Games Like POOLS

The most relaxing horror game you'll ever play. Anemoiapolis exists in the uncanny valley of American architecture -- endless carpeted floors and lonely malls. Escape for your life, and enjoy the scenery.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 19.7%, Psychological Horror 18.7%, Surreal 14.2%, Realistic 11.8%, First-Person 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It masterfully captures the eerie, lonely feeling of exploring vast, abandoned indoor environments.

You are trapped in an endless underground passageway. Observe your surroundings carefully to reach "The Exit 8".

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.9%, Psychological Horror 18.7%, Surreal 12.8%, First-Person 8.9%, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Like POOLS, it focuses on the psychological tension of navigating repetitive, anomalous spaces.

Explore and admire while navigate through eerie, surreal environments inspired by the Backrooms lore. Explore this uncanny world lost in time and get lost in the otherworldly architecture in a world where reality bends and your sanity is tested.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.7%, Psychological Horror 16.6%, Realistic 10.8%, Surreal 10.1%, Atmospheric 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Directly inspired by the liminal space aesthetic, focusing on exploration and atmospheric dread.

Subliminal is a psychological horror game inspired by the urban legend of The Backrooms. Bleeding edge lighting and rendering, handcrafted open-ended levels, light and perspective-based puzzles, nostalgic spaces, unfamiliar faces, and a rotting feeling that something is not quite right.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 17.8%, Realistic 16.7%, Surreal 15.6%, Escape Room 13.4% ★, Atmospheric 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the exact aesthetic of liminal spaces and non-Euclidean architecture found in POOLS.

Experience liminal spaces like never before. Dreamcore is the ultimate psychological exploration game, set in the largest liminal world ever made. No guides, no path—only intuition. Will you keep your bearings in a world designed to make you lose them?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 15.2%, Psychological Horror 11.6%, Surreal 10.9%, Nonlinear 8.7%, Underwater 7.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, first-person exploration game that leans heavily into the uncanny, dream-like quality of its environments.

You are trapped on a train that runs forever. Keep an eye out for anomalies and find a way out.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.2%, Psychological Horror 23.3%, Realistic 11.6%, Exploration 7.8%, First-Person 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes the same loop-based anomaly detection mechanics to build tension in a mundane, transit-based setting.

Dive into a realistic experience of the Backrooms, without jumpscares, getting lost in impossible spaces and feeling like something is watching you. The uncertainty of not knowing where you're going will make you want to quit… Will you be able to make it to the end?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21%, Psychological Horror 16.7%, Realistic 10.6%, Nonlinear 9.9%, Escape Room 7.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the psychological horror of being trapped in an endless, atmospheric hotel environment.

When a routine expedition into The Complex goes horribly wrong, you're left alone and lost, wandering the seemingly infinite maze of hallways, otherwise known as the Backrooms. Might there be something following you?

Why similar: Psychological Horror 28.4%, Realistic 23%, Exploration 13.8%, First-Person 8.7%, Walking Simulator 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the exploration of vast, realistic, and unnerving indoor spaces.

NaissanceE is an obscure and magical first person exploration game, a philosophical trip and an artistic experience. The adventure takes place in a primitive mysterious structure and the game mainly consists to explore and feel the deep and strong ambiance of this atemporal world.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.3%, Surreal 20.5%, Exploration 15.6%, Atmospheric 13.1%, First-Person 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: An abstract, architectural exploration game that emphasizes scale and the feeling of being lost in a surreal, empty world.

An exploration game that delves into the depths of loneliness. Wander through empty rooms, search for signs of an abandoned world, and listen to the sounds around you. No dangerous chases, just silence and an empty world to explore.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.7%, Psychological Horror 16.2%, Surreal 14.2%, Realistic 10.1%, Exploration 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated exploration experience centered on the aesthetic of liminal spaces and quiet, unnerving isolation.

Perception is reality. In this mind-bending first-person puzzler, you escape a surreal dream world through solving impossible puzzles using the ambiguity of depth and perspective.

Why similar: Surreal 34%, Psychological Horror 23.8%, First-Person 16.2%, Exploration 10%, Minimalist 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Uses perspective-based puzzles to create a dreamlike, surreal environment that feels both playful and unsettling.

Your job at the Cabin Factory is simple: inspect the cabins and decide on whether they’re haunted or not. If you do find any anomalies, get out…immediately.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 32.1%, Psychological Horror 28.1%, Realistic 11.1%, Atmospheric 9.7%, First-Person 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: An immersive, atmospheric experience that focuses on the unsettling nature of its environment.

Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.

