Games Like Curse of the Sea Rats

Join your fellow Marked Inquisitors in this online coop successor to award-winning 2016 Soulslike Salt and Sanctuary.

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 21% ★, Metroidvania 17.2%, Hack and Slash 10.5%, Co-op 9.8%, Side Scroller 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a challenging, dark-fantasy Metroidvania experience with robust online and local cooperative play.

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: Metroidvania 42.4%, Local Co-Op 16%, Platformer 9.8%, Side Scroller 8.3%, Co-op 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A seminal 2D souls-like that provides the deep exploration and difficult combat found in the seed game.

Young Souls is a gorgeous 2D brawler meets story-rich action RPG. Fight hordes of belligerent goblins, level up with hundreds of weapons and accessories, explore, and journey between worlds, as rebellious twins battle their way to save their foster father.

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 31.3% ★, Hack and Slash 17%, Co-op 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Story Rich 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at co-op beat-em-up action with a strong narrative focus and character progression.

In Cat Quest III you play as a purrivateer in a freely explorable 2.5D open-world swarming with Pi-rats. You can sail the seas in your ship for treasures galore! But prepare for peril, as the Pirate King aims to hunt you down...

Why similar: Pirates 35.9% ★, Local Co-Op 25.7%, Combat 11.4%, Family Friendly 9.6%, Fantasy 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Matches the pirate-themed adventure of the seed game with accessible co-op action-RPG mechanics.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24%, Local Co-Op 20.1%, Co-op 13.2%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Platformer 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the co-op Metroidvania structure, featuring vibrant art and deep, combo-heavy combat.

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 31.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Story Rich 11%, 2D Platformer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, accessible Metroidvania that emphasizes platforming and satisfying exploration.

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 61.2%, Side Scroller 15.7%, RPG 9.4%, Platformer 8.1%, Action 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic Metroidvania feel with detailed art and a vast, interconnected world to explore.

A Metroidvania x Roguelite where you journey with the aid of a cursed hat. Use a variety of magic or possess your enemies to reach the lowest levels! Bring back loot, build new facilities in your village, make a living and strengthen yourself for the next battle! Supports up to 4-player multiplayer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Hack and Slash 21.4%, Platformer 13.4%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines Metroidvania exploration with rogue-lite elements and action-heavy combat.

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.1%, Hand-drawn 18.3%, Platformer 15.5%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Action 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning hand-drawn art and chaotic, large-scale combat encounters similar to the seed game's boss fights.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.8%, Platformer 16.8%, Hack and Slash 11.5%, RPG 8.2%, Action 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful hand-animated action-platformer that emphasizes fluid combat and exploration.

Open-world action-RPG in a fantasy realm of cats and dogs. Sequel to the award-winning original, CAT QUEST II lets you play solo or with a friend, as both a cat and dog! Quest in a world filled with magic, defeat monsters and collect loot in a catventure like never before!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 32.5%, Hack and Slash 24.7%, Co-op 20.6%, RPG 8.9%, Fantasy 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a lighthearted, animal-themed action-RPG experience designed specifically for cooperative play.

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 48.4%, Platformer 14.5%, Story Rich 10.1%, Hand-drawn 9.7%, Multiple Endings 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for atmospheric Metroidvania exploration and challenging boss encounters.

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 75.1%, Multiple Endings 11.6%, Hand-drawn 10.1%, Action 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A hauntingly beautiful Metroidvania with a focus on unique combat mechanics and hand-drawn aesthetics.

Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this award winning 2D arcade adventure from The Behemoth!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 25.9%, Hack and Slash 24.9%, Co-op 22.4%, Local Multiplayer 18.3%, RPG 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic 2D hack-and-slash that delivers the same chaotic, fun-focused cooperative experience.

Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.4%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Co-op 11.5%, 2D Platformer 10.1%, Platformer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A unique, hand-drawn platformer that blends exploration and light Metroidvania elements.

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 43.2%, Hand-drawn 17.9%, Platformer 14.5%, Story Rich 12.8%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a high-skill, combat-focused Metroidvania experience with a distinct, hand-drawn art style.

