Games Like There The Light

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 32%, Mystery 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Exploration 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in environmental storytelling that mirrors the mystery and emotional depth found in short, narrative-driven walking simulators.

The Sojourn is a first-person puzzle game set in an immersive colour-drenched world of light and darkness. Think your way through dozens of puzzles as you traverse parallel worlds, awaken mysterious artifacts and overcome challenging obstacles on an unforgettable journey.

Why similar: Philosophical 18.9%, Walking Simulator 12.8%, Mystery 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Stylized 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a vibrant, stylized aesthetic to deliver a meditative puzzle experience that feels both relaxing and intellectually stimulating.

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 32.5%, Mystery 25%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a hauntingly beautiful, abandoned environment that rewards players for piecing together a deep, atmospheric mystery.

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 32.9%, Mystery 19%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Atmospheric 10.5%, Exploration 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a strong sense of place with a compelling mystery that unfolds through immersive, character-driven exploration.

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 46.8%, Great Soundtrack 22.3%, Atmospheric 9%, Mystery 5.6%, Exploration 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on exploring a deserted, atmospheric world to uncover the stories of those who once lived there.

A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.7%, Mystery 20.1%, Investigation 16.5%, Emotional 12.2%, Atmospheric 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the essence of uncovering a lost civilization through atmospheric exploration and deep, reflective storytelling.

A woman alone in a house. A mystery and a love story. Explore the present to uncover the past, in a short story of love and loss and a life well-lived. A narrative exploration game that examines a world where memories are constantly fading and jumbled.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.3%, Emotional 17.8%, Mystery 15.4%, Stylized 8.8%, Exploration 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional journey that uses the walking simulator format to explore memory and identity in a poignant way.

Ether One is a first person adventure that deals with the fragility of the human mind. There are two paths in the world you can choose from. At its core is a story exploration path free from puzzles where you can unfold the story at your own pace.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 43%, Puzzle 13.8%, Exploration 12.2%, First-Person 11.3%, Indie 7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a blend of puzzle-solving and exploration within a surreal, memory-based world that feels both philosophical and personal.

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. Uncover artifacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Relaxing 12%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Mystery 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, emotional exploration game that balances personal narrative with a sense of wonder and discovery.

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 29%, Puzzle 13.8%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Exploration 11.7%, Relaxing 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a stunning, stylized world filled with environmental puzzles and a wordless, emotional narrative.

Empathy: Path of Whispers is an atmospheric and story-driven adventure game where you explore a seemingly abandoned world through the emotions and memories of the people who once inhabited it, trying to restore the world’s lost balance by journeying through its past.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.6%, Great Soundtrack 29.6%, Atmospheric 11.4%, Puzzle 5.8%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Explores the memories and emotions of a lost world through a surreal, atmospheric, and narrative-heavy lens.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23.2%, Walking Simulator 20.3%, Relaxing 14.5%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Exploration 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic experience that emphasizes wordless communication and atmospheric exploration in a vast, mysterious landscape.

Pneuma: Breath of Life forces you to think outside the box through a narrated story of self-discovery, whilst exploring the ontological mystery of the breath of life. Features award winning voice actor 'Jay Britton' as Pneuma.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.7%, Puzzle 25.9%, First-Person 16.8%, Indie 12.5%, Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A philosophical puzzle game that challenges the player's perspective on reality through its narrative and environment.

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 41.7%, Philosophical 13%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Exploration 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply philosophical walking simulator that focuses on internal monologue and the exploration of a decaying, ancient city.

Go on a voyage of discovery following the traces of a mysterious culture. Discover diverse landscapes, investigate abandoned artifacts, and wake strange machines from their slumber.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.4%, Mystery 14.5%, Relaxing 9.7%, Puzzle 9.3%, Stylized 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on uncovering the secrets of an ancient civilization through environmental puzzles and exploration.

