Games Like Bright Lights of Svetlov

Panel houses, snow, overcast sky, tiny kitchen, shabby staircase… It's Winter is an indie game which genre could be classified as sandbox, post-soviet, sad 3d, russian sadness. Nothing awaits you: there is no chance to get out, no room for adventures and breathtaking plot.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 45.6%, Atmospheric 19.8%, Simulation 11.6%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Indie 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the bleak, quiet, and authentic atmosphere of a post-Soviet winter that mirrors the setting of the seed game.

After their mother's suicide, Lazarus returns home to his sister Lyudmila. But unexplained events make the world and even reality collapse around him. Looming death, a spreading malediction and the supernatural threaten his sanity, yet Lazarus pushes forward to find the truth about his family.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.8%, Linear 12.3%, First-Person 11.7%, Exploration 9.8%, Mystery 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Set in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, this game offers a deep, narrative-heavy experience filled with the same regional atmosphere and domestic mystery.

A utility worker earns for a ticket to leave the endless Siberian city of panel houses. Permafrost, day/night cycle, dynamic weather and open world. Feel the atmosphere of the northern city, having been in the role of a handyman. Now with multiplayer!

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.2%, First-Person 15.1%, Atmospheric 14.7%, Immersive Sim 12.3%, Exploration 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides an unparalleled exploration of the iconic Soviet-era concrete apartment blocks that define the aesthetic of the seed game.

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 37.8%, Atmospheric 13.6%, First-Person 11.6%, Exploration 8.2%, Mystery 7%

Why You'll Like It: As a gold standard for narrative-driven walking simulators, it shares the same focus on character-driven storytelling and immersive environmental interaction.

One-Eyed Likho is a grim first-person horror adventure set in a world inspired by a dark, Slavic fairy tale. Explore an unsettling and twisted land set in 19th-century Russia in your endeavor to escape your own evil fate.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 35.8%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Horror 10.2%, Exploration 10%, Psychological Horror 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends folklore with a gritty, realistic Soviet-era setting to create a unique and atmospheric narrative experience.

This is an indie horror from the first person, in which you find yourself in an area called Kowloon in search of cheap housing. The inhabitants of this place only at first glance seem to be ordinary people, but if we dig deeper, we will see their real faces.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.1%, Atmospheric 12.7%, Horror 11.8%, First-Person 11.1%, Psychological Horror 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: The game excels at creating a dense, claustrophobic urban atmosphere that feels grounded and lived-in.

Motherland (A sad fairytale for adults) is an indie-game that allows you to immerse in the atmosphere of a provincial town during the epidemic.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 34%, First-Person 12.4%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Realistic 11.3%, Psychological Horror 8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a realistic, first-person exploration of a post-Soviet landscape that emphasizes atmosphere and environmental storytelling.

In the summer of 2008. The main character, at the request of followers, goes to Russia to explore the abandoned camp "Yunost". Locals say that this place is inhabited by restless souls. This will need to be checked.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26%, Atmospheric 10.1%, First-Person 9.8%, Horror 9.5%, Psychological Horror 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game utilizes a Soviet-era setting to build a tense, atmospheric experience that relies on environmental storytelling.

Chornobyl Liquidators is not a fantastic tale of exploring the Zone. It's a story about real people facing a real threat — the CNPP disaster. Invisible radiation, KGB, difficult moral choices... Do you have enough courage and strength to take on this challenge?

Why similar: 1980s 32.3%, Immersive Sim 11.9%, First-Person 9.2%, Atmospheric 9.1%, Exploration 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Set in the 1980s, it captures the historical tension and specific aesthetic of the era through a grounded, simulation-heavy lens.

"September 7th" is a short horror game released for Christmas. The plot of the game is simple to the point of banality, and the gameplay is not delayed.The game also contains some Easter eggs and mentions. The game takes place in 2009.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.7%, Linear 11.4%, First-Person 11.1%, Horror 9.1%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a grounded, first-person exploration of a domestic space that slowly builds a sense of unease.

An orphan returns to the house of the deceased fortune-teller to uncover the secret of his family's death. He must accept his legacy and become a prognostic before supernatural madness engulfs people of his town.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.8%, First-Person 11.4%, Immersive Sim 10.7%, Realistic 10.4%, Horror 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-focused adventure that prioritizes exploration and uncovering secrets within a realistic, first-person environment.

The Occupation is a fixed-time, investigative thriller set in North West England on Saturday 24th October, 1987.

