Games Like A Short Hike

Embark on an adorable adventure, discover new friends and uncover everything the island has to offer. Climb, Swim, Glide and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet on your travels!

Why similar: Relaxing 21.9%, Cozy 18.7%, Cute 16.5%, Family Friendly 10.6%, 3D Platformer 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly mirrors the cozy, movement-focused exploration and wholesome social interactions found in A Short Hike.

Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home!

Why similar: Nature 13.5%, Relaxing 12.4%, Open World 12%, Cute 11.6%, Exploration 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features similar nature-based exploration, charming dialogue, and a focus on traversal through a beautiful, compact world.

Be Flint, who is doing his best to keep his grandma's park up and running and make it a place for the campers to enjoy. Learn the camper's wishes and build whatever their hearts desire to attract even more quirky characters and look forward to whimsical conversations and quests.

Why similar: Nature 15.2%, Relaxing 13.7%, Exploration 12.6%, Cute 11.5%, Open World 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a small bird managing a park, focusing on hiking, talking to visitors, and improving the environment in a very similar low-stress manner.

Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.

Why similar: Nature 17.7%, Cozy 14.5%, Open World 12.3%, Exploration 12%, Cute 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same wholesome, nature-loving spirit by tasking you with exploring an island to document and protect local wildlife.

Experience the freedom of unbounded climbing as you take control of BUD, a procedurally animated robot on a quest to save his planet. Create your own path through an alien world as you control and ride a giant plant on a vertical journey to the stars.

Why similar: Open World 22.4%, 3D Platformer 16.8%, Exploration 16.7%, Cute 11.3%, Adventure 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: The core mechanic of climbing and navigating a vertical world feels like a direct spiritual cousin to the climbing mechanics in A Short Hike.

A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke.

Why similar: Relaxing 25.1%, Exploration 20.8%, Cute 19.2%, 3D Platformer 16.8%, Adventure 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes fluid movement and environmental exploration across diverse, beautiful landscapes with a focus on wonder rather than combat.

Set off on a delightful expedition and use your photographic eye to uncover the mysteries of the magical TOEM in this hand-drawn adventure game. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape!

Why similar: Relaxing 17.2%, Cozy 16.4%, Exploration 14.8%, Nature 13.3%, Cute 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: The relaxing pace and focus on helping quirky characters through exploration and photography provide a very similar sense of satisfaction.

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

Why similar: Exploration 15.6%, Relaxing 15.2%, Open World 13.3%, Flight 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: The ability to transform into a bird and soar through an open, fragmented world offers a flight experience very similar to gliding in A Short Hike.

It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure!

Why similar: Relaxing 21.2%, Exploration 18.8%, Open World 17.7%, Cute 17.4%, Female Protagonist 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This cozy platformer focuses on exploration and delivering mail in a cute, forest-themed world that encourages wandering.

Leaping from mind-boggling heights, bouncing off Champolines, soaring inches from floating islands, BUD can do it all - that look of mild terror, that’s his daredevil face. Help the adorable little robot collect MOM’s scattered ship parts and return them to the moon.

Why similar: Open World 21.7%, Exploration 17.5%, 3D Platformer 15.4%, Adventure 10.8%, Cute 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Building on its predecessor, this game offers even more freedom to explore and traverse a vibrant, open world through creative movement.

Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

Why similar: Open World 20.8%, Relaxing 20.7%, Exploration 19.9%, 3D Platformer 16.5%, Female Protagonist 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: While larger in scale, it shares the core pillars of climbing, exploration, and a meditative, non-combative approach to discovery.

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

Why similar: Beautiful 37.2% ★, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Relaxing 14%, Exploration 11.5%, Adventure 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for atmospheric, wordless exploration that emphasizes a sense of scale and emotional discovery.

Enjoy meditative vibes in Jusant, an action-puzzle climbing game. Scale an immeasurably tall tower and ascend to new heights alongside your watery companion. Master your climbing tools, find your way up through diverse biomes, and piece together the tower’s past.

Why similar: Nature 24.5%, Relaxing 22.6%, Exploration 19.3%, Cute 16.8%, Adventure 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses almost entirely on the tactile, meditative experience of climbing a massive, mysterious structure.

Terry wants to launch himself into space using his new car. Doing something this cool and reckless will surely make him the talk of the town. Run, drive and glide through this small journey of big discoveries as Terry works towards achieving this goal.

