Games like Papers, Please on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Papers, Please are available at the bottom of the page.
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Not Tonight
Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay in the UK.
Beholder 2
You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!
Beholder
You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?
Orwell: Ignorance is Strength
Step into the shoes of a government official in a top-secret department of the Orwell surveillance program. Given the power to both uncover and fabricate "the truth", how far will you go in the service of your country? Season 2 of Orwell, the award-winning surveillance thriller.
HEADLINER
Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.
Beholder 3
When a high-ranking security officer saves you from prison, you end up a pawn in her schemes. Now you must eliminate anyone standing in the way of her secret plans and try to get your life back while working two jobs. No tenant, employee or superior is safe from your spying.
Ministry of Broadcast
Ministry of Broadcast is a narrative-driven single player cinematic platformer mixing Orwell’s 1984 with modern reality TV. A country divided by The Wall; to cross it and reach your family, you must compete on - and win - a reality TV show broadcast by the Regime.
Headliner: NoviNews
Award-winning adventure where you control the news and its impact on society, your friends and career. Different choices lead to unique combinations of endings. Share your story with the community, and see what the players before you did.
Primordia
Life has ceased. Man is but a myth. And now, even the machines have begun to fail. Lead Horatio Nullbuilt and his sarcastic sidekick Crispin on a journey through the crumbling world of Primordia, facing malfunctioning robots, ancient secrets, and an implacable, power-hungry foe.
JudgeSim
Things were worse than ever in Banana Republic, a somber island country. While anarchists roamed the streets, corruption was running deeper due to economic crisis and rising crime rates. Bearing these burdens were "judges" who tried to make things right with honesty...
Organs Please
A dark and satirical management sim, where you take control of a recycling factory with a twist: it recycles humans. Your job is to decide who gets to escape our dying planet in a cozy spaceship and who sacrifices their blood, sweat and tears for humanity. Literally.
Mind Scanners
Greetings. Your Mind Scanner request has been approved. Your duty is to diagnose and treat the citizens of The Structure. The patient list is long so don't waste your time. We’ll let you see your daughter soon...
The Red Strings Club
The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.
Gemini Rue
Discover a world where life is cheap, identities are bought & sold, & a quest for redemption can change the fate of a whole galaxy.
Bingle Bingle
Bingle Bingle is a 'Roulette Builder' game where you can create your own Roulette. Strategically combine various betting options and unique balls to create synergies, earn extreme scores, and beat the casino.
Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?
Death and Taxes
In this 2D, short narrative-based game, you assume the role of the Grim Reaper... on an office job. Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die. The consequences of your choices are yours to bear, while the mystery of your incarnation awaits revelation!
Beat Cop
A retro, pixel art style adventure in New York, inspired by ’80s cop shows. You are Jack Kelly and you’ve been framed for murder. Now as a regular beat cop you have to find out, who did that. Expect thick crime story, a lot of black humour and all the other things you can find on the streets of Brooklyn.
FACEMINER
Build a biometric data harvesting empire from scratch in FACEMINER, the hardcore thriller clicker set in 1999. Classify data, upgrade mining infrastructure, and scale up your A.I. surveillance empire to obscene ends in this creepy narrative-driven incremental management sim with a dystopian twist.
Don't Escape: 4 Days to Survive
Survive through four days at the end of the world in this post-apocalyptic point-and-click thriller where your choices could keep you alive... or not.
No Umbrellas Allowed
Reveal the true value of the items coming into the shop. Each item has their own history. Dig deep to see what is behind them and become an expert appraiser. Begin a tug of war with customers. With their own expectations and knowledge, they never give up on money.
VirtuaVerse
VirtuaVerse is a challenging old school cyberpunk point & click adventure set in a future not so far away narrating tales of technomancers, AVR graffiti writers, hacker groups, tribes of cryptoshamans, digital archeology, epic cyberwars and virtual reality debauchery.
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.Most played games like Papers, Please on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Papers, Please that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Realm Grinder
Similarity 52% Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever! Realm Grinder is a free to play, clicker and pixel graphics game developed by Divine Games and published by Kongregate. Released on June 15th 2017 has received 7,027 reviews of which 6,120 were positive and 907 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Papers, Please, thanks to its 827 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
6,120
907
827
players
2. The Roottrees are Dead
Similarity 51% A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation. The Roottrees are Dead is a puzzle, mystery and detective game developed by Robin Ward and published by Evil Trout. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 2,074 reviews of which 2,027 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 189 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Papers, Please based on player count.
9.3
2,027
47
189
players
3. Game Dev Tycoon
Similarity 50% In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans. Game Dev Tycoon is a management, simulation and indie game developed and published by Greenheart Games 💚. Released on August 29th 2013 has received 35,783 reviews of which 34,126 were positive and 1,657 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 180 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Papers, Please based on player count.
