Games like POOLS

This is a first-person exploration game focused on atmosphere and environmental storytelling. Players navigate abstract, liminal spaces using sound and environmental cues, experiencing a sense of dread and isolation.

95% positive from 3,459 · 2024 · Steam Deck Verified · $9.79 $5.87 -40% · Lowest ever $4.89 (2026-03-01)

Psychological HorrorWalking SimulatorAtmospheric Realistic ExplorationFirst-Person

Six games like POOLS

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs

70% positive from 12,037 reviews201318% finish itDeck Playable

A first-person horror game where players explore a dark industrial setting, driven by a narrative of guilt and madness, with a focus on atmosphere and story.

What players likedPlayers praise its story, atmosphere, and soundtrack, comparing it more to a walking simulator than its predecessor, Dark Descent.

The catchPlays like a walking simulator, with survival mechanics and real threat stripped out.

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs →

KARMA: The Dark World

92% positive from 4,412 reviews202550% finish itDeck Verified

This is a first-person psychological thriller where players investigate memories using advanced tech. It features a dystopian 1984 East Germany setting with a focus on espionage and betrayal.

What players likedPlayers praise its deep, emotional, and thought-provoking psychological horror story, often compared to "1984," "Still Wakes The Deep," and "Observer: System Redux."

The catchThe story starts strong then collapses into a confusing ending that explains nothing.

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like KARMA: The Dark World →

Welcome to Kowloon

81% positive from 1,910 reviews202371% finish itDeck Unsupported

This is a short, first-person indie horror walking simulator with a focus on atmosphere and exploration of a mysterious, densely populated city. It features creepy characters and a sense of hidden secrets.

What players likedPlayers praise its tense atmosphere and realistic visuals, reminiscent of other horror escape games with key/item puzzles.

The catchThe horror is carried by cheap, repetitive jumpscares rather than real tension.

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like Welcome to Kowloon →

The Boba Teashop

95% positive from 1,052 reviews202585% finish itDeck Playable

This is a cozy horror simulation game where you manage a boba tea shop. The core loop involves preparing drinks and serving customers while experiencing unsettling events.

What players likedPlayers praise its fun, short horror experience with well-calculated jumpscares and cool VHS aesthetics.

The catchMaking drinks is shallow busywork and the story stays bland right through the ending.

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like The Boba Teashop →

Summer of '58

89% positive from 4,899 reviews20217% finish itDeck Playable

This is a first-person psychological thriller walking simulator. Explore an abandoned Soviet camp to uncover a 1958 tragedy through environmental observation.

What players likedPlayers praise its engaging story and solid jumpscares, offering a short but detailed horror experience.

The catchCheap jumpscares fire so often they kill any tension long before the game ends.

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like Summer of '58 →

THRESHOLD

85% positive from 1,288 reviews202428% finish itDeck Playable

This is a narrative survival game where players manage breath and perform tasks on a train station. It features a tense, atmospheric feel with branching choices.

What players likedPlayers praise Threshold's impactful decisions and multiple endings, evoking tension like Pathologic 2, despite being a short adventure.

The catchStrong atmosphere but the ending feels lackluster and unsatisfying

Both are tagged Walking Simulator, Psychological Horror and Atmospheric.

Games like THRESHOLD →

More like this: Exploration Psychological Horror Realistic Atmospheric

More about POOLS

What players liked

Players praise POOLS as the best liminal space/Backrooms walking simulator, offering stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and an unsettling atmosphere.

The catch

No threat, no story and no objectives, so it becomes a boring walk.

Reviews: 95% positive from 3,459
Released: 2024
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Verified
Price: $9.79 $5.87 -40% · Lowest ever $4.89 (2026-03-01)
Play: Single-playerFull controller support

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 95% positive, but with 3,459 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View POOLS on Steam

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