Why similar: Open World 15%, Relaxing 15%, Exploration 13.5%, Cute 11%, Flight 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a funny, open-world exploration experience that rewards curiosity and movement in a charming, low-stakes environment.

A top-down adventure game in a coloring book world full of vibrant characters. Use painting powers to explore, solve puzzles, make friends, and draw on anything! From creators on Wandersong + Celeste.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.4%, Adventure 18%, Cute 16.9%, Indie 14.7%, Relaxing 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: The wholesome narrative and focus on exploring a world you can actively change make it a perfect companion to A Short Hike.

Welcome to the beautiful and tropical Petit Island! Relive your grandpaw's youthful adventures by exploring the island and meeting all the unique islanders in this heartwarming open-world narrative exploration game. Preserve his memories before they fade away.

Why similar: Nature 15.2%, Relaxing 15%, Exploration 13.2%, Cute 12%, Open World 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing photography-focused adventure that encourages you to explore a beautiful island at your own pace.

A Tropical Open-World adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele.

Why similar: Open World 24.9%, Exploration 20.6%, 3D Platformer 20.2%, Cute 14.5%, Adventure 11%

Why You'll Like It: Its open-world design encourages exploration through unique movement mechanics and a vibrant, tropical atmosphere.

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

Why similar: Relaxing 15.8%, Cute 15.4%, Nature 14.5%, Exploration 13.3%, Open World 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: The unique mechanic of rearranging the map to explore new areas provides a clever, relaxing puzzle-adventure experience.

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.

Why similar: Beautiful 49.2% ★, Great Soundtrack 21.1%, Relaxing 8.6%, Female Protagonist 6.3%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: The artistic, atmospheric platforming provides a similarly emotional and visually stunning journey.

The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.

Why similar: Relaxing 26.1%, Cute 21.8%, 3D Platformer 17.3%, Adventure 12.1%, Family Friendly 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A gentle, puzzle-filled adventure that focuses on helping others and exploring a beautiful, melancholic world.

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.

Why similar: Relaxing 24.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Beautiful 17.7% ★, Exploration 14.8%, Adventure 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This underwater exploration game prioritizes beautiful visuals and a relaxing, fluid movement experience.

A Hat in Time is a cute-as-heck 3D platformer featuring a little girl who stitches hats for wicked powers! Freely explore giant worlds and recover Time Pieces to travel to new heights!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 21.6%, Cute 21.1%, 3D Platformer 18.1%, Exploration 7.7%, Open World 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant 3D platformer that captures the joy of movement and exploration within distinct, charming levels.

A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.1%, Exploration 21.2%, Relaxing 11.2%, Adventure 11.1%, Open World 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, puzzle-filled adventure that relies on environmental storytelling and exploration to guide the player.

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.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Exploration 19%, Open World 15.5%, Adventure 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more narrative-driven, it perfectly captures the feeling of hiking through a beautiful, isolated wilderness.

You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery.

Why similar: Relaxing 20%, Cute 17.8%, Exploration 15%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Walking Simulator 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: It matches the short, funny, and charmingly low-stakes nature of A Short Hike's social interactions.

It's 1986 - Meredith Weiss takes a break from her career in the big city to deliver mail in her hometown. How will she experience two weeks in beautiful Providence Oaks, with its iconic lake and quirky community? And what will she do next? It's up to you.

Why similar: Relaxing 25.1%, Cozy 17.9%, Open World 17.9%, Walking Simulator 13.3%, Female Protagonist 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A slow-paced, relaxing game about driving through a beautiful landscape and connecting with the local community.

A musical platforming adventure with an emotional story. Play as a silly bard and use music to interact with everything on a journey around the world. Along the way you'll explore, solve puzzles, and meet a huge cast of characters!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 35%, Cute 18%, Adventure 13.7%, Indie 8.3%, Family Friendly 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A musical, wholesome adventure that emphasizes exploration and helping others through a vibrant, colorful world.

Unwind and enjoy the slow life in Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, a relaxing open-world adventure game. Yonder is set in the world of Gemea. A natural island paradise with eight distinct environments ranging from tropical beaches to snow-capped summits.

Why similar: Open World 26.7%, Relaxing 20.8%, Exploration 18.9%, Cute 12.1%, Adventure 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A peaceful open-world game that removes combat entirely to focus on exploration, farming, and crafting.

