Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Witness (2026)
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 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.
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 BeautifulGreat SoundtrackIndieRelaxingStory RichPuzzleColorfulSurreal
- 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 PuzzleExplorationFirst-PersonStory RichMysteryWalking SimulatorCasualSurreal
- 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 Story RichWalking SimulatorMysteryFirst-PersonExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackColorful
- 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 MysteryPuzzleStory RichIndieGreat SoundtrackFirst-PersonDifficultWalking Simulator
- 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 IndieWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonExplorationStory RichSurrealPuzzleCasual
- 6
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 First-PersonCasualDifficultPuzzleStory RichIndie
- 7
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 PuzzleFirst-PersonIndieSurrealExplorationNonlinearDifficultColorful
- 8
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 BeautifulIndieExplorationRelaxingGreat SoundtrackWalking SimulatorCasualStory Rich
- 9
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 RelaxingExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualColorfulIndieBeautifulStory Rich
- 10
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 Walking SimulatorFirst-PersonStory RichIndiePuzzleExplorationGreat SoundtrackMystery
- 11
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 ExplorationMysteryStory RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzleIndieFirst-PersonBeautiful
- 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 IndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRelaxingBeautifulCasualStory RichExploration
- 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 PuzzleMysteryIndieCasualFirst-PersonBeautifulStory Rich
- 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 Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzleExplorationSurrealCasual
- 15
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 BeautifulGreat SoundtrackStory RichExplorationPuzzleIndieDifficult
- 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 PuzzleStory RichExplorationMysteryFirst-PersonCasualIndie
- 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 Story RichWalking SimulatorFirst-PersonMysteryExplorationIndieGreat SoundtrackPuzzle
- 18
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 IndiePuzzleExplorationGreat SoundtrackCasualMysteryBeautifulRelaxing
- 19
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 IndiePuzzleGreat SoundtrackSurrealColorfulStory RichCasualExploration
- 20
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 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackCasualSurrealDifficultStory Rich
- 21
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 PuzzleIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultCasualStory RichBeautiful
- 22
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 IndiePuzzleStory RichGreat SoundtrackCasualDifficult
- 23
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 Great SoundtrackStory RichDifficultIndiePuzzleBeautiful
- 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 First-PersonIndieWalking SimulatorStory RichCasualPuzzle
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.