POOLS similar games & best alternatives
Should you play it?
Walking simulator. Explore, admire and listen. Uncanny. Relaxing. Unnerving. Eerie. Immersive. No monsters chasing you or jumping at your screen, but can feel oppressive at times by invoking fears of getting lost, the dark, tight spaces and liminal space architecture. Inspired by backrooms.
What works
- Exceptional atmosphere and sound design
- Unique liminal space exploration
- No jump scares or monsters
- Immersive and creative level design
- Good optimization and graphics
Things to keep in mind
- Short game length
- Limited gameplay mechanics
- Some repetitive areas
- Minor bugs and technical issues
- Lack of multiplayer or social features
What to play next
Top picks
Games that feels the closest overall
Less expressive
Games that feels like POOLS but with less self-expression and customization · 16 games
More survival-focused
Games that feels like POOLS but with a stronger survival pressure · 13 games
More growth-focused
Games that feels like POOLS but with more focus on learning and growth · 5 games
More idle-friendly
Games that feels like POOLS but with a stronger idle, pick-up-and-play feel · 2 games
Others
Other games that might remind you of POOLS · 5 games
Last update: 18/09/2026