Games Like Cuphead

Extreme battles versus crazy bosses in this Intense 2D Platformer

Why similar: Cartoon 22.6%, Co-op 17.3%, Local Co-Op 16%, Cartoony 8.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest direct match on Steam, combining hand-drawn cartoon visuals, punishing boss battles, and two-player run-and-gun action that openly echoes Cuphead.

The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 24.1%, Hand-drawn 15.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Co-op 11.9%, Side Scroller 11%

Why You'll Like It: Its frantic co-op run-and-gun gameplay, hard-as-nails difficulty, and hand-drawn cartoon style make it one of Cuphead's clearest spiritual cousins.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Difficult 28.5%, Platformer 23.3%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Retro 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Like Cuphead, it revolves around mastering tough 2D stages and memorable bosses through precise movement, pattern learning, and constant retries.

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 19.1%, Difficult 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.9%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Retro 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: If you love Cuphead's unforgiving run-and-gun side, this Contra-inspired shooter delivers tough levels, explosive bosses, and nonstop pressure.

"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Difficult 26.1%, Bullet Hell 13%, Co-op 9.1%, Local Co-Op 9%

Why You'll Like It: Its boss-driven structure, bullet-pattern dodging, and soundtrack-first intensity capture Cuphead's love of learning deadly attack sequences.

Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 30.5%, Difficult 22.9%, Co-op 12.1%, Multiplayer 12%, Platformer 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This co-op side-scrolling shooter captures Cuphead's fast retry loop, high difficulty, and relentless screen-filling combat even though it uses a comic-book look.

Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 18.9%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Platformer 14.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its stylish boss encounters, acrobatic gunplay, and demanding 2D action feel like a more modern arcade-heavy riff on Cuphead.

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.

Why similar: Difficult 23%, Local Co-Op 15.4%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Retro 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Cuphead owes a lot to classic run-and-guns like this collection, which offers hard side-scrolling shooting and boss fights built around pattern recognition.

Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...

Why similar: Platformer 22.4%, Local Co-Op 22.2%, Great Soundtrack 20.2%, Co-op 12.3%, Difficult 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It trades shooting for platforming, but its gorgeous cartoon animation, tight co-op, musical flair, and polished 2D challenge make it a natural fit for Cuphead fans.

• Over-the-top combat with combos and hard-hitting morph attacks • Wild, varied gameplay sequences for all types of gamers • Hand-drawn animation feels like playing a cartoon • Drop-in couch co-op for three players

Why similar: Co-op 36.5%, Cartoon 15%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Multiplayer 6.1%, Side Scroller 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its loud hand-drawn presentation, local co-op, and deliberately tough multi-genre stages mirror Cuphead's cartoon chaos and old-school difficulty.

“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Co-op 24.5%, Local Co-Op 19.2%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Retro 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its dense enemy waves, huge boss set pieces, and arcade co-op action scratch the same demanding run-and-gun itch as Cuphead.

Old friends and bitter enemies await as you invade Earth alongside a Mothership full of alien friends! Blast, beam, and bite your way through an endless swarm of enemies as you and up to three of your fellow hominids cause mayhem with a huge arsenal of weapons, mutations, and acrobatic maneuvers.

Why similar: Co-op 22.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Platformer 16.5%, Multiplayer 14.4%, Side Scroller 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: This modern follow-up keeps Alien Hominid's chaotic cartoon co-op shooting and brutal challenge while expanding the combat systems.

Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.4%, Platformer 20.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Cartoony 7.4%, Co-op 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Like Legends, it offers handcrafted cartoon platforming and local co-op with the same lively, expressive animation Cuphead fans tend to love.

Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.8%, Difficult 16.8%, Platformer 13.4%, Cartoony 11.5%, Funny 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is far more movement-focused than Cuphead, yet its wild cartoon energy, expressive animation, and tough boss encounters give it a similar manic personality.

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 19.7%, Difficult 19.3%, Co-op 13.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.3%, Bullet Hell 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This overlooked arcade shooter emphasizes reflexes, pattern reading, and local co-op in a way that lines up well with Cuphead's combat focus.

DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.

Why similar: Platformer 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 25.1%, Cartoon 16.1%, Retro 11.7%, Difficult 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares Cuphead's cartoon nostalgia and polished animation while offering classic side-scrolling platforming built around memorable stages and boss encounters.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 27.3%, Co-op 22.6%, Platformer 14.1%, Multiplayer 10%, Side Scroller 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its explosive co-op run-and-gun action, short mission structure, and constant chaos make it an easy pick for Cuphead players who want more shooting.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 29.1%, Co-op 15.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Platformer 12.4%, Side Scroller 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers hard 2D firefights, standout boss battles, and a stylish animated world for players who want Cuphead with a grittier edge.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.2%, Platformer 22.7%, Difficult 15.7%, Retro 10.8%, Side Scroller 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its tight action-platforming, memorable boss roster, and old-school challenge make it a good fit for Cuphead fans even without the shooting focus.

