Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Past Within (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Past Within 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: Cube Escape: Paradox, which made by the same studio, Rusty Lake.
- The Past Within is tagged Co-op, Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer, Escape Room, Horror, Mystery, Point & Click 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.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Cube Escape: Paradox.
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
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Rusty Lake; both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Puzzle, Psychological Horror and Point & Click; released around the same time (2018).
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 PuzzlePsychological HorrorPoint & ClickMysteryEscape RoomIndieHorrorStory Rich
- 2
We Were Here Forever
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Escape Room, Online Co-Op and Puzzle; released around the same time (2022).
You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever?
We Were Here Forever at a glance Released 2022 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 18,807 Price $17.99 Escape RoomOnline Co-OpPuzzle3DMysteryPsychological HorrorStory RichHorror
- 3
My Beautiful Paper Smile
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Psychological Horror, Horror and Story Rich; released around the same time (2021).
Welcome, child, to your new home. Here you shall learn the art of perfection. Here you shall learn to smile. Be sure that smile doesn’t fade into sadness, or you will need to run and hide…
My Beautiful Paper Smile at a glance Released 2021 Studio Two Star Games Player sentiment 84% positive of 424 Price $14.99 Psychological HorrorHorrorStory RichPuzzlePoint & Click2DSurrealIndie
- 4
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Online Co-Op and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
As we explore these frozen wastes, misfortune strikes once again. Through the fierce blizzard, a flare lights the sky, followed by a cry for help over the radio - broken, dying... No one else can come to their rescue. Can we make it back - together?
We Were Here Together at a glance Released 2019 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 82% positive of 17,696 Price $4.93 PuzzleOnline Co-OpStory RichEscape RoomHorrorMysteryPsychological HorrorIndie
- 5
Fran Bow
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Point & Click.
Fran Bow is a creepy adventure game that tells the story of Fran, a young girl struggling with a mental disorder and an unfair destiny.
Fran Bow at a glance Released 2015 Studio Killmonday Games AB Player sentiment 97% positive of 22,936 Price $14.99 Psychological HorrorStory RichPoint & ClickPuzzleHorrorIndieSurreal2D
- 6
Sally Face - Episode One
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Psychological Horror and Indie.
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 RichPsychological HorrorIndieHorrorPuzzleMysteryPoint & Click2D
- 7
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Psychological Horror and Horror.
DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. In order to secure a partnership in a famous company, Price seizes the property of an elderly woman. In that very moment, he finds out the price of his humanity.
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Jesse Makkonen Player sentiment 93% positive of 12,901 Price $0.69 IndiePsychological HorrorHorror2DStory RichPuzzleMysteryPoint & Click
- 8
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Psychological Horror.
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 PuzzleStory RichPsychological HorrorMysteryHorrorThrillerEscape RoomPoint & Click
- 9
MiSide
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Psychological Horror, Story Rich and Horror; 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 Psychological HorrorStory RichHorror3DThrillerPuzzle2D
- 10
Unheard - Voices of Crime
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Indie; released around the same time (2019).
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 PuzzleMysteryIndieStory RichHorrorPoint & Click2D
- 11
Strobophagia | Rave Horror
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Psychological Horror and 3D; released around the same time (2020).
An occult forest rave ⸸ Strange rituals ⸸ Enigmatic organisers ⸸ An ancient evil ⸸ Pure Psychedelic Horror
Strobophagia | Rave Horror at a glance Released 2020 Studio Green Tile Digital Player sentiment 83% positive of 110 Price $19.99 MysteryPsychological Horror3DSurrealHorrorThrillerPuzzle
- 12
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2022).
Inside the Backrooms is a horror multiplayer game mixed with different mechanics that will make you spend an intense night with friends. Explore, think, interact, but be careful, it is rumored that there are several entities wishing to find you...
Inside the Backrooms at a glance Released 2022 Studio MrFatcat Player sentiment 80% positive of 46,767 Price $6.99 HorrorPuzzlePsychological HorrorOnline Co-Op3DMysteryStory Rich
- 13
The Room
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Point & Click.
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 PuzzleMysteryPoint & ClickIndieHorrorEscape RoomStory Rich
- 14
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Mystery, Story Rich and Puzzle.
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Outer Wilds at a glance Released http Studio Mobius Digital Player sentiment 96% positive of 107,214 Price $14.99 MysteryStory RichPuzzleIndieHorrorPsychological Horror3D
- 15
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Mystery.
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 & ClickMysterySurrealHorror2DStory Rich
- 16
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Story Rich.
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 HorrorPsychological HorrorStory RichIndiePuzzleMysterySurreal
- 17
Little Nightmares II
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Puzzle and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2021).
Little Nightmares II is the second game in a series that has thrilled and captivated millions of players worldwide since 2017. Now it’s your turn to try to survive this critically acclaimed entry in the most charming horror series ever made.
Little Nightmares II at a glance Released 2021 Studio Tarsier Studios Player sentiment 93% positive of 58,455 Price $29.99 HorrorPuzzlePsychological HorrorStory RichIndieThriller
- 18
Firework
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Indie and Puzzle; 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 HorrorIndiePuzzle2DMysteryPsychological HorrorThriller
- 19
Inscryption
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and Puzzle; released around the same time (2021).
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Inscryption at a glance Released 2021 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 148,199 Price $19.99 Story RichHorrorPuzzleSurrealPoint & Click3D2D
- 20
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Online Co-Op and 3D; released around the same time (2023).
Partner up with your friend online and set sail for an unforgettable puzzle adventure in this bite-sized standalone We Were Here experience. Work together to overcome brain-teasing challenges and make fun memories, using your best communication, teamwork and trust skills.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip at a glance Released 2023 Studio Total Mayhem Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 24,073 Price $1.99 PuzzleOnline Co-Op3DMysteryStory RichAsynchronous MultiplayerIndie
- 21
OneShot
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Puzzle.
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 RichIndiePuzzle2DSurrealPsychological Horror
- 22
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Mystery and Indie.
What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.
What Remains of Edith Finch at a glance Released 2017 Studio Giant Sparrow Player sentiment 96% positive of 52,603 Price $4.99 Story RichMysteryIndiePsychological HorrorPuzzleHorror
- 23
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Puzzle.
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 HorrorPsychological HorrorPuzzleIndieStory RichSurreal
- 24
Pony Island
Why it matched: both horror, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Psychological Horror.
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Pony Island at a glance Released 2016 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,104 Price $4.99 PuzzleIndiePsychological HorrorHorror2DStory Rich
Common questions
What game is most like The Past Within?
Cube Escape: Paradox, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Rusty Lake. 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 Past Within" 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 Past Within. 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 Past Within do?
Cube Escape: Paradox is also from Rusty Lake, 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.