What The Box? similar games & best alternatives

What The Box?

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Linux, Xbox One • 2016

Should you play it?

What the box is an Online Multiplayer shooter in which players control living boxes hiding amongst regular boxes while trying to destroy each other. Run around with your trusty box cutter in hand or stand still and wait for the perfect moment to strike!

What works
  • Fun and unique stealth gameplay
  • Good humor and sound design
  • Low system requirements
  • Customizable game modes
  • Active developer involvement
Things to keep in mind
  • Small and mostly inactive player base
  • Performance and optimization issues
  • Limited content and maps
  • Lack of singleplayer or bots with good ai
  • Some lag and control responsiveness problems

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • UpGun

  • Starblast

  • Holodrive

  • Clownfield 2042

  • pla_toon

  • Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat

  • Invisigun Reloaded

  • Goofy Gorillas

  • Soccer Rage
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Soccer Rage

  • AQtion

  • Sky Knights
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Competition

    pla_toon
  • Autonomy

    UNO
  • Competence

    The Forever Winter

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

What The Box?: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Status, Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Story, Progression, Continuation.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    3

    "Players can customize game rules and choose different modes, allowing control over gameplay experience."

    Capsule for UNO UNO

    "Players can choose different game modes, customize variables, and freely move and hide as boxes."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    3

    "Gameplay involves overcoming challenging AI, tactical stealth, and survival mechanics; players report a learning curve and skill development."

    Capsule for The Forever Winter The Forever Winter

    "Gameplay involves skillful stealth, aiming, and timing to kill or avoid others, with some players noting a learning curve."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    4

    "Multiplayer deathmatches and leaderboards encourage player versus player competition."

    Capsule for pla_toon pla_toon

    "Multiplayer deathmatch and team modes with scoreboards encourage player comparison and competition."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    1

    "Some players report addictive gameplay and long sessions, but others note limited replayability and quick boredom after repeated play."

    Capsule for The Political Machine 2020 The Political Machine 2020

    "Some players report addictive fun and long play sessions, but others note low replayability and small player base."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    1

    "Some multiplayer modes allow team play, but overall focus is on individual control and personal tactics."

    Capsule for Cossacks II: Battle for Europe Cossacks II: Battle for Europe

    "Some team modes exist and private lobbies with friends are encouraged, but overall gameplay is mostly individual stealth and kills."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Map editor and mod support allow creation and customization beyond base game content."

    Capsule for Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™ Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™

    "Custom game variables and map editor exist, allowing some creative experimentation, though limited content currently."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    1

    "Competitive play involves ranking and winning but no strong evidence of toxic domination or trash talk."

    Capsule for eBaseball™: PRO SPIRIT eBaseball™: PRO SPIRIT

    "Players compete for kills and dominance in matches, but no strong evidence of toxic or dominating behavior."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    3

    "Players enjoy humorous distraction and lighthearted gameplay to relieve stress and escape reality."

    Capsule for Dude, Stop Dude, Stop

    "Players enjoy the humorous, lighthearted gameplay as a fun distraction and stress relief."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social reasons, not out of obligation or pressure."

    Capsule for The Jackbox Party Pack 11 The Jackbox Party Pack 11

    "Players mostly play voluntarily for fun and social reasons, not out of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Variety of game modes and customization options encourage trying new things."

    Capsule for Zero Gear Zero Gear

    "Custom modes and variable tweaking encourage trying new gameplay styles and settings."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    1

    "Maps have some variety and players explore hiding spots, but limited emphasis on discovery or secrets."

    Capsule for Run Prop, Run! - Puropu Pursuit Run Prop, Run! - Puropu Pursuit

    "Maps are varied but limited; some exploration of hiding spots and strategies occurs."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    1

    "Some customization possible via photos and cosmetic items, but limited overall."

    Capsule for Subterror Subterror

    "Limited customization options; some cosmetic ideas suggested but not widely implemented."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    2

    "Game features imaginative fiction with anthropomorphic boxes and whimsical characters."

    Capsule for Unbox: Newbie's Adventure Unbox: Newbie's Adventure

    "Players embody sentient boxes in a humorous fictional setting, a light fantasy experience."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    2

    "Community and playing with friends is valued, but overall player base is small and social features limited."

    Capsule for Assault Bots Assault Bots

    "Community and playing with friends is emphasized, though overall player base is small."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    2

    "Players develop stealth skills, learn level layouts, and improve tactics over time."

    Capsule for Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

    "Players develop stealth and aiming skills, and learn game mechanics over time."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "No physical activity involved; typical sedentary gaming experience."

    Capsule for Split Fiction Split Fiction

    "No physical activity involved; typical sedentary gaming experience."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires active attention and focus during matches; not a casual idle game."

    Capsule for The Mean Greens - Plastic Warfare The Mean Greens - Plastic Warfare

    "Requires active focus and attention during matches; not a casual idle game."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    1

    "Some social interaction and playing with friends, but limited evidence of deep emotional or close relationship formation."

    Capsule for Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals

    "Some social interaction and playing with friends, but limited emotional or close relationship building."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    0

    "No clear evidence of leadership roles or management in gameplay."

    Capsule for pla_toon pla_toon

    "No clear evidence of leadership roles or group management in gameplay."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    1

    "Limited progression through achievements and unlocking modes, but no deep item or upgrade systems."

    Capsule for BBQ Simulator: The Squad BBQ Simulator: The Squad

    "Some progression through scores and unlocking modes, but no deep item or upgrade systems."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    2

    "Some players find the game relaxing and enjoyable; others note moments of tension and challenge."

    Capsule for FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Collector's Edition FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Collector's Edition

    "Players find the game fun and lighthearted, providing relaxation and stress relief."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    2

    "Enjoyable visuals, sound design, and humorous physics provide sensory stimulation and fun."

    Capsule for A Day Out A Day Out

    "Enjoyable sound design and humorous visuals provide sensory stimulation and fun."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    2

    "Leaderboards offer some recognition but limited social status impact."

    Capsule for REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR

    "Scoreboards and kill counts provide some recognition, but limited social status impact."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    -4

    "No narrative or plot; gameplay is context-free and focused on multiplayer matches."

    Capsule for STARWHAL STARWHAL

    "No narrative or plot; gameplay is context-free and focused on multiplayer matches."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Stealth and heist planning require strategic thinking and problem solving."

    Capsule for One-armed robber One-armed robber

    "Stealth, positioning, and timing require strategic thinking and planning."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Tense stealth and action moments create suspense and excitement."

    Capsule for ECHO ECHO

    "Tense moments of hiding and surprise attacks create suspense and excitement."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    2

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale, though some feel price is high for content."

    Capsule for Cannon Brawl Cannon Brawl

    "Generally considered good value for price, especially with friends, though some feel price is high for content."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat involves shooting and defeating enemies, with some creative and humorous weaponry."

    Capsule for Rabbit Hole Rabbit Hole

    "Combat involves stabbing and shooting other boxes, though in a humorous, non-gruesome manner."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    2

    "Players try to avoid being eliminated and manage resources like health and positioning in chaotic matches."

    Capsule for Rubber Bandits Rubber Bandits

    "Players try to avoid being killed and survive in matches, managing positioning and timing."

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Last update: 01/06/2026