Why similar: Surreal 26.5%, Nonlinear 15.4%, First-Person 11.6%, Exploration 10%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features impossible, repeating geometry that creates a meditative yet disorienting experience similar to the surreal nature of POOLS.

Enter the lost world of Kairo. Explore vast abandoned monuments. Bring strange and ancient machinery back to life. Slowly uncover the true purpose of Kairo and fulfil a great destiny.Kairo is an atmospheric 3D exploration and puzzle solving game.

Why similar: Surreal 26.1%, Walking Simulator 16.9%, Exploration 16.1%, Atmospheric 14.6%, First-Person 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, surreal exploration game that focuses on architectural puzzles and atmospheric discovery.

Luto is a psychological horror experience where you take on the role of someone unable to leave their home. Every attempt to escape will lead you deeper into the unknown, where nothing is as it seems and everything will test your senses.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.8%, Psychological Horror 24.2%, Realistic 9.3%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Exploration 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror game that emphasizes the feeling of being trapped in a domestic space that is slowly warping.

If you scream, you restart. A jumpscare horror simulator where you walk through a pitch black forest and escape by reaching 8:00 AM.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 26.4%, Walking Simulator 25.3%, Realistic 13%, Atmospheric 9%, First-Person 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a unique mechanic to force the player to remain calm while navigating an atmospheric, dark environment.

Liminal Shift is a unique atmospheric suspense game developed using the latest Unreal Engine 5 technologies such as Lumen and Nanite. With every step you take, Liminal Shift pushes you deeper into an eerie, unsettling experience like no other.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 20.4%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Surreal 13.3%, Realistic 10.2%, First-Person 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D exploration game that leans into the aesthetic of liminal spaces and quiet, unsettling discovery.

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 28.1%, Psychological Horror 24.7%, Atmospheric 12.5%, Exploration 10.6%, First-Person 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a unique visual style to emphasize the exploration of dark, mysterious, and atmospheric environments.

Unpredictable horrors lurk around every corner, forcing you to find the missing people while desperately clinging to survival. In this experience even your own mind can become your enemy. Stay vigilant and keep your voice hushed, or risk becoming another victim of the forest's darkness

Why similar: Psychological Horror 28.8%, Realistic 18.5%, Walking Simulator 16.4%, First-Person 9.9%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A realistic, atmospheric horror game that relies on tension and environmental storytelling.

The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 46.5%, Surreal 15.5%, Atmospheric 12.2%, First-Person 10.9%, Psychological Horror 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven walking simulator that explores the surreal and introspective nature of game design and space.

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: Psychological Horror 25.3%, Walking Simulator 25.3%, Atmospheric 11.6%, Exploration 10.2%, First-Person 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal exploration game that focuses on the psychological aspects of navigating dreamlike spaces.

Step into an uncanny building trapped in endless loops. Use the elevator, uncover unsettling anomalies, and evade the Entity lurking behind you. Liminal Exit is an immersive game inspired by liminal spaces and Exit 8. Explore 3 liminal space floors and track anomalies to escape, but watch your back!

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.4%, Psychological Horror 16.8%, Surreal 14.2%, Nonlinear 11.9%, Realistic 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines puzzle-solving with the exploration of liminal, unsettling architectures.

You're trapped in an endlessly looping art gallery — familiar, yet uncanny. If you can notice the changes, maybe you can find your way out.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 35%, Psychological Horror 27.3%, First-Person 10.5%, Realistic 10%, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person exploration game that uses surreal imagery to create a sense of psychological unease.

A slow burn walking sim with an interactive soundtrack and horror vibes. You explore abstract locations and create your own unique sound for each of them by moving around and using Monoliths.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.4%, Psychological Horror 20.5%, Surreal 19.6%, Atmospheric 8.9%, First-Person 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, atmospheric walking simulator that emphasizes the scale and mystery of its environment.

Longing for light, a sunless world begins devouring itself. Every step shifts the landscape beneath you as you search for what remains of her.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.7%, Surreal 19.9%, Psychological Horror 19.6%, Exploration 7.7%, Atmospheric 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, psychedelic walking simulator that focuses on the experience of navigating impossible spaces.

Smuggle contraband VHS tapes across the border. Discover the remnants of illicit industry. Prepare for an assassination. This is Paratopic, an atmospheric retro-3D horror adventure through a cursed fever dream.

Why similar: Surreal 33.6%, Psychological Horror 20.1%, Walking Simulator 16.9%, Atmospheric 12.6%, First-Person 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A low-poly, surreal horror experience that relies on atmosphere and disjointed narrative rather than jump scares.

