Games Like iO

Nimbus is a unique combination of racing & puzzling. The player controls a craft with no means of directly propelling itself and needs to use whatever is scattered around the levels to acquire thrust and reach the goal. Traverse a world map with several distinct islands in order to recover your lost love.

Why similar: Racing 65.3%, Physics 14.5%, Indie 12.5%, Puzzle 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based racing and platforming hybrid that mirrors the momentum-heavy gameplay of iO.

Guide your puddle of fluid through a vast range of environments and puzzles!

Why similar: Physics 43.8%, Indie 20.8%, Puzzle 19.8%, Action 15.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fluid physics and momentum-based navigation that requires careful control to reach the goal.

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 36%, Indie 34.8%, Puzzle Platformer 10.3%, 2D 9.8%, Action 9%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes physics-based rotation mechanics to navigate platforming challenges in a minimalist, abstract style.

N++ is a fast-paced, momentum-based platformer about darting around obstacles, narrowly evading enemies and collecting gold in a beautiful minimalist landscape.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 35.5%, Physics 32.4%, Action 18.1%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for momentum-based platforming, requiring precise physics control to navigate dangerous levels.

Gish isn't your average hero. In fact, he's not your average anything...you see, Gish is a ball of tar. A Sunday stroll with his lady friend, Brea, goes awry when a shadowy figure emerges from an open manhole and pulls Brea below ground.

Why similar: Indie 37%, Physics 29.1%, Action 16.4%, Puzzle Platformer 8.2%, Puzzle 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features similar physics-based movement where manipulating your character's shape and size is essential for traversal.

Roll, bounce, boost, and blast your way to victory in Marble It Up! Ultra - the ultimate marble platformer. Chase the records of your friends and the world's best players through a vast campaign - or face them head-on in thrilling multiplayer mayhem. Get ready to roll!

Why similar: Racing 48.8%, Physics 25.7%, Puzzle Platformer 12%, Action 7.7%, Puzzle 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern physics-based racing game that emphasizes speed, momentum, and complex level traversal.

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

Why similar: Indie 52.3%, Action 20.8%, 2D 16.6%, Puzzle 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A gravity-flipping platformer that relies on momentum and high-speed precision to overcome obstacles.

Run, jump and butt-slide into the glorious toy-filled world of Action Henk! Become a master of momentum and defy physics as you race against a band of ragged 90s action figures to once and for all prove that Action Henk is the fastest of them all!

Why similar: Racing 79.4%, Action 11.7%, Indie 9%

Why You'll Like It: A pure speed-running platformer that rewards players for maintaining momentum and finding the fastest routes.

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 44.5%, Physics 32.9%, Indie 14.7%, 2D 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features characters of varying sizes and physics properties that must be used to solve platforming puzzles.

Impulsion is a fast-paced first-person platformer designed to play with your nerves and reflexes! Make your way through 25 levels of increasing difficulty by manipulating physics to your advantage, shooting force fields to slow down or speed yourself up and the environment!

Why similar: Action 32.6%, Indie 29.5%, Puzzle Platformer 26.5%, Puzzle 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person parkour game that relies on momentum and physics-based speed to complete time-trial challenges.

Unravel is a physics-based puzzle platformer. Yarny, a character made from a single thread of yarn, must embark on a larger than life adventure.

Why similar: Puzzle 34.9%, Puzzle Platformer 30.7%, Action 29.4%, Indie 5%

Why You'll Like It: Centers on physics-based movement and momentum using a character's physical properties to traverse the environment.

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

Why similar: Indie 62.8%, 2D 23.4%, Action 13.8%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the high-speed, precision-platforming intensity that fans of iO's time-trial focus will appreciate.

A minimalistic sci-fi platform racing game that challenges the players to think in both horizontal and vertical perspectives.

Why similar: Racing 87.8%, Indie 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: A parkour-focused racing game that emphasizes maintaining speed and flow through complex environments.

