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 32.2%, Souls-like 16.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.5%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Action RPG 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: The spiritual successor to Ender Lilies, offering refined combat and a similar melancholic, dark-fantasy aesthetic.

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%, Souls-like 21%, Dark Fantasy 12.6%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Difficult 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Shares a hauntingly beautiful dark fantasy atmosphere and challenging souls-like combat mechanics.

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 19.2%, Souls-like 14.8%, 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.

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.

"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 21.4%, Souls-like 16.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Platformer 7.8%, Anime 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers incredibly fluid combat and a polished pixel-art aesthetic that emphasizes precise movement and boss encounters.

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 25.8%, Souls-like 23.7%, 2D Platformer 7.4%, Platformer 6.5%, Hack and Slash 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, punishing 2D action game that captures the gritty, souls-like intensity of the seed game perfectly.

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 45.5%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, RPG 7.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential Metroidvania with a strong female lead and deep customization that defines the genre's modern era.

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 20.6%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Action RPG 8.7%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a compelling female lead and tight, responsive combat within a non-linear, exploration-heavy world.

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 28.8%, Action RPG 12.4%, Platformer 11.6%, Anime 9.1%, Fantasy 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning Metroidvania that features a female protagonist and a unique, music-themed combat system.

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 17.6%, Souls-like 17.1%, Difficult 15.9%, Hack and Slash 9.1%, Action RPG 7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a masterclass in difficult, atmospheric 2D action with deep lore and challenging boss fights.

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 21.2%, Souls-like 20.1%, Action RPG 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, 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.

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 16.1%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, 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.

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 26.8%, Difficult 11.8%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Female Protagonist 9.9%

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.

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 39.1%, Metroidvania 20.1%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Difficult 9.9%, Platformer 5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive 2D souls-like experience that heavily influenced the genre's integration of RPG mechanics and brutal combat.

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 37.2%, Action RPG 15.7%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Anime 12.6%, RPG 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging action-RPG with a female lead that emphasizes fast-paced combat and deep character progression.

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 30.8%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, 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.

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 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Action RPG 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique souls-like Metroidvania where absorbing enemies is central to your growth and combat strategy.

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 19.8%, 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.

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 28.2%, Female Protagonist 19.1%, Hack and Slash 12.4%, RPG 7.1%, Anime 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 2D action-RPG that focuses on fluid combat and a strong female lead in a fantasy setting.

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 22.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Difficult 6.1%, Action RPG 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-platformer that blends souls-like difficulty with expansive, interconnected world design.

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 18.3%, Souls-like 17%, Hack and Slash 11.4%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%, 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.

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 15.9%, Platformer 15%, 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.

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 36.5%, Hack and Slash 16.1%, Anime 15%, 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.

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 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi Metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and challenging boss encounters in a hostile environment.

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 27%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 9.8%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Anime 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers incredibly satisfying, time-manipulation-based combat that rewards precision and speed.

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 17.4%, Action RPG 14.5%, 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.

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 25.2%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, difficult Metroidvania that pushes platforming and combat to their absolute limits.

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 30%, Souls-like 22%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 9.6%, 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.

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 33.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Platformer 11.4%, Exploration 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging Metroidvania that focuses on tight platforming and rewarding exploration.

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 22.1%, Souls-like 13.7%, Action RPG 10.5%, Female Protagonist 9.4%, Platformer 8.9%

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 19.3%, Dark Fantasy 15.3%, 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.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.7%, Platformer 12.3%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Action-Adventure 8.4%, Anime 7.7%

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%, Souls-like 17.7%, Dark Fantasy 10.7%, Hack and Slash 8.3%, 2D Platformer 8.2%

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 34.8%, Platformer 11.4%, Action RPG 6.2%, Dark Fantasy 5.9%, Female Protagonist 5.8%

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 23.2%, Souls-like 19.2%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 10.7%, Female Protagonist 7.1%

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 19.7%, Souls-like 17.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, 2D Platformer 10%, Platformer 7.6%

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 18.9%, 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%, Souls-like 18%, Difficult 11.1%, Platformer 10.2%, Exploration 6.7%

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 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 12%, Hack and Slash 10.2%

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 24.4%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, Platformer 7.1%

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 21.5%, Dark Fantasy 14%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 10.9%, Female Protagonist 9.2%

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 19.3%, Souls-like 17.8%, Action RPG 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.4%, Platformer 8.5%

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 20.1%, Action RPG 11.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Hack and Slash 8.8%

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 16.4%, Difficult 14%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Female Protagonist 9.8%

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 28.4%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Platformer 11.5%, Action-Adventure 7.8%

Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-RPG that blends fast, skillful combat with dark fantasy lore. Play as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, and traverse the ruined world of Medhram on a mission to save humanity from a deadly cycle of annihilation.

Why similar: Souls-like 29.8%, Dark Fantasy 20.2%, Action RPG 19%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, Female Protagonist 5.9%

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 35.7%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Hack and Slash 10.9%, Action-Adventure 8.8%, Platformer 8.5%

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 18.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Difficult 8.4%, Action RPG 7.8%

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 21.2%, Hack and Slash 13.5%, Action RPG 11.5%, Platformer 9.6%

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 12.8%, Hack and Slash 11.5%, 2D Platformer 10%, Female Protagonist 7.2%

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 34.7%, 2D Platformer 15.4%, Platformer 15.2%, Anime 10.3%, Atmospheric 6.7%

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 25.7%, Souls-like 22.9%, Difficult 13.7%, Platformer 9.1%, Dark Fantasy 9%

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 20.2%, Souls-like 17.7%, Difficult 10.6%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Female Protagonist 7.7%

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 49.7%, Platformer 11.8%, Difficult 7.8%, RPG 6.6%, Action 3.8%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.5%, Souls-like 15.6%, Hack and Slash 12.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, 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 26.6%, Souls-like 18.6%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Platformer 8.7%

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 19.3%, Souls-like 18.8%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, Difficult 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%

NanoApostle is a dark sci-fi boss rush action game featuring intense reaction-based combat and the unique "Destruction Point" system. Play as Anita, a child augmented with lethal nanomachines, as she battles against twisted cybernetic experiments to escape a top-secret facility.

Why similar: Souls-like 28%, Hack and Slash 19.3%, Action RPG 18%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, Anime 9%

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.1%, Souls-like 20.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.8%, Difficult 11.3%, Action RPG 11.1%