvestigationDetectiveCrimeImmersive Sim
- 22
Firework
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Visual Novel; released around the same time (2021).
An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a closed case of massacre. Lin Lixun participates the re-investigation by chances. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges. However, the case becomes more bewildering.
Firework at a glance Released 2021 Studio Shiying Studio Player sentiment 98% positive of 44,417 Price $9.99 PuzzleMysteryVisual NovelThrillerRPGNarration
- 23
Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut
Why it matched: both psychological and story-rich; shares 7 player tags including Visual Novel, Choose Your Own Adventure and Story Rich; released around the same time (2023).
You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies.
Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut at a glance Released 2023 Studio Black Tabby Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 33,774 Price $17.99 Visual NovelChoose Your Own AdventureStory RichPoint & ClickSimulationInteractive FictionRPG
- 24
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Mystery.
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film.
Cube Escape: Paradox at a glance Released 2018 Studio Rusty Lake Player sentiment 97% positive of 12,197 Price Free PuzzlePoint & ClickMysteryStory RichDetective
Common questions
What game is most like The Operator?
Her Story, on the evidence we have. It both psychological, crime, story-rich 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 Operator" 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 Operator. 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.