- #1 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
97% matchVery Positive94% of 43,849 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, Souls-like 21%, Dark Fantasy 12.8%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Difficult 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Shares a hauntingly beautiful dark fantasy atmosphere and challenging souls-like combat mechanics.
- #2 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 17,444 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.2 hrsMean: 18.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 31.8%, Souls-like 16.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.7%, Action RPG 8.5%, Female Protagonist 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: The spiritual successor to Ender Lilies, offering refined combat and a similar melancholic, dark-fantasy aesthetic.
- #3 Afterimage
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 9,803 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.1%, Souls-like 14.9%, Hack and Slash 9.5%, Difficult 8.4%, Action RPG 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a vast, interconnected world and a high-fidelity art style that mirrors the exploration depth of the seed game.
- #4 Vigil: The Longest Night
95% matchVery Positive86% of 3,533 reviews2020
Dev: Glass Heart Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Souls-like 19.5%, Difficult 10.7%, Action RPG 9.3%, Female Protagonist 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a dark, gothic atmosphere with challenging souls-like combat and a focus on a female protagonist.
- #5 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
94% matchVery Positive92% of 3,067 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.3%, Souls-like 16.5%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Anime 7.7%, Platformer 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Offers incredibly fluid combat and a polished pixel-art aesthetic that emphasizes precise movement and boss encounters.
- #6 Moonscars
94% matchVery Positive84% of 1,436 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 23.7%, 2D Platformer 7.4%, Platformer 6.4%, Hack and Slash 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, punishing 2D action game that captures the gritty, souls-like intensity of the seed game perfectly.
- #7 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
93% matchVery Positive93% of 40,867 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 45.4%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%, RPG 7.2%, Anime 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential Metroidvania with a strong female lead and deep customization that defines the genre's modern era.
- #8 UNSIGHTED
92% matchVery Positive93% of 2,119 reviews2021
Dev: Studio Pixel PunkPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Souls-like 20.5%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Action RPG 8.6%, RPG 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features a compelling female lead and tight, responsive combat within a non-linear, exploration-heavy world.
- #9 9 Years of Shadows
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,097 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 28.6%, Action RPG 12.6%, Platformer 11.5%, Anime 9.2%, Fantasy 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning Metroidvania that features a female protagonist and a unique, music-themed combat system.
- #10 HunterX
91% matchVery Positive84% of 719 reviews2022
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 49%
HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.1%, Souls-like 20.2%, Action RPG 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fast-paced, souls-like combat and exploration with a female protagonist at the center of the journey.
- #11 WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers
89% matchMixed55% of 101,516 reviews2025
Dev: LeenzeePub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 23.3 hrsMean: 30.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a soulslike, action RPG set in the land of Shu during the dark and tumultuous late Ming Dynasty, plagued with warring factions and a mysterious illness spawning monstrous creatures.
Why similar: Souls-like 26.7%, Difficult 11.8%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Female Protagonist 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: An upcoming souls-like action-RPG that mirrors the dark, difficult combat and female-led narrative of the seed game.
- #12 Minoria
90% matchVery Positive81% of 2,592 reviews2019
Dev: BombservicePub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.5%, Souls-like 16.2%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Difficult 8.2%, Anime 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the creators of Momodora, it offers a dark, religious-themed narrative with satisfying 2D action.
- #13 Blasphemous 2
89% matchVery Positive91% of 17,676 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Souls-like 19.9%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Difficult 10.2%, Action RPG 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a masterclass in difficult, atmospheric 2D action with deep lore and challenging boss fights.
- #14 AI LIMIT
87% matchVery Positive92% of 34,078 reviews2025
Dev: Sense GamesPub: CE-Asia
Windows
Median: 17.3 hrsMean: 21.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life.
Why similar: Souls-like 36.8%, Action RPG 15.8%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Anime 12.5%, RPG 5%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging action-RPG with a female lead that emphasizes fast-paced combat and deep character progression.
- #15 Salt and Sanctuary
88% matchVery Positive89% of 21,497 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Why similar: Souls-like 39.2%, Metroidvania 20%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Difficult 9.9%, Platformer 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive 2D souls-like experience that heavily influenced the genre's integration of RPG mechanics and brutal combat.
- #16 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
86% matchVery Positive93% of 7,196 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Platformer 11.6%, Anime 9.5%, Fantasy 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a iconic female protagonist and fluid, fast-paced combat that feels very similar to high-end Metroidvanias.
