What is the best game similar to Pools?

The closest game to Pools is The Exit 8, scoring 82/100 on our similarity scale. They share 11 gameplay attributes, including adventure storytelling, horror tension and deep simulation. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Pools?

The three closest games to Pools are: 1. The Exit 8 (82/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Thief Gold (80/100, 10 shared attributes) 3. Outer Wilds (77/100, 10 shared attributes). All share Pools's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 13 dimensions.

Is Thief Gold similar to Pools?

Yes, very much so — Thief Gold scores 80/100 similarity to Pools. They share 10 attributes, including adventure storytelling and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Adventure games are similar to Pools?

The best Adventure games similar to Pools are The Exit 8, Thief Gold, Outer Wilds and Fatum Betula. All share the Adventure genre alongside other key Pools attributes like adventure storytelling, horror tension and deep simulation.

How is similarity to Pools calculated?

We compare Pools against every game in our catalog using 13 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 Pools experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Pools that you should try

Games like Pools · Find similar →

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

If Pools left you wanting more, this list of 50 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and open world exploration — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 13 attributes. The Exit 8 comes closest (82/100).

iRank91/ 100

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GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

Top games similar to Pools

50 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Pools. Each one has been evaluated across 13 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.

#1The Exit 8Closest overall match

iRank93

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeDarkOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person3D

Steam👍 93%· 11KIGDB93· 2

Year 2023Dev KOTAKE CREATE · PLAYISMOn Xbox · PS4 · Switch

✓ Same family of open-world adventures: adventure storytelling, horror tension and deep simulation

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, linear, story-driven structure and setting modern, while skipping vibe relaxing

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100Progression100Visuals100Game mode80Setting77Tone74

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Steam Xbox PS

#2Thief GoldClosest on world

iRank91

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloDarkNarrativeOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 92%· 4.1KIGDB90· 1

Year 1999Dev Looking Glass Studios · Eidos InteractiveOn PC

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, deep simulation and horror tension

≠ Where it differs: brings stealth mechanics, melee combat and fantasy world, while skipping vibe relaxing

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

It predates Pools by 25 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Visuals75Tone72

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person3D

Steam👍 96%· 102KIGDB85· 7OC85· 61

Year 2019Dev Mobius Digital · Annapurna InteractiveOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, deep simulation and horror tension

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, melee combat and setting space, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: setting and tone.

Genre100World100Progression100Visuals100Game mode80Tone47

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Steam Epic Xbox

#4Fatum BetulaClosest on setting

iRank91

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloDarkNarrativeOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 96%· 1.1KIGDB80· 1

Year 2020Dev Bryce BucherPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Fits the open-world adventures cluster, with adventure storytelling, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design and vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

The GameFatum Betula is an atmospheric exploration game with light puzzle elements. A magical birch is the only thing dictating the future, and it is your job to find something appropriate to feed it with. There is a total of 10 unique endings and a plethora of secrets to uncover.

Genre100Setting100World100Progression100Game mode79Visuals68

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Steam Nintendo itch.io

#5Firewatch

iRank85

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeDarkOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 91%· 97KIGDB79· 18OC80· 134

Year 2016Dev Campo Santo · PanicOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, horror tension and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

It predates Pools by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting100World100Progression100Game mode80Visuals75

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Steam GOG Xbox

#6The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

iRank84

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeDarkOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 88%· 9.0KIGDB82· 16OC79· 90

Year 2014Dev The AstronautsOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, horror tension and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, combat magic and setting space, while skipping deep simulation

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

It predates Pools by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Visuals75Tone74

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Steam GOG Epic

#7Microsoft Flight SimulatorClosest on game mode

iRank84

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloMultiplayerNarrativeOpen WorldExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 79%· 72KIGDB85· 9OC92· 138

Year 2020Dev Asobo Studio · Xbox Game StudiosOn Xbox · PC

✓ Fits the open-world adventures cluster, with adventure storytelling, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: visual third person, while skipping horror tension

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: tone.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals57Tone41

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeDarkOpen WorldExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 63%· 1.3KIGDB85· 7OC79· 50

Year 2019Dev Furious Bee Limited · Annapurna InteractiveOn PS4 · PC · iOS

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, while skipping horror tension

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Tone76Visuals74

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Steam GOG PS

#9The Last Clockwinder

iRank89

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeRelaxingOpen WorldExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 96%· 784IGDB80· 1OC83· 12

Year 2022Dev pontoco · Cyan VenturesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, cozy, relaxing feel and setting scifi, while skipping horror tension

You are on a mission to repair an ancient clocktower built into the trunk of a colossal tree. Inside, you find a pair of gloves that allow you to turn anything you do into a looping clockwork automaton. Use the Clockwinder’s gloves to turn every task into a looping clockwork automaton.

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: setting.