Gravity Error is an indie 2D puzzle/platformer about changing gravity. Guide Force in his quest seeking emotional stableness in a set of levels and avoid being crushed. Solve the puzzles in multiple creative ways.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 40.7%, Indie 27.7%, Puzzle 23.7%, 2D 8%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle-platformer that challenges players to navigate 2D spaces with gravity-altering mechanics.

Human Fall Flat is a hilarious, light-hearted platformer set in floating dreamscapes that can be played solo or with up to 8 players online. Free new levels keep its vibrant community rewarded.

Why similar: Physics 33.8%, Puzzle Platformer 32.1%, Puzzle 17.1%, Action 12.8%, Indie 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle game where movement is intentionally challenging and requires mastering momentum.

You play David, an awfully small abstracted chosen hero tossed into a blissfully simple world overrun by giant culminations of evil physics-beasts. As David, you are given a slingshot-esque gift that you will have to use to conquer your colossus foes. Be there AND be square.

Why similar: Physics 47.8%, Action 23.5%, Indie 21.6%, 2D 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer that uses time-manipulation and physics to overcome overwhelming odds.

A physics puzzle game like no other! You are inside the big old machine. There are rusty gears and shafts all around you, along with interactive objects such as planks and cubes. Use each object and place the wheel on the platform – easy!

Why similar: Physics 41.4%, Indie 30.7%, Puzzle 27.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric physics-based puzzle game that requires careful movement to navigate intricate mechanical levels.

Color Symphony 2 is a puzzle action platformer that utilizes the ambiguity of color. Try to eliminate obstacles or find new paths by using color!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 35.4%, Action 21.3%, Indie 20.4%, Puzzle 16.5%, 2D 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses color and physics mechanics to manipulate the environment and player movement.

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

Why similar: Physics 46.6%, Puzzle 31.2%, Indie 17.9%, 2D 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Uses physics-based structural mechanics that reward creative thinking and understanding of mass and size.

Marble Skies is a fast paced 3D-platformer where you control your marble through various levels and try to get the best time for each one. Complete all the levels in your own time, or challenge your friends to get on top of the leaderboards!

Why similar: Racing 48.9%, Physics 22.5%, Puzzle 10.6%, Action 9.5%, Indie 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based platformer that focuses on speed and momentum while navigating challenging 3D courses.

“Shio” is a challenging platformer game in which you deep and moving story by jumping from lantern to lantern. If you are big fan of Super Meat Boy, you will like Shio as well!

Why similar: Action 32.1%, Indie 30.2%, Racing 23.1%, Physics 14.6%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, fast-paced action-platformer that demands precise timing and movement.

Skala is a puzzle game about changing the scale of the world.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 41.8%, Physics 28%, Puzzle 19%, Indie 7.3%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that emphasizes logic and movement to navigate through abstract, shifting levels.

BEAM is a challenging precision platformer with puzzle elements in which you need to manipulate various light beams and tightly maneuver MARBLE in order to save both your lives.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 34.4%, Physics 33.8%, Puzzle 14.9%, Action 8.7%, Indie 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer that uses physics and light-based mechanics to solve puzzles.

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Indie 76.4%, Puzzle 15.1%, 2D 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on momentum-based movement and exploration within a vast, atmospheric 2D world.

Slip is a fast paced side scrolling platformer featuring a two color, swap mechanic. Using your two colors flee from Steve and his wretched purple beam through a multitude of obstacles and enemies. Slip combines the elegant simplicity of platforming with a polarity mechanic to create an easy to learn, but extremely difficult to master...

Why similar: Action 51.1%, Indie 48.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist action-platformer that focuses on speed and fluid movement through challenging stages.

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Indie 48.6%, Action 28.8%, 2D 22.6%

A platform puzzle paint adventure about breaking rules, being upside down and thinking outside the box.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 45.8%, Physics 36.2%, Puzzle 18%

Why You'll Like It: A gravity-defying puzzle-platformer that requires navigating 3D surfaces and manipulating the environment.

As the guardian angel-in-training assigned to watch over Harold, you’re going to need a miracle to get him safely through a series of increasingly challenging obstacle courses in one piece. Shoot lightning, delay the other racers and move heaven and earth to give Harold the boost he needs to win!

