Games Like Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

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 53.5%, Platformer 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Difficult 7.8%, Indie 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for atmospheric, challenging, and exploration-heavy Metroidvanias that reward mastery of movement.

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 54.5%, Platformer 15.5%, Difficult 10%, Indie 7%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features intense, precision-based platforming challenges that mirror the high-difficulty traversal found in Dandara.

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 43.8%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Platformer 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Indie 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a strong narrative and beautiful pixel art combined with creative, puzzle-like boss encounters.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.6%, Platformer 20.6%, Pixel Graphics 18.9%, Action 15.7%, Indie 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its fast-paced, momentum-driven combat and unique movement mechanics provide a similar sense of high-stakes agility.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, Platformer 14%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers incredibly tight, fast-paced action and platforming that feels rewarding to master in a similar way to Dandara's movement.

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 50%, Platformer 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Difficult 9.3%, Action 9%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid, high-speed movement and combat loop make it an essential play for those who enjoy the kinetic energy of Dandara.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.9%, Platformer 10%, Indie 9.7%, Action 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: Its compact, tight movement and exploration make it a perfect bite-sized Metroidvania experience.

Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Platformer 7.4%, Difficult 5.2%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: The dark, atmospheric world and challenging combat offer a similar sense of weight and difficulty in a 2D space.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.1%, Platformer 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Indie 6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic of the genre that captures the sense of discovery and isolation found in Dandara's world.

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 48.7%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Action 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: The fast-paced combat and time-sensitive exploration create a sense of urgency that complements the difficulty of Dandara.

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 50.5%, Action 11.7%, Platformer 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Female Protagonist 7%

Why You'll Like It: The dark, painterly aesthetic and punishing combat mechanics provide a similar level of challenge and atmosphere.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.8%, Platformer 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Action 10.3%, 2D 2%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on complex, movement-based platforming challenges within a sprawling Metroidvania world.

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 55.7%, Platformer 15.9%, Difficult 9.6%, Action 8.1%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique combat system and surreal, atmospheric world design provide a similarly distinct experience to Dandara's bizarre universe.

Live the life of space captain Flinthook! Armed with your mighty hookshot, your uncanny slow-motion powers and your trusty blasma pistol, plunder and fight your way through an infinite variety of randomly-assembled spaceships for treasure, loot and fame!

Why similar: Platformer 22.4%, Action 20.8%, Indie 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Difficult 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The core grappling-hook movement mechanic provides a unique way to traverse levels that feels spiritually aligned with Dandara's gravity-jumping.

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 50.5%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 10%, Indie 7.4%, Action 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: The chaotic, fluid movement and massive scale of the world offer a unique take on the Metroidvania formula.

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.2%, Platformer 13.4%, Action 8.8%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Indie 7%

Why You'll Like It: Its atmospheric sci-fi setting and deliberate, challenging combat feel like a natural progression for fans of Dandara.

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 41.6%, Platformer 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Difficult 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 7%

Why You'll Like It: The unique time-manipulation mechanics create a distinct movement and combat style that rewards player creativity.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.8%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Indie 8.7%, Female Protagonist 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, retro-inspired Metroidvania that focuses on clever exploration and puzzle-solving.

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 64.6%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Action 7.7%, Platformer 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, classic Metroidvania experience with extensive character customization and exploration.

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Action 9%, Difficult 7.2%, Action-Adventure 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: The challenging exploration and distinct class-based combat provide a deep, rewarding experience.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.1%, Platformer 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Indie 6.2%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes exploration and discovery in a challenging, retro-styled pixel world.

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 47.7%, Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 12%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Difficult 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The tight, difficult combat and beautiful pixel art make it a standout in the female-protagonist Metroidvania subgenre.

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 40.7%, Platformer 13.8%, Action 10%, Indie 8.2%, Female Protagonist 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid 2D action and fast-paced combat feel very satisfying for players who enjoy high-mobility games.

ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Action 19.8%, Indie 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: The fast-paced, aerial-focused combat provides a high-intensity experience for those who enjoy fluid movement.

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 63.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Action 7.6%, Indie 5.5%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a complex combat system and platforming challenges that require high levels of skill to navigate.

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 52.5%, Platformer 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Female Protagonist 7.4%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: The beautiful art style and rhythmic combat mechanics offer a fresh take on the traditional platformer.

