Games Like ANIMAL WELL

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Platformer 10.2%, Exploration 3.9%, Retro 3%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the same dense, pixelated atmosphere and deep, cryptic secrets that define the Animal Well experience.

Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.5%, Exploration 16.6%, Puzzle 13.7%, Nonlinear 11.4%, Cute 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like Animal Well, it hides a massive, interconnected world behind layers of mystery and non-linear puzzle-solving.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Exploration 27.4%, Mystery 20.9%, Puzzle 15.7%, Horror 13.2%, Atmospheric 11%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the pure joy of discovery and the feeling of unraveling a complex, ancient mystery through environmental observation.

Place your faith and embrace the Void.

Why similar: Mystery 28.8%, Puzzle 27.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, 2D 8.9%, Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply cryptic puzzle game that rewards players for looking beyond the surface, much like the hidden layers of Animal Well.

From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 31%, Puzzle 26.3%, Exploration 18.5%, Atmospheric 9.6%, Adventure 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features brilliant, world-within-a-world puzzle mechanics that mirror the clever environmental manipulation found in Animal Well.

Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.

Why similar: Platformer 23.8%, Puzzle 18.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Exploration 12.6%, Puzzle Platformer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on perspective-shifting exploration and uncovering hidden secrets in a world that feels both charming and mysterious.

You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.8%, Platformer 14.4%, Exploration 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Atmospheric 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides an incredibly atmospheric and unsettling world where survival depends on learning the environment's unique rules.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.5%, Platformer 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Exploration 4.2%, Retro 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic metroidvania that leans into the strange, alien atmosphere and pixel-art aesthetic that fans of Animal Well will appreciate.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 33.7%, Retro 21.1%, 2D 9.1%, Platformer 8.2%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: This collection of retro-styled games offers a similar sense of discovery and hidden depth within its pixelated aesthetic.

Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!

Why similar: Puzzle 45.7%, Pixel Graphics 20.6%, Cute 10%, Indie 7.2%, 2D 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It challenges your logic and perception in ways that feel spiritually similar to the most complex puzzles in Animal Well.

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55%, Platformer 12.3%, Exploration 7.9%, Puzzle 6.7%, Puzzle Platformer 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for challenging, interconnected metroidvania puzzles that require intense observation and note-taking.

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Mystery 35.3%, Puzzle 26.4%, Atmospheric 15%, Horror 6.9%, Retro 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at the 'detective' aspect of gaming, requiring players to piece together a narrative through observation and deduction.

Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, Exploration 10.6%, Nonlinear 10.5%, Platformer 8.8%, Atmospheric 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a charming, exploration-heavy metroidvania experience with a focus on uncovering secrets in an afterlife setting.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.2%, Exploration 10%, Platformer 9.9%, Nonlinear 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania that captures the lonely, atmospheric exploration and tight platforming of the genre.

Escape the depths of an otherworldly labyrinth in this cinematic puzzle platformer. Explore a hauntingly beautiful world, with three playable characters, in one dark, interconnected story.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 22.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Exploration 12.1%, Platformer 11.1%, Mystery 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a dark, atmospheric, and story-rich pixel art experience that feels tonally aligned with the unsettling moments in Animal Well.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.1%, Platformer 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Exploration 8.2%, Atmospheric 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes movement-based exploration and platforming challenges within a sprawling, interconnected world.

Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 20.8%, Surreal 16.5%, Nonlinear 14.1%, Puzzle 12.8%, Exploration 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, perspective-bending puzzle game that encourages players to explore and manipulate its abstract, infinite architecture.

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 31.7%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Platformer 14.9%, Atmospheric 6.9%, Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer that uses creative movement mechanics to navigate its strange, decaying world.

Try the demo! A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, terrible combat, secret upgrades and new abilities that help you reach new places. Playtime 12-25h.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.5%, Puzzle Platformer 24.5%, Exploration 11.6%, Puzzle 9.3%, Platformer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A first-person metroidvania that prioritizes clever, physics-based puzzles and exploration over traditional combat.

Toki Tori 2+ may look cute, but it’s a challenging puzzle adventure game. Whistle and stomp are the only moves you need to solve increasingly complex puzzles, as you go anywhere, anytime on a lush forest island.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Puzzle Platformer 16.9%, Nonlinear 11.4%, Platformer 9.3%, Exploration 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pure puzzle-metroidvania where you learn to manipulate the environment using only the abilities provided by the world's creatures.

