Games Like Thomas Was Alone

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: Sci-fi 20.8%, Philosophical 17.1%, Puzzle Platformer 17%, Platformer 15.2%, Atmospheric 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric sci-fi puzzle-platformer that explores deep philosophical themes through its unique cloning mechanics.

This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 44.9%, 2D Platformer 20.1%, Platformer 19.9%, Indie 3.8%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A seminal puzzle-platformer that combines innovative time-manipulation mechanics with a profound, story-rich narrative.

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 51.1%, Puzzle Platformer 15.5%, Indie 9.2%, Mystery 8.4%, Adventure 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy puzzle-platformer that challenges your perspective and rewards curiosity in a vibrant, pixelated world.

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 24.6%, Platformer 16.9%, 2D Platformer 16.2%, Minimalist 13.8%, Story Rich 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that excels at environmental storytelling without a single word of dialogue.

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

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 42.8%, Platformer 20.5%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Side Scroller 7%, Indie 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive atmospheric 2D puzzle-platformer that uses shadow and physics to create a hauntingly beautiful journey.

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: Philosophical 34%, Story Rich 28.6%, Atmospheric 19.2%, Indie 8.7%, Adventure 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative experience that mirrors the intimate, creator-focused storytelling style found in Thomas Was Alone.

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: Platformer 46.7%, Puzzle Platformer 30.3%, Indie 8.6%, 2D 6.8%, Atmospheric 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal puzzle-platformer where light and shadow define the playable environment, echoing the minimalist design philosophy.

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

Why similar: Precision Platformer 39.9%, Platformer 22.9%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Sci-fi 4.2%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist precision-platformer that shares the same indie-classic DNA and focus on tight, inventive mechanics.

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

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 30.4%, Platformer 22.4%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Colorful 7.6%, Indie 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A color-based puzzle-platformer that features a charming, story-driven aesthetic and clever mechanical shifts.

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: Platformer 44.2%, Minimalist 24.4%, Precision Platformer 9.3%, Indie 6.9%, Colorful 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist puzzle-platformer where rhythm and geometry dictate the environment, requiring precise timing and logic.

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: Minimalist 24.5%, Indie 22.5%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Singleplayer 12.7%, Adventure 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person puzzle game that challenges spatial logic in a minimalist environment, similar to the abstract nature of Thomas Was Alone.

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: Platformer 19.6%, Puzzle Platformer 18.5%, Family Friendly 16%, Atmospheric 11.2%, Side Scroller 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional puzzle-platformer featuring a small, endearing protagonist navigating a world that tells a poignant story.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Atmospheric 22.7%, Platformer 21.4%, Puzzle Platformer 17.5%, Story Rich 9.7%, Indie 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning platformer that uses movement and evolving puzzles to tell a deeply moving, wordless story.

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: Atmospheric 28.7%, Story Rich 27.1%, Adventure 15.8%, Platformer 11.6%, Indie 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional journey focused on controlling multiple characters simultaneously to solve puzzles and advance the narrative.

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 34.8%, Physics 18.7%, Philosophical 11.8%, Platformer 11.5%, 2D 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle game with a distinct, surreal hand-drawn art style that plays with gravity and perspective.

Throw your toys into your fire, and play with them as they burn. An adventure that takes place almost entirely in front of a fireplace - about looking up up up out of the chimney, and the cold world just on the other side of the wall. From the creators of World of Goo and Human Resource Machine.

Why similar: Casual 22.9%, Indie 19.7%, Story Rich 16.9%, Atmospheric 16.6%, Singleplayer 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, atmospheric puzzle game with a satirical, story-rich core that feels intimate and self-contained.

The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.

Why similar: Philosophical 31.3%, Puzzle Platformer 20.7%, Family Friendly 12%, Story Rich 11.5%, Atmospheric 11%

Why You'll Like It: A gentle, narrative-driven puzzle game with a strong focus on character, atmosphere, and emotional discovery.

The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.

Why similar: Story Rich 26.2%, Indie 23.7%, Atmospheric 18.4%, Adventure 15.9%, Singleplayer 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the meta-narrative and witty, omnipresent narration style that makes the storytelling in Thomas Was Alone so memorable.

Pikuniku is an absurdly wonderful puzzle-exploration game that takes place in a strange but playful world where not everything is as happy as it seems. Help peculiar characters overcome struggles, uncover a deep state conspiracy, and start a little revolution in this delightful dystopian adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 23.3%, Puzzle Platformer 20%, Family Friendly 14%, Casual 8.6%, Indie 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A whimsical, story-driven puzzle-platformer that prioritizes charm, simplicity, and lighthearted interaction.