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.5%, Action 11.9%, Platformer 11.4%, Indie 10.1%, Female Protagonist 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: The unique afterlife setting and challenging platforming segments align well with the tone of Dandara.

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 49.2%, Platformer 14.2%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Action 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its focus on fast-paced, combat-heavy exploration makes it a great fit for fans of action-oriented Metroidvanias.

Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Platformer 10.4%, Difficult 8.1%, Female Protagonist 7.9%

"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 44.4%, Platformer 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Action 7.4%

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 53%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Action 11%, Indie 7.4%, Difficult 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a polished, atmospheric experience with a strong female lead and challenging combat.

Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Platformer 16.5%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Action 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.2%, Action 15.5%, Indie 14%, Platformer 13.4%, Female Protagonist 12.7%

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 59.9%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Difficult 5.2%, Indie 4.4%

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.3%, Action 13.9%, Platformer 13%, Female Protagonist 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Indie 6.8%

Chronicles of Teddy : Harmony of Exidus is a 2D Adventure / Action game with a Pixel Art Retro finish. Help Tarant in a quest, in which you will have to fight, use your sense of direction and hearing to accomplish your mission.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.7%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Platformer 10%, Action 9.3%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, exploration-heavy platformer that rewards players for mastering its unique mechanics.

A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.8%, Action 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Platformer 7.1%

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 48.5%, Platformer 14.5%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Action 8.7%, Indie 8.4%

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 65.2%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Action 5%, Platformer 3.4%

Battle Princess Madelyn is a game that follows the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy. Join them as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Action 12%, Platformer 11.6%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Indie 10.5%

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.3%, Platformer 13.7%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Female Protagonist 8.2%

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: Metroidvania 55.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Action 8.5%, Platformer 8.1%, Indie 6.7%

Metroidvania style action/platformer with tons of abilities, enemies and exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.5%, Platformer 15.4%, Action 10.7%, Indie 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%

A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.8%, Platformer 24.2%, Indie 9.3%, Action 5.5%, Difficult 5.3%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.9%, Action 18%, Platformer 17%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Action-Adventure 4.2%

Challenging precision platformer based on tight, fluid movement. Open map layout with multiple routes. Collect gems and save animals.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.1%, Platformer 17.6%, Action 17.4%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fast-paced platformer that will plunge you into the heart of two opposing worlds.

Why similar: Platformer 32.2%, Action 21.6%, Indie 19.5%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%

Cally's Trials is a roguelike action-platformer with a weapon-levelling system that lets you evolve weapons as you use them. Cally must save her parents from the maniacal Herbert, who has laid waste to the Caves and built a massive new base.

Why similar: Action 26%, Platformer 24.2%, Indie 21.2%, Female Protagonist 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Action 11.2%, Indie 10.1%, Platformer 8.2%

Paradox Soul is a chilling fight for exploration and survival; a Metroidvania pixel action-shooter hybrid!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.5%, Platformer 12.4%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Female Protagonist 8.4%

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 52.4%, Platformer 13.9%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Difficult 8.8%, Action 6.2%

Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!

Why similar: Action 30%, Indie 25.4%, Platformer 18.5%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%

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: Great Soundtrack 21.2%, Platformer 19%, Difficult 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Female Protagonist 13.5%

A great unknown danger is approaching Roah's home planet. Follow Roah as she explores the world and encountering all of its different factions, uncovering the mystery of what is draining the planets lifeforce.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Action 14.4%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Indie 11.9%, Platformer 10.4%

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.1%, Platformer 16.6%, Action 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Female Protagonist 4.8%

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 47.1%, Platformer 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Action 7.7%

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 52.5%, Platformer 12.7%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Action 6.5%

You're outnumbered, low on ammunition and the paranoia sets in. This is an action horror-world where enemies get power-ups and you don’t.

Why similar: Platformer 23.9%, Action 19.3%, Indie 17.3%, Metroidvania 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

The long-awaited sequel to La-Mulana, La-Mulana 2 follows Lumisa Kosugi as she explores the ancient ruins of La-Mulana. Desperate to find the cause of the recent slew of monsters appearing from the ruins, Lumisa discovers the "other" La-Mulana: the ruins known as Eg-Lana.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45%, Platformer 11.7%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Difficult 8.5%, Action 6.6%