Why similar: 1980s 36.8%, Immersive Sim 17.5%, First-Person 11.6%, Mystery 7.4%, Exploration 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This narrative-driven thriller set in 1980s England shares the same attention to period-accurate detail and investigative gameplay.

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.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.5%, Atmospheric 13.7%, First-Person 10.9%, Story Rich 8.4%, Exploration 8%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in narrative walking simulation that focuses on the domestic lives and histories of family members.

Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly interactive tale you won't soon forget.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.3%, First-Person 16.1%, Atmospheric 14.4%, Exploration 10.7%, Horror 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a cold, isolated 1970s setting that prioritizes exploration and environmental storytelling over traditional combat.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person story-driven mystery. Purchase this game to get both the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster called The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 37.1%, Atmospheric 13.7%, First-Person 11.2%, Mystery 9.2%, Exploration 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on atmospheric exploration and uncovering a narrative through environmental clues in a secluded setting.

DREAM LOGIC is a story driven first-person atmospheric horror game which takes place in liminal spaces. Explore various nostalgic, dreamlike, uncanny environments. But don't feel too safe, there's a sneaky creature watching your every move.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21%, 1980s 12.7%, Atmospheric 9.7%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, First-Person 8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a surreal, atmospheric exploration experience that relies on environmental cues to tell its story.

The Old City: Leviathan is an experiment in first person exploration that focuses entirely on story. All that exists is you and the world. Set in a decaying city from a civilization long past, The Old City: Leviathan puts the player in the shoes of a sewer dwelling isolationist.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 45.3%, Atmospheric 14.5%, Exploration 11.7%, First-Person 11.5%, Adventure 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on philosophical exploration and atmospheric storytelling within a decaying, isolated world.

RESTORER is a classic walking simulator set in an old, atmospheric mansion. Something roams the halls… It wants to share its secret—with the price being your sanity.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 30.2%, Linear 11.5%, Atmospheric 10%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Realistic 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This indie title focuses on atmospheric, first-person exploration within a confined, detailed environment.

Featuring a beautiful, detailed open-world and a haunting soundtrack, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is non-linear storytelling at its best.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 58.7%, Atmospheric 12.6%, First-Person 7.5%, Exploration 5.8%, Adventure 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a slow-paced, deeply atmospheric narrative experience set in a quiet, isolated town.

Tacoma is a sci-fi narrative adventure from the creators of Gone Home. Set aboard a high-tech space station in the year 2088, explore every detail of how the station’s crew lived and worked, finding the clues that add up to a gripping story of trust, fear, and resolve in the face of disaster.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 45.9%, First-Person 11.9%, Exploration 9%, Atmospheric 8.7%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This narrative-driven exploration game uses environmental storytelling to piece together the lives of people in a confined space.

Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.6%, Exploration 10.7%, Atmospheric 10.6%, First-Person 9.6%, Mystery 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, player-led investigation of a town's history, focusing on exploration and environmental deduction.

Short atmospheric first person horror game with elements of quest and shooter about being lost in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by weird mist.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.4%, Linear 11.2%, Psychological Horror 10.6%, Atmospheric 10.3%, First-Person 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a moody, atmospheric experience that emphasizes the feeling of being alone in a quiet, mysterious setting.

Christmas Nightmare is an atmospheric horror game about New Year's Eve.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 30.3%, First-Person 10.6%, Realistic 8.9%, Exploration 8.8%, Simulation 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game uses a specific seasonal setting to drive its exploration and narrative, similar to the thematic focus of the seed game.

A psychological horror game where you spend a night in the shoes of an arcade worker named Marcus. Win prizes on the crane machine and shoot some hoops. Just make sure to keep the doors locked.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.7%, Immersive Sim 13.9%, First-Person 10.6%, Exploration 9.8%, Atmospheric 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is a casual, exploration-focused game that prioritizes the feeling of immersion in a quiet, detailed environment.

You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?

Why similar: Atmospheric 35%, Simulation 24%, Story Rich 15%, Indie 9.6%, Singleplayer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: While the gameplay differs, it perfectly captures the oppressive, bureaucratic, and domestic atmosphere of a Soviet-style regime.

Rethink human’s dominion in The Invincible: a story-driven adventure set in a hard sci-fi world by Stanisław Lem. Discover planet Regis III as scientist Yasna, use atompunk tools looking for a missing crew and face unforeseen threats. Make choices in a philosophical story that’s driven by science.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 50.8%, First-Person 13.6%, Adventure 9.1%, Exploration 8.9%, Mystery 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a retro-futuristic aesthetic and a strong focus on narrative-driven exploration in an isolated, atmospheric environment.

