IMHO.

Games like The Pathless

If The Pathless is your kind of game, the closest matches are Portabellows, Kalanoro and A Short Hike — picked from the ranked list below. Reviewers single out its atmospheric, chill and contemplative. Each pick is ranked by what players of this game also play, shared genres and tags, and review-mined similarity — not a generic popularity list.

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The Pathless is an open-world adventure from Giant Squid, published by Annapurna Interactive in 2021, made by the team behind ABZU. As a master archer with an eagle companion, players travel a mystic island to dispel a curse, using wind-powered movement and traversal to maintain a flow state while solving environmental puzzles and facing cinematic bosses. It carries a Metacritic score of 81, runs 91% positive of 1,166 Steam reviews, and is Playable on Steam Deck. Reviewers describe an atmospheric, contemplative experience and credit the eagle companion that feels natural, the deeply satisfying exploration, and movement that enables flow-state traversal. Priced at $39.99, it pairs traversal-based progression with boss encounters across its forest world.

About The Pathless: From the creators of ABZÛ, The Pathless is the mythic adventure of an archer and an eagle in a vast forest. Become the Hunter, a master of archery who travels to a mystical island to dispel a curse of darkness that grips the world.

2021ActionIndieAdventure39.99 USDDeck PlayableMetacritic 81Windowsby Giant Squid
The Pathless — Steam game cover
Players highlight
Boss fights are cinematic and intenseEagle companion feels smooth and naturalExploration is deeply satisfying and visually rewardingAtmosphericChillContemplative

Players who liked The Pathless also play

Steam players who put hours into The Pathless also tend to own these titles — a signal called collaborative filtering. imho.run cross-references millions of library ownership patterns to surface games whose real audiences overlap, regardless of whether their genre tags match.

  1. Portabellows

    WHY THIS

    Top pick for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Explore a whimsical island to find… pie recipes?! Bake them by gathering or growing ingredients, which may be the key to helping out your new found quirky friends leave the island! In this wholesome 3D platformer collectathon, you can enjoy discovering the world freely at your own pace.

    2026IndieAdventureCasualSteam ↗
  2. Kalanoro

    WHY THIS

    Second-strongest match for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Action and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Kalanoro is an action-adventure platformer where you build a band of lemur artists. Explore Lemuria, recruit lemur musicians, grow your band and use platforming and combat to fight the witch Raneny, one song at a time.

    2026ActionAdventureSteam ↗
  3. A Short Hike

    WHY THIS

    Third-strongest match for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

    2019IndieAdventure3.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Ranked #4 for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.

    2022ActionIndieAdventure39.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. Smushi Come Home

    WHY THIS

    Shares a chill mood with The Pathless.

    Ranked #5 for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home!

    2023IndieAdventureRPG19.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. Sable

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Ranked #6 for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

    2021IndieAdventureRPG24.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  7. InnerSpace

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Ranked #7 for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Soar through virgin skies and dive into lost oceans as you hunt for the ancient gods of the Inverse, a forsaken realm of inside-out planets. Created by a small team of seven developers and originally funded on Kickstarter, InnerSpace is a bright, colorful exploration flying game with no horizons.

    2018IndieAdventure19.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  8. Demon Tides

    WHY THIS

    Shares hidden collectibles and an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Ranked #8 for The Pathless fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Action and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Race across open oceans and uncover a kingdom’s dark secrets. Expressively platform your way across dozens of locales, upgrading your gear and modifying your move-set every step of the way!

    2026ActionAdventure24.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Reviewers mention these as similar to The Pathless

Surfaced from review text: when other players write 'if you liked X, try Y', we catch the name and resolve it back to a Steam game.

  1. Sword of the Sea

    WHY THIS

    Shares hidden collectibles and an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Surf across magnificent waves of sand and glistening waters on an epic quest to restore a lost ocean. From the visionary artist behind ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Journey, Sword of the Sea is an atmospheric surfing adventure with fast movement inspired by classic skateboarding and snowboarding games.

    2025IndieAdventure29.99 USDSteam ↗
  2. ABZU

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.

    2016IndieAdventureSimulation19.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

    WHY THIS

    Shares an epic mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Action with The Pathless.

    It's a fight for the future of the planet between the Ravagers, a merciless swarm of alien invaders, and the Earth Defense Force (EDF) in this third-person shooter.Play as four different classes in over 80 missions with a range of 800 weapons at your disposal.Co-op play supported.

    2016Action19.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  4. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play.

    At Thors Military Academy, Erebonia’s best learn everything from the art of war to liberal arts. First year Rean Schwarzer learns he’s been selected to join the controversial Class VII, and they’ll need to deal with more than just class warfare--they’ll need to safeguard their country from chaos.

    2017RPG39.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. AER Memories of Old

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

    2017IndieAdventure14.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. Avatar: The Last Airbender - Quest for Balance

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Action with The Pathless.