9.3
34,126
1,657
180
players
4. Baba Is You
Similarity 51% 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! Baba Is You is a puzzle, indie and difficult game developed and published by Hempuli Oy. Released on March 13th 2019 has received 21,631 reviews of which 21,160 were positive and 471 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 166 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.6
21,160
471
166
players
5. Unpacking
Similarity 61% Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking. Unpacking is a relaxing, cute and casual game developed by Witch Beam and published by Humble Games. Released on November 01st 2021 has received 34,788 reviews of which 32,384 were positive and 2,404 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 151 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.1
32,384
2,404
151
players
6. The Talos Principle
Similarity 52% The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything). The Talos Principle is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Croteam and Devolver Digital. Released on December 11th 2014 has received 31,660 reviews of which 30,206 were positive and 1,454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 113 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.3
30,206
1,454
113
players
7. Sticky Business
Similarity 56% Experience the joy of running your own cozy small business: Create stickers, pack orders and hear your customers’ stories. Time to build the cutest shop on the internet! Sticky Business is a casual, relaxing and simulation game developed by Spellgarden Games and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on July 17th 2023 has received 5,903 reviews of which 5,597 were positive and 306 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 112 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.2
5,597
306
112
players
8. Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Similarity 51% Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator! Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator is a free to play, horror and singleplayer game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on December 04th 2017 has received 29,934 reviews of which 28,134 were positive and 1,800 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.2
28,134
1,800
96
players
9. This Is the Police
Similarity 50% This Is the Police is a strategy/adventure game set in a city spiraling the drain. Taking the role of gritty Police Chief Jack Boyd, you'll dive into a deep story of crime and intrigue. Will Jack reach his retirement with a nice stack of bills, or will he end up broken ... or worse? This Is the Police is a strategy, management and story rich game developed by Weappy Studio and published by THQ Nordic. Released on August 02nd 2016 has received 10,563 reviews of which 8,749 were positive and 1,814 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
8.1
8,749
1,814
90
players
10. Void Stranger
Similarity 53% Place your faith and embrace the Void. Void Stranger is a mystery, puzzle and adventure game developed and published by System Erasure. Released on September 01st 2023 has received 2,145 reviews of which 1,945 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
8.7
1,945
200
61
players
Best deals on games like Papers, Please on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Papers, Please available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Papers, Please.
1. Deponia: The Complete Journey
Similarity 55% Junk, junk and even more junk. Life on the trash-planet Deponia is anything but a walk in the park. No surprise that Rufus had enough of that and hatches one ludicrous plan after the other to escape this bleak place. Deponia: The Complete Journey is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on July 08th 2014 has received 6,501 reviews of which 5,593 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8.4
5,593
908
-95%
30.80€
1.54€
2. Not For Broadcast
Similarity 66% A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,456 reviews of which 10,782 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Papers, Please.
9.2
10,782
674
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
3. Beholder 2
Similarity 75% You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make! Beholder 2 is a dystopian , choices matter and strategy game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on December 04th 2018 has received 6,876 reviews of which 6,026 were positive and 850 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Papers, Please.
8.5
6,026
850
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Song of Farca
Similarity 60% Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural. Song of Farca is a choices matter, story rich and simulation game developed by Wooden Monkeys and published by Alawar. Released on July 21st 2021 has received 1,127 reviews of which 929 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
7.9
929
198
-94%
18.33€
1.10€
5. Beholder
Similarity 75% You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you? Beholder is a dystopian , choices matter and political sim game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 26,726 reviews of which 24,489 were positive and 2,237 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
9.0
24,489
2,237
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Children of Silentown
Similarity 51% Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks. Children of Silentown is a atmospheric, point & click and adventure game developed by Elf Games and Luna2 Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 11th 2023 has received 1,259 reviews of which 1,096 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8.3
1,096
163
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
7. Through the Darkest of Times
Similarity 57% Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times. Through the Darkest of Times is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Paintbucket Games and published by HandyGames. Released on January 30th 2020 has received 1,077 reviews of which 907 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8
907
170
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Similarity 60% A digital voyeur simulator where you watch strangers through surveillance cameras. Invade their privacy and witness their most intimate moments, but don’t interact with the subjects – anything could happen if you dare feed the monkeys! Do Not Feed the Monkeys is a point & click, political sim and management game developed by Fictiorama Studios and published by Alawar. Released on October 23rd 2018 has received 10,638 reviews of which 9,976 were positive and 662 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
9.1
9,976
662
-92%
15.00€
1.20€
9. The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
Similarity 53% The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a folk horror narrative-driven adventure. Explore the isolated moors of rural Victorian England as you uncover the mysteries of Hob's Barrow. The answers lie in the soil... The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a point & click, adventure and horror game developed by Cloak and Dagger Games and published by Wadjet Eye Games. Released on September 28th 2022 has received 2,364 reviews of which 2,194 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8.9
2,194
170
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
10. Beholder 3
Similarity 71% When a high-ranking security officer saves you from prison, you end up a pawn in her schemes. Now you must eliminate anyone standing in the way of her secret plans and try to get your life back while working two jobs. No tenant, employee or superior is safe from your spying. Beholder 3 is a political sim, simulation and dystopian game developed by Paintbucket Games and published by Alawar. Released on March 03rd 2022 has received 2,244 reviews of which 1,500 were positive and 744 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
6.5
1,500
744
-92%
17.00€
1.36€
Free games like Papers, Please on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Papers, Please you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Papers, Please.