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: Indie 28.3%, 2D 24%, Minimalist 23%, Singleplayer 15.7%, Atmospheric 5%

Why You'll Like It: An innovative puzzle game that forces you to manipulate the rules of the world itself, rewarding lateral thinking.

Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates.

Why similar: Platformer 35.7%, Story Rich 29%, Atmospheric 18.1%, Indie 9.2%, Adventure 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional narrative experience that uses light platforming and management elements to explore themes of life and loss.

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

Why similar: Physics 45.9%, Indie 13.1%, 2D 10.3%, Casual 7.3%, Singleplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle game that balances charming character design with a surprisingly poignant narrative arc.

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: Philosophical 32.4%, Puzzle Platformer 22.9%, Minimalist 13.5%, Mystery 9.7%, Atmospheric 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: An abstract, first-person puzzle game that plays with gravity and infinite architecture to create a surreal experience.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Family Friendly 32.2%, Adventure 22.2%, Indie 20.9%, Casual 14.8%, Singleplayer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, atmospheric exploration game that captures a similar sense of wonder and gentle progression.

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: Mystery 25.5%, Story Rich 25.2%, Atmospheric 22.8%, Adventure 9.4%, Colorful 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy experience that relies on witty dialogue and environmental storytelling to build a deep connection with the player.

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: Story Rich 37.5%, Atmospheric 24%, Mystery 23.9%, Adventure 5.8%, Indie 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in narrative-driven exploration that uses unique gameplay mechanics to tell a series of emotional stories.

An attractive puzzle platformer where you use magnetism to escape a factory. Meet a cast of magnet characters and work together to solve logical conundrums.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 25%, Platformer 15.1%, 2D Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Sci-fi 9.6%

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: Atmospheric 21.9%, Mystery 19%, Story Rich 16%, 2D 10.7%, Indie 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: An intricate, hand-drawn puzzle game that tells a beautiful, abstract story through visual manipulation.

Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.

Why similar: Physics 32%, Family Friendly 17.6%, Story Rich 13.5%, Casual 13.4%, Indie 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A funny, physics-based puzzle game with a strong, character-driven story that emphasizes humor and charm.

Starseed Pilgrim is a game about tending a symphonic garden, exploring space, and embracing fate.You are a gardener, tending to empty noise and empty space to fill them both with colour.You are a refugee, building your own world away from the spreading darkness.You are an explorer, discovering new places, new rules, and new fascinations.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 29.1%, Minimalist 23%, Platformer 15%, Indie 11.5%, Atmospheric 10%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, abstract exploration game that rewards curiosity and discovery through its unique, evolving mechanics.

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

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 30.2%, Platformer 24.1%, 2D Platformer 21%, 2D 6.8%, Casual 4.2%

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

Why similar: Philosophical 31.6%, Atmospheric 16.6%, Colorful 15.8%, Mystery 11.7%, Singleplayer 6.9%

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 41.6%, Platformer 29.8%, Side Scroller 7.9%, Indie 7.1%, Adventure 6.3%

In 2097, life is discovered on Mars. When your mission of first contact becomes trapped by a cave-in, you must master the alien ecosystem to survive. Soon you stumble upon more than anyone expected, and with time running out, you will make a decision that determines the fate of a lost planet.

Why similar: Sci-fi 31.5%, Platformer 27.3%, Story Rich 7.8%, Atmospheric 7.7%, Adventure 7.2%

Someone stole people's faces! Will any hero be able to collect the 100 Chistorbes to recover the face of the whole world? Game mechanics of gravity, run jump and dodge with a distinctive touch: Can you master both gravities?

Why similar: Precision Platformer 19.3%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Platformer 12.4%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Linear 9.4%

A short narrative puzzle experience about a lost frog who has dug too far into the sand during a beach day. Use your trusty shovel to move blocks and create paths for you to continue upward.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 19.4%, Puzzle Platformer 15.1%, Linear 14.5%, Story Rich 12.2%, Platformer 12.1%

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: Puzzle Platformer 26%, Platformer 20.5%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Adventure 7%

A laid-back but smart puzzle game. Stuffo is the last remaining puzzle bot stuck in a world filled with bite-sized brain-teasers. Help Stuffo to solve the mind-bending puzzles by using various blocks to climb, push and teleport your way to the exit.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 41.9%, Minimalist 19.7%, Sci-fi 19.6%, 2D 9%, Adventure 4.3%

You are Tiny, a nerdy inventor, who tries to reclaim his most beloved possession - Grandpa's underpants!