Embark on a short, playful adventure in your cozy flying boat and sail through fluffy clouds. Discover floating islands and befriend their quirky citizens. Jump, roll, climb, and skate through Cloudburg as Skye faces her biggest obstacle on her way to the Royal Postal Academy!

Why similar: Relaxing 12%, Nature 10.8%, Exploration 10%, Open World 9.3%, Flight 8.9%

You are a traveling painter, exploring the island of Eastshade. Capture the world on canvas using your artist’s easel. Talk to the inhabitants to learn about their lives. Make friends and help those in need. Visit cities, scale summits, unearth mysteries, and discover forgotten places!

Why similar: Beautiful 24.7% ★, Relaxing 14.7%, Nature 14%, Open World 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person exploration game where you paint the world around you, focusing on beauty and peaceful discovery.

Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23%, Cute 22.4%, Funny 9.7%, Indie 8.6%, Relaxing 8.1%

A chill exploration game where EVERYTHING goes in the boot! You're Alp, a lil' golem on a quest to find his purpose. Run, climb, and use items as fuel in your Rocket Boot to blast yourself into the air!

Why similar: Relaxing 18.1%, Exploration 15.1%, Cute 14.6%, Cozy 13%, Nature 11.2%

Go on a summer vacation to the Cloudy Valley archipelago! Swim, climb, and explore the different islands at your own pace. Discover treasures or enjoy a cozy and relaxing atmosphere by the waves...

Why similar: Relaxing 15.8%, Exploration 14.9%, Nature 13.7%, Cute 13%, Open World 11.7%

Take care of your own island and sail with your boat in this cozy farming adventure! Relax and unwind exploring a tropical archipelago or harvesting your own crops while helping others. Discover the story of Summer in Mara, with farming, crafting and exploring mechanics.

Why similar: Relaxing 21.7%, Cozy 17.1%, Nature 17%, Exploration 16.4%, Cute 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: This island-life adventure focuses on exploration, farming, and meeting a cast of charming characters.

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.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 40.8%, Pixel Graphics 18.3%, Cute 10.1%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Indie 8.1%

Refunct is a peaceful, short first-person platformer about restoring a vibrant world.

Why similar: Relaxing 21.4%, 3D Platformer 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Open World 11.7%, Exploration 9.1%

Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect.

Why similar: Beautiful 22.1% ★, Relaxing 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Indie 10.1%, Casual 8.9%

Embark on a journey of forgiveness through impossible environments and illusionary puzzles. Experience this meditative and calming puzzle game by manipulating monuments and creating evolving paths to explore new, surreal, and mysterious worlds.

Why similar: Relaxing 34.8%, Exploration 21.7%, Adventure 12%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Beautiful 8.2% ★

Play as an adorable chicken in this relaxing platformer. Jump, climb and solve puzzles to find the answer to the ULTIMATE question a chicken can ask...

Why similar: Relaxing 14.5%, Cozy 13.9%, Cute 13.1%, Exploration 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%

Experience award-winning Flower, now available on PC. Flower lets you take control of the wind as you explore and navigate beautiful, lush environments.

Why similar: Relaxing 19.7%, Nature 17.9%, Flight 15.1%, Open World 12.3%, Exploration 12.3%

Minit is a peculiar little adventure played sixty seconds at a time.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 23.4%, Adventure 16.2%, Indie 11.2%, Cute 6.9%

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Exploration 48.6%, Adventure 26.2%, Funny 17.8%, Singleplayer 7.4%

Embark on a cozy climbing adventure in Valley Peaks, a ribbiting first-person platformer where each mountain is like a puzzle. Install Radio Towers at the top of every ridge to connect the froggy inhabitants to the wider world, venture further into the Valley, conquer peaks and unravel mysteries!

Why similar: Nature 15%, Cozy 13.3%, Open World 13.3%, Exploration 12.7%, 3D Platformer 11.3%

Play as Boris, a curious baby boar who must learn how to use his nose to reunite with his family after a forest fire. Explore beautiful landscapes, track scents, and uncover secrets as you slowly reconnect with nature in this cozy animal adventure.

Why similar: Relaxing 18.5%, Exploration 15.6%, Cute 13.1%, Nature 11.8%, Open World 8.8%

Immerse yourself in a relaxing, minimalist and colorful adventure. Flow with Naiad across a mysterious river and interact with its fauna and flora to discover little secrets. Enjoy a wholesome experience with an original and dreamy visual style.