- #17 Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune
85% matchVery Positive83% of 2,004 reviews2024
Dev: IceSitruuna
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.7%, Souls-like 15.5%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Female Protagonist 8.2%, 2D Platformer 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A polished Metroidvania that balances exploration with a deep, anime-inspired combat system.
- #18 The Vagrant
86% matchVery Positive90% of 8,552 reviews2018
Dev: O.T.K GamesPub: SakuraGame
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 28.3%, Female Protagonist 18.9%, Hack and Slash 12.3%, RPG 7.1%, Anime 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 2D action-RPG that focuses on fluid combat and a strong female lead in a fantasy setting.
- #19 Lost Ruins
84% matchVery Positive85% of 5,651 reviews2021
Dev: ALTARI GAMESPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.4%, Hack and Slash 16.1%, Anime 15.1%, Platformer 12.1%, Female Protagonist 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused Metroidvania that uses elemental interactions and a female lead to create a distinct gameplay loop.
- #20 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
84% matchVery Positive81% of 5,476 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.
Why similar: Souls-like 34.9%, Metroidvania 22.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.7%, Difficult 6.1%, Action RPG 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-platformer that blends souls-like difficulty with expansive, interconnected world design.
- #21 DOOMBLADE
83% matchVery Positive82% of 347 reviews2023
Dev: Muro StudiosPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 18.2%, Souls-like 17.1%, Hack and Slash 11.4%, Dark Fantasy 9.2%, 2D Platformer 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique, fast-paced movement system that makes exploration and combat feel distinct and exhilarating.
- #22 Rebel Transmute
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 272 reviews2024
Dev: Fatal Fawn GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Rebel Transmute is a challenging 2D action-platformer epic with heart! Explore the twisting caverns of an alien planet, augment your play-style to fit your strengths, battle deadly bosses, and uncover a dark truth as Moon Mikono searches for her long lost mother.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.4%, Souls-like 21.7%, Difficult 12.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Platformer 7%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi Metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and challenging boss encounters in a hostile environment.
- #23 Pascal's Wager: Definitive Edition
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 1,358 reviews2021
Dev: TipsWorksPub: Giant Global
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Pascal's Wager: Definitive Edition is a challenging action role playing game set in a world of dark fantasy. Step into the shoes of Couriers, as they discover the tale behind the mysterious Dark Mist.
Why similar: Souls-like 30.9%, Dark Fantasy 17.5%, Action RPG 14.4%, Difficult 13.4%, RPG 7%
Why You'll Like It: A true souls-like experience that brings a dark, oppressive atmosphere and challenging combat to a 2D-adjacent perspective.
- #24 Vernal Edge
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 629 reviews2023
Dev: Hello Penguin Team LLCPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.3%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Platformer 14.9%, Action-Adventure 10.5%, Fantasy 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a fast-paced, aerial-focused combat system and a strong female lead that keeps the action feeling fresh.
- #25 GRIME
81% matchVery Positive85% of 6,299 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Souls-like 20.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.1%, Difficult 11%, Action RPG 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A unique souls-like Metroidvania where absorbing enemies is central to your growth and combat strategy.
- #26 Aeterna Noctis
80% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,963 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 9.6%, Action-Adventure 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A massive, difficult Metroidvania that pushes platforming and combat to their absolute limits.
- #27 Touhou Luna Nights
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 14,634 reviews2019
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 26.9%, Difficult 15.5%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Platformer 9.8%, Anime 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers incredibly satisfying, time-manipulation-based combat that rewards precision and speed.
- #28 Hollow Knight
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 534,538 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 29.8%, Souls-like 22.1%, Difficult 13.2%, Platformer 9.5%, Dark Fantasy 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for atmosphere and exploration in the Metroidvania genre, providing a benchmark for quality.
- #29 Haiku, the Robot
78% matchVery Positive90% of 3,390 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 33.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.9%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Platformer 11.3%, Exploration 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging Metroidvania that focuses on tight platforming and rewarding exploration.
- #30 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
79% matchMixed68% of 654 reviews2022
Dev: Actual NerdsPub: Mastiff
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 57%
As the final creation of the Goddess, Juxtia, journey through the ruins of two divine kingdoms, overrun by the Tarnishing. Challenging combat, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a sinister narrative work in unison to make The Tarnishing of Juxtia an unforgettable 2D dark fantasy action RPG.
Why similar: Souls-like 25.8%, Metroidvania 19.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.4%, Platformer 9.1%, 2D Platformer 9%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy action-RPG that focuses on stamina-based combat and exploration in a decaying world.