Explore an abandoned building, encountering puzzles and clues to discover what happened, as you try to escape in both your nightmares and the waking world. Be immersed in the hauntingly beautiful 3D atmosphere in this puzzle exploration mystery game.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Mystery 16.2%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Puzzle 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A quiet, atmospheric puzzle-exploration game set in a mysterious, abandoned building that evokes a strong sense of isolation.

Atmospheric first person adventure game focusing on immersion and exploration. Meet strange characters, discover secrets and try to unfold the mystery of the Fragmentation.

Why similar: Immersive 47.3% ★, Mystery 12.5%, Investigation 8.4%, Stylized 7.7%, Exploration 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: An immersive, first-person exploration game that prioritizes atmosphere and the discovery of a surreal, fragmented world.

Get lost beneath the fog in The Wild Eternal, a reflective first-person exploration game. Embark on a meditative journey to heal the scars of your past. Can you escape the cycle of reincarnation?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Mystery 13.9%, Relaxing 8.9%, Atmospheric 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric adventure that deals with themes of life and death through exploration in a stylized, dreamlike environment.

Time is relative. Sometimes 10 seconds can feel like an eternity... In TIMEframe you will discover a world in slow motion. Explore the remnants of a mysterious civilization on the brink of destruction.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 34.7%, Great Soundtrack 22.5%, Atmospheric 8.6%, Stylized 8.2%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A short, experimental walking simulator that allows you to witness the slow decay of a world over time.

A serene first person exploration game in a surreal, organic world that reacts to your presence. Journey through a psychedelically colorful ecosystem of flourishing flora, rambling waterfalls, burgeoning mountains, glowing monoliths and graceful creatures. A 1-3 hour escape from work, anxiety and stress.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.9%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Relaxing 12.8%, Atmospheric 9.7%, Casual 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, procedurally generated exploration game that prioritizes visual beauty and a sense of calm discovery.

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: Relaxing 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 20.5%, Exploration 14.9%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Walking Simulator 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the freedom of flight and exploration within a fragmented, beautiful world that encourages curiosity.

Scanner Sombre is a 3d horror cave exploration game where darkness is your greatest foe. Illuminate the unseen with your LIDAR scanner, revealing the eerie beauty and peril of the abyss. From the creators of Prison Architect, this immersive adventure uses light and shadow for a haunting experience.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 43.2%, Exploration 13.2%, Atmospheric 12.7%, First-Person 7.1%, Colorful 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a unique, stylized visual mechanic to make the act of exploration feel like uncovering hidden secrets in the dark.

In Drizzlepath you are set on a journey to the top of the Mountain of Fire. It aims to be an atmospheric, relaxed and enigmatic experience. Downloadable soundtrack included.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Relaxing 11.2%, Mystery 8.8%, Stylized 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist walking simulator that emphasizes the meditative act of hiking through a beautiful, atmospheric landscape.

Nephise is a short and atmospheric puzzle game with narration. It is a relaxing and mysterious experience especially with the help of its music.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Mystery 14.6%, Relaxing 9.3%, Puzzle 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, atmospheric exploration game that focuses on simple puzzles and the beauty of its natural setting.

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: Great Soundtrack 25%, Relaxing 21.1%, Exploration 12.6%, Atmospheric 12.3%, Colorful 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, non-violent exploration game that rewards players for observing and capturing the beauty of a mysterious island.

Dive into a realistic, single-player, first-person journey through the harsh northern latitudes as you sail endless waters, searching for a way back to your loved ones. Will you follow the light?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.3%, Philosophical 22.6%, Emotional 14.3%, Mystery 11.5%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration in The Search - a story-driven puzzle-adventure set in a mysterious world where art comes to life!

Why similar: Philosophical 29.7%, Mystery 13.9%, Relaxing 12.4%, Puzzle 8.6%, Exploration 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click style exploration game that uses surreal, painted environments to tell an introspective story.

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: Relaxing 22.9%, Stylized 22.5%, Atmospheric 17%, Exploration 15.5%, Puzzle 14.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a distinct, hand-drawn art style and a focus on personal discovery through exploration in a vast, quiet desert.