Why similar: Exploration 21.1%, Nature 19.8%, Cute 18.8%, Relaxing 16.8%, Adventure 10.9%

Hoa is a beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Why similar: Relaxing 29%, Cute 18.7%, Exploration 18.7%, Nature 9.8%, Adventure 7.7%

Pine Hearts is a wholesome and tender adventure about nostalgic journeys, overcoming loss, and helping others. Embark on a cozy hiking expedition to the sprawling Pine Hearts nature reserve and scale the mountain your father never managed to climb.

Why similar: Relaxing 16.6%, Nature 15.9%, Exploration 13.7%, Cute 12%, Cozy 10.6%

Tree Trunk Brook is a tiny adventure game about hiking during the pandemic. Follow trail blazes, take photos, make friends, and find lost items. The visitor center is closed, but the trail is open. Social distancing is in effect, and masks are required.

Why similar: Relaxing 29.7%, Nature 22.1%, Exploration 20.6%, Adventure 13.2%, Beautiful 4.1% ★

Undertake your new job as a forester in a mystic and peaceful wood. Chop, gather, level up and unravel the expansive forest and its splendor at your own pace, one log at a time!

Why similar: Relaxing 17.3%, Exploration 17.2%, Cute 13.6%, Walking Simulator 10.4%, Nature 9%

Röki is a stunning adventure set in the snowcapped wilderness. As Tove, you must explore an uncharted world of hidden legends and forgotten monsters. Solve puzzles, collect curiosities, and uncover a tale of tragic loss, as you chart your path to redemption.

Why similar: Nature 27.1%, Beautiful 12.2% ★, Female Protagonist 12%, Adventure 11.6%, Indie 6.7%

Teacup is a short and wholesome narrative adventure game with a focus on exploration and non-linear progression. Help a small and shy frog on her journey to find the ingredients she needs for her tea party!

Why similar: Cute 21.7%, Exploration 20.7%, Relaxing 18.7%, Female Protagonist 11%, Family Friendly 8.5%

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Relaxing 39.3%, Cute 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Family Friendly 6.3%, Female Protagonist 6%

Swing through the trees, spin sticky webs, and make friends with bugs! Be the adorable spider you've always wanted to be.

Why similar: Relaxing 18.6%, Cute 17.8%, Exploration 17.2%, Nature 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%

Here Comes Niko! is the cozy 3D platformer for tired people! You play as Niko traveling across scenic islands. Make new friends, catch fish, solve puzzles, snag bugs, and more! Oh, Did I mention your boss is a frog?

Why similar: Relaxing 27%, Cute 22.7%, 3D Platformer 21.5%, Exploration 16.5%, Adventure 6%

EmBARK on a therapeutic adventure alone or with a friend. Collect Corgi Butt Power to climb, soar, and prove stubby legs can't stop you! Relax and savor this bite-sized, open world while 10% of your purchase is donated to animal shelters.

Why similar: Relaxing 20.3%, Exploration 15.8%, 3D Platformer 15.6%, Cute 11.2%, Family Friendly 9.4%

Pikuniku is an absurdly wonderful puzzle-exploration game that takes place in a strange but playful world where not everything is as happy as it seems. Help peculiar characters overcome struggles, uncover a deep state conspiracy, and start a little revolution in this delightful dystopian adventure!

Why similar: Cute 23.5%, Great Soundtrack 21.7%, Adventure 12.5%, Indie 9.5%, Family Friendly 8.9%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 23.7%, Exploration 21.8%, Cute 20.9%, Adventure 12.1%, Funny 9.3%

Find your community at summer camp, one friendship at a time. Take a beat, enjoy a breath of fresh air - all while playing at the beach, strolling in the woods, and dancing with friends. This short cozy game was created by two dads, celebrating their kids’ journeys to find their voices.

Why similar: Relaxing 19.2%, Nature 16.3%, Cute 13.1%, Cozy 9.8%, Adventure 8.4%

You're a curious little kitty with a big personality, on an adventure to find your way back home. Explore the city, make new friends with stray animals, wear delightful hats, and leave more than a little chaos in your wake. After all, isn't that what cats do best?

Why similar: Cute 18%, Exploration 17.3%, Cozy 16.8%, Open World 13.6%, Family Friendly 10.1%

Play as an adorable yet trouble-making turnip. Avoid paying taxes, solve plantastic puzzles, harvest crops and battle massive beasts all in a journey to tear down a corrupt vegetable government!

Why similar: Exploration 24.2%, Cute 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Funny 9.2%