Why similar: Racing 72.6%, Action 14.8%, Indie 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique racing-platformer hybrid where you manipulate the environment to help a character reach the finish line.

Change the direction of gravity to navigate through packs of levels in this fast-paced, high skill ceiling game! Designed for speed running, this game features a leaderboard, a split timer, and a level editor out of the box.

Why similar: Racing 67.1%, Action 9.8%, Puzzle 9.7%, Physics 7%, 2D 4.7%

An addictive physics-based vehicle building puzzle game. Build weird and wonderful vehicles using whatever you can find. Master rockets, balloons, parachutes and more. Save as many Keebles as you can, and be quick - the Whale at the End of the World won't wait forever.

Why similar: Physics 41.7%, Indie 29.9%, Action 22.3%, 2D 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based game that involves building and maneuvering objects to solve complex traversal puzzles.

6n23 is an action-platfomer-racing game. Rush fast as you can. Use your finger, find path. It has controls similar to a fighting game, allowing you to practice your control skills.

Why similar: Racing 62.6%, Action 23.2%, 2D 9.2%, Indie 4.9%

Become a lightning fast thief in this fast-paced platformer about looting ancient ruins with speed and style!

Why similar: Racing 63.6%, Action 17.4%, Indie 15.3%, Puzzle Platformer 3.7%

140 is a challenging minimalistic platformer with abstract colorful graphics. Rhythmic awareness is required to overcome obstacles controlled by an energetic, yet melancholic electronic soundtrack.

Why similar: Indie 46.6%, Puzzle 18.7%, Action 17.6%, 2D 9.4%, Puzzle Platformer 7.7%

Prepare yourself for fast tracks, furious physics and a rush of adrenaline as you tackle daring obstacles and puzzles. O3DX will be the ride of your life!

Why similar: Racing 65.7%, Indie 12.4%, Physics 12.2%, Action 9.7%

The great arcade challenge in physics based platform world. Join the hardcore journey of 200 levels with puzzle elements and claim the title of Ultimate Solid!

Why similar: Physics 25.8%, Action 22.5%, Indie 20.4%, Puzzle Platformer 18.6%, Puzzle 12.7%

Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer.

Why similar: Indie 69.9%, Action 16.9%, Puzzle Platformer 11%, 2D 2.2%

Ballex² is an indie high-altitude rolling game focused on physics and skillful control. Here, you will take control of nine unique spheres to conquer breathtaking aerial wonders and experience an unprecedented challenge that combines physics-based puzzles with demanding controls.

Why similar: Racing 59.4%, Puzzle Platformer 28.6%, Puzzle 5.3%, Physics 5.1%, Indie 1.6%

Xion Leak is a fast-paced, two-player, cooperative platformer. Get in sync and set the fastest times to win trophies! Run fast, work together, and avoid the countless dangers that the mysterious Foreman has placed in your path.

Why similar: Racing 62.2%, Puzzle Platformer 22.1%, Action 10.6%, 2D 5%

Experience a fast-paced, single-player adventure mixing fluid motion, split-second decision making, stylized machine-age visuals, and a dynamic soundscape.

Why similar: Action 54.1%, Indie 45.9%

Grocket is a minimalist, precision-based adventure and puzzle game. To survive in space, you not only have to escape numerous dangers, but also prove your skills at playing with and against other players.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 31.2%, Racing 28.2%, Physics 16.3%, Puzzle 15.3%, Indie 5.1%

PhysDrive is a great physic simulated racing game with a giant map! Go through a big loops, falling blocks, destructible walls, fans, rails, stairs, spikes, traps and more!

Why similar: Racing 70.6%, Action 11.3%, Physics 11.1%, Indie 7.1%

Escape Goat 2 is a puzzle platformer game where you use machinery, the environment, and a friendly mouse to progress through a dungeon.

