Games Like Death's Gambit: Afterlife

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 57.1%, Metroidvania 18.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%, Difficult 4.1%, RPG 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Often considered the definitive 2D Souls-like, it mirrors the deep RPG systems and challenging combat of the seed game perfectly.

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: Souls-like 41.4%, Metroidvania 26.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%, Difficult 6%, Action RPG 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel refines the brutal combat and dark religious imagery of its predecessor, offering a polished 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: Souls-like 38.7%, Metroidvania 30.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%, Difficult 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its oppressive atmosphere and punishing, skill-based combat make it a thematic and mechanical sibling to Death's Gambit.

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

Why similar: Souls-like 40.5%, Metroidvania 27.3%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%, Difficult 4%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly bridges the gap between gothic horror aesthetics and precise, Souls-like 2D action.

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: Souls-like 39.1%, Metroidvania 25.2%, Dark Fantasy 11.4%, Difficult 6%, Platformer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: The unique absorption mechanic adds a layer of tactical depth to the combat that fans of the seed game's class system will appreciate.

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: Souls-like 38%, Metroidvania 33.7%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Difficult 4%, Great Soundtrack 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: The melancholic, dark-fantasy atmosphere and challenging boss encounters align closely with the tone of Siradon.

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: Souls-like 40.6%, Metroidvania 28%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%, Difficult 6.9%, Platformer 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features exceptional parry-focused combat and a dark, narrative-driven world that demands high player skill.

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: Souls-like 42.7%, Metroidvania 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, 2D action game that emphasizes dark, surreal storytelling and high-stakes combat.

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Souls-like 37.8%, Metroidvania 25.3%, Dark Fantasy 8%, Difficult 5.9%, Action RPG 5%

Why You'll Like It: This title leans heavily into the gothic, Souls-like aesthetic with a focus on complex character builds and side-scrolling exploration.

UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.

Why similar: Souls-like 43%, Metroidvania 26%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, RPG 5.1%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A pure 2D Souls-like experience that strips away platforming to focus entirely on challenging, deliberate combat.

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: Souls-like 37.2%, Metroidvania 31.3%, Difficult 6.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.5%, Platformer 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: While less focused on RPG stats, it is the gold standard for interconnected world design and challenging, pattern-based boss fights.

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: Souls-like 44%, Metroidvania 30.5%, Difficult 7.7%, Platformer 5.7%, Side Scroller 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly expansive world and high-difficulty platforming that will satisfy players looking for a significant challenge.

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: Souls-like 46.4%, Metroidvania 14.5%, Dark Fantasy 9%, Action RPG 8%, Difficult 6%

Why You'll Like It: Features tactical, Souls-like combat set in a grim, hand-drawn world that rewards careful observation of enemy patterns.

Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.

Why similar: Souls-like 47.3%, Metroidvania 20.6%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, RPG 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its oppressive, dark-fantasy setting and focus on resource management make it a strong match for fans of the genre.

Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.

Why similar: Souls-like 51%, Dark Fantasy 16%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Difficult 8%, Action RPG 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses entirely on intense, Souls-like boss rushes that capture the high-stakes feeling of the seed game's major encounters.

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: Souls-like 37.2%, Metroidvania 24.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%, Difficult 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: While it incorporates roguelike elements, the fast-paced, skill-based combat is a staple for fans of 2D action games.

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 41.4%, Metroidvania 19.1%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, RPG 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated Souls-like 2D action game with a heavy emphasis on stamina management and dark, gothic environments.

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: Souls-like 39.5%, Metroidvania 31.6%, Difficult 6.3%, Action RPG 5.7%, RPG 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: An expansive Metroidvania with deep character progression and a vast, interconnected world to explore.

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 60.8%, RPG 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 8.3%, Platformer 4.1%, Side Scroller 4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides deep RPG character building and vast exploration within a classic Metroidvania framework.

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 62.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Platformer 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%, 2D 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic Metroidvania that excels in atmosphere and exploration, providing a different but equally compelling 2D experience.

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 47.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, Platformer 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Difficult 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tight, responsive platforming with excellent combat flow and a surprising narrative depth.

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 49.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, RPG 9.9%, Platformer 9%, 2D 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features highly polished combat mechanics and exploration that feel very satisfying for fans of 2D action.

Explore the depths below a remote mountain town in this procedurally-generated Adventure Platformer. Taking inspiration from hack 'n slash dungeon crawlers and Metroidvania-style platformers, Chasm will immerse you in a fantasy world full of exciting treasure, deadly enemies, and abundant secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, RPG 8.5%, Platformer 6.1%, Action 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features procedurally generated elements and classic RPG progression within a tight Metroidvania structure.

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 59.5%, Platformer 8.5%, Action 7.1%, Adventure 6%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Thematically similar to the seed game, it focuses on an afterlife journey with challenging 2D action.