A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 35.9%, Walking Simulator 26.8%, First-Person 9%, Surreal 7.4%, Dark 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, surreal, and deeply atmospheric experience that captures a specific, unsettling mood.

The era-defining first-person psychological horror in all its terrifying glory. All of the game’s chapters collected into one convenient package that allows you to plumb the depths of madness in pursuit of artistic revelation.

Why similar: Immersive 28.9% ★, Psychological Horror 21%, Walking Simulator 15.1%, First-Person 8.7%, Atmospheric 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror game that uses shifting, surreal environments to reflect the protagonist's mental state.

A sci-fi exploration sim for people who like to wander. Get lost in an alien city, hang out with locals, see some sights. There’s no goal but to stroll. Where will your feet take you?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 41.4%, Exploration 12.9%, Relaxing 12.7%, Atmospheric 12.2%, First-Person 12%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, atmospheric walking experience set in a surreal, alien city that rewards curiosity and observation.

Inside the Backrooms is a horror multiplayer game mixed with different mechanics that will make you spend an intense night with friends. Explore, think, interact, but be careful, it is rumored that there are several entities wishing to find you...

Why similar: Psychological Horror 36.5%, Multiplayer 13.9%, First-Person 11.6%, Exploration 11%, Atmospheric 10.4%

A short horror game where you pilot a tiny submarine through an ocean of blood on an alien moon.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 22.4%, Underwater 16.1% ★, Walking Simulator 14.9%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Minimalist 7.6%

Visage is a first-person psychological horror game. Explore a mysterious ever-changing house in a slow-paced, atmospheric world that combines both uncannily comforting and horrifyingly realistic environments, and enjoy a genuinely terrifying experience.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 37.9%, Walking Simulator 13.4%, First-Person 8.6%, Surreal 8.2%, Realistic 7.5%

Experience the liminal world of the backrooms through a VHS camera, immersing into a mysterious story and wandering the dream-like structures... Might there be something following you?

Why similar: Psychological Horror 22.9%, Walking Simulator 21.3%, Realistic 12.2%, First-Person 9.9%, Exploration 8.6%

A visually lifelike co-op horror for 1-6 people. Journey through 10 procedurally generated levels, using what's available to survive and progress deeper into the Backrooms.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 35.1%, Realistic 16.9%, Atmospheric 10.8%, First-Person 10.3%, Multiplayer 10%

SKUF BACKROOMS is a psychological horror game that takes the player to the Backrooms level, consisting of intertwining transition zones of post-Soviet living spaces.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.5%, Psychological Horror 21.8%, Realistic 13.5%, Surreal 10%, Atmospheric 9%

ROUTINE is a First Person Sci-Fi Horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.7%, Psychological Horror 25.8%, Atmospheric 11.8%, First-Person 9.8%, Exploration 8.9%

Liminal City is a psychological horror and exploration game based on found footage, set in Backrooms Level 11. Walk through the streets of Level 11, filled with soulless buildings, dynamically moving to different levels and searching for a way out. Once you fall in here will you be able to get out?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26%, Psychological Horror 21.4%, Realistic 13.6%, Atmospheric 8.2%, Exploration 8.1%

You work in the cinema as an usher and accidentally fell into the Backrooms, now being trapped, needing to unravel the mysteries of the yellow rooms in order to get out of this place, but be careful, there are entities that will be in your way.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 25%, Surreal 19.4%, Realistic 13.2%, Atmospheric 10.3%, Exploration 10%

Welcome to a world where you are lost between consciousness and dreams. As you wander the dark corridors of an old hotel, face the games your mind plays on you. Your memories linger like a shadow following you. But there's nowhere to escape... Are you ready to confront your darkest fears?

Why similar: Psychological Horror 29.2%, Walking Simulator 22.8%, Realistic 11.8%, Atmospheric 11.6%, Exploration 9.5%

An indie psychological horror experience about surviving infinity. Navigate an endless expanse of rooms, ascend through various levels, gather items and artifacts, avoid going insane, evade corrupted entities, and see just how deep the realm known as The Backrooms goes.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.7%, Psychological Horror 27.9%, Surreal 12.8%, First-Person 9.6%, Relaxing 6%

Seybul Tech is a walking simulator. Navigate as an office employee, confronting peculiar encounters while in search of an exit from this enigmatic abyss.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.2%, Psychological Horror 21.3%, Surreal 17.7%, Realistic 8.5%, Exploration 7.1%

Snap your own homemade liminal space photos using a mysterious SLR camera as you explore a variety of empty, strange, and familiar spaces.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 39.8%, Exploration 16.6%, Atmospheric 15.9%, First-Person 10.6%, Relaxing 7.2%

