The Witness
The Witness is a 2016 first-person puzzle game developed by Thekla, Inc., in which players explore a vibrant, deserted island filled with over five hundred line-drawing puzzles displayed on panels scattered across its varied regions. It was directed by Jonathan Blow, the creator of Braid, after years of development.
The puzzles all use a common maze-tracing interface where players draw a path from a start point to an end, but they gradually teach an elaborate, unspoken visual language through environmental clues, symmetry, patterns of color, light, shadow and even ambient sound, all without a single line of written instruction. Discovery and careful observation are central, rewarding players who learn to read the island itself as part of the puzzle, including hidden environmental puzzles woven into the scenery.
The Witness was acclaimed for its elegant, wordless teaching, sheer density of ingenious puzzles and philosophical undercurrents. It is available across many modern platforms and stands as a landmark of thoughtful, exploration-driven puzzle design.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to The Witness, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
The Talos Principle Indie
€ 19,99A philosophical first-person puzzle game about consciousness and logic.
The Talos Principle runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Taiji Indie
€ 19,99A grid-puzzle exploration game clearly inspired by The Witness.
Taiji runs on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Sign in or create an account to add an alternative or vote.