1. Realm Grinder
Similarity 52% Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever! Realm Grinder is a free to play, clicker and pixel graphics game developed by Divine Games and published by Kongregate. Released on June 15th 2017 has received 7,027 reviews of which 6,120 were positive and 907 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 827 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Papers, Please.
8.5
6,120
907
827
players
2. Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Similarity 51% Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator! Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator is a free to play, horror and singleplayer game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on December 04th 2017 has received 29,934 reviews of which 28,134 were positive and 1,800 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
9.2
28,134
1,800
96
players
3. At Home Alone Final
Similarity 59% A casual healing rpg that takes players on a journey around the house from the perspective of a young girl, what does she do when she's home alone? What strange things will you come across in the process, and while exploring, perhaps... What other strange secrets might you discover? At Home Alone Final is a free to play, rpg and horror game developed by 阿正不经 and published by 0Cube. Released on December 31st 2021 has received 7,144 reviews of which 6,952 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
9.4
6,952
192
4
players
4. Eternal Senia
Similarity 50% Thoughts and expectations ARPG Eternal Senia is a anime, free to play and rpg game developed and published by Sanctum Games. Released on June 18th 2015 has received 11,938 reviews of which 11,648 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
9.5
11,648
290
3
players
5. Missing Translation
Similarity 51% Lost in a weird city in the middle of the desert and surrounded by strange creatures that keep staring at you. This is a game about exploring the unknown and solving puzzles... lots of them! Don't be fooled by the looks, this isn't a point & click adventure. Missing Translation is a free to play, pixel graphics and indie game developed by ALPixel Games, Luis Diaz, Gustavo Santos, Albert Fernandez and Tice Thomason and published by GamesBoosters. Released on September 24th 2015 has received 3,245 reviews of which 2,846 were positive and 399 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.4
2,846
399
3
players
6. Delores: A Thimbleweed Park Mini-Adventure
Similarity 60% Delores is back home and working as a photographer for the Nickel News. Thimbleweed Park hasn’t changed at all in the year she’s been away… or has it? Sample Ron Gilbert’s new adventure game engine in this free prototype that uses “found art” from the award-winning Thimbleweed Park. Delores: A Thimbleweed Park Mini-Adventure is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed and published by Terrible Toybox. Released on May 09th 2020 has received 607 reviews of which 534 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.3
534
73
3
players
7. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1
Similarity 60% What do you do if you are the only one left aboard a spaceship? Your team has embarked on a mysterious expedition a few years ago, the ship’s machinery has started acting up and it seems there are ghosts wandering about. Luckily, the black hole above you doesn’t pose any problems…yet. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1 is a indie, sci-fi and point & click game developed by Pavel Kostin and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on January 12th 2018 has received 480 reviews of which 378 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
7.4
378
102
3
players
8. Beneath a Steel Sky (1994)
Similarity 59% After being abducted by brutal soldiers and his kinfolk butchered, Robert Foster finds himself in Union City - a vast metropolis under the tyranny of a fascist AI. Alone, save for the circuit board of his best friend, Foster must discover the sinister truth - and why they specifically came for him. Beneath a Steel Sky (1994) is a adventure, free to play and point & click game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on July 27th 2020 has received 487 reviews of which 438 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.4
438
49
2
players
9. The Lion's Song: Episode 1 - Silence
Similarity 56% „The Lion's Song: Episode 1 – Silence" draws the player into the life of a talented young composer, Wilma, preparing for her breakthrough concert, the defining moment of her career. Searching for inspiration she escapes from the pressure for success to the solitude of the Austrian Alps. The Lion's Song: Episode 1 - Silence is a indie, adventure and choices matter game developed and published by Mi'pu'mi Games GmbH. Released on July 07th 2016 has received 2,220 reviews of which 2,051 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.8
2,051
169