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.

Why similar: Simulation 32.4%, Indie 21.7%, Atmospheric 19.4%, Story Rich 10.1%, Singleplayer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive experience for understanding the tension and daily grind of life under a Soviet-inspired bureaucratic system.

A psychological home-invasion horror set in the bleak year of 1992, focusing on tension, atmosphere, and an immersive soundtrack. The story involves elements of a cult, rituals meant to reach the dead, and the haunting presence of those who should have remained in the past.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.3%, First-Person 11.1%, Linear 10.6%, Atmospheric 10.3%, Realistic 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on realistic, first-person exploration within a domestic setting to build its atmosphere.

"The Last Visit: 98th" is a psychological indie horror from the first person, in the genre of a walking simulator, in the setting of the post-Soviet winter space. The main focus is on the atmosphere of horror, which is emphasized by realistic 3D graphics.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.8%, Atmospheric 11.5%, First-Person 11.1%, Psychological Horror 9.8%, Horror 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a short, atmospheric, and narrative-driven experience centered on exploring a specific location.

Satellite Odyssey: Prologue is a short first-person story-driven adventure with horror elements. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of classic science fiction and retro-futurism inspired by Soviet sci-fi films. Your partner is Zarya, the artificial intelligence.

Why similar: 1980s 26.1%, Walking Simulator 25.1%, Atmospheric 9.5%, First-Person 9.4%, Realistic 8.3%

The Holiday Story is an indie horror game about Christmas and New Year, set in the 80s.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.9%, 1980s 21.8%, First-Person 7.9%, Linear 7.4%, Atmospheric 7.2%

LiDAR Exploration Program is a relaxing atmospheric game with light horror elements, where you explore in complete darkness using a scanner to reveal the world around you.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.6%, Atmospheric 12.7%, First-Person 11.3%, Exploration 10%, Psychological Horror 9.8%

It Happened At Night is a short horror game where the player must complete basic objectives to advance the story and immerse themselves through the eyes of the protagonist.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.6%, Linear 10.4%, Atmospheric 9.9%, First-Person 9.5%, Exploration 8.3%

MATRESHKA is a first-person psychological horror experience, you need find a way to escape from a maze of old soviet building. If you die...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.7%, 1980s 20.9%, Realistic 7.9%, Atmospheric 7.5%, Psychological Horror 7.1%

Sector 404 is a first-person anomaly horror game set in a crumbling Soviet housing block. After taking your medicine, your world begins to fracture. Climb from floor to floor, uncovering distorted anomalies and your own unraveling mind. Miss too much, and reality resets. Will you ever make it home?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.5%, First-Person 10.1%, Immersive Sim 9.3%, Psychological Horror 9.1%, Realistic 8.4%

Midnight Prowl is a horror exploration game set in a Japanese town, where you will experience the horror that takes place there.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.3%, First-Person 11.7%, Immersive Sim 10.9%, Linear 8.5%, Horror 8.4%

Silent Nights - A short horror game with realistic graphics, touching storyline and scary moments.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.1%, Linear 10.8%, Atmospheric 9.2%, Psychological Horror 8.8%, First-Person 8.1%

Autumn, 1992. Anton, a 14-year-old boy, moves with his parents to a small town and is left alone in his grandmother's apartment. Meanwhile, children are disappearing across the town — the police are powerless, and no one knows who's behind it…

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.4%, First-Person 13.6%, Horror 10.8%, Exploration 10.6%, Psychological Horror 10.1%

A first person horror game. Fred is stuck in a dead-end job, haunted by hallucinations. A voice on the radio speaks of a green light. It promises peace and freedom. A tale of self-discovery where Fred is willing to find freedom, even at the cost of his life.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22%, Linear 9%, First-Person 8.5%, Psychological Horror 8.4%, Horror 7.7%

Years after a tragic expedition, investigator Aleksei Morozov returns to the frozen mountains to uncover the truth. But some trails should never be followed...

Why similar: 1980s 22.4%, Walking Simulator 21.8%, Immersive Sim 9.9%, First-Person 7.9%, Realistic 7%

Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.3%, 1980s 19.5%, Linear 11.3%, First-Person 10.2%, Realistic 7.9%

The Descent, a horror walking sim in Rockwell Mine, immerses players in miners' harsh life and unsettling mine encounters. Play as an investigator uncovering a hometown mystery.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33%, Simulation 13.1%, First-Person 12.5%, Realistic 10.3%, Atmospheric 8.1%

Callus is a short psychological horror (~30 minutes) in the walking simulator genre, featuring jump scares and themes of cruelty and overprotection. It was released as a transitional project between larger releases, with an intentionally simple story and concise gameplay.