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Pixel Graphics 26.7%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Exploration 11.7%, Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It uses a cryptic, wordless narrative and beautiful pixel art to create an immersive, mysterious world.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Platformer 9.4%, Retro 4.8%, Exploration 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, atmospheric metroidvania that focuses on exploration and environmental hazards in a compact, well-designed map.

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.1%, Puzzle Platformer 17.8%, Platformer 10.5%, Exploration 8.8%, Puzzle 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that blends platforming with dark, puzzle-heavy exploration in a gothic environment.

Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.3%, Platformer 15.1%, Exploration 11.6%, Cute 5.3%, 2D 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A non-violent metroidvania that focuses entirely on platforming and exploration, removing combat to highlight the world's design.

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.5%, Platformer 13.9%, Exploration 12.9%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Mystery 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A visually striking metroidvania that emphasizes fluid movement and atmospheric exploration in a mysterious setting.

Help a small body save a head-like organism full of air, from a leak that threatens its life. Explore their Metroidvania-style world and overcome challenging environmental puzzles to find the key to the head's survival.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, Puzzle Platformer 16.9%, Surreal 10%, Puzzle 7.2%, Platformer 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania with a unique premise where you must manage your character's head to solve environmental puzzles and progress.

A Bomb Caterpillar's Big Adventure! "Öoo" is a charming yet mysterious exploration puzzle platformer where you discover creative ways to use bombs!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.3%, Puzzle Platformer 20.1%, Exploration 8.6%, Platformer 8.6%, Puzzle 7.9%

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.3%, Platformer 14.3%, Exploration 9.6%, Atmospheric 7.5%, Cute 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and accessible metroidvania that balances exploration with clever, lighthearted puzzle elements.

Use and upgrade magic items, collect hidden treasures, and uncover the secrets between two worlds in this cute isometric puzzler! When a certain vacationing Elephant stumbles upon a way into the land of the dead, will she unwittingly let something far more sinister slip through?

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Puzzle Platformer 16.6%, Nonlinear 11.3%, Platformer 9.1%, Puzzle 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: An isometric puzzle-metroidvania that rewards exploration and experimentation with its unique world-flipping mechanics.

Leap Year is a clumsy platformer about knowledge and discovery. Explore a compact, hand drawn world filled with hidden paths. Understand the game’s secrets to reach new areas and collect all the pages of your calendar.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29%, Puzzle Platformer 16.6%, Nonlinear 10.5%, Exploration 8.9%, Platformer 8.2%

Hollow Floor is an exploration-based single-sitting Metroidvania inspired by VVVVVV and REDDER. Hollow Floor is a relaxed game that is full of secrets and hard challenges that can be tackled at any moment in the game or completely ignored.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Platformer 8.2%, Exploration 7.5%, Retro 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platforming metroidvania that offers a cute aesthetic paired with challenging, secret-filled exploration.

Explore an interconnected world full of platforming challenges in this short metroidvania. Reach new areas by swinging from ceilings, throwing bombs, bouncing off spikes, and more. Examine dozens of artifacts, commune with forgotten gods, and piece together what happened to Auridia.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.1%, Exploration 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Platformer 9.3%, Puzzle 6.2%

Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46?

Why similar: Puzzle 24.4%, Exploration 21.4%, Mystery 20.4%, Nonlinear 15.6%, Atmospheric 8%

A top-down action-adventure game as you collect & solve puzzles in order for you to explore & unravel this mysterious world.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Mystery 19.6%, Exploration 14.8%, Puzzle 10.4%, Cute 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art adventure that focuses on lore-rich mystery and psychological exploration in a quiet, atmospheric world.

In this award-winning puzzle adventure game, play as the Traveler on a quest to reunite the Peoples of the Tower. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the Myth of Babel.