Bounce, vault, and fight your way through a whimsical world with the help of your loyal companion. Eat snacks, collect artifacts, and travel the world to stop Bonnie and her boney band of troublemakers!

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.1%, 2D Platformer 18.7%, Platformer 16.7%, Story Rich 14.4%, Action-Adventure 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, colorful platformer that captures the retro-inspired side-scrolling feel of the seed game.

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 22.6%, Combat 13.3%, Hack and Slash 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.6%, 2D Platformer 9%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, combat-oriented Metroidvania with a strong sense of atmosphere and challenging boss design.

Now reimagined and expanded in the new Mormo's Curse update, The Swords of Ditto is a roguelite action RPG that creates a unique adventure for each new hero of legend in the relentless fight against the evil Mormo.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 34.7%, Co-op 25.6%, RPG 13.4%, Hand-drawn 11.6%, Local Multiplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming action-RPG that supports co-op and features a loop of exploration and combat.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.9%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Platformer 13.8%, Story Rich 12.7%, Action-Adventure 9%

Why You'll Like It: A diesel-punk Metroidvania that features intense combat and a large, interconnected world.

A hack and slash action adventure, set in a fantasy pixel art environment. Play solo or co-op in this adventure from bottom to top of Castle Hammerwatch. Kill hordes of enemies with varied looks and features through four unique environments with traps, hidden secrets and puzzles.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 29.9%, Co-op 23.8%, Hack and Slash 16.6%, RPG 10.7%, Local Multiplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic dungeon-crawler that prioritizes cooperative play and hack-and-slash action.

Bound By Blades is an Indie Action-RPG with a focus on intense boss battles. Experience the thrill of Boss Rushes with the wholesomeness of a cozy Indie RPG as you confront ferocious foes, collect loot, and craft epic gear to fortify yourself for the challenges ahead, solo or in 2 player co-op!

Why similar: Co-op 29.9%, Hack and Slash 18.9%, Hand-drawn 17.4%, RPG 13.1%, Fantasy 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A boss-rush focused action-RPG that emphasizes cooperative play and character customization.

Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47%, Hack and Slash 29.2%, Platformer 17.3%, Action 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: While rogue-lite, it offers some of the most fluid 2D combat and exploration mechanics in the genre.

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: Platformer 45.4%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Metroidvania 8.2%, Action 7.8%, Local Co-Op 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D platforming that includes cooperative modes and retro-inspired action.

Play as a new reaper, completing quests, collecting spells, and gathering equipment to fight through hordes of enemies in this grim but whimsical 2D adventure!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.5%, Co-op 16.1%, Local Multiplayer 16.1%, Platformer 11.2%, Hack and Slash 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG platformer that supports cooperative play and features a dark, stylized aesthetic.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.9%, Platformer 18.7%, Story Rich 12.7%, Action-Adventure 7.7%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its breathtaking art and fluid movement, it is a must-play for fans of 2D exploration.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.6%, Story Rich 14.4%, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Action 7%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich Metroidvania that balances platforming puzzles with engaging combat encounters.

Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat'em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun. Play local or online.

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 36.9% ★, Hack and Slash 16.5%, Side Scroller 16%, Local Multiplayer 14.1%, Family Friendly 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling beat-em-up that focuses on cooperative campaign progression and action.

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 37.5%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Platformer 13.5%, Hand-drawn 13%, Story Rich 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, challenging Metroidvania that tests your platforming skills and combat precision.

Shipwrecked on a myth-shrouded island, play as rookie pirate Marcus “Rookie” Ramsey and explore haunting biomes, face unforgiving combat, and unravel a deep-sea curse in search of your lost crew, the Angry Mermaids.

Why similar: Pirates 31.9% ★, Metroidvania 22.8%, Combat 10.2%, Story Rich 9.9%, Multiple Endings 8.7%

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.6%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Platformer 12.9%, Action-Adventure 10.7%, Fantasy 6%

Why You'll Like It: A surprisingly deep Metroidvania that focuses on bullet-hell style boss combat and exploration.