Traverse a harmonious hand painted forest in this first person hike. ☀️The trees guide you with gentle whispers, as you explore a philosophical story.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 30.1%, Philosophical 25.6%, Emotional 17%, Stylized 12%, Relaxing 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An abstract, experimental experience that uses a forest setting to deliver a short, poetic, and philosophical narrative.

Explore a unique and connected world. Understand its fragile balance, uncover its deepest questions, and find more than just the answers.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 20.3%, Mystery 19.4%, Stylized 11.6%, Puzzle 11.2%, Colorful 8.8%

Uncover secrets, experience history, solve puzzles and understand one another. Immerse yourself and explore a surreal and colorful world in this short, first-person adventure.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.7%, Investigation 11.7%, Puzzle 11.6%, Stylized 10.6%, Exploration 9.5%

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

Why similar: Puzzle 18.4%, Walking Simulator 17.2%, Philosophical 11.8%, Exploration 9.7%, First-Person 7.7%

Embark on a heartwarming journey with your little light friend to solve puzzles and bring light to the mystical realm of Illum.

Why similar: Relaxing 18.1%, Emotional 14.9%, Puzzle 13.4%, Stylized 13%, Exploration 12.4%

They have no names, only serial numbers. They have no freedom, no memories from the past. You are one of them. Explore the last center of civilization on a shattered Earth to understand what is really going on.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.6%, Mystery 24.9%, Exploration 12.3%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Indie 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A short, narrative-focused walking simulator that captures a specific, melancholic atmosphere through its environment.

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 35.5%, Atmospheric 14.1%, Exploration 12%, Relaxing 9.3%, First-Person 8.9%

An atmospheric exploration game set in a Dark Fantasy world. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilisation and uncover it's forgotten past through a short nonlinear story with timeless retro graphics.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 46.8%, Stylized 13.9%, Exploration 13%, Atmospheric 8.7%, First-Person 8.6%

Are you ready for an adventure? Challenges, exploration and puzzles in a narrative driven experience, pick up your camera and test your wits in this first-person mystery by the team behind Quern!

Why similar: Walking Simulator 20.3%, Mystery 15.1%, Emotional 12.7%, Investigation 12%, Relaxing 7.6%

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 36.4%, Philosophical 36.3%, Puzzle 9.6%, First-Person 8.9%, Atmospheric 8.8%

You don't know how you got here, and you don't know how you'll leave. Wander the depths of the Backrooms in hopes of finding something more.

Why similar: Stylized 27.3%, Atmospheric 20%, Exploration 18.8%, Walking Simulator 11.8%, Adventure 5.8%

A "Blind" simulator that lets you experience a new perspective and immersive sensory journey. Step into a world of darkness using your guide cane.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 34.5%, Emotional 23.6%, Atmospheric 10.1%, Linear 8.8%, Exploration 8.6%

Trackless is an atmospheric first-person exploration and puzzle game set in the distant future. Trackless uses text input that allows you to interact with characters and objects. Using your in-game phone will help you find clues and give you special abilities.

Why similar: Philosophical 17.6%, Walking Simulator 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Mystery 8.2%, Puzzle 7.9%

Discover the truth about Quern’s past, unfold the mysteries of its present, and be the explorer who shapes its future. Quern introduces reusable puzzle mechanics to the classic genre, making the player think about the game as a whole, and not just as a series of individual challenges.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 22.7%, Mystery 18.9%, Investigation 16%, Relaxing 9.3%, Puzzle 9.2%

Welcome to Liminal Lane. A short, single player, first person, atmospheric walking simulator. A nostalgic, surreal experience exploring Liminal Spaces. Uncover the secrets of Liminal Lane and escape the Lucid Dreams and Haunting Nightmares.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.2%, Emotional 13.3%, Stylized 11.6%, Puzzle 9.5%, Exploration 8.3%

Explore the mysterious Hotel Norwood in this surreal first-person adventure. Curious characters, forgotten secrets, and head-nodding music await your arrival.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 19.6%, Walking Simulator 19%, Mystery 12.9%, Investigation 12.3%, Exploration 7%

Journey to another planet and discover its secrets in order to bring your loved one back to life. Experience an adventure, inspired by old school classics like Another World, Heart of Darkness and Flashback.

