Games Like Braid

Control the flow of time to solve puzzles in this new version of the indie classic, featuring fully repainted artwork, a new world of puzzles, and seriously in-depth commentary.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 33.4%, Time Manipulation 24.2% ★, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Platformer 11.7%, Puzzle 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive, updated version of the seed game featuring enhanced visuals and extensive developer commentary.

Enter a macabre and comical silent world filled with mischief, time travel and delicious pie. Includes Steam Achievements, Cloud, and Leaderboards!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 27.6%, Time Manipulation 27.3% ★, Platformer 18.7%, Puzzle 14.9%, Indie 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Like Braid, this game centers entirely around recording and manipulating time to solve complex platforming puzzles.

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.

Why similar: Platformer 32%, Puzzle 22.7%, Puzzle Platformer 19.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Indie 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It shares Braid's sense of wonder and perspective-shifting puzzles that force you to rethink the 2D environment.

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!

Why similar: Puzzle 51.3%, Difficult 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Indie 10.9%, 2D 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game pushes the boundaries of logic and rule-manipulation, offering the same 'aha!' moments found in Braid's hardest levels.

What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 37.2%, Puzzle 27.1%, Platformer 16.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Indie 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply atmospheric puzzle-platformer that uses a unique cloning mechanic to explore philosophical themes similar to Braid.

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.

Why similar: Puzzle 70.3%, Indie 12.6%, Difficult 5.7%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, non-Euclidean puzzle game that challenges your understanding of space and reality in a way that feels intellectually stimulating.

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 41.6%, Time Manipulation 33.3% ★, Puzzle 11.7%, Time Travel 10.8% ★, Atmospheric 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, meditative puzzle game where you manipulate the flow of time to navigate through surreal islands of memory.

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 62.9%, Platformer 15%, Puzzle 11.4%, Indie 4.1%, 2D 2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that relies on environmental storytelling and clever physics-based challenges.

The "Perpetual Testing Initiative" has been expanded to allow you to design co-op puzzles for you and your friends!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 55.5%, Platformer 22.9%, Puzzle 16.9%, Singleplayer 1.8%, Story Rich 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for puzzle-platformers, offering brilliant spatial mechanics and a narrative-driven experience.

The Bridge is a logic puzzle game that forces you to reevaluate your preconceptions of physics and perspective. It is Isaac Newton meets M. C. Escher. Manipulate gravity to redefine the ceiling as the floor while venturing through impossible architectures.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 59.4%, Puzzle 15.6%, Platformer 9.8%, 2D 4.3%, Difficult 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Inspired by M.C. Escher, this game features gravity-defying puzzles that require a similar shift in perspective to solve.

And Yet It Moves is a puzzle-platformer, set in a unique world, made of ripped paper. Within the paper-collage you can jump, run and last but certainly not least: rotate the world. Learn how to apply the physical consequences of rotation to master the many tricky situations you may encounter.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 56.2%, Platformer 20.4%, Puzzle 11%, Indie 4.3%, Difficult 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game allows you to rotate the entire world to navigate platforms, echoing Braid's focus on changing the environment to progress.

Guide a group of rectangles through 120 levels, using their different skills together to overcome a series of obstacles in each environment. Discover the human-made story of the first sentient artificial intelligences with Danny Wallace’s BAFTA-winning narration.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 45%, 2D Platformer 20%, Platformer 19.9%, Indie 3.7%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist platformer that uses its narrative and character abilities to create a surprisingly emotional and cohesive experience.

VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, 2D Platformer 29.5%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Difficult 9.3%, Indie 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer that replaces jumping with gravity-flipping, offering a tight, challenging puzzle-like experience.

Hue is a vibrant, award-winning puzzle-adventure, where you alter the world by changing its background colour.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 43%, Platformer 16.3%, Puzzle 16%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Indie 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant puzzle-platformer where you manipulate the color of the background to make obstacles disappear or appear.

In the dark and mysterious world of Closure, only what you see exists. Manipulate lights to phase objects in and out of reality in this multiple-award-winning puzzle game. Play as a strange spider-like demon who explores the stories of three human characters through beautiful, eerie environments such as a decrepit factory, a murky...

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 35.4%, Platformer 27.2%, Puzzle 22.7%, Indie 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer where objects only exist when they are illuminated, creating a haunting and clever gameplay loop.

Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 63.4%, Puzzle 17.6%, Platformer 13.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%, Atmospheric 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A mind-bending puzzle game where you change the world by placing photographs into the environment, mirroring Braid's reality-warping feel.

World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.

Why similar: Puzzle 45.3%, Great Soundtrack 25.3%, Indie 11.4%, 2D 4.6%, Classic 4.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: A classic physics-based puzzle game that shares the indie charm and innovative design philosophy of the 2009 era.

The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything).

Why similar: Puzzle 59.8%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Difficult 5.5%, Indie 3.7%, Atmospheric 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A philosophical, narrative-heavy puzzle game that rewards curiosity and deep thinking, much like the subtext of Braid.

