Games Like Aquaria

From the creators of Ratchet & Clank, Song of the Deep is a metroidvania-style action-adventure game following a young girl’s quest into the unknown to find her missing father. It combines underwater discovery, skill, and suspense with a powerful story.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.7%, Underwater 34.7% ★, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Adventure 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the most DNA with Aquaria, featuring a female protagonist navigating a vast, interconnected underwater world.

Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.8%, Underwater 36.5% ★, Exploration 8.2%, 2D 2.9%, Side Scroller 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: This underwater metroidvania features unique combat mechanics and a vibrant, deep-sea setting that feels like a modern evolution of Aquaria.

Explore the ruins of the human race and discover the thriving wildlife that blossomed after our extinction in this underwater action/adventure. Encounter monstrous creatures and let curiosity guide you through an inevitable voyage of extinction.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.4%, Underwater 41.1% ★, Adventure 4.6%, Indie 4.4%, Exploration 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the lonely, melancholic beauty of exploring a ruined underwater civilization through a metroidvania lens.

From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.

Why similar: Underwater 42% ★, Great Soundtrack 22.1%, Beautiful 15.4% ★, Exploration 9.5%, Adventure 3%

Why You'll Like It: While less combat-focused, it perfectly replicates the serene, awe-inspiring experience of swimming through diverse and beautiful aquatic ecosystems.

Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.7%, Beautiful 29.6% ★, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Exploration 4.4%, Adventure 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a masterclass in fluid movement and breathtaking art, mirroring the sense of discovery found in Aquaria.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.4%, Female Protagonist 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Indie 4.9%, Adventure 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A strong metroidvania with a compelling female protagonist and a deep, character-driven narrative that mirrors Aquaria's focus on personal growth.

Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?

Why similar: Underwater 30.3% ★, Beautiful 20.3% ★, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Exploration 9.5%, Female Protagonist 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on the scientific and atmospheric wonder of alien underwater exploration, prioritizing discovery over traditional combat.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.2%, Great Soundtrack 28.8%, Beautiful 5.6% ★, Adventure 3.2%, Atmospheric 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: The game's emphasis on atmospheric storytelling and platforming exploration aligns closely with the emotional journey of Naija.

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.2%, Great Soundtrack 23.3%, Exploration 6.6%, Indie 3.4%, 2D 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the gold standard for atmospheric exploration and world-building within a challenging, interconnected 2D map.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.6%, Female Protagonist 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Adventure 3.4%, Exploration 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the charm and exploration-based progression of a classic metroidvania with a vibrant, character-led aesthetic.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 68.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Exploration 4%, Adventure 3.9%, Indie 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at creating a sense of mystery and isolation through its exploration-heavy, non-linear design.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.4%, Great Soundtrack 27%, Indie 4.5%, Exploration 4.2%, Adventure 3%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie metroidvania that balances tight action with a mysterious, unfolding narrative.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Beautiful 47% ★, Great Soundtrack 24.8%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Indie 3.5%, Atmospheric 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on emotional storytelling through beautiful, hand-painted art and atmospheric traversal.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.4%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Exploration 11.1%, 2D 3.9%, Side Scroller 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric metroidvania featuring a female protagonist and a dark, cohesive world to uncover.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Beautiful 10.7% ★, Indie 4.1%, Exploration 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a beautiful art style and a focus on fluid combat and exploration with a strong narrative core.

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 71.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Exploration 3.3%, Indie 3.1%, Female Protagonist 3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with deep combat systems and a female protagonist that rewards exploration.

Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.

Why similar: Underwater 67.6% ★, Exploration 15.5%, Open World 4.7%, Adventure 4.3%, Indie 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Though played in 3D, it is the definitive experience for players who love the feeling of being a lone explorer in a vast, dangerous, and beautiful ocean.

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 66%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Exploration 3.8%, Indie 3.3%, 2D 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes the joy of finding new abilities to unlock previously inaccessible areas of a strange, alien world.