Why similar: Indie 28%, Adventure 22.6%, Atmospheric 22.3%, Puzzle 21.7%, Singleplayer 5.4%

Live the perfect day, break the cycle, and discover the truth about yourself in this short, quirky sci-fi mystery about freedom, choice, and loneliness.

Why similar: Philosophical 32.8%, Walking Simulator 24.4%, Emotional 16.4%, Mystery 12.6%, First-Person 5.9%

Dusty is a third-person puzzle game focused on explore beautiful environments. Join archaeologist Dusty on his search for a mysterious civilization. Explore equipped with your extensible cane and notebook to resolve the past, the ways of the civilization and his technology of light.

Why similar: Puzzle 16.5%, Atmospheric 15%, Stylized 13.1%, Exploration 12.8%, Colorful 8.7%

Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 15.2%, Philosophical 14.2%, Mystery 13.2%, Emotional 10.8%, Investigation 10.1%

A story-based exploration game about the very far future. With the help of two Artificial Intelligences, explore a universe conquered by humanity, uncover your purpose in it, and try to stop it from falling apart.

Why similar: Philosophical 36%, Walking Simulator 29.8%, Exploration 10%, Stylized 9.9%, Atmospheric 4.8%

Dear Esther immerses you in a stunningly realised world, a remote and desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. As you step forwards, a voice begins to read fragments of a letter: 'Dear Esther...' - and so begins a journey through one of the most original first-person games of recent years.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.1%, Investigation 9.9%, Mystery 9.8%, Relaxing 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%

A walking sim in which you can explore all kinds of mysterious places and dive into a world full of atmosphere. Let this experience unfold in your head. Let it inspire you.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 48%, Great Soundtrack 21%, Atmospheric 10.3%, Casual 9%, Indie 8%

'Chasing Light' is the story of the seven days of exploring the physical properties of a game and uncovering an inner world of human beings and society. Have a weird trip!

Why similar: Indie 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 31.3%, Adventure 21.7%, Atmospheric 11.8%

Are you ready to investigate a mysterious occurrence at a remote lighthouse? Solve all mysteries in this dark and eerie puzzle game.

Why similar: Mystery 37.4%, Puzzle 32.7%, Indie 16.9%, Adventure 10.1%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Walking simulator. Explore cozy liminal spaces that feel unsettlingly familiar and spark your imagination, like a dream you’ve been in before.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 37.2%, Relaxing 11.5%, Exploration 11.3%, Investigation 10.6%, Mystery 9.3%

Chromatic Conundrum is a first person puzzle game where you manipulate light. Combine different colors and form shadows to illuminate your way through an enigmatic world.

Why similar: Puzzle 19.8%, Stylized 17.1%, Atmospheric 16.1%, First-Person 14.2%, Linear 12.2%

From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch. Enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom by splatting paint to reveal the world around you.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.5%, Mystery 16.9%, Puzzle 13.9%, Exploration 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%

An emotional point-and-click hard sci-fi adventure game about exploring an abandoned space station. Follow messages left by the long-gone staff to learn the outcome of the research team and the secrets they left behind.

Why similar: Mystery 24.5%, Emotional 23.8%, Linear 12%, Puzzle 10.9%, Exploration 10%

INFRA puts you into the boots of a structural analyst on a routine mission. Quickly though, your task turns into a fight for survival, all caused by deep-rooted schemes of the past. Your tools are simple: your camera and the wits to navigate a labyrinth of debris.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.7%, Mystery 16.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Puzzle 10.7%, Atmospheric 9.8%