“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Co-op 17%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Multiplayer 10.5%, Side Scroller 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: The original still offers tight arcade shooting, distinct bosses, and co-op challenge that line up neatly with Cuphead's classic influences.

Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler following a band of misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 31%, Difficult 26.6%, Local Co-Op 16.8%, Co-op 10.4%, Multiplayer 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is more roguelike than platformer, but its nonstop dodging, difficult gunplay, and bullet-hell intensity appeal to the same reflex-driven crowd.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.

Why similar: Platformer 39.1%, Retro 25%, Side Scroller 18.2%, 2D 11.1%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its exacting retro action, frequent boss duels, and sleek 2D combat appeal strongly to players who loved Cuphead's difficulty curve.

Mighty Goose is a fast paced run & gun shooter starring a bounty hunter Goose. Use epic weapons and devastating war machines to battle against screen filling bosses and hordes of enemies!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 31.5%, Co-op 20.2%, Multiplayer 12.7%, Platformer 11.7%, Side Scroller 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is a colorful arcade shooter packed with dashes, heavy weapons, and boss fights that channel Cuphead's relentless momentum.

20XX is a roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend. Jump and shoot your way through ever-changing levels, collect awesome new powers, and battle mighty bosses in the name of saving the human race maybe!

Why similar: Platformer 22.3%, Local Co-Op 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Difficult 13%, Co-op 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: As a roguelike spin on Mega Man-style action, it delivers challenging 2D shooting and boss fights that echo one major half of Cuphead.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23.8%, Platformer 19.1%, Difficult 18.2%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its brutal combat, screen-filling bosses, and side-scrolling gunplay fit Cuphead fans who want something heavier and more metal.

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: Difficult 33.4%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Platformer 14.4%, Side Scroller 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This 2D action game leans heavily on bullet-pattern boss fights and precise dodging, making it a strong pick for Cuphead players who love challenge.

A single classic cartoon inspired boss fight platformer, with shoot em' up game mechanics. Run, jump, and shoot with four unique bullet types and two difficulty modes. Try to get a gold rank in this hand-drawn, traditionally animated boss fight.

Why similar: Cartoon 24%, Hand-drawn 17.6%, Difficult 13%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.9%

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: Difficult 27.9%, Great Soundtrack 24.9%, Souls-like 14.3%, Platformer 13.7%, Hand-drawn 7.2%

The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.

Why similar: Difficult 34.7%, Great Soundtrack 27%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: If Cuphead's boss battles were your favorite part, this stylish pure boss-rush game delivers the same emphasis on learning patterns under pressure.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Difficult 37.2%, Great Soundtrack 32.9%, Platformer 15.6%, Indie 3.4%, 2D 3.3%

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Difficult 23%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Platformer 14.3%, Retro 13%, Co-op 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This stripped-down Contra-like focuses on pure old-school run-and-gun action and demanding boss fights, much like Cuphead at its toughest.

Every character plays like an entirely different action game in Contract Rush DX. Explore a world inspired by 2000's flash animation, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!

Why similar: Difficult 29.7%, Hand-drawn 15.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Platformer 12.8%, Bullet Hell 12%

Experience the ultimate celebration of past and future in Sonic Mania, an all-new 2D Sonic adventure running at a crisp 60FPS with stunning HD retro-style graphics.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.2%, Platformer 17.2%, Local Co-Op 12.3%, Retro 10.2%, Side Scroller 6.3%

Bendy and the Ink Machine® is the first person puzzle action horror game that will forever ruin your childhood love of cartoons.

Why similar: Cartoon 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 33.9%, Cartoony 17.8%, Indie 4.4%, Action 3.3%

Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.

Why similar: Co-op 21.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.5%

GARBANZO QUEST! The crazy bullet-heck platformer where your main weapon is your own spit! Bring a friend! Hand-crafted challenges, secrets, and branching paths galore!

Why similar: Difficult 24%, Local Co-Op 23.9%, Platformer 14.5%, Bullet Hell 9%, Cartoony 8.6%

Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.

