Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like VVVVVV (2026)
Every game below overlaps with VVVVVV 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: Antichamber, which both science fiction, puzzle and difficult.
- VVVVVV is tagged Pixel Graphics, Precision Platformer, Platformer, Indie, 2D Platformer, Great Soundtrack, Difficult, Retro 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 from the same studio: Super Hexagon.
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
Antichamber
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Exploration; 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 PuzzleIndieExplorationMinimalistDifficultGreat SoundtrackMetroidvaniaSci-fi
- 2
Cave Story
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Metroidvania and Indie; published by the same company.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerMetroidvaniaIndieGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroExploration
- 3
CrossCode
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Puzzle and Indie.
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
CrossCode at a glance Released 2018 Studio Radical Fish Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,408 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsPuzzleIndieGreat Soundtrack2DRetroSci-fiDifficult
- 4
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Puzzle.
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Defy Gravity Extended at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paul Fisch Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,531 Price $0.55 PlatformerIndiePuzzleSpace2DDifficultSci-fiGreat Soundtrack
- 5
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both open world, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack.
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 MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat SoundtrackExplorationPuzzle2DIndieDifficult
- 6
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Sci-fi and Difficult.
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Ikaruga at a glance Released 2001 Studio Treasure Player sentiment 95% positive of 2,364 Price $9.99 Great SoundtrackSci-fiDifficultIndie2DRetroSpacePuzzle
- 7
Polarity
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Platformer.
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 PuzzleIndiePlatformerSci-fiGreat SoundtrackRetroSpaceDifficult
- 8
Braid
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, 2D Platformer and Platformer; released around the same time (2008).
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 Puzzle2D PlatformerPlatformerIndie2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultShort
- 9
SpaceChem
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Difficult and Indie; released around the same time (2011).
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
SpaceChem at a glance Released 2011 Studio Zachtronics Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,085 Price $9.99 PuzzleDifficultIndieSci-fiGreat Soundtrack2DSpace
- 10
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Platformer.
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2D PlatformerIndie2DDifficultRetro
- 11
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, Sci-fi and Platformer.
A galaxy-spanning adventure awaits in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a 3rd person action-adventure title from Respawn. An abandoned Padawan must complete his training, develop new powerful Force abilities, and master the art of the lightsaber - all while staying one step ahead of the Empire.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order at a glance Released 2019 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 175,096 Price $39.99 ExplorationSci-fiPlatformerSpacePuzzleMetroidvania
- 12
Gunpoint
Why it matched: both science fiction and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and 2D; released around the same time (2013).
Gunpoint is a stealth puzzle game that lets you rewire its levels to trick people. You play a freelance spy who takes jobs from his clients to break into high security buildings and steal sensitive data.
Gunpoint at a glance Released 2013 Studio Suspicious Developments Player sentiment 98% positive of 13,326 Price $9.99 IndiePuzzle2DPixel GraphicsPlatformerGreat SoundtrackShortSci-fi
- 13
Super Hexagon
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Terry Cavanagh; both puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Difficult, Great Soundtrack and Indie; released around the same time (2012).
Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.
Super Hexagon at a glance Released 2012 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 97% positive of 25,111 Price $2.99 DifficultGreat SoundtrackIndieMinimalist2DPuzzle
- 14
Fez
Why it matched: both puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Puzzle; 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 PlatformerIndiePuzzlePixel GraphicsExplorationGreat Soundtrack2DRetro
- 15
Celeste
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Precision Platformer, Difficult and Pixel Graphics.
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 Precision PlatformerDifficultPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndiePlatformer2D Platformer2D
- 16
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both open world, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Metroidvania and Platformer.
“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 SoundtrackMetroidvaniaPlatformerDifficult2DIndiePuzzle
- 17
Another World
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Retro and Sci-fi.
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike.
Another World at a glance Released 1991 Studio Éric Chahi Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,044 Price $9.99 PlatformerRetroSci-fi2DDifficultPuzzle2D Platformer
- 18
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Precision Platformer, Platformer and Indie; published by the same company.
Discover the lost treasures of Ukampa in South America as Aban Hawkins searches for his estranged father, world-famous archeaologist, Jim Hawkins. Aban Hawkins races into the frozen tundra of the antarctic, undiscovered temple ruins and the vast caverns of South America in search of his father and the legendary treasure rumored to lie...
1001 Spikes at a glance Released 2016 Studio Nicalis Player sentiment 83% positive of 770 Price $14.99 Precision PlatformerPlatformerIndieDifficult2DPixel GraphicsRetroGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Precision Platformer, Platformer and Difficult; released around the same time (2010).
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Super Meat Boy at a glance Released 2010 Studio Team Meat Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,100 Price $14.99 Precision PlatformerPlatformerDifficultIndie2D PlatformerPixel Graphics2DGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Limbo
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Puzzle and Platformer; released around the same time (2010).
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO
Limbo at a glance Released 2010 Studio Playdead Player sentiment 92% positive of 62,016 Price $12.49 IndiePuzzlePlatformer2DShortDifficultMinimalist
- 21
Baba Is You
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Indie and Difficult.
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!
Baba Is You at a glance Released 2019 Studio Hempuli Oy Player sentiment 98% positive of 24,536 Price $14.99 PuzzleIndieDifficultPixel Graphics2DGreat SoundtrackMinimalistRetro
- 22
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Metroidvania, Exploration and Platformer.
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio snekflat Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,976 Price $14.99 MetroidvaniaExplorationPlatformer2D2D PlatformerGreat SoundtrackPuzzleDifficult
- 23
CARRION
Why it matched: both science fiction and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Metroidvania.
CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.
CARRION at a glance Released 2020 Studio Phobia Game Studio Player sentiment 94% positive of 35,626 Price $3.99 Pixel GraphicsIndieMetroidvania2DPuzzleSci-fiPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 24
Hyper Light Drifter
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Indie.
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Hyper Light Drifter at a glance Released 2016 Studio Heart Machine Player sentiment 93% positive of 19,135 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndieDifficultExploration2DMetroidvaniaSci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like VVVVVV?
Antichamber, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction, puzzle and difficult. 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 VVVVVV" 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 VVVVVV. 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 VVVVVV do?
Super Hexagon is also from Terry Cavanagh, 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.