Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like The Witness (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

Every game below overlaps with The Witness 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 Witness on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The 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.

Horizontal

Vertical

Platform

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
PC
PlayStation
Xbox

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: GRIS, which both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing.
The Witness is tagged Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer, Colorful, Indie, Atmospheric 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.

Why players value The Witness

The five things Steam players tag The Witness 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.

Puzzle
Exploration
First-Person
Open World
Singleplayer

The Witness at a glance
Reception	Very Positive on Steam (84% of 21,324)
Watch-outs	no widespread problems reported by players
Price	$39.99

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
GRIS
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 11 player tags including Beautiful, Great Soundtrack and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
GRIS at a glance
Released 2018 Studio Nomada Studio
Player sentiment 96% positive of 96,216 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 96,216)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Beautiful, Atmospheric, Great Soundtrack, Indie, Female Protagonist — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $14.99 — $25.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:BeautifulGreat SoundtrackIndieRelaxingStory RichPuzzleColorfulSurreal
Full entry Games like this one Store page
2
Riven
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Puzzle, Exploration and First-Person.
Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.
Riven at a glance
Released 1997 Studio Cyan Worlds
Player sentiment 92% positive of 2,865 Price $20.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 2,865)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Adventure, Exploration, First-Person, Story Rich — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $20.99 — $19.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes, visual glitches (details)
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleExplorationFirst-PersonStory RichMysteryWalking SimulatorCasualSurreal
Full entry Games like this one Store page
3
Firewatch
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and Mystery; released around the same time (2016).
Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.
Firewatch at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Campo Santo
Player sentiment 91% positive of 99,328 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 99,328)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Adventure, Atmospheric, Story Rich, Walking Simulator, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $19.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:Story RichWalking SimulatorMysteryFirst-PersonExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackColorful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
4
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Mystery, Puzzle and Story Rich; released around the same time (2018).
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Return of the Obra Dinn at a glance
Released 2018 Studio Lucas Pope
Player sentiment 97% positive of 35,093 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 35,093)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Detective, Mystery, Puzzle, Story Rich, Atmospheric — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $19.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:MysteryPuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackFirst-PersonDifficultWalking Simulator
Full entry Games like this one Store page
5
The Stanley Parable
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Walking Simulator and First-Person; released around the same time (2013).
The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.
The Stanley Parable at a glance
Released 2013 Studio Galactic Cafe
Player sentiment 92% positive of 45,775 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 45,775)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Comedy, Narration, Indie, Walking Simulator, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $14.99 — $25.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:IndieWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonExplorationStory RichSurrealPuzzleCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
6
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both open world, psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Exploration, Mystery and Story Rich.
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 107,214)
Matches The Witness on: 5 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Open World, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Exploration, Space, Mystery, Story Rich, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $14.99 — $25.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:ExplorationMysteryStory RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzleIndieFirst-PersonBeautiful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
7
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Beautiful, Great Soundtrack and Story Rich; released around the same time (2020).
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Moon Studios
Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,084 Price $29.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 146,084)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Open World, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Beautiful, Metroidvania, Platformer, Great Soundtrack, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $29.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Witness:BeautifulGreat SoundtrackStory RichExplorationPuzzleIndieDifficult
Full entry Games like this one Store page
8
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Casual and Difficult; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 13,118)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Horror, VR, Singleplayer, Robots, Survival Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $29.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:First-PersonCasualDifficultPuzzleStory RichIndie
Full entry Games like this one Store page
9
Antichamber
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, First-Person and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.
Antichamber at a glance
Released 2013 Studio Alexander Bruce
Player sentiment 95% positive of 17,755 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 17,755)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, First-Person, Indie, Surreal, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $19.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleFirst-PersonIndieSurrealExplorationNonlinearDifficultColorful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
10
ABZU
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Relaxing, Exploration and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2016).
From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.
ABZU at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Giant Squid
Player sentiment 93% positive of 27,628 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 27,628)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Exploration, Open World, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Relaxing, Atmospheric, Underwater, Exploration, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $19.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:RelaxingExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualColorfulIndieBeautifulStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
11
Layers of Fear (2016)
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Walking Simulator, First-Person and Story Rich; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (88% of 27,676)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Horror, Psychological Horror, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $1.99 — $38.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:Walking SimulatorFirst-PersonStory RichIndiePuzzleExplorationGreat SoundtrackMystery
Full entry Games like this one Store page
12
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Indie, Great Soundtrack and Puzzle; released around the same time (2012).
Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP at a glance
Released 2012 Studio Capybara
Player sentiment 77% positive of 2,654 Price $7.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (77% of 2,654)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Adventure, Indie, Pixel Graphics, Point & Click, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $7.99 — $32.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:IndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRelaxingBeautifulCasualStory RichExploration
Full entry Games like this one Store page
13
The Room
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Mystery and Indie; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 31,750)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Mystery, Point & Click, Atmospheric, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $4.99 — $35.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleMysteryIndieCasualFirst-PersonBeautifulStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
14
OneShot
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 64,849)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Story Rich, Pixel Graphics, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Cute — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $9.99 — $30.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleExplorationSurrealCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
15
Journey
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Beautiful, Indie and Exploration; released around the same time (2012).
Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.
Journey at a glance
Released 2012 Studio Not recorded
Player sentiment 94% positive of 38,401 Price $3.74
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 38,401)
Matches The Witness on: 2 of 5 — Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Beautiful, Atmospheric, Adventure, Indie, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $3.74 — $36.25 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with The Witness:BeautifulIndieExplorationRelaxingGreat SoundtrackWalking SimulatorCasualStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
16
We Were Here Together
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Exploration; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (82% of 17,696)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person
Why players like it: Puzzle, Online Co-Op, Co-op Campaign, Story Rich, Escape Room — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $4.93 — $35.06 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleStory RichExplorationMysteryFirst-PersonCasualIndie
Full entry Games like this one Store page
17
What Remains of Edith Finch
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Story Rich, Walking Simulator and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 52,603)
Matches The Witness on: 4 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Story Rich, Atmospheric, Walking Simulator, First-Person, Mystery — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $4.99 — $35.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:Story RichWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonMysteryExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzle
Full entry Games like this one Store page
18
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Story Rich and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition at a glance
Released 2016 Studio Moon Studios GmbH
Player sentiment 95% positive of 71,430 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 71,430)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Open World, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Atmospheric, Great Soundtrack, Metroidvania, Platformer, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $19.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:Great SoundtrackStory RichDifficultIndiePuzzleBeautiful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
19
Fez
Why it matched: both psychological, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Exploration; released around the same time (2012).
Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.
Fez at a glance
Released 2012 Studio Polytron Corporation
Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,237 Price $9.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 16,237)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Platformer, Indie, Puzzle, Pixel Graphics, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $9.99 — $30.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Witness:IndiePuzzleExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualMysteryBeautifulRelaxing
Full entry Games like this one Store page
20
Figment
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost.
Figment at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Bedtime Digital Games
Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,696 Price $3.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 5,696)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, Exploration, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle, Action, Hand-drawn — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $3.99 — $36.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:IndiePuzzleGreat SoundtrackSurrealColorfulStory RichCasualExploration
Full entry Games like this one Store page
21
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
World of Goo at a glance
Released 2008 Studio 2D Boy
Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,589 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 6,589)
Matches The Witness on: 2 of 5 — Puzzle, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle, Indie, Physics, Singleplayer, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $14.99 — $25.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackCasualSurrealDifficultStory Rich
Full entry Games like this one Store page
22
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance
Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow
Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 9,957)
Matches The Witness on: 2 of 5 — Puzzle, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle, 2D Platformer, Platformer, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $14.99 — $25.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultCasualStory RichBeautiful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
23
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Story Rich; released around the same time (2013).
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance
Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope
Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 80,337)
Matches The Witness on: 2 of 5 — Puzzle, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: $9.99 — $30.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:IndiePuzzleStory RichGreat SoundtrackCasualDifficult
Full entry Games like this one Store page
24
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Why it matched: both psychological, story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Indie and Walking Simulator; 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 10,175)
Matches The Witness on: 3 of 5 — Puzzle, First-Person, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Comedy, First-Person, Narration, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Witness: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Witness:First-PersonIndieWalking SimulatorStory RichCasualPuzzle
Full entry Games like this one Store page

