What is the best game similar to The Darkest Files?

The closest game to The Darkest Files is Papers, Please, scoring 78/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like The Darkest Files?

The three closest games to The Darkest Files are: 1. Papers, Please (78/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Papers, Please - The Short Film (78/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Beholder (79/100, 7 shared attributes). All share The Darkest Files's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 28 candidates across 10 dimensions.

Is Papers, Please - The Short Film similar to The Darkest Files?

Yes, very much so — Papers, Please - The Short Film scores 78/100 similarity to The Darkest Files. They share 7 attributes, including deep simulation and adventure storytelling. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Simulation games are similar to The Darkest Files?

The best Simulation games similar to The Darkest Files are Papers, Please, Papers, Please - The Short Film, Beholder and Do Not Feed the Monkeys. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key The Darkest Files attributes like deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design.

How is similarity to The Darkest Files calculated?

We compare The Darkest Files against every game in our catalog using 10 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 The Darkest Files experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

28 Games like The Darkest Files that you should try

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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.

Few titles capture what makes The Darkest Files unique: deep simulation, strong narrative focus and open world exploration. After measuring 10 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 28 most faithful alternatives. Papers, Please, Papers, Please - The Short Film and Beholder top the ranking, with Papers, Please at number one (78/100).

iRank89/ 100

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GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

Top games similar to The Darkest Files

28 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to The Darkest Files. Each one has been evaluated across 10 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.

#1Papers, PleaseClosest on genre

iRank91

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDarkFirst PersonCasual

Steam👍 97%· 79KRAWG👍 91%· 1.8KMC85IGDB82· 5

Year 2013Dev Lucas Pope · 3909Playtime ~4hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ If you enjoyed The Darkest Files, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual, punishing difficulty and visual pixel, while skipping open world exploration

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.

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

It predates The Darkest Files by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone84Visuals45

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Steam GOG PS

#2Papers, Please - The Short Film

iRank91

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDarkFirst PersonCasual

Steam👍 97%· 79KRAWG👍 91%· 1.8KMC85IGDB82· 5

Year 2013Dev Lucas Pope · 3909Playtime ~4hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Like The Darkest Files, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, punishing difficulty and visual pixel, while skipping open world exploration

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

It predates The Darkest Files by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone84Visuals45

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Steam GOG PS

#3BeholderClosest overall match

iRank85

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDark3DStealth

Steam👍 92%· 30KIGDB80· 3OC76· 27

Year 2016Dev Warm Lamp Games · Alawar EntertainmentOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed The Darkest Files, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, stealth mechanics and visual 2d, while skipping open world exploration

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

It predates The Darkest Files by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Visuals54

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Steam GOG Epic

#4Do Not Feed the Monkeys

iRank84

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDarkFirst PersonManagement

Steam👍 93%· 12KIGDB75· 1OC77· 21

Year 2018Dev Fictiorama Studios · BadLand PublishingOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like The Darkest Files, it's known for deep simulation, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with resource management, visual 2d and visual pixel, while skipping open world exploration

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Visuals36

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Steam GOG PS

#5Loom

iRank89

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeHistoricalMagicFantasy

Steam👍 89%· 699

Year 1990Dev Lucasfilm GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Like The Darkest Files, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: combat magic, fantasy world and visual third person, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

It predates The Darkest Files by 35 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting77Tone75Visuals0

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDarkFirst PersonHorror

Steam👍 78%· 5.1KIGDB82· 11OC76· 81

Year 2019Dev No Code · Devolver DigitalOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed The Darkest Files, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with horror tension, horror setting and setting scifi, while skipping open world exploration

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Visuals67Setting0

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Steam GOG Epic

#7There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension

iRank92

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeMeleeCasualPixel Art

Steam👍 98%· 25KRAWG👍 90%· 143MC88OC88· 18

Year 2020Dev Draw Me A PixelPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ If you enjoyed The Darkest Files, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, vibe casual and melee combat, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

"There is no game: Wrong dimension" is a Point&Click comedy adventure (and Point&Click only!) that will take you on a journey you never asked to go on, through silly and unexpected video game universes. Will you be able to play along with the "Game" to find your way home? We sincerely think NOT.