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: Local Co-Op 19.1%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Platformer 15.5%, Co-op 13.2%, 2D Platformer 11%

Join Koa and Napopo on a 3D platformer adventure through the islands of Mara! Outwit traps, explore the ocean, maneuver dangerous environments, and have fun in 8 wild worlds on their quest to recover stolen pirate loot.

Why similar: Pirates 31.2% ★, Platformer 12.7%, Story Rich 12.1%, Hand-drawn 12.1%, Action-Adventure 10.6%

Greak: Memories of Azur is a single-player puzzle platformer adventure. Azur is under threat from an enemy attack who have control of strange creatures infecting the land. Take on the role of three siblings: Greak, Adara and Raydel and utilize their unique abilities to escape the invasion together.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.2%, Hack and Slash 13.7%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Hand-drawn 11%, 2D Platformer 9.7%

Play Skelattack and save the Underworld in this fun action platformer! Together with your best bat friend Imber, you jump, slash, and flap your way though the Underworld and stop the human threat!

Why similar: Platformer 33.6%, Metroidvania 23.7%, Action 17.6%, Family Friendly 16.2%, Story Rich 9%

A NEW interactive animated adventure! In this action-adventure game, Arzette must explore the Kingdom of Faramore, slay fearsome foes, acquire powerful items, discover secrets, assist colorful characters, and defeat the evil Daimur!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Platformer 12.6%, Hand-drawn 11.2%, Story Rich 10.1%

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, Platformer 16%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Action 8%, Action-Adventure 6%

Moo Lander is a 2D action-adventure RPG with metroidvania elements featuring an epic plot, mighty cow bosses, beautiful environments, clever puzzles, and lots of milk!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Local Co-Op 12.3%, Co-op 12.1%, Local Multiplayer 11.6%

Secrets of Grindea is an old-school Action RPG with co-op support for up to 4 players. Journey through fantastical lands and battle tons of different enemies and bosses in your quest for truth, friendship and, above all, finding the world’s rarest treasures!

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 40.9% ★, Hack and Slash 18.5%, Story Rich 11.9%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, RPG 7.6%

Jump into adventure in Nikoderiko: The Magical World - Director's Cut, a love letter to platformers! Play in single-player or couch co-op, and enjoy 8 colorful worlds, classic platforming challenges, and music by legendary composer David Wise.

Why similar: Co-op 38.6%, Family Friendly 22%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Action-Adventure 12.5%, Platformer 10.8%

Feudal Alloy is an epic action adventure with fish-controlled medieval robots! Explore an unusual medieval world with a fish-controlled robot, Attu. Improve your combat techniques and skills by smashing many kinds of mechanical creatures in a beautiful hand-drawn world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.8%, RPG 13.1%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Platformer 11.7%, Action 8.6%

Trash Sailors is a hand-drawn co-op sailing adventure for one to four players. Create the trashiest team in history, in online or local co-op and find your way in the aftermath of a great trash tsunami.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 23.6%, Pirates 21.5% ★, Local Multiplayer 15.3%, Co-op 14.8%, Family Friendly 12.6%

Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Story Rich 18.6%, Combat 18.3%, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Fantasy 8.6%

LET'S KUNG FU THEM ALL! Play solo or co-op and take control of four unlikely heroes that battle a diverse lineup of enemies, show off your Kung-Fu skills and journey west across stunning different environments in order to hunt for the scattered remnants of the Sacred Scroll.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 21.5%, Co-op 15.2%, Side Scroller 14%, Hand-drawn 12%, 2D Platformer 11.8%

Ahoy, matey! How about slicing up some sea beasts and sending a couple of rivals to feed the kraken? Curse of Pirates be a true action roguelike, inspired by Vampire Survivors and Hades! Set sail upon the high seas, gather ye brave crew, and stand firm against the relentless tides of foes!