Beyond Blue is a single-player narrative adventure that takes you deep into our planet’s beating blue heart. Explore the awesome wonder and unbounded mystery that exists within the world’s ocean.

Why similar: Underwater 62.9% ★, Exploration 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Female Protagonist 6.1%, Adventure 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a realistic and educational look at underwater exploration, perfect for those who enjoyed the setting of Aquaria.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.4%, Female Protagonist 14%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Exploration 3.4%, Adventure 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style metroidvania with a strong female lead and a massive, secrets-filled map to explore.

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: Great Soundtrack 33.6%, Beautiful 27.2% ★, Exploration 19%, Adventure 5.3%, Indie 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the core spirit of Aquaria's exploration, where the primary goal is uncovering the secrets of an ancient, mysterious world.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Female Protagonist 10.9%, Adventure 5.2%, Exploration 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on digging and exploring a subterranean world provides a satisfying sense of progression and discovery.

Koral, a love letter to the ocean. Dive into the beautiful underwater world as a sea current. Solve puzzles to bring back to life coral reefs and spread the beauty of the oceans in different sea ecosystems.

Why similar: Underwater 37.5% ★, Beautiful 26.9% ★, Great Soundtrack 18.8%, Exploration 7.1%, Adventure 3%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, underwater-focused game that highlights the beauty of marine life and environmental restoration.

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 62.9%, Exploration 9.9%, Adventure 5.3%, Fantasy 4.4%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and accessible metroidvania that prioritizes exploration and a sense of wonder in its floating world design.

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Adventure 5.2%, Indie 3.4%, Platformer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique movement mechanics and interconnected world make exploration feel fresh and joyful, much like the fluid swimming in Aquaria.

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 62.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.9%, Exploration 7.6%, Adventure 3.3%, Indie 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: For players who loved the ancient secrets and puzzle-solving aspects of Aquaria, this game offers a deep, challenging archaeological adventure.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Female Protagonist 13.9%, Exploration 9.1%, Side Scroller 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique time-manipulation mechanics and tight platforming make for a highly engaging metroidvania experience.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.1%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Indie 5%, Adventure 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired metroidvania that focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving within a cohesive, magical world.

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.3%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Indie 8.5%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: The gravity-defying movement mechanics offer a unique way to traverse and explore a complex, interconnected world.

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, 2D 3.3%, Fantasy 1.6%

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 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Beautiful 15.8% ★, Female Protagonist 8.1%, Exploration 5.5%

Awita: Journey of Hope is a captivating side-scrolling metroidvania game that follows the remarkable journey of a courageous girl determined to rescue her village from the clutches of a devastating epidemic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.6%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Exploration 10.9%, Side Scroller 3.3%, 2D 2.8%

A 2D action-adventure through a surreal, subconscious world. Explore moody dungeons, buildings, and atmospheric lands, evoked by dreamy music and visuals. Help the human Young awaken from their dream!

Why similar: Exploration 30.7%, Great Soundtrack 28.3%, Adventure 10.1%, 2D 9.7%, Indie 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its surreal, dream-like atmosphere and emphasis on non-linear exploration mirror the more abstract, mysterious moments of Aquaria.

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 55.4%, Female Protagonist 16.1%, Exploration 10.9%, Indie 3.8%, Fantasy 3.6%

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Great Soundtrack 36.9%, Adventure 3.6%, Exploration 3.5%, Fantasy 2.7%

Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 42.4%, Female Protagonist 15.4%, Beautiful 14.5% ★, Adventure 8.5%, Indie 7.3%

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.9%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Exploration 9.6%, Fantasy 4.6%, Side Scroller 4%

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Exploration 12.6%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Indie 6.6%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Female Protagonist 6.4%, Adventure 6.2%, Indie 5.9%

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.4%, Female Protagonist 12%, Adventure 7.3%, Action 3.6%, 2D 2.9%

