Layers of Fear (2016) vs The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Which one is worth buying now, with today's prices and each game's recommendation.
Layers of Fear (2016) wins 12 of 15 head-to-head metrics. Layers of Fear (2016) is $2.04 cheaper.
Metric by metric
The winner of each row gets a ✓. No row weighs more than another; the recommendation is calculated separately.
| Metric | Layers of Fear (2016) | The Vanishing of Ethan Carter |
|---|---|---|
| GameValio scoreRecommendation: Worth It × Maybe | 75 | 67 |
| Quality | 83 | 85 |
| Value | 98 | 75 |
| Popularity | 33 | 31 |
| Current Best Price (USD) | $1.99 | $4.03 |
| Steam Review Score | 89.6% positive | 87.6% positive |
| Average Concurrent Players (14 days) | 44 | 1 |
Where to buy
The 3 cheapest stores for each game
Layers of Fear (2016)
Side by side over time
Layers of Fear (2016)The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Details and requirements
| Item | Layers of Fear (2016) | The Vanishing of Ethan Carter |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | February 15, 2016 | September 25, 2014 |
| Developers | Bloober Team SA | The Astronauts |
| Publishers | Bloober Team SA | The Astronauts |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows, MacOs | Windows |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Layers of Fear (2016) or The Vanishing of Ethan Carter?
Layers of Fear (2016) won the comparison against The Vanishing of Ethan Carter based on the head-to-head metric breakdown. Check the metrics table above for a full side-by-side analysis.
How is the comparison calculated?
The comparison winner is determined objectively by counting which game wins more individual metrics in the head-to-head table. No weighting is applied. The GameValio Recommendation shown separately is our own suggestion for each game, based on a weighted score that combines quality (reviews), popularity (player counts), and affordability (price vs value) into a score out of 100. These are two different things: the comparison is objective, the recommendation is GameValio's opinion.
Is Layers of Fear (2016) worth buying over The Vanishing of Ethan Carter?
Based on the metrics, Layers of Fear (2016) won the direct comparison. However, also check the GameValio Recommendation for each game and the price comparison table to make the most informed purchase decision.
Which game has better player reviews?
Review score trends and volume over time are shown in the charts section above. The game with consistently higher positive ratios has stronger community reception.
Which game offers better value for money?
The affordability score and price comparison table above highlight the best deals. Layers of Fear (2016) currently scores better on value relative to its quality and price.
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Analysis updated: Oct 24, 2026, 12:19 PM UTC