Their Flesh is Your Armor. Mortal Shell is a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Survival demands superior awareness, precision, and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 65.9%, Dark Fantasy 13.6%, RPG 5.7%, Difficult 5.6%, Action RPG 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the deliberate, heavy combat feel of the Souls-like genre in a dark, mysterious world.

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 42.1%, Difficult 11%, RPG 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Platformer 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes unique time-manipulation mechanics in a tight 2D space to create a distinct and rewarding combat experience.

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 36.7%, Souls-like 29.9%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Action RPG 4.4%, RPG 4.1%

Immortal Planet is an action RPG with challenging combat that rewards patience and punishes recklessness. Explore the crumbling remains of a society of immortals trapped in endless cycles of rebirth. Fight your way to discover the planet's mystery and escape its curse.

Why similar: Souls-like 66.5%, RPG 8.5%, Dark Fantasy 5%, Difficult 4.4%, Action 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: An isometric Souls-like that focuses on stamina management and tactical, slow-paced combat.

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 59.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Platformer 11.2%, Action 5.8%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, combat-heavy Metroidvania that rewards aggressive play and mastery of movement.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Platformer 7%, Difficult 5.2%, Great Soundtrack 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Challenging exploration and difficult boss encounters make this a hidden gem for fans of the genre.

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 50.5%, Souls-like 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Difficult 7.9%, Action 3.7%

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: Souls-like 36.5%, Metroidvania 27.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Difficult 6.1%, Platformer 6.1%

Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.

Why similar: Souls-like 50.9%, Metroidvania 16.4%, Dark Fantasy 15.2%, RPG 5.5%, Action RPG 5.2%

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Souls-like 24.9%, Metroidvania 16%, Pixel Graphics 15.3%, Difficult 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 23%, Platformer 12.4%, Action 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Adventure 8.1%

Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

Why similar: Souls-like 36.4%, Metroidvania 24.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%, Difficult 5.4%

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: Souls-like 36.5%, Metroidvania 22.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.5%, Difficult 5.8%, Action RPG 5.6%

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 52%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, Action 6.3%, Platformer 5.8%

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 57.2%, Platformer 9.7%, Difficult 8.2%, 2D 4.8%, Side Scroller 4.5%

Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Action 9.6%, Difficult 8.6%, Indie 7%

Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Why similar: Souls-like 19%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Dark Fantasy 15.1%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 11%

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: Souls-like 37.2%, Metroidvania 26.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Difficult 6.3%

A hero resurrected. A new Adventure. With stunning, 2D pixel art, Adventure of Samsara combines classic gameplay, a deeply connected world, and a heady, twisting narrative of death, rebirth and memory. Become the Solar Champion and restore balance to the multiverse.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.8%, Metroidvania 27%, RPG 6.3%, Action RPG 6%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%

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: Souls-like 40.5%, Metroidvania 32.1%, Difficult 7.5%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Platformer 4.6%

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

Why similar: Souls-like 33.2%, Metroidvania 28.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%, Difficult 4.8%

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: Souls-like 35.8%, Metroidvania 22.7%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Difficult 5.7%, Platformer 4.3%

DarkMaus is an indie action RPG with challenging, skill-based combat that punishes careless play.

Why similar: Souls-like 88.3%, Dark Fantasy 4.5%, Difficult 2.5%, RPG 2.5%, Action 1.3%

You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?

Why similar: Souls-like 36.1%, Metroidvania 22.6%, RPG 10.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.5%, Difficult 5%

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: Souls-like 41.7%, Metroidvania 28.1%, Dark Fantasy 10%, Difficult 7.1%, Platformer 3.9%

Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!

Why similar: Souls-like 36.3%, Metroidvania 24.7%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%, Difficult 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 4.9%

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: Pixel Graphics 17.8%, Platformer 14.5%, Metroidvania 14.4%, Action 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%

Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.

Why similar: Souls-like 67.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Difficult 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 3.3%, Action 2.3%

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 57.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, Platformer 8.7%, Adventure 4.3%, Indie 4%

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Souls-like 39.1%, Metroidvania 27.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Side Scroller 3.4%

You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers - it leads to this accursed temple, a seemingly-infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters.

Why similar: Souls-like 55.1%, Dark Fantasy 20%, Difficult 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 4%, Action 3.9%

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Souls-like 48.8%, Metroidvania 31.3%, Platformer 4.9%, Action 3.6%, Adventure 2.6%

Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.

Why similar: Souls-like 54.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Difficult 8.8%, Action RPG 7.4%, Side Scroller 5.8%

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

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

Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 48.8%, Difficult 30.8%, Action 8.2%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Indie 3.7%

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 63.2%, RPG 8%, Platformer 7.2%, Difficult 4.5%, Action 4%