Genre100World100Game mode80Visuals74Tone70Progression53

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Steam

#10Dear Esther: Landmark Edition

iRank70

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeRelaxingOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 75%· 7.4KIGDB65· 11OC67· 38

Year 2016Dev Rob Briscoe · Curve DigitalOn PS4 · PC · iOS

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, horror tension and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, vibe casual and linear, story-driven structure, while skipping deep simulation

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: world.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

It predates Pools by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Progression100Game mode80Setting78Visuals75Tone69

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Steam GOG Xbox

#11Blue Prince

iRank89

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeOpen WorldExplorationFirst Person3D

Steam👍 87%· 18KIGDB91· 5OC89· 117

Year 2025Dev Dogubomb · Raw FuryOn Xbox · Switch · PC

✓ Fits the open-world adventures cluster, with adventure storytelling, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, roguelike runs and procedural generation, while skipping horror tension

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: world and tone.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100Visuals100Game mode80Progression74Tone49World46

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Steam Xbox PS

#12Abzu

iRank87

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloRelaxingNarrativeOpen WorldExploration

Steam👍 93%· 27KIGDB81· 27OC80· 122

Year 2016Dev Giant Squid · 505 GamesOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the open-world adventures cluster, with adventure storytelling, deep simulation and vibe relaxing

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe casual and fantasy world, while skipping horror tension

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: setting and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

It predates Pools by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Tone72Setting0

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Steam GOG Epic

#13Cosmic Osmo and the Worlds Beyond the Mackerel

iRank79

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeOpen WorldHorrorExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 79%· 115

Dev Cyan WorldsPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, horror tension and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe casual and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping deep simulation

You're an Osmo, a strange creature indeed. You explore the galaxy in your spaceship, and the planets you encounter are almost as bizarre as the Osmos themselves. There are seven worlds presented for your consideration, each more goofy and peculiar than the last.

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: tone and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100Progression100Game mode80Setting71World70Visuals43

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Steam

#14Stray

iRank88

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeOpen WorldHorrorExploration

Steam👍 97%· 171KRAWG👍 84%· 1.3KMC82IGDB85· 8OC84· 200

Year 2022Dev BlueTwelve · Annapurna InteractivePlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the open-world adventures cluster, with adventure storytelling, horror tension and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, puzzle design and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping deep simulation

Lost, alone and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city. Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed, neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly.

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: visuals and tone.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Setting38Tone36

GenreAdventureSubgenreOpen World Action-Adventure

SoloNarrativeRelaxingOpen WorldExploration

Steam👍 75%· 5.8KOC80· 14

Year 2017Dev David WehleOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Both are open-world adventures — sharing adventure storytelling, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings precision platforming, vibe casual and fantasy world, while skipping horror tension

Where it drifts furthest from Pools: setting and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Pools.

Genre100World100Progression100Game mode80Tone77Setting0

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Steam GOG Epic

Complete list of Pools alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Pools, 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.

Mirror's Edge Catalyst

Adventure · Platformer

Refunct

Adventure · Puzzle

Farming Simulator 19

Simulation

Bully

Adventure · Sandbox

The Suicide of Rachel Foster

Adventure

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Adventure · Shooter

Roblox

Adventure · Simulation

Pilgrims

Adventure · Puzzle

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Adventure · Puzzle

Animal Crossing: Wild World

Simulation · Sandbox

The Witness

Adventure · Puzzle

A Short Hike

Adventure

Shadow of the Colossus

Adventure · Puzzle

RiME

Adventure · Puzzle

Road 96

Adventure · Puzzle

From Dust

Adventure · Simulation

Antichamber

Adventure · Puzzle

Animal Crossing: City Folk

Simulation · Sandbox

AER: Memories of Old

Adventure · Puzzle

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

Adventure · Puzzle

The LEGO Movie Videogame

Adventure · Puzzle

Farming Simulator 2013 Titanium Edition

Simulation

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Adventure · Puzzle

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Adventure

Super Mario 64

Adventure · Platformer

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture

Adventure

Train Simulator Classic

Simulation

X2: The Threat

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Battlefield™ V

Battle Royale · Shooter

Destroy All Humans!

Adventure

X: Beyond the Frontier

Simulation · Sandbox

Agricultural Simulator: Historical Farming

Simulation

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Adventure

Port Royale 3

Simulation

The Legend of Zelda

Adventure

Explore games similar to Pools by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Open-World Adventure Games Best Adventure Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Pools?: The closest game to Pools is The Exit 8, scoring 82/100 on our similarity scale. They share 11 gameplay attributes, including adventure storytelling, horror tension and deep simulation. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Pools?: The three closest games to Pools are: 1. The Exit 8 (82/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Thief Gold (80/100, 10 shared attributes) 3. Outer Wilds (77/100, 10 shared attributes). All share Pools's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 13 dimensions.
Is Thief Gold similar to Pools?: Yes, very much so — Thief Gold scores 80/100 similarity to Pools. They share 10 attributes, including adventure storytelling and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Adventure games are similar to Pools?: The best Adventure games similar to Pools are The Exit 8, Thief Gold, Outer Wilds and Fatum Betula. All share the Adventure genre alongside other key Pools attributes like adventure storytelling, horror tension and deep simulation.
How is similarity to Pools calculated?: We compare Pools against every game in our catalog using 13 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 Pools experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.