Why similar: Puzzle 39.3%, Puzzle Platformer 14.4%, Adventure 9.1%, Atmospheric 9%, Exploration 8.7%

Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.2%, Platformer 12.2%, Exploration 9.6%, Atmospheric 5.1%, 2D 4.8%

Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.1%, Platformer 15.6%, Atmospheric 7%, 2D 5.7%, Action 3.5%

Explore in a black-and-white world. You'll encounter interesting enemies, feel smooth physics effects, freely combine props to solve fun puzzles, use powerful weapons, and defeat cool bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.1%, Puzzle Platformer 18.3%, Exploration 9.2%, Platformer 9.2%, Puzzle 8.4%

Five animal friends with unique abillities unite in this metroidvania adventure! You'll need to master each animal's skill to complete your quest! Play as the dog, duck, cat, frog and raccoon at the same time!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.9%, Nonlinear 13.8%, Exploration 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Platformer 8.1%

Explore, fight, solve puzzles and bend gravity to escape the dream-like world of the Halls! Metro Gravity is a mind-boggling musical adventure with rhythmic combat and compelling lore.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.7%, Puzzle Platformer 18.9%, Exploration 10.2%, Surreal 9%, Puzzle 8%

Cast into an ancient crypt, survive the horrors that dwell below, and ascend from despair with your unexpected companion in this short 2D puzzle platformer. Take risks to evade the petrifying gaze from beyond the dark.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 27.7%, Platformer 18.9%, Puzzle 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Horror 8.9%

Go on an adventure in a world packed with secrets helped by your friend, a poulp with many abilities. Explore, solve puzzles, wander across dungeons, blast through races and much more in this cute game inspired by the best 3D platformers

Why similar: Metroidvania 28%, Puzzle Platformer 18.4%, Platformer 12.3%, Exploration 10.4%, Puzzle 8.2%

Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 30.2%, Surreal 17%, Puzzle 13.3%, Exploration 11.8%, Platformer 9.8%

Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Exploration 13.6%, Platformer 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.2%, Retro 8.1%

Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface…

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 23.6%, Surreal 17%, Puzzle 14.6%, Horror 14.3%, Exploration 10.4%

Master Key is a top-down adventure game with a strong focus on item-based exploration and secrets. Embark on a journey to discover what that key could be used for and meet colorful characters!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Nonlinear 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Exploration 10.6%, Retro 7.7%

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, Puzzle Platformer 18.6%, Platformer 10%, Exploration 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%

You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.

Why similar: Puzzle 35.3%, Exploration 22.2%, Nonlinear 9.8%, Atmospheric 8.2%, Mystery 6.4%

A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.

Why similar: Mystery 25.3%, Puzzle 20%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Exploration 12.1%, Atmospheric 10.7%

Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.3%, Platformer 16.4%, Exploration 10.4%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Adventure 5%

A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.

Why similar: Mystery 33.7%, Puzzle 31.8%, Atmospheric 14.3%, Retro 6.6%, Adventure 5.3%

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Nonlinear 15.7%, Exploration 10.2%, Platformer 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Platformer 23.9%, Exploration 22%, Mystery 20.4%, Atmospheric 14.2%, 2D 8.8%

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Exploration 9.3%, Mystery 9.1%, Platformer 6.7%

A mind-bending recursive puzzle game about boxes within boxes within boxes within boxes. Learn to use infinity to your advantage as you explore a deep and elegant system.

Why similar: Puzzle 68.2%, 2D 17.6%, Indie 8.2%, Singleplayer 6%

The stage is set. Imagine an old baroque manor, perhaps a hotel or a museum, somewhere in central Europe. A woman wanders in search of answers.

Why similar: Puzzle 27.7%, Exploration 19.5%, Horror 17.8%, Mystery 16.7%, Adventure 9.1%

Solve puzzle panels and uncover the meaning of the symbols within. Explore a dense world where secrets are hidden in plain sight.

Why similar: Nonlinear 23.9%, Puzzle 15.6%, Surreal 14.1%, Exploration 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%

Genopanic is a pixel-art, Metroidvania-inspired adventure-platformer. Explore corridors of the space station, teeming with secrets and dangers, and engage in boss fights. Solve puzzles and uncover hidden mysteries in the dark atmosphere of a sci-fi research complex. Discover the truth with each step

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.3%, Platformer 13%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Exploration 11.2%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...

Why similar: Horror 31.9%, Surreal 24.3%, Puzzle 23.6%, Pixel Graphics 12%, 2D 5.4%

Explore, solve puzzles, and fight your way through over 100 screens and return your pumpkin pals!

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.4%, Nonlinear 17.9%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%, Atmospheric 4.2%