Choose I Hate Running Backwards
Choose I Hate Running Backwards if you want the Steam Leaderboards side of the pairing. On Steam, it's Steam Deck Verified, so handheld play works out of the box. I Hate Running Backwards launched in 2018.
I Hate Running Backwards vs Woodpunk
I Hate Running Backwards and Woodpunk both land in Action, Indie on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both share Action, Indie on Steam. Both released in 2018. Woodpunk scores higher on Steam reviews (73.9% positive) than I Hate Running Backwards (70.8% positive). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Woodpunk
Choose Woodpunk if you want the Shared/Split Screen side of the pairing. Woodpunk launched in 2018.
Both I Hate Running Backwards and Woodpunk sit in Action and Indie on Steam and both list Multi-player, Shared/Split Screen PvP, and Shared/Split Screen Co-op, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 I Hate Running Backwards |  Woodpunk | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2018 | 2018 |
| Genres | Action, Indie | Action, Indie |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Steam Deck | Deck Verified | Deck Playable |
| Price | 14.99 USD | 14.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | 70.8% positive (113 reviews) | 73.9% positive (46 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Multi-player, Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Co-op | Multi-player, Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Co-op |
| Developers | Binx Games, Croteam Incubator, Croteam | Meteorbyte Studios |
Side by side
- Both share Action, Indie on Steam.
- Both released in 2018.
- Woodpunk scores higher on Steam reviews (73.9% positive) than I Hate Running Backwards (70.8% positive).
- Woodpunk is currently ~0% cheaper on Steam than I Hate Running Backwards (14.99 USD vs. 14.99 USD).
- Both support cooperative play.
- Steam Deck: I Hate Running Backwards is Deck Verified, Woodpunk is Deck Playable.
I Hate Running Backwards vs Woodpunk — FAQ
- Are I Hate Running Backwards and Woodpunk similar?
- They overlap on Action, Indie on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Do both I Hate Running Backwards and Woodpunk have co-op?
- Yes — both list a co-op category on Steam. Specifics differ: I Hate Running Backwards ships Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Co-op; Woodpunk ships Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Co-op.