Why similar: Atmospheric 21.9%, Psychological Horror 20.9%, Horror 17.3%, Realistic 14.9%, Walking Simulator 7.3%

This is a first-person indie horror game. In 9 Childs Street you will find the terrifying atmosphere of a recently abandoned house, and its captive inhabitants, through the eyes of a curious little boy in a red cap.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.3%, First-Person 12.5%, Linear 10.5%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Horror 9.7%

A short one-room-horror which takes place on a livestock train in a dystopian Soviet state

Why similar: 1980s 37.6%, First-Person 15%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Horror 11.8%, Simulation 11.2%

Clap Clap is a short indie horror game that puts you in the shoes of a house sitter, experiencing strange occurrences in a seemingly ordinary home.

Why similar: 1980s 29.1%, Walking Simulator 21.7%, Horror 11.7%, Atmospheric 8.9%, Psychological Horror 8.3%

A walking simulator about dear memories, overcoming obstacles, and finding your path. Experience a story inspired by finno-karelian folklore.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 39.4%, First-Person 12.5%, Atmospheric 11.7%, Exploration 10.4%, Linear 9.3%

A psychological first-person horror game where you enter a memory-erasing protocol and relive a trauma. Uncover dark secrets, and experience fear through immersive atmosphere.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.8%, FPS 10.8%, Atmospheric 9%, Psychological Horror 8.7%, Realistic 8.7%

KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.9%, First-Person 11.1%, Atmospheric 9.5%, Psychological Horror 8.6%, Realistic 8.5%

Russia in the ‘90s. A provincial town at the edge of the crumbling Soviet Empire. A group of kids faces the disturbing horror they are unable to comprehend – the DØM RUSALOK. This is a place where the worst nightmares come true.

Why similar: 1980s 25%, Walking Simulator 15.7%, Atmospheric 15.6%, Psychological Horror 13.1%, Exploration 11.4%

You have arrived in a forest where people are rumored to disappear and strange things happen... Locals often see bright flashes and hear strange sounds...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.2%, Realistic 10.1%, Atmospheric 10%, Linear 9.6%, Psychological Horror 9.2%

Ashwood Creek, 1985. A child disappears without a trace. A local policeman is drawn into a national park, seeking the truth. Mysterious radio signals beckon him further and further. Investigate, survive and face the unknown in Radiolight— an '80s thriller by solo dev Krystof Knesl.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.3%, 1980s 25.4%, First-Person 10.4%, Atmospheric 9.5%, Exploration 8.9%

Step into a quiet, abandoned Ukrainian village, left empty after the Calamity. In this short, meditative, and melancholic journey, you’ll rekindle the hearths of deserted homes, restoring warmth and hope to the families who once lived here.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 41.8%, Atmospheric 18%, First-Person 16.3%, Exploration 14.4%, Adventure 5.6%

Do you like spontaneous purchases? Do all your purchases bring you happiness? Everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.5%, First-Person 12.2%, Psychological Horror 10.1%, Horror 9.4%, Realistic 8.9%

Abandoned Souls is a horror game, shown through a GoPro lens. You play as a vlogger who specializes in urban exploration.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.1%, First-Person 9.5%, Realistic 9.5%, Atmospheric 9.4%, Psychological Horror 8.4%

There is only you, the abandoned remains of a former life and the flourishing nature that feels great in the absence of man. This world is both gloomy and empty, but so incredibly beautiful.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 37.9%, First-Person 14.8%, Realistic 10.7%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Atmospheric 10.2%

A first-person adventure game with a storyline. You are about to travel on a passenger train along the Trans-Siberian Railway. You can walk around cities, ride a train and watch nature change, talk to passengers and much more.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.3%, Atmospheric 11.1%, First-Person 10.3%, Exploration 9.3%, Linear 9.2%

Coming back to the family hotel after years, a young woman finds herself trapped with the ghosts from her past and an old cellular telephone as the only way to unveil a terrible truth.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.2%, Atmospheric 11.3%, First-Person 10.8%, Exploration 9.1%, Realistic 8.8%

A slow burn retro horror game, in which you arrive at the old lighthouse on a small island near the coast of the United States. After the previous keeper has gone missing, you need to take over his duties and watch after the light.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25%, Horror 13.4%, Atmospheric 12.6%, First-Person 10.7%, Psychological Horror 10.3%