Why similar: Platformer 40.9%, Physics 34.4%, Indie 14.4%, Adventure 5.7%, Atmospheric 2.6%

Capsized is a fast paced 2D platformer focused on intense action and exploration. As a intrepid space traveler, your ship has crash landed on a mysterious alien planet. You must navigate through the perilous environment and fight off blood-thirsty creatures to save your crewmates and escape with your lives!

Why similar: Platformer 46.5%, Sci-fi 24.8%, Physics 9.9%, Indie 8.9%, 2D 6.9%

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 28%, Platformer 20.5%, Physics 15.3%, Precision Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.7%

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

Why similar: Platformer 57.1%, 2D 9.7%, Indie 9.5%, Story Rich 7.3%, Adventure 6.4%

A puzzle game with challenging puzzles, but forgiving mechanics. Master the use of your color changing staff to solve mind bending puzzles, unlock new areas, and help out your friends. Undo any mistake with the press of a button.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 27.4%, Side Scroller 24.1%, Colorful 9.4%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Physics 8.3%

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 41.3%, Platformer 22.8%, Physics 14.2%, Atmospheric 8.5%, Indie 5.5%

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 40.9%, Platformer 36.8%, Indie 11.4%, 2D 10.8%

McPixel is a save-the-day guy that you guide through 100 short challenges to prevent stuff from blowing up. You have only 20 seconds to save the day! Think quick!

Why similar: Indie 38.3%, Adventure 20.7%, 2D 16.4%, Singleplayer 16.1%, Casual 8.4%

Snapshot is the tale of a lone robot lost in an abandoned world. Armed with only his trusty camera, Pic sets forth on his great adventure. A camera might not seem like enough for a puzzle platforming adventure, but this camera is different from most: It has the ability to capture and remove from the world the very objects that it...

Why similar: Platformer 41.3%, Puzzle Platformer 25.9%, Indie 10.8%, Adventure 10.4%, Casual 9.5%

Tales of the Tiny Planet tells the story of a separated group of planet friends who want to reunite. You have to assist them against the dangers of time and space.

Why similar: Physics 21.1%, Puzzle Platformer 15.6%, Platformer 13.2%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Indie 9.1%

A carefully created world with unique environments and an engrossing atmosphere, Unmechanical offers over 30 unique puzzles of exploration and adventure!

Why similar: Physics 28.6%, Platformer 27.2%, Indie 15.8%, Adventure 15%, Casual 13.4%

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

Why similar: Atmospheric 28.3%, Adventure 22.9%, Indie 19.6%, Story Rich 8.8%, Singleplayer 7.8%

When everything seems hopeless a child is awakened by the whispers of the last leaf, drawn into an imaginary world. Unleaving invites the player into a narrative-driven puzzle platformer where each challenge unfolds within a hand-painted landscape, exploring perception and meaning

Why similar: Philosophical 22.5%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Platformer 10.1%, 2D Platformer 10%, Puzzle Platformer 8.5%

In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.

Why similar: Philosophical 20.1%, Puzzle Platformer 18.2%, Platformer 13.1%, Precision Platformer 10.4%, Side Scroller 10.1%

Step into rhythmic bliss with Runner2! Best Indie Game winner, Guinness World Record holder, and narrated by Charles Martinet. Unleash vibrant moves and beats in 120 levels!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 26%, Platformer 25.6%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Linear 11.7%, Colorful 6.4%

Complete physics-based platformer puzzles as you venture deeper into an abandoned research facility responsible for developing ominously powerful quantum entanglement technology.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 16.1%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Physics 13%, Platformer 11%

A game about the limits of your screen. Four Sided Fantasy is a seamless experience where you wrap the screen to solve mind-bending puzzles. Play as a man and woman who attempt to find each other throughout four seasons in a year, constantly separated by the boundaries of the screen.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 35.2%, Platformer 17.4%, Minimalist 13.5%, Physics 10.6%, Indie 7%

Spectrum is a platformer set in an abstract world of stylized shapes and bright colors. Escape from 80 levels spread in 8 mysterious environments.

Why similar: Platformer 34.6%, Minimalist 24.9%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Adventure 11.4%, Indie 11%

Embark on an adventure to rescue Charlie’s family from the nefarious industrialist known only as the 'Baron.'

Why similar: Adventure 38.3%, Indie 21.9%, Family Friendly 16.1%, Singleplayer 11.6%, Atmospheric 7.2%

Piece by Piece is a literal puzzle platformer where each level is fragmented into puzzle pieces. Clear each puzzle by connecting and unconnecting each piece to make your way through each of our 100 handcrafted levels. Discover new themes and mechanics along the way!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 27.9%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Platformer 15.2%, 2D Platformer 14.9%, 2D 6.1%