Single-player games like JoY
Below are 10 single-player Steam games similar to JoY, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like JoY page.
Ranked picks
- 1
Psychopathy Assessment
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
Psychopathy Assessment is a retro-80s V.H.S PS1 style analog horror game that blurs the line between reality and delusion. Step into a universe where you're not just playing a game; you're taking a psychopathy test, but the stakes are considerably higher than a straightforward diagnosis.
- 2
Here I Come
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
Stay alive in a deadly reality show.
- 3
CRUELTY
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
"CRUELTY" is a Japanese-made splatter horror. You were in an accident and lost consciousness. The moment you wake up, you find yourself in a nightmare world, one that is not of this Earth. In an abattoir ruled by madness, horrific scenes unfold, and inescapable terror awaits you.
- 4
The Backrooms Project
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
Scientists made a new discovery about the Backrooms. Noclipping out of bounds in normal reality was a myth for long, but now it can be real! Now they are looking for subjects to test it on civil people. There are already scientists inside, so you have nothing to worry about, they say. Or do you?
- 5
MADiSON
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
MADiSON is a first person psychological horror game that delivers an immersive and terrifying experience. With the help of an instant camera, connect the human world with the beyond, take pictures and develop them by yourself. Solve puzzles, explore your surroundings and most importantly, survive.
- 6
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
Descend into madness in a first-person survival horror inspired by Lovecraft and Giger. Solve the mystery of esoteric cults. Cross the gate to the blasphemous land of Lusst’ghaa. Play the new M-rated cut of the fan-favorite Lust from Beyond.
- 7
Dread X Collection
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
10 Tales of Terror from 10 Twisted Minds. Made in only 7 Sleepless Nights. The Dread X Collection is a series of small games created by some of the most talented indie devs around, all with the same mission: create the P.T. for the horror project of their dreams.
- 8
In The Backrooms
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
"God save you if you hear something wandering around nearby, because it sure as hell has heard you.."
- 9
NoRoY
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with JoY.
A dark adventure full of tense moments that will test your skills. Your main goal is to climb to the top while avoiding difficult obstacles and disturbing creatures. NoRoY is very agile, but a single mistake can cause you to lose all your progress. Inspired by games like: Celeste + Getting Over it
- 10
Desktank
Single-player alternative to JoY — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with JoY.
A cozy idle aquarium that lives on top of your screen. Watch fish swim, grow, and interact while you work or relax. Desktank turns your desktop into a peaceful underwater world — float it in the corner or let it take over the whole screen. Just sit back and enjoy the calm.