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Tone50Visuals0

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeDarkManagementIsometric

Steam👍 82%· 11KIGDB61· 14OC64· 58

Year 2016Dev Weappy Studio · EuroVideo MedienOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Shared with The Darkest Files: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with visual novel storytelling, resource management and visual isometric, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

It predates The Darkest Files by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Visuals0

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#9YakuzaClosest on world

iRank77

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeOpen WorldMeleeSandbox World

IGDB77· 3

Year 2005Dev Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios · Sega

✓ Shared with The Darkest Files: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: sports simulation, deep RPG systems and action RPG combat, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

It predates The Darkest Files by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone69World63Visuals0

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#10Golf Story

iRank82

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeLootSkill TreeIsometric

IGDB83· 7OC81· 45

Year 2017Dev Sidebar GamesOn Switch

✓ Shared with The Darkest Files: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings sports simulation, deep RPG systems and loot and gear systems, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

It predates The Darkest Files by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone72Visuals0

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloHistoricalFantasyMedievalIsometric

IGDB75· 3

Year 2011Dev The Sims Studio · Electronic ArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Shared with The Darkest Files: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, setting medieval and visual isometric, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

It predates The Darkest Files by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting64Visuals0

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#12New Pokémon Snap

iRank81

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloFirst PersonFantasySci-Fi

IGDB81· 12

Year 2021Dev Bandai Namco Studios · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Shared with The Darkest Files: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world and setting scifi, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals67Setting0

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeThird Person

Steam👍 61%· 621RAWG👍 63%· 24

Year 2009Dev Tale of TalesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Android · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed The Darkest Files, expect deep simulation, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings roguelike runs and visual third person, while skipping puzzle design

The Graveyard is a very short computer game. You play an old lady who visits a graveyard. You walk around, sit on a bench and listen to a song. It's more like an explorable painting than an actual game. An experiment with poetry and storytelling but without words.

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

It predates The Darkest Files by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone76Visuals0

Details →

Steam itch.io

#14Always Sometimes Monsters

iRank65

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloNarrativeCasualIsometricThird Person

Steam👍 75%· 2.4KRAWG👍 26%· 76MC73IGDB81· 5OC73· 30

Year 2014Dev Devolver DigitalPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Like The Darkest Files, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, vibe casual and visual isometric, while skipping puzzle design

###Sad story Made by two developers from Canada in the RPG Maker, the game tells the story of the author who receives a note that the love of his life marries another on the other side of the country.

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for The Darkest Files.

It predates The Darkest Files by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone62Visuals0

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Steam GOG PS

#15Thief: The Dark Project

iRank70

GenreSimulationSubgenreJob Sim

SoloFirst PersonStealthMagicMelee

IGDB70· 1

Year 1998Dev Looking Glass Studios · Eidos InteractiveOn PC

✓ Like The Darkest Files, it's known for deep simulation, adventure storytelling and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with stealth mechanics, combat magic and melee combat, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Darkest Files: setting.

It predates The Darkest Files by 27 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals67Setting0

Details →

Complete list of The Darkest Files alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with The Darkest Files, 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.

AaAaAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity

Simulation · Sports

Mario Paint

Simulation · Puzzle

Pokémon Quest

Simulation · RPG

Port Royale 2

Simulation

Digimon World

Simulation · RPG

Hunting Unlimited 2010

Simulation · Sports

Wii Fit

Simulation · Sports

SEGA Bass Fishing

Simulation · Sports

Sim Theme Park

Simulation

Pokémon Snap

Simulation

Sunflower Land

Simulation

Gumballs & Dungeons

Simulation · RPG

World Basketball Manager 2010

Simulation · Sports

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to The Darkest Files?: The closest game to The Darkest Files is Papers, Please, scoring 78/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like The Darkest Files?: The three closest games to The Darkest Files are: 1. Papers, Please (78/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Papers, Please - The Short Film (78/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Beholder (79/100, 7 shared attributes). All share The Darkest Files's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 28 candidates across 10 dimensions.
Is Papers, Please - The Short Film similar to The Darkest Files?: Yes, very much so — Papers, Please - The Short Film scores 78/100 similarity to The Darkest Files. They share 7 attributes, including deep simulation and adventure storytelling. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Simulation games are similar to The Darkest Files?: The best Simulation games similar to The Darkest Files are Papers, Please, Papers, Please - The Short Film, Beholder and Do Not Feed the Monkeys. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key The Darkest Files attributes like deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design.
How is similarity to The Darkest Files calculated?: We compare The Darkest Files against every game in our catalog using 10 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 The Darkest Files experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.