    Team Avatar is back! Relive the epic adventure of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series, as you play as Aang and his 8 friends to explore the most unique locations from the series, solve challenging puzzles and experience the most heart touching moments of Aang’s story

    2023Action49.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  7. Solar Ash

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Action and Adventure with The Pathless.

    From the creators of the award-winning Hyper Light Drifter comes the high-speed and gravity-bending world of Solar Ash.

    2022ActionAdventure39.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  8. Journey

    WHY THIS

    Reviewers of The Pathless cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

    2020IndieAdventure14.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Cheaper alternatives

Games in the same vein priced at least 40% below The Pathless at current Steam store prices.

  1. Terraria

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~75% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available!

    2011ActionIndieAdventure9.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. Garry's Mod

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~88% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Indie with The Pathless.

    Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play.

    2006IndieSimulationCasual4.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  3. Stardew Valley

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~63% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Indie with The Pathless.

    You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?

    2016IndieSimulationRPG14.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. Phasmophobia

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~50% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can.

    2020ActionIndieEarly Access19.99 USDSteam ↗
  5. Lethal Company

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~75% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    A co-op horror about scavenging at abandoned moons to sell scrap to the Company.

    2023ActionIndieAdventure9.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  6. Left 4 Dead 2

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~75% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action with The Pathless.

    Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 is a co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns.

    2009Action9.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  7. Schedule I

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~50% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more.

    2025ActionStrategyIndie19.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  8. Hollow Knight

    WHY THIS

    Priced ~63% under The Pathless on Steam right now. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

    2017ActionIndieAdventure14.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Free alternatives

Free-to-play games that recommended players of this title also tend to enjoy.

  1. Doki Doki Literature Club!

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Indie with The Pathless.

    The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.

    2017IndieFree To PlayCasualFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  2. Life is Strange - Episode 1

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Action and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future.

    2015ActionAdventureFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  3. Ultimate Custom Night

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!

    2018ActionIndieFree To PlayFreeSteam ↗
  4. ENA: Dream BBQ

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world.

    2025IndieAdventureFreeDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. Indigo Park: Chapter 1

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    Explore the abandoned childhood wonder of Indigo Park! Guided by Rambley the Raccoon, help restore power to the destroyed amusement park while you run from the reason it shut down.

    2024ActionIndieAdventureFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  6. STRAFTAT

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Action with The Pathless.

    STRAFTAT is a 1v1/2v2 ONLINE first person SHOOTER with quick rounds in over 350 MAPS ; Including all WEAPONS, proximity chat and 4 players FFA.

    2024ActionFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  7. The Looker

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Indie with The Pathless.

    You wake up, alone, on a strangely familiar island full of puzzles that will frustrate and annoy you.

    2022IndieFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  8. missed messages.

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Indie with The Pathless.

    ‘goth gf’s iPhone’ airdrops you - accept or decline? A love/horror story about life, death, & memes.

    2019IndieSimulationFree To PlayFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗

Plays great on Steam Deck

Valve-Verified or Playable picks from the similar pool — ready to go on Deck out of the box.

  1. A Short Hike

    WHY THIS

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

    2019IndieAdventure3.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Action and Indie with The Pathless.

    A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.

    2022ActionIndieAdventure39.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. Smushi Come Home

    WHY THIS

    Shares a chill mood with The Pathless.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home!

    2023IndieAdventureRPG19.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. Sable

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

    2021IndieAdventureRPG24.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. InnerSpace

    WHY THIS

    Shares an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Soar through virgin skies and dive into lost oceans as you hunt for the ancient gods of the Inverse, a forsaken realm of inside-out planets. Created by a small team of seven developers and originally funded on Kickstarter, InnerSpace is a bright, colorful exploration flying game with no horizons.

    2018IndieAdventure19.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. Demon Tides

    WHY THIS

    Shares hidden collectibles and an atmospheric mood with The Pathless.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Action and Adventure with The Pathless.

    Race across open oceans and uncover a kingdom’s dark secrets. Expressively platform your way across dozens of locales, upgrading your gear and modifying your move-set every step of the way!

    2026ActionAdventure24.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Frequently asked about The Pathless

Does The Pathless run on Steam Deck?
The Pathless is rated Playable on Steam Deck — it runs, but expect some manual adjustments (control remapping, text size, or graphics settings) for the best experience.
How much does The Pathless cost?
The Pathless is listed on Steam at 39.99 USD (current store price; Steam sales may reduce this temporarily).
What games are most similar to The Pathless?
Based on Steam play patterns and shared genres/tags, the games most often recommended alongside The Pathless are Portabellows, Kalanoro, A Short Hike.
Who developed The Pathless?
The Pathless was developed by Giant Squid and published by Annapurna Interactive.

imho.run ranks Steam game alternatives using a mix of collaborative filtering (ALS / iALS / EASE / LightGCN), content scoring over genres, categories, Steam tags, developers, and publishers, plus AI-extracted vibes mined from review text. The page above is generated in seed mode anchored on The Pathless.

For library-aware picks tuned to your specific taste, sign in with Steam on the home page.