Nominated as a IGF Seamus McNally Finalist, NightSky is an ambient action-puzzle game that offers a gameplay experience unlike any other—cerebral challenges fill uniquely designed picturesque worlds. The player must maneuver a sphere by using realistic physics to advance; each of these worlds is broken into different areas.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 62.2%, Platformer 17.1%, Puzzle 11.6%, Indie 5.1%, Atmospheric 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, physics-based puzzle game that focuses on momentum and careful movement through abstract landscapes.

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.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.3%, Puzzle 31.9%, Beautiful 11.9% ★, Indie 8%, Story Rich 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: While an exploration game, its core mechanic of a repeating time loop and uncovering a mystery makes it a spiritual successor to Braid's themes.

EDGE, the award winning retro-styled platform game has been extended! Now with over 40 brand new levels, additional music and all-new races against the notorious Dark Cube!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 58.8%, Puzzle 16.3%, Platformer 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Indie 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist puzzle-platformer that focuses on precision and spatial awareness within a geometric world.

Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 45.5%, Platformer 16.8%, 2D Platformer 15.3%, Puzzle 9.1%, Beautiful 5.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle-platformer that emphasizes creative problem-solving using the unique abilities of three different characters.

Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 46.6%, Puzzle 17.8%, Indie 16%, Beautiful 6.5% ★, Atmospheric 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric indie adventure that prioritizes a strong artistic vision and a memorable soundtrack, much like Braid.

Find and rescue your uncle by using his newest invention to work your way through a crazy complex mansion as you switch between dimensions and solve puzzles!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 58.7%, Puzzle 16.1%, Time Manipulation 14.9% ★, Platformer 8.8%, Casual 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the designer of Portal, this game features dimension-shifting mechanics that directly influence physics and puzzle-solving.

Gorogoa is an elegant evolution of the puzzle genre, told through a beautifully hand-drawn story designed and illustrated by Jason Roberts. Winner of Debut Game at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, as well as Best Mobile Game and the Innovation Award at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards.

Why similar: Puzzle 54%, Beautiful 12.6% ★, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Indie 8.5%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: An intricately designed puzzle game where you manipulate panels to connect scenes, sharing Braid's artistic and intellectual ambition.

CONTRAST is a puzzle/platform game where you can move between a fantastic 3D world and a mysterious shadowy universe in 2D in the blink of an eye. Delve into a dreamlike and surreal 1920s world, inspired by the performance art world of vaudeville and film noir, and cradled by a smooth and sultry jazz ambiance.

Why similar: Platformer 28.4%, Puzzle Platformer 23.1%, Puzzle 21.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Indie 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish game where you shift between 3D and 2D shadow worlds to solve puzzles, echoing the dimension-bending nature of Braid.

Crayon Physics Deluxe is a 2D physics puzzle / sandbox game, in which you get to experience what it would be like if your drawings would be magically transformed into real physical objects. Solve puzzles with your artistic vision and creative use of physics.

Why similar: Puzzle 60.6%, Indie 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, 2D 6.2%, Casual 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A creative physics-based puzzle game that allows you to draw objects into existence to solve platforming challenges.

A challenging puzzle platformer in which you clone and teleport.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 40.7%, 2D Platformer 19.3%, Platformer 13.8%, Puzzle 9.1%, Difficult 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated puzzle-platformer that focuses on difficult, logic-based level design for players who enjoyed the challenge of Braid.

When indie game developers Alexey and Markus are in trouble, their only hope comes from their creation.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 42.4%, 2D Platformer 17.5%, Platformer 16.9%, Puzzle 12.3%, Indie 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A clever puzzle-platformer that requires you to collect and place blocks to navigate obstacles, rewarding careful planning.

You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.

Why similar: Puzzle 65.4%, Difficult 12.7%, Indie 7.4%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Singleplayer 3.1%

An epic open-world puzzle Metroidbrainia that respects your intelligence! Knowledge is your superpower. Use creatures as tools to determine your own path.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 54.1%, Platformer 18.9%, Puzzle 13.7%, 2D 3.6%, Indie 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant, non-linear puzzle-platformer that teaches you mechanics through environmental observation rather than explicit tutorials.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Platformer 50.4%, Difficult 21.7%, Indie 10.2%, 2D 9.5%, Story Rich 3.6%

Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!

Why similar: Puzzle 44.4%, Great Soundtrack 23.6%, 2D 10%, Indie 7.6%, Atmospheric 4.3%

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Platformer 33.7%, 2D Platformer 29.8%, Difficult 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Indie 6.2%

Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.

Why similar: Puzzle 43.1%, Great Soundtrack 20%, Indie 17.1%, Difficult 6.6%, Casual 4.2%

Experience the rhythmic thrill of BIT.TRIP RUNNER! With its retro charm, simple controls, and award-winning visuals, this classic sets the standard for rhythm gaming. Don't miss the game that started it all in the acclaimed runner series.

