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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys 2099
Spy on strangers through security cameras, invade their privacy and discover their secrets in this digital voyeur simulator. Welcome to the future of The Primate Observation Club. Even in 2099 the rule about messing with your unlucky subjects still remains in this sequel: DO NOT feed the monkeys!
UNREAL LIFE
And now, for today's story.
Song of Farca
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.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
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!
Mainlining
After MI7 has been hacked, your primary goal is to bring a cyber-criminal network to justice. Played entirely from your computer's desktop, Mainlining is a thrilling point and click hacking adventure that features a gripping narrative which will have you hooked from the very first case.
Gods Will Be Watching
Gods Will Be Watching is a minimalistic “point and click thriller” centered on despair, commitment, and sacrifice as players face intriguing puzzles and tough decisions that will affect their entire crew’s wellbeing.
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
Lil' Guardsman
Imagine you're a 12 year old, suddenly in charge of the guard shed at the castle gate, where you decide if elves, goblins and 100+ other characters should be admitted. It's a wonderful combination of deduction, narrative and puzzle games.
Through the Darkest of Times
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.
Just Ignore Them
One night can feel like a lifetime of pain, suffering and horror to a child...do you have what it takes to survive the night? Play as an 8 year old child who is tormented by monsters in his house. Your choices make his future which lives can be saved or ended.
Sticky Business
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!
Some Some Convenience Store
A game about starting a relationship while working part-time at a convenience store
The Deed
A keenly dark twist on the traditional murder mystery setting, The Deed is an Adventure/RPG game about getting away with murder. Arran Bruce, the rightful heir to Dunshiel House, returns home to settle a score with his estranged family.
For the People
For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..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 19th 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 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 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 912 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
6,139
908
912
players
2. 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 245 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
34,126
1,657
245
players
3. 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 2,158 reviews of which 2,109 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 194 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
2,109
49
194
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 182 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
182
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 34,847 reviews of which 32,441 were positive and 2,406 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 175 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.1
32,441
2,406
175
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 31,695 reviews of which 30,238 were positive and 1,457 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 143 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.3
30,238
1,457
143
players
7. 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. With 113 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.2
28,134
1,800
113
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.2
5,597
306
112
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
76
players
10. 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. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Papers, Please.
9.0
24,489
2,237
71
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 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Papers, Please.
1. The Night of the Rabbit
Similarity 52% Lose yourself in a tale of magic and wonder, where anything is possible and where nothing is quite as it seems: join young Jerry and follow a peculiar white rabbit to the wondrous realm of Mousewood, a land where critters can speak and where mystery abounds. The Night of the Rabbit is a adventure, point & click and indie game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on May 28th 2013 has received 3,155 reviews of which 2,820 were positive and 335 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8.6
2,820
335
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 6,509 reviews of which 5,595 were positive and 914 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Papers, Please.
8.3
5,595
914
-95%
30.80€
1.54€
3. 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 #3 best deal in games like Papers, Please.
9.2
10,782
674
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
4. 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 6,889 reviews of which 6,038 were positive and 851 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 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.
8.5
6,038
851
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
7.9
929
198
-94%
18.33€
1.10€
6. The Darkside Detective
Similarity 54% Grab your trench coat, tune your sixth sense and join the Darkside Division as they investigate the outright bizarre, the downright dangerous and the confusing cases of Twin Lakes. Flesh-hungry tentacles, mafian zombies, and the occasional missing sock are no match for The Darkside Detective. The Darkside Detective is a point & click, detective and pixel graphics game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on July 27th 2017 has received 4,657 reviews of which 4,402 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 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.
9.1
4,402
255
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
9.0
24,489
2,237
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 1,267 reviews of which 1,103 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8.3
1,103
164
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
8
907
170
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. 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 10,658 reviews of which 9,995 were positive and 663 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 #10 position in the best deals for games like Papers, Please.
9.1
9,995
663
-92%
15.00€
1.20€
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 19th 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 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 912 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Papers, Please.
8.5
6,139
908
912
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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 113, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Papers, Please.
9.2
28,134
1,800
113
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
9.5
11,648
290
5
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.4
2,846
399
3
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.4
438
49
2
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
2
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
9.4
6,952
192
1
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
8.8
2,051
169
9. 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 481 reviews of which 377 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Papers, Please.
7.4
377
104