Games Like AWAKEN - Astral Blade

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 32.5%, Souls-like 16.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.3%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Action RPG 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a polished, dark-fantasy metroidvania experience with fluid combat and a strong emphasis on atmospheric exploration.

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 26%, Souls-like 23%, Difficult 13.8%, Platformer 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core parry-heavy combat system that is the closest mechanical match to the intense boss encounters in AWAKEN.

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 19.4%, Souls-like 14.8%, Hack and Slash 9.4%, Difficult 8.4%, Action RPG 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a vast, beautiful world to explore with a combat system that rewards experimentation and character growth.

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 18.1%, Souls-like 17.2%, Difficult 15.8%, Hack and Slash 8.9%, Action RPG 7%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D souls-like combat that rewards precise parrying and exploration in a haunting, interconnected world.

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 25.9%, Souls-like 24%, 2D Platformer 7.3%, Platformer 6.6%, Hack and Slash 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a dark, challenging action experience with a unique visual style and punishing, rewarding combat.

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 21.2%, Souls-like 19.5%, Difficult 10.7%, Action RPG 9.3%, Female Protagonist 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines traditional metroidvania exploration with a dark, souls-like combat system and a female protagonist.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Souls-like 27.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Difficult 9.6%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends gothic horror with brutal souls-like combat and deep metroidvania exploration, mirroring the dark tone of the seed game.

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 45.6%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, RPG 7.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.1%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the definitive metroidvania experience with extensive character customization and varied combat abilities.

"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 21.5%, Souls-like 16.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Platformer 7.9%, Anime 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, polished 2D action-adventure that emphasizes responsive controls and challenging boss fights.

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 20.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Difficult 9.9%, Platformer 5%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational 2D souls-like that captures the same sense of dread, difficulty, and interconnected level design.

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 30.2%, Souls-like 21.1%, Dark Fantasy 12.4%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Difficult 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its melancholic atmosphere and combat system that relies on summoned spirits, offering a similar sense of discovery.

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 23.5%, Souls-like 21.6%, Difficult 12.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Platformer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the sci-fi metroidvania feel with a focus on exploration and upgrading abilities to overcome environmental hazards.

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 21.3%, Souls-like 20.1%, Action RPG 11.3%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on action-RPG elements and souls-like combat, providing a similar progression loop for a female protagonist.

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 21.1%, Souls-like 20.2%, Difficult 11.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, Action RPG 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique parry-and-absorb mechanic that makes combat feel strategic and high-stakes, much like the seed game.

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 25.6%, Souls-like 16.1%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Difficult 8.2%, Anime 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the anime-inspired aesthetic and action-heavy combat focus found in the seed game.

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 29%, Action RPG 12.4%, Platformer 11.8%, Anime 9%, Fantasy 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania that emphasizes rhythmic, skill-based combat and a distinct, vibrant art style.

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 23.3%, Souls-like 19.2%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 10.8%, Female Protagonist 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game that emphasizes fluid movement and combat variety in a sci-fi setting.

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 38.1%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Platformer 15.2%, Action-Adventure 10.5%, Fantasy 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, aerial-focused combat that rewards players for mastering movement and attack combinations.

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 18.5%, Souls-like 17%, Hack and Slash 11.4%, Dark Fantasy 9%, 2D Platformer 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique movement-based combat that keeps the action intense and fast-paced throughout the exploration.

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 26.7%, Souls-like 20.2%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Action RPG 8.7%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: While top-down, it shares the bionic/tech-focused themes and the intense pressure of exploration and time management.

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: Metroidvania 20.6%, Souls-like 20.3%, Action RPG 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.7%, Hack and Slash 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG metroidvania that focuses on weapon-based combat and souls-like difficulty spikes.

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 19.9%, Souls-like 17.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, 2D Platformer 10%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, story-rich metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and cinematic presentation.

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 20.8%, Metroidvania 20.2%, Action RPG 11.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Hack and Slash 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A direct souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes stamina management and challenging enemy encounters.

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 21.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-stakes platforming and action, requiring precise movement to survive the environment.

