Games Like Deepening Fire

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 40.5%, Metroidvania 19.5%, Difficult 10.9%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%, Platformer 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive 2D souls-like experience, featuring deep RPG systems and challenging combat that mirrors the core appeal of Deepening Fire.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Souls-like 38.1%, Metroidvania 23%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, Difficult 7.1%, Action RPG 5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a perfect blend of metroidvania exploration and souls-like difficulty with a robust class system.

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 19.8%, Metroidvania 19.3%, Difficult 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The unique parry-based combat mechanics and surreal world design provide a fresh take on the souls-like formula.

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: Metroidvania 29.7%, Souls-like 29%, Difficult 10.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines gothic horror aesthetics with brutal, souls-inspired combat and exploration.

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 36.4%, Souls-like 27%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Difficult 10.7%, Action RPG 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a hauntingly beautiful world and challenging boss fights that reward careful exploration.

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 20.8%, Souls-like 20.5%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Difficult 11.9%, Action RPG 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric side-scroller that leans heavily into souls-like combat and exploration.

Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.5%, Souls-like 16.9%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Difficult 10.1%, Action RPG 8%

Why You'll Like It: It features an expansive map and deep character progression systems that cater to fans of exploration-heavy games.

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 21.7%, Metroidvania 21.1%, Difficult 11.8%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Lore-Rich 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers refined combat and intricate level design that challenges players to master its punishing mechanics.

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 28.6%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 14.2%, Platformer 9.2%, Exploration 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for metroidvania exploration, offering a vast, interconnected world and challenging boss encounters.

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 26.4%, Metroidvania 18.5%, Lore-Rich 13.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses heavily on souls-like combat mechanics and character build variety within a dark fantasy setting.

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 30.4%, Souls-like 29.3%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Platformer 7.6%, Action-Adventure 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a grim, challenging combat loop that rewards precision and patience.

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 22.9%, Souls-like 21.8%, Difficult 14.4%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game pushes the platforming and exploration aspects of the metroidvania genre to their limits.

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 52%, Side Scroller 13.1%, RPG 7.7%, Platformer 7.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic metroidvania experience that provides deep character customization and rewarding exploration.

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 20.5%, Metroidvania 19.7%, Difficult 12.2%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy souls-like that emphasizes combat variety and exploration in a 2D space.

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 43%, Difficult 16.5%, Souls-like 11.4%, Lore-Rich 9.3%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines class-based combat with classic metroidvania exploration and pixel-art charm.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 43%, Platformer 16.8%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Exploration 9.8%, Story Rich 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers fluid, combo-heavy combat paired with a dense, interconnected world to explore.

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 28.4%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Lore-Rich 12%, Platformer 9.8%, Open World 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging exploration-focused metroidvania with a distinct visual style.

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 33.9%, Metroidvania 31%, Difficult 12.2%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist 2D souls-like that strips away complex systems to focus on pure, challenging combat.

Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.

Why similar: Souls-like 29.7%, Side Scroller 20%, Action RPG 12.3%, Platformer 9.5%, RPG 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Beautifully animated side-scrolling combat that focuses on timing and mastery of skills.

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 53.7%, Platformer 21.2%, Action-Adventure 14.5%, Action 5.1%, Adventure 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced metroidvania that emphasizes aerial combat and exploration in a unique floating-island setting.

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 46.6%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Platformer 16.3%, Exploration 8.8%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on tight platforming mechanics and exploration, providing a rewarding challenge for metroidvania fans.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.7%, Souls-like 21.6%, Difficult 12%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Lore-Rich 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy souls-like that captures the side-scrolling exploration feel of the genre.

Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.

Why similar: Souls-like 21.4%, Metroidvania 19.5%, Difficult 12.9%, Action RPG 10.4%, Side Scroller 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It features souls-like combat with RPG elements that encourage character build experimentation.

HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.