- #31 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
77% matchVery Positive86% of 172 reviews2026
Dev: Winter Crew StudiosPub: CMD Studios
Windows
A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 17.7%, Souls-like 17.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, Hack and Slash 8.3%, 2D Platformer 7.6%
- #32 Maid of Salvation
76% matchVery Positive92% of 230 reviews2025
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 18.9%, Souls-like 18.2%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, Action RPG 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.8%
- #33 Somber Echoes
75% matchVery Positive83% of 286 reviews2025
Dev: Rock Pocket GamesPub: Bonus Stage Publishing
Windows
Armed with God-given powers, the revived tribune Adrestia is given a second chance to save the universe from her maniacal twin sister. Find secrets, acquire upgrades, and dominate mighty foes through sheer combat prowess as you explore and conquer the horrors of the forsaken vessel Atromitos.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.5%, Souls-like 17.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%, 2D Platformer 10%, Platformer 7.6%
- #34 Elypse
76% matchMostly Positive74% of 359 reviews2023
Dev: Hot Chili GamesPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Embark upon a tragic tale and discover the ravaged world of Elypse! Fight your destiny in an arduous 2D adventure, story rich platformer, in a mesmerising and mysterious world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.8%, Dark Fantasy 14.2%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 10.8%, Female Protagonist 9.2%
- #35 LOST EPIC
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,135 reviews2022
Dev: One or Eight
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
LOST EPIC is a 2D side-scrolling action RPG about a war between gods and humanity. The player becomes the deity-defying knight, God Slayer, and explores the world known as Sanctum to bring the Pantheon of Six to their knees.
Why similar: Souls-like 20.3%, Metroidvania 20.3%, Action RPG 12.2%, Dark Fantasy 12.1%, Hack and Slash 10.2%
- #36 Foregone
74% matchVery Positive81% of 1,393 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Souls-like 19.2%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 10.6%, Female Protagonist 7.1%
- #37 Hunt the Night
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 496 reviews2023
Dev: Moonlight GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Hunt the Night is a dark fantasy action-RPG where you play as Vesper, a Stalker fighting to reclaim a world annihilated by horrors. Slash through dungeons, endure brutal bosses, and wield forbidden powers in a relentless struggle against the Night itself.
Why similar: Souls-like 30%, Dark Fantasy 20.2%, Action RPG 19%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, Female Protagonist 5.6%
- #38 Solateria
71% matchVery Positive85% of 331 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 10%, Platformer 6.9%
- #39 Rusted Moss
71% matchVery Positive90% of 1,532 reviews2023
Dev: faxdoc, happysquared, sunnydazePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Platformer 16.3%, Difficult 14%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Female Protagonist 9.7%
- #40 Watcher Chronicles
73% matchVery Positive86% of 169 reviews2022
Dev: Third Sphere Game Studios
Windows · Mac
Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.
Why similar: Souls-like 20.1%, Metroidvania 19.3%, Difficult 11.4%, Action RPG 10.8%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%
- #41 Emberbane
72% matchMixed49% of 95 reviews2026
Dev: Hamlet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.4%, Souls-like 15.7%, Hack and Slash 12.5%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, 2D Platformer 9.2%
- #42 ITORAH
72% matchMostly Positive74% of 886 reviews2022
Dev: Grimbart TalesPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Platformer 11.5%, Action-Adventure 7.8%
- #43 Darxanadon
73% matchMixed70% of 73 reviews2022
Dev: Scumhead
Windows
Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.6%, Souls-like 21.7%, Action RPG 12.6%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Female Protagonist 8%
- #44 Vindilis
70% matchVery Positive97% of 65 reviews2025
Dev: François Mauxion
Windows
Fight tremendous bosses and discover the secrets of Vindilis! A short, epic 2D action platformer that will put you against powerful enemies in a hand-drawn universe. A short-form souls like game about vengeance and creation.
Why similar: Souls-like 23.9%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Hack and Slash 11.4%, 2D Platformer 10%, Female Protagonist 7.2%
- #45 Void Memory
74% matchMixed67% of 230 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.4%, Souls-like 21.3%, Difficult 10.3%, RPG 10.2%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%
- #46 Trinity Fusion
70% matchVery Positive86% of 859 reviews2023
Dev: Angry Mob Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Three fractured realities. One collapsing multiverse. Fast, fluid combat in a dark sci-fi Roguevania where each run begins in a separate universe — then lets you fuse your parallel selves, powers, and worlds to create brutal, ever-evolving builds.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.3%, Souls-like 21.3%, Hack and Slash 13.5%, Action RPG 11.5%, Platformer 9.5%
- #47 RIN: The Last Child
71% matchMixed60% of 80 reviews2024
Dev: Space Fox GamesPub: Salient Games
Windows
Join RIN, the last child of the Creator, on a journey to restore order in a mystical world. Collect aspects and runes, craft spells, and confront powerful bosses - your transformed siblings. The fate of the world rests in your hands. Can you restore harmony to this enchanted realm?