Why similar: Puzzle 34.4%, Indie 28.8%, Action 16.6%, Puzzle Platformer 15.8%, 2D 4.4%

Race across a curious island in this fast-paced, light-hearted platformer

Why similar: Action 53.1%, Indie 46.9%

Gorge is a first-person puzzle-platformer, where you use telekinesis and wall-running to solve challenging interconnected obstacle courses.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 44.6%, Puzzle 19.2%, Physics 14%, Action 12.8%, Indie 9.4%

Phat Stacks is puzzle platformer, physics based addictive arcade game that is all about collecting crystals by building platforms and controlling an alien lifeform across these platforms

Why similar: Action 52%, Indie 48%

Grimind is a 2D, physics based, adventure, platform game in horror/creepy theme. Grimind casts you into forgotten caves and ancient crypts, without memories. While being there you have to demonstrate great manual skills to pass obstacles and solve non trivial puzzles to get out of scary environment and additionally discover what are you...

Why similar: Indie 47.9%, Physics 26.2%, Action 18.9%, 2D 7%

Totally Unbalanced is a 3D platform game where you have to complete puzzles and overcome obstacles. Totally Unbalanced also features (currently) two multiplayer modes : sumo arena with 4 players and racing mode with 16 players.

Why similar: Racing 64.5%, Puzzle Platformer 11.8%, Action 8.7%, Indie 7.7%, Puzzle 7.3%

ION Shift delivers fast, high-stakes gameplay with precision controls and a unique sandbox-style approach to combat arenas. The campaign progressively challenges the player through evolving level design, tight mechanics, and a focus on player-driven mastery.

Why similar: Action 48.2%, Indie 32.6%, 2D 19.2%

Phantom Jump is a skill based platformer with rhythm mechanics, built to turn you into a speedrunner.

Why similar: Indie 82.8%, 2D 17.2%

You play a shrinking scientist in a race against time: Can you find all necessary formulas and ingredients to produce the antidote and stop shrinking, before you are too small to operate the life-saving lab equipment?

Why similar: Action 50.9%, Indie 49.1%

A love letter to the classic marble games. Help Marble find his lost marbles and roll through physics-powered worlds packed with wild challenges and quirky contraptions.

Why similar: Racing 36.2%, Puzzle Platformer 27.8%, Action 24.7%, Puzzle 11.3%

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

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 34.7%, Physics 16.3%, Action 15%, Puzzle 14.9%, Indie 13.9%

This fast, fun and challenging sci-fi game is truly like no other 3D racer, it will make you cry JUST ONE MORE TRY! Race through beautiful procedurally generated 3D space-scapes or a set of 13 hand-crafted challenges that will put your skills to the test.

Why similar: Racing 74.7%, Action 13.5%, Indie 11.9%

A precise 2D platformer with a twist. NO JUMPING. Master your magnetic powers to beat each level with speed and skill. Enjoy classic 16-bit gaming vibes, tackle challenging achievements and compete for global leaderboard supremacy along the way.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 28.2%, Indie 22%, Physics 21.2%, Action 15.7%, Puzzle 8.8%

Ever wondered what running at 140mph feels like? FOTONICA is a first-person game about the thrill of speed and traveling flawlessly through complex environments.FOTONICA is simple, but is not easy: it follows a tradition of arcade games that are easy to pick up and almost impossible to master.

Why similar: Action 51.9%, Indie 48.1%

In Hyper Box you try to beat a bunch of platform levels in less than 30 seconds each by using the box rotation to your advantage, this is meant to be a very challenging yet rewarding experience as you improve at the game.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 32.3%, Physics 21.8%, Puzzle 17.6%, Action 16.7%, Indie 6.1%

Never STANDBY in this fast-paced, precise platformer and get out of the glitched world! Can you do it faster than anyone?

Why similar: Racing 45.4%, Action 24.4%, Indie 21.8%, 2D 8.4%

Enter a world of sky islands and jump your way to the finish, you must complete each level with a certain amount of jumps! and HURRY, you must complete each world in under a certain amount of time.

Why similar: Racing 59.4%, Indie 29%, Action 11.6%