GRIS at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Nomada Studio
Player sentiment	96% positive of 96,216	Price	$14.99

Riven at a glance
Released	1997	Studio	Cyan Worlds
Player sentiment	92% positive of 2,865	Price	$20.99

Firewatch at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Campo Santo
Player sentiment	91% positive of 99,328	Price	$19.99

Return of the Obra Dinn at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Lucas Pope
Player sentiment	97% positive of 35,093	Price	$19.99

The Stanley Parable at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Galactic Cafe
Player sentiment	92% positive of 45,775	Price	$14.99

Outer Wilds at a glance
Released	http	Studio	Mobius Digital
Player sentiment	96% positive of 107,214	Price	$14.99

Ori and the Will of the Wisps at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Moon Studios
Player sentiment	97% positive of 146,084	Price	$29.99

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

Antichamber at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Alexander Bruce
Player sentiment	95% positive of 17,755	Price	$19.99

ABZU at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Giant Squid
Player sentiment	93% positive of 27,628	Price	$19.99

Layers of Fear (2016) at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Bloober Team SA
Player sentiment	88% positive of 27,676	Price	$1.99

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Capybara
Player sentiment	77% positive of 2,654	Price	$7.99

The Room at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Fireproof Games
Player sentiment	98% positive of 31,750	Price	$4.99

OneShot at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Future Cat LLC
Player sentiment	98% positive of 64,849	Price	$9.99

Journey at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Not recorded
Player sentiment	94% positive of 38,401	Price	$3.74

We Were Here Together at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Total Mayhem Games
Player sentiment	82% positive of 17,696	Price	$4.93

What Remains of Edith Finch at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Giant Sparrow
Player sentiment	96% positive of 52,603	Price	$4.99

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Moon Studios GmbH
Player sentiment	95% positive of 71,430	Price	$19.99

Fez at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Polytron Corporation
Player sentiment	93% positive of 16,237	Price	$9.99

Figment at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Bedtime Digital Games
Player sentiment	87% positive of 5,696	Price	$3.99

World of Goo at a glance
Released	2008	Studio	2D Boy
Player sentiment	94% positive of 6,589	Price	$14.99

Braid at a glance
Released	2008	Studio	Jonathan Blow
Player sentiment	93% positive of 9,957	Price	$14.99

Papers, Please at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Lucas Pope
Player sentiment	97% positive of 80,337	Price	$9.99

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

Common questions

What game is most like The Witness?

GRIS, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, atmospheric, puzzle 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 Witness" 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 Witness. 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.

More on The Witness

The Witness: the full recordPrice, platforms, accessibility and what players report going wrong Best PC gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score