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 33.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Platformer 11.5%, Exploration 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging metroidvania that focuses on exploration and uncovering the secrets of a ruined world.

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 36%, Platformer 13.8%, 2D Platformer 8.5%, Fantasy 8%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a highly polished exploration experience with fluid platforming and satisfying combat encounters.

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%, Action RPG 14.6%, Difficult 13.6%, RPG 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging souls-like experience that translates the genre's intensity into a dark, adventure-focused world.

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 22.5%, Souls-like 13.7%, Action RPG 10.4%, Female Protagonist 9.3%, Platformer 9%

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 28.5%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Platformer 11.6%, Action-Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn platforming adventure that captures the spirit of exploration and character-driven narrative.

Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.2%, Platformer 11.5%, Action RPG 6.2%, Female Protagonist 5.8%, Dark Fantasy 5.8%

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 25.3%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 14%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive world to explore with a high degree of difficulty in both platforming and combat.

A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.

Why similar: Metroidvania 18.3%, Souls-like 14.5%, Difficult 12.9%, 2D Platformer 9.9%, Platformer 8.6%

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 19%, Souls-like 18.2%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, Action RPG 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.9%

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 27.5%, Souls-like 17.7%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 10%, Exploration 6.6%

Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...

Why similar: Metroidvania 15.3%, Platformer 13%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Action-Adventure 9%, Anime 8.7%

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 24.5%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 13.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.6%, Platformer 7.2%

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 19.4%, Souls-like 17.9%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.4%, Platformer 8.6%

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 24.3%, Platformer 16.5%, Difficult 14%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Female Protagonist 9.8%

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 36.9%, Hack and Slash 15.9%, Anime 14.9%, Platformer 12.2%, Female Protagonist 7.4%

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 19.9%, Souls-like 15.4%, Hack and Slash 10.5%, Female Protagonist 8.2%, 2D Platformer 7.9%

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 34.7%, Metroidvania 22.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Difficult 6.1%, Action RPG 5.1%

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 24%, Dark Fantasy 12.6%, Hack and Slash 11.5%, 2D Platformer 10%, Female Protagonist 7.2%

A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!

Why similar: Souls-like 18.3%, Metroidvania 18.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Difficult 8.5%, Action RPG 7.8%

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 35.8%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Action-Adventure 8.8%, Platformer 8.6%

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 19.6%, Souls-like 18.3%, Hack and Slash 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.6%, 2D Platformer 8.4%

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.9%, Platformer 15.3%, 2D Platformer 15.3%, Anime 10.3%, Atmospheric 6.6%

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 20.3%, Souls-like 17.7%, Difficult 10.6%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Female Protagonist 7.8%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.9%, Souls-like 18.5%, Difficult 10.2%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 9%

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 49.8%, Platformer 11.8%, Difficult 7.8%, RPG 6.5%, Action 3.8%

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%, Souls-like 20.7%, Difficult 10.6%, RPG 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.1%

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 37.4%, Action RPG 15.5%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Anime 12.5%, RPG 4.9%

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 23.4%, Souls-like 21.2%, Hack and Slash 13.5%, Action RPG 11.5%, Platformer 9.7%

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 22%, Souls-like 21.2%, Hack and Slash 14.1%, Difficult 12.5%, Action-Adventure 7.5%

3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.4%, Souls-like 18.9%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Difficult 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%

Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.6%, Souls-like 15.6%, Hack and Slash 12.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, 2D Platformer 9.2%

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 26.7%, Souls-like 18.6%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Platformer 8.8%

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 25.9%, Metroidvania 19.5%, Dark Fantasy 15%, Platformer 9.3%, 2D Platformer 9%

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 27.1%, Difficult 11.8%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Female Protagonist 10%

What’s left of humanity are minds trapped in circuits. You are awaken as ReSetna, a warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. Explore seven hostile zones, face seven brutal bosses and evolve through a unique upgrade system. Uncover horrifying truth and decide if the future is worth saving.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60%, Platformer 20.5%, Action 7.1%, Adventure 6.8%, Indie 5.5%