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, Difficult 12.4%, Platformer 11.4%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Exploration 6.5%
- #48 Awita: Journey of Hope
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 89 reviews2025
Dev: ant_game_projects
Windows · Linux
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 26.5%, Souls-like 18.7%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9.4%, Platformer 8.7%
- #49 FOUNTAINS
68% matchVery Positive84% of 443 reviews2024
Dev: John Pywell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of an ancient, interconnected world.
Why similar: Souls-like 22.5%, Metroidvania 22.1%, Hack and Slash 13.8%, Action RPG 11.9%, Dark Fantasy 11.8%
- #50 Stray Blade
69% matchMostly Positive73% of 515 reviews2023
Dev: Point Blank GamesPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stray Blade is an action-adventure where you play a rogue Adventurer exploring the ancient Valley of Acrea with your companion, the Xhinnon wolf Boji. Unveil the history of the forgotten valley and master the powers of the three Acrean Metals to restore balance to this war-torn land.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.9%, Souls-like 21.1%, Hack and Slash 14.2%, Difficult 12.4%, Action-Adventure 7.5%
- #51 Transiruby
69% matchVery Positive92% of 290 reviews2021
Dev: SKIPMOREPub: Flyhigh Works
Windows
Explore the mysteries of an unknown land! ”Transiruby '' is a metroidvania game where you explore the world as a cyborg protagonist named Siruby. Slash and shoot your way to reveal its hidden secrets!
Why similar: Metroidvania 36%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Action-Adventure 8.9%, Platformer 8.4%
- #52 HunterX: code name T
68% matchVery Positive88% of 147 reviews2023
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
HunterX: code name T is an action adventure with fast and stylish combat. Perfect your own fighting style using various weapon actions and magic, and explore an ever-greater world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.2%, Souls-like 17.9%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.4%, Platformer 8.4%
- #53 Kotama and Academy Citadel
66% matchVery Positive81% of 2,225 reviews2026
Dev: Atomstring GamesPub: 2P Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
In the Academy Citadel, strength reigns supreme: only the most powerful survive and thrive. Fight your way through the high-tech Academy in your quest to get the highest of honors for a student, and uncover secrets that can save it in its direst crisis in this 2.5D side-scrolling Metroidvania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.6%, Action RPG 12.2%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Platformer 10.3%, Anime 8.6%
- #54 Phoenotopia: Awakening
68% matchVery Positive83% of 2,763 reviews2021
Dev: Cape Cosmic
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 37%, Platformer 16.8%, Action-Adventure 9.3%, Fantasy 7.5%, Adventure 6.3%
- #55 Toziuha Night: Order of the Alchemists
66% matchVery Positive84% of 124 reviews2025
Dev: Danny Garay
Windows · Linux
This is the story of Xandria, an iron alchemist. She seeks revenge regardless of the consequences. To achieve it, Xandria fights with a powerful whip and the power of chemical elements. Find out more about her in this modern metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Dark Fantasy 13%, Action RPG 12.1%, Platformer 12.1%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, 2D Platformer 10.2%
- #56 Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 3,328 reviews2022
Dev: Acme GamestudioPub: tinyBuild
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark on a journey full of danger in this action RPG, inspired by Greek and Roman mythologies. Explore the breathtaking city of Aphes and forge your way through legions of unique foes and mythical bosses to discover the truth behind the city’s curse.
Why similar: Souls-like 23.2%, Metroidvania 16%, Action RPG 12.8%, Hack and Slash 12.4%, Female Protagonist 10.8%
- #57 Ghost Song
67% matchVery Positive83% of 1,404 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 58%
On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.5%, Platformer 11.4%, Difficult 11.1%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Female Protagonist 8%
- #58 Winds Of Arcana: Ruination
65% matchMostly Positive79% of 129 reviews2025
Dev: Brewed GamesPub: 1312 Interactive
Windows
Discover the secrets of a sundered world as you help Aryn save his comrades in this story-rich, fully-voiced, 2.5D action-platformer. Fight terrible dangers and explore ancient mysteries as Aryn uncovers the forces that forge his destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20%, Souls-like 18.6%, Hack and Slash 12%, Difficult 11.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%