Why similar: Difficult 23.3%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Indie 10.2%, Action 9.2%

Enter the futuristic year of 1984, an age where ducks run wild in a frantic battle for glory. Blast your friends with Shotguns, Net Guns, Mind Control Rays, Saxophones, Magnet Guns, and much, much more. This is DUCK GAME. Don't blink.

Why similar: Multiplayer 23.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Platformer 12.4%, Co-op 10%

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Difficult 42.2%, Platformer 23%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, 2D 4.3%, Indie 3.6%

The definitive version of the smash-hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges, and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.

Why similar: Platformer 62.8%, 2D 20.1%, Local Co-Op 4.7%, Difficult 4.1%, Co-op 2.4%

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Difficult 31%, Platformer 25.1%, Local Co-Op 22.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Co-op 4.7%

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.2%, Cartoon 21.1%, Multiplayer 20.7%, Side Scroller 18.5%, 2D 7%

Bendy and the Dark Revival® is a first-person survival horror game set in the creepiest cartoon studio to ever exist. Discover the truth. Escape the studio. Above all, fear the Ink Demon…and survive.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.6%, Cartoony 30.6%, Action 10.5%, Indie 9.1%, Singleplayer 5.3%

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 20.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Co-op 12.2%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Multiplayer 7.6%

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety.

Why similar: Difficult 40.1%, Great Soundtrack 23.1%, Local Co-Op 17.1%, Co-op 9.7%, Indie 4.5%

Mago is a retro 2D platformer that puts us in the boots of a sorcerer, who was unfortunate enough to eat evil overlords' food. Now he has to rescue his beloved princess from the dinner menu of the evil Gourmet! Nostalgia awaits!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 18%, Difficult 17.3%, Platformer 14.9%, Retro 6.3%, Local Co-Op 6.2%

“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Co-op 19.2%, Local Co-Op 12.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%, Difficult 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 28.4%, Platformer 27.6%, Retro 19.8%, Cartoon 11.7%, 2D 7.9%

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.8%, Great Soundtrack 21.6%, Difficult 18.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%, Local Co-Op 11%

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action-adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, lovable bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Platformer 17.8%, Difficult 17.8%, Co-op 14.9%, Retro 9.8%

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Difficult 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Co-op 12.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%

A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!

Why similar: Difficult 27.6%, Platformer 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.4%, Retro 10.1%

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Platformer 22.1%, Difficult 15.1%, Hand-drawn 13%, Retro 7.3%

A musical bullet-hell where all things beautiful are deadly. Dodge well little nanobot, you don't have much time.

Why similar: Difficult 23.3%, Local Co-Op 17.7%, Co-op 13.1%, Cartoon 12.7%, Bullet Hell 11.3%

Radical Rabbit Stew is a hare-raising action-arcade game, featuring fast-paced whack-a-rabbit gameplay, scintillating puzzles, super-sized boss fights, juicy pixel graphics and a sizzling soundtrack, perfect for new players and 16-bit retro fans alike!

Why similar: Cartoon 22.8%, Difficult 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Cartoony 10.3%, Multiplayer 7.8%

A frenetic hand-drawn bullet hell shooter, blending run-and-gun mechanics with classic shmup action in looping arenas. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930's - shoot, dash and pound your way through the Animator's creations.

Why similar: Cartoon 20.9%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Hand-drawn 13.5%, Side Scroller 9.9%

Abathor is a challenging 2D action platformer for solo play or up to 4 players. Embark on an epic 16-bit quest inspired by Golden Axe, Rastan, and Castlevania IV. Traverse Atlantis, battle demons, and defeat vicious bosses to save your progress! Enjoy an amazing OST from classic-era musicians!

Why similar: Difficult 21.6%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Platformer 13.7%, Co-op 10.2%, Souls-like 9.3%

A Hat in Time is a cute-as-heck 3D platformer featuring a little girl who stitches hats for wicked powers! Freely explore giant worlds and recover Time Pieces to travel to new heights!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 46%, Platformer 19.4%, Co-op 15.8%, Funny 8.1%, Indie 4.1%

Splasher is a fun and challenging 2D Platformer filled with humor and surprises. Armed with a paint cannon, you’ll face the dangers of the Inkorp mega-factory in order to save your companions, the Splashers, and put an end to the Machiavellian projects of the evil boss, Le Docteur.

Why similar: Platformer 36.3%, Cartoon 26%, Difficult 15.6%, Indie 8.8%, Action 7.8%

22 years after its first appearance, the iconic Platypus is coming back, featuring updated gameplay, new weapons and additional content. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of this fast, frantic, and incredibly fun arcade-style shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 20.1%, Cartoon 17.3%, Co-op 15.9%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.6%