1975. Disaster strikes the Beira D oil rig off the coast of Scotland. Navigate the collapsing rig to save your crew from an otherworldly horror on the edge of all logic and reality in this 3x BAFTA Games Award-winning narrative horror experience.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.2%, Psychological Horror 24.4%, Underwater 12.1% ★, First-Person 9.8%, Atmospheric 9.6%

You are trapped in a small house, suffering from psychosis with no memory. Carefully observe your surroundings to distinguish reality from hallucinations, and overcome your illness by taking medication from visitors at the right time.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 34.1%, Psychological Horror 16.7%, Realistic 16.1%, First-Person 11.2%, Atmospheric 7.5%

You arrive at a deserted street that feels familiar yet is filled with unease. Pick up your camera, capture the hidden anomalies, and break this endless loop.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29%, Psychological Horror 21.1%, Surreal 14.4%, Realistic 10.9%, First-Person 9.1%

Chorus of Carcosa is a first-person psychological horror game about an anxious sculptor who is trapped in a dark and ever-changing building. Stay silent, survive its twisted labyrinths and escape the monsters. Just don’t lose your way in the shadows or within your own mind.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.9%, Psychological Horror 18.1%, Surreal 15.3%, Realistic 10.6%, Atmospheric 7.9%

The Classrooms is a procedural, liminal-space, found-footage, survival horror game. Explore The Classrooms and discover the various anomalies it contains; from malicious entities, to harmless oddities. And remember, it's different every time you play, so your found footage is uniquely yours.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 27.6%, Surreal 25.1%, Atmospheric 11.2%, First-Person 11%, Exploration 11%

Explore terrifying liminal spaces. Horror walking simulator with reality-bending platforming and supernatural threats. Get lost between dimensions.

Why similar: Realistic 17.8%, Exploration 13.4%, Psychological Horror 12.6%, Minimalist 12.1%, First-Person 11.7%

When the Darkness comes is a walking simulator whose glitchy and dark tale tries to illustrate the hardships of depression and anxiety through a variety of imaginary digital landscapes.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 39.2%, Walking Simulator 34.7%, First-Person 10.3%, Atmospheric 7.2%, Dark 3.6%

You are wetware, working a mysterious job.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.8%, Psychological Horror 21.7%, Surreal 18.7%, First-Person 9.5%, Atmospheric 8.6%

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 25.8%, Psychological Horror 24.4%, Realistic 12.9%, Atmospheric 11.6%, First-Person 8.8%

"Psalm 5:9-13" is a first-person psychological horror game with VHS effect. Be careful and attentive, there is something hiding in these rooms, something is watching from the darkness.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.3%, Psychological Horror 18.9%, Surreal 13%, Realistic 10.6%, First-Person 7.4%

Escape the Backrooms is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Traverse 30+ eerie backrooms levels while avoiding entities and other dangers. Try to escape but be warned: survival isn't guaranteed.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 36.4%, Escape Room 19.1% ★, Multiplayer 12.9%, First-Person 12.4%, Exploration 9.6%

You woke up in some basement and don't remember who you are or how you ended up here... But what you do know is that you need to get out of here...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.8%, Psychological Horror 23.8%, Realistic 16.2%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Dark 5%

The Backrooms: 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 30.5%, Walking Simulator 20.5%, Escape Room 16.8% ★, Realistic 14.6%, Atmospheric 6.7%

An atmospheric horror journey between reality and madness. Three paths lie ahead only one is free of anomalies. Observe closely. Choose wisely. Save the lost souls.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.6%, Psychological Horror 32.3%, Atmospheric 10.9%, First-Person 7.3%, Dark 4.7%

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 31.8%, Psychological Horror 25.1%, Realistic 15.4%, Atmospheric 10.5%, Dark 4%

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 29.7%, Psychological Horror 24%, Realistic 15.1%, Atmospheric 10%, First-Person 8.1%

Dive into the mysteries of the Backrooms with a solo-developed survival game. Explore eerie hallways, uncover secrets alone or in multiplayer (up to 6 players), and take on unique challenges.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 26.1%, Nonlinear 16.8%, Realistic 16.5%, First-Person 12.4%, Atmospheric 10.7%

Noah Baker, an 18 year old highschooler experiences unsettling occurrences while house-sitting for a media personality, little did he know what was about to unfold that night.

Why similar: Psychological Horror 30.8%, Walking Simulator 22.4%, Realistic 13.4%, Atmospheric 13.2%, Exploration 8.8%