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Idols of Ash

24 Games like Idols of Ash that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Few titles capture what makes Idols of Ash unique: deep simulation, dark, oppressive atmosphere and horror setting. After measuring 7 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 24 most faithful alternatives. Cultist Simulator, Papers, Please and Papers, Please - The Short Film top the ranking, with Cultist Simulator at number one (75/100).

iRank98/ 100

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GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim
Tags
DarkSolo
Year 2026Dev Leafy Games
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Quick answer

The closest game to Idols of Ash is Cultist Simulator — scoring 75/100 on our similarity scale. Papers, Please and Papers, Please - The Short Film follow close behind.

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Top games similar to Idols of Ash

24 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Idols of Ash. Each one has been evaluated across 7 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Cultist Simulator
Cultist Simulator
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkFantasyHorrorNarrative
Steam👍 80%· 14KIGDB85· 2OC78· 22
Year 2018Dev Weather FactoryOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, card game strategy and turn-based strategy, while skipping visual first person

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Tone65Visuals0
Papers, Please
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkFirst PersonNarrativeCasual
Steam👍 97%· 79KRAWG👍 91%· 1.8KMC85IGDB82· 5
Year 2013Dev Lucas Pope · 3909Playtime ~4hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ If you enjoyed Idols of Ash, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, strong narrative focus and vibe casual, while skipping horror setting

The creator of the game often travelled through Asia and made the observation that the work of an immigration officer checking documents for entry is simultaneously very monotonous and very responsible.

It predates Idols of Ash by 13 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals58Tone54
Papers, Please - The Short Film
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkFirst PersonNarrativeCasual
Steam👍 97%· 79KRAWG👍 91%· 1.8KMC85IGDB82· 5
Year 2013Dev Lucas Pope · 3909Playtime ~4hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, strong narrative focus and vibe casual, while skipping horror setting

The creator of the game often travelled through Asia and made the observation that the work of an immigration officer checking documents for entry is simultaneously very monotonous and very responsible.

It predates Idols of Ash by 13 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals58Tone54
#4Observation
Observation
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkHorrorFirst PersonNarrative
Steam👍 78%· 5.1KIGDB82· 11OC76· 81
Year 2019Dev No Code · Devolver DigitalOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Idols of Ash, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, horror tension and strong narrative focus, while skipping fantasy world

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone69Setting42
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkFirst PersonNarrativeManagement
Steam👍 93%· 12KIGDB75· 1OC77· 21
Year 2018Dev Fictiorama Studios · BadLand PublishingOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, strong narrative focus and resource management, while skipping horror setting

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone59Visuals43
New Pokémon Snap
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasyFirst PersonSci-Fi
IGDB81· 12
Year 2021Dev Bandai Namco Studios · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Shared with Idols of Ash: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Its own twist: setting scifi, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Setting46
Beholder
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkStealthNarrative2D
Steam👍 92%· 30KIGDB80· 3OC76· 27
Year 2016Dev Warm Lamp Games · Alawar EntertainmentOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed Idols of Ash, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, deep RPG systems and strong narrative focus, while skipping horror setting

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone64Visuals0
Thief: The Dark Project
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasyFirst PersonStealthMagic
IGDB70· 1
Year 1998Dev Looking Glass Studios · Eidos InteractiveOn PC

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Stands apart with stealth mechanics, combat magic and melee combat, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: setting.

It predates Idols of Ash by 28 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Setting45
Moonlighter
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasyMeleeProceduralExploration
Steam👍 82%· 22KIGDB82· 14OC82· 110
Year 2018Dev Digital Sun Games · NetflixOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ If you enjoyed Idols of Ash, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, deep RPG systems and roguelike runs, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting63Visuals0
This Is the Police
SimulationJob Sim
SoloDarkNarrativeManagementIsometric
Steam👍 82%· 11KIGDB61· 14OC64· 58
Year 2016Dev Weappy Studio · EuroVideo MedienOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Shared with Idols of Ash: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with visual novel storytelling, strong narrative focus and resource management, while skipping horror setting

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone60Visuals0
The Sims Medieval
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasyHistoricalMedievalIsometric
IGDB75· 3
Year 2011Dev The Sims Studio · Electronic ArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Shared with Idols of Ash: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Its own twist: historical setting, setting medieval and visual isometric, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals and setting.

It predates Idols of Ash by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting34Visuals0
Digimon World
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasySci-FiCyberpunkThird Person
Year 1999Dev Bandai

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, setting scifi and setting cyberpunk, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals and setting.

It predates Idols of Ash by 27 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting35Visuals0
Pokémon Quest
SimulationJob Sim
SoloSkill TreeIsometric
IGDB60· 1
Year 2018Dev Game Freak · NintendoOn Android · iOS · Switch

✓ Shared with Idols of Ash: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, skill tree progression and visual isometric, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: visuals.

It predates Idols of Ash by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals0
AaAaAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity
SimulationJob Sim
SoloFantasyFirst PersonMeleeHistorical
Steam👍 84%· 752RAWG👍 48%· 42MC81IGDB90· 1
Year 2009Dev Dejobaan GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Like Idols of Ash, it's known for deep simulation, fantasy world and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings sports simulation, melee combat and historical setting, while skipping adventure storytelling

Looking for the Oculus Rift version? Wan't to BASE jump on Mac or Linux? Pick up Aaaaa! for the Awesome. BASE jump through a floating city, creating your own stunts to delight your fans.

Where it drifts furthest from Idols of Ash: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Setting31
Hunting Unlimited 2010
SimulationJob Sim
Solo
Steam👍 85%· 376
Year 2009Playtime ~1hOn PC

✓ Shared with Idols of Ash: deep simulation and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with sports simulation, while skipping adventure storytelling

Get the Shot. Get the Game. Experience fast-paced hunting action in pursuit of the biggest trophy bucks throughout North America, Canada and Now the Bavarian Forest! Wilderness Madness!

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Idols of Ash.

It predates Idols of Ash by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Complete list of Idols of Ash alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Idols of Ash, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Idols of Ash?
The closest game to Idols of Ash is Cultist Simulator, scoring 75/100 on our similarity scale. They share 6 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, adventure storytelling and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Idols of Ash?
The three closest games to Idols of Ash are: 1. Cultist Simulator (75/100, 6 shared attributes) 2. Papers, Please (69/100, 5 shared attributes) 3. Papers, Please - The Short Film (69/100, 5 shared attributes). All share Idols of Ash's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 24 candidates across 7 dimensions.
Is Papers, Please similar to Idols of Ash?
Yes — Papers, Please scores 69/100 similarity to Idols of Ash. They share 5 attributes, including deep simulation and adventure storytelling. There are some notable differences in pacing or mechanics.
What Simulation games are similar to Idols of Ash?
The best Simulation games similar to Idols of Ash are Cultist Simulator, Papers, Please, Papers, Please - The Short Film and Observation. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key Idols of Ash attributes like deep simulation, adventure storytelling and single-player focus.
How is similarity to Idols of Ash calculated?
We compare Idols of Ash against every game in our catalog using 7 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Idols of Ash experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.