Why similar: Platformer 45.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Difficult 10.3%, Indie 8.8%, 2D 8.4%

Discover the secrets of the Calamity, a surreal catastrophe that shattered the world to pieces.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 68.4%, Indie 17.6%, Singleplayer 4.5%, Story Rich 3.6%, Beautiful 1.8% ★

Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world of great castles and strange machinery, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 49.8%, Platformer 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Puzzle 9.5%, Beautiful 7.6% ★

Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.

Why similar: Puzzle 32.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Platformer 13.2%, Indie 11.7%, Beautiful 10.2% ★

From gameplay to visuals to music and imagination, BIT.TRIP BEAT is inspired by classic games in every way. Get sucked into a whole new world of sight and sound as you juggle beats and ride the vibe in this modern look at the beginning of it all. BIT.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 42.3%, Difficult 22%, Indie 13.3%, 2D 10.1%, Side Scroller 5.6%

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.6%, Indie 25.4%, Difficult 23.7%, 2D 11.6%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Living liquid machines have overrun a world of unstoppable progress and their inventor must stop the chaos in this game about a man with the power to bring ordinary matter to life!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 31.4%, Puzzle 27.6%, Platformer 27.1%, Indie 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 3.3%

Rewind time and manipulate gravity in order to solve parkour puzzles in this exciting new 2D platformer.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 35.8%, Time Manipulation 17.9% ★, Platformer 12%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Puzzle 8.8%

A collection of 9 award winning indie games from the creator of "Binding of isaac" and "Super Meat Boy"!

Why similar: Platformer 35.2%, Puzzle 22.3%, Indie 21.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, 2D 5.8%

Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 46%, 2D Platformer 18%, Platformer 15.7%, Puzzle 11.8%, Indie 3.9%

A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 32.8%, Platformer 30.3%, Puzzle 16.7%, Indie 4.9%, Difficult 4.5%

A platform-adventure game about time travelling, puzzle solving and a friendship between an Old Inventor and a Snail.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 50.9%, Time Manipulation 16.2% ★, Platformer 13.7%, Puzzle 9.6%, Indie 4.2%

Help Puzzled Cat use jetpacks, portals, bombs, gum, and more to conquer treacherous platforming stages. Play your own way using save states to explore a world full of challenges and secrets - but can you find the way through? Travel through time and space and reach enlightenment.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 32.9%, Time Manipulation 26.7% ★, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Platformer 9.5%, Puzzle 7.1%

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Platformer 60.2%, Difficult 15.3%, Indie 10.6%, 2D 6.1%, Great Soundtrack 6%

The emotional journey of four developers as they sacrifice money, health and sanity to realize their lifelong dreams of sharing their games with the world.

Why similar: Indie 49.5%, Great Soundtrack 46.1%, Story Rich 3.7%, Singleplayer 0.6%

You are stranded on a strange and peculiar planet. It’s time to embark on your journey and find your way home! Explore a gravity defying and challenging platformer with striking visuals and a captivating story that transports you to a world beyond ours.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 55.8%, Platformer 19.9%, Puzzle 8%, Indie 5.9%, Great Soundtrack 4.4%

Cogs is a puzzle game where players build machines from sliding tiles. Players can choose from 50 levels and 3 gameplay modes. New puzzles are unlocked by building contraptions quickly and efficiently. Inventor Mode: Starting with simple puzzles, players are introduced to the widgets that are used to build machines — gears, pipes,...

Why similar: Puzzle 64.9%, Indie 14%, Difficult 10%, Classic 5.1% ★, Casual 3.2%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Puzzle 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Puzzle Platformer 13.5%, Difficult 13.4%

The gameplay in Toki Tori is a blend of two genres. While it looks like a platform game, it's a puzzle game at heart. To progress through the game, the player must pick up each egg in a level using a set number of tools.

Why similar: Puzzle 37.6%, Platformer 23%, Puzzle Platformer 20.9%, Indie 8.1%, Difficult 5%

Shank is the cult-classic revival of the sidescrolling beat-em-up. Play as Shank in an over-the-top grindhouse game, packed to the rim with enemies, bosses, combos, and more by the award-winning team at Klei Entertainment.

Why similar: Platformer 51.3%, Indie 19.7%, 2D 14.5%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Ride your music. Audiosurf is a music-adapting puzzle racer where you use your own music to create your own experience. The shape, the speed, and the mood of each ride is determined by the song you choose.

Why similar: Indie 42.4%, Puzzle 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Casual 7.6%, Singleplayer 5.2%

A time-bending puzzle game about working with - and against - your past selves. Subvert the rules of time travel, dodge paradoxes, and find a way to escape the loop.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 45.7% ★, Time Travel 19.2% ★, Puzzle 17.9%, Difficult 8.8%, Indie 5.4%

The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!

Why similar: Indie 40.9%, Difficult 26.1%, 2D 13.6%, Strategy 12.8%, Singleplayer 6.6%