Why similar: Pirates 85.5% ★, RPG 8.5%, Action 6%

Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.5%, Story Rich 14.2%, 2D Platformer 13.9%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Platformer 11.8%

Anima Flux is a co-op metroidvania with two genetically enhanced soldiers, special agents of a theocratic dictatorial regime. Fight your way through swarms of mutants through a desolate, dystopian space city and save humanity's last stronghold, if, of course, anyone is still alive...

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, Local Co-Op 14%, Co-op 11.4%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Local Multiplayer 10.1%

Discover a world of exciting adventures in Heroes of Umbra, a multiplayer side-scrolling action RPG. Conquer dungeons and test your platforming as you uncover the mysterious Archaleon Island.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19.9%, Co-op 16.3%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Metroidvania 13.8%, Hack and Slash 12.4%

Blast off in a 2D metroidvania adventure bursting with platforming thrills, deep exploration, and explosive action. Assemble a crack team of heroes to save the world in Blast Brigade!

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Platformer 13.2%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Story Rich 10.2%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Pirates 27.9% ★, Metroidvania 24.7%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Platformer 10%, Story Rich 10%

Saddle up for a bike-riding, frisbee-throwing, goose-petting, friendship-building, treasure-hunting, story-driven adventure for 1 or 2 players!

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 26% ★, Local Co-Op 23.1%, Co-op 14.3%, Story Rich 10.4%, Hand-drawn 9.4%

Jump, Dash, Slide! Dive into a classic 3D platformer experience with Boti: Byteland Overclocked. Explore the stylized insides of a computer as a determined data robot and save Byteland from an ominous threat. Play solo or team up with a friend in seamless co-op.

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 24.4% ★, Local Co-Op 16.6%, Co-op 16.2%, Local Multiplayer 12.6%, Platformer 7.9%

Transform from a featureless nobody into a SLUG, a GHOST and a DRAGON in this new take on Action RPGs from the creators of Guacamelee! Discover 15+ distinct Forms, mix-and-match their abilities, clear evolving dungeons and... SAVE THE WORLD!?

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22%, Co-op 21.3%, Hack and Slash 17.3%, Hand-drawn 11%, Action-Adventure 6.8%

Action roguelike for 1-4 players with cute graphics and deep game mechanics. Combine dozens of different weapons, magic items, potions and spells with unique effects to beat 8 enemy factions and 28 bosses. Can you find the ancient goblin artifact at the end of the dungeon?

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.8%, Hack and Slash 18.8%, Local Multiplayer 17.5%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Co-op 13.1%

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 39.5%, Side Scroller 18%, 2D Platformer 14.3%, Platformer 12.7%, Story Rich 8.9%

Throw yourself into an epic 3D beat’em up adventure with adorable knights, full of surprising worlds and situations. Grab your buddy and play in 2 player co-op to save the princess, but this is only the beginning!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 27.2%, Hack and Slash 20.6%, Co-op 19.5%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Family Friendly 9.1%

Control the strings of fate and embark on a grand adventure with Drev and Nieve. A magical, story-driven 2.5D puzzle-platformer where puppeteering mechanics and a whimsical, theater-inspired world intertwine.

Why similar: Side Scroller 48.9%, Platformer 31.6%, Family Friendly 19.5%

Make impactful decisions in moral dilemma situations, which will change the course of your journey through this atmospheric, hand-drawn metroidvania. Explore the hazardous paths of the Realm of Aestik and fight its corrupted inhabitants as you unravel its deep-rooted mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.8%, 2D Platformer 14.7%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Hand-drawn 10.6%, Combat 8.5%

DuneCrawl is an open world action-adventure game, where you take to the sandy seas atop a gigantic crustacean festooned with black powder cannons. Play as a solo Crab Keeper, or with a crew of up to three other friends in local and online coop.

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 30% ★, Local Co-Op 19%, Local Multiplayer 14.9%, Co-op 13.3%, Hack and Slash 9.6%

Unleash your summoning powers to defeat the Cyclops Lord! Along with four unusual companions, you must journey through a dangerous land to save your mother from a terrible curse. A challenging adventure awaits!

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.3%, Family Friendly 17.2%, Action-Adventure 15.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Fantasy 11.7%