Saira is a puzzle platformer with non-linear gameplay and a whole universe for you to explore. The game is heavily influenced by classic puzzle adventure games and uses a new unique graphical style combining high resolution photography into a lush and mysterious world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.1%, Female Protagonist 20.9%, Indie 11.2%, Exploration 9.8%, Adventure 5.3%

A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Female Protagonist 25.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%, Indie 6.7%, 2D 4.1%

Fearmonium is a psychedelic metroidvania where suspense intertwines with humour. Beginning the game as an unpleasant memory, you must progress and become a true phobia by breaking through all boundaries to uncover the most hidden corners of Max's mind.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.7%, Female Protagonist 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Adventure 4%, 2D 3.7%

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 70.4%, Indie 6.2%, Exploration 4.7%, Adventure 4.7%, 2D 4%

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 41.1%, Beautiful 17.6% ★, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Adventure 8.7%, Indie 8.6%

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.9%, Female Protagonist 7.9%, Adventure 7.5%, 2D 4.9%, Fantasy 4%

A great unknown danger is approaching Roah's home planet. Follow Roah as she explores the world and encountering all of its different factions, uncovering the mystery of what is draining the planets lifeforce.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.3%, Female Protagonist 21.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Indie 7.1%, Adventure 6.7%

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 68.5%, Exploration 14.6%, Adventure 5.6%, Atmospheric 2.5%, 2D 2.4%

Embark on an epic adventure in Under the Island! A 2D action-adventure steeped in ‘90s charm, step into the shoes of Nia, and battle fierce monsters, solve clever puzzles, and explore a world alive with mystery as you race to save your new home before it’s too late.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 40.1%, Exploration 25.4%, 2D 8.5%, Adventure 7.4%, Fantasy 6.9%

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.5%, Female Protagonist 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, 2D 4.6%, Adventure 3.7%

A story-rich 2D platformer where you'll delve into dangerous power plants and massive creatures, while uncovering the truth of your world. Explore towns and cities, and help a world thrown out of balance!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 23.2%, Adventure 10%, Exploration 7%, 2D 6.4%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Exploration 7.4%, Indie 4.9%, Adventure 4.2%

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.2%, Female Protagonist 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Indie 8.7%, Action 3.9%

Boat, climb, interact and explore in the beautiful ruins of a sunken world.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 45.5%, Exploration 31.2%, Adventure 8%, Open World 7.8%, Atmospheric 5.4%

Explore a ruined open world of caverns and settlements. Hack and slash your way through missions: patrol, repair, scavenge - choose your quests and dialogue. Or go fishing, forage mushrooms, and race the clock! The old world is gone - the future is up to you.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 41%, Exploration 26.5%, Open World 7.4%, Adventure 5.1%, Atmospheric 4.7%

Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.

Why similar: Beautiful 39.7% ★, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Adventure 9%, Indie 5.2%

Submerged is a third-person combat-free game in which you explore a mysterious flooded city and discover the beauty of desolation in vast outdoor environments. You take on the role of Miku, a young girl who has brought her wounded brother to the city in their small fishing boat.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.4%, Exploration 21.1%, Beautiful 17.9% ★, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Adventure 6.2%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 41.3%, Metroidvania 26.5%, Exploration 8.8%, Adventure 5.9%, Indie 5.7%

Diluvion is a 3D deep sea, Jules Verne inspired, exploration game with RPG elements and thrilling submarine combat. As the Captain of your own vessel, you must grow and manage your crew as you search for the secrets of the past in a hauntingly beautiful flooded world.

Why similar: Underwater 81.2% ★, Adventure 7.2%, Indie 6.3%, Action 3.5%, Open World 1%

SAMUDRA is an award-winning hand-illustrated deep sea journey.

Why similar: Underwater 67.2% ★, Indie 6.6%, Adventure 6.2%, 2D 5.9%, Side Scroller 4.3%