Why similar: Souls-like 24.5%, Metroidvania 24.3%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Action RPG 12.3%, Platformer 7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-focused metroidvania that emphasizes combat variety and character progression.

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 41%, Platformer 15.9%, Open World 8.9%, Exploration 8.3%, Story Rich 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a rewarding metroidvania experience that balances exploration with accessible but engaging combat.

Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.

Why similar: Souls-like 31.4%, Metroidvania 30.9%, Platformer 12.8%, Action-Adventure 9.2%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It blends precision platforming with souls-like combat in a unique 3D environment.

Pascal's Wager: Definitive Edition is a challenging action role playing game set in a world of dark fantasy. Step into the shoes of Couriers, as they discover the tale behind the mysterious Dark Mist.

Why similar: Souls-like 32.8%, Difficult 15.1%, Action RPG 13.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.4%, Story Rich 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It brings the traditional souls-like experience into a dark, atmospheric world with challenging encounters.

Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.4%, Souls-like 23.8%, Difficult 15.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.1%, Platformer 7%

Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 19.2%, Metroidvania 17.8%, Difficult 11.5%, Side Scroller 9.4%, Demons 8.8%

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 26.8%, Souls-like 25.5%, Difficult 16.2%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.8%

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Difficult 18.9%, Lore-Rich 16.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers challenging exploration and platforming mechanics that reward players who enjoy difficult metroidvanias.

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 18.2%, Metroidvania 17.1%, Difficult 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Action RPG 9.1%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.9%, Platformer 14.4%, Difficult 12.7%, Exploration 4.3%, Indie 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers deep exploration and challenging boss fights that reward curiosity and persistence.

Discover the secrets of a sundered world as you help Aryn save his comrades in this story-rich, fully-voiced, 2.5D action-platformer. Fight terrible dangers and explore ancient mysteries as Aryn uncovers the forces that forge his destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 18.1%, Souls-like 17.8%, Difficult 11.8%, Lore-Rich 11.3%, Side Scroller 11%

Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 24.7%, Platformer 9.4%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of an ancient, interconnected world.

Why similar: Souls-like 24.6%, Metroidvania 22.9%, Action RPG 11.7%, Lore-Rich 10.7%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%

Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, Difficult 17.2%, Side Scroller 15%, Platformer 9.6%, Action-Adventure 7.2%

Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.5%, Souls-like 20.6%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Difficult 12.6%, Action RPG 9.2%

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 22%, Metroidvania 20.9%, Difficult 11.4%, RPG 9.2%, Side Scroller 7.3%

Embark on a quest to recover the Three Rings of the Triskelion, as the last descendant of ancient Kung Fu warriors in Twilight Monk!. Experience a richly crafted Metroidvania, RPG, with intricately crafted dungeons, linked across a vast overworld spanning multiple continents.

Why similar: Metroidvania 17.6%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Souls-like 15%, Open World 9.7%, Difficult 9.5%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.2%, Souls-like 19.6%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Difficult 10.7%, Dark Fantasy 8.7%

HunterX: code name T is an action adventure with fast and stylish combat. Perfect your own fighting style using various weapon actions and magic, and explore an ever-greater world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.1%, Souls-like 21.7%, Action RPG 12.4%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Platformer 9.8%

This is a dark, soul like role-playing game, trying to create a different experience in this genre. The protagonist fights against a powerful enemy in this city in search of a divine artifact.

Why similar: Souls-like 31.4%, Action RPG 17.7%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Action-Adventure 10%, Exploration 7.8%

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 38.6%, Souls-like 20.7%, Dark Fantasy 10%, Action RPG 9.9%, RPG 4.2%

Demons, giants, mutants, and a talking Ball with hybrid limbs?! In WarriOrb you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one. Will you do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?

Why similar: Souls-like 20.4%, Metroidvania 19%, Difficult 12%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Platformer 8%

A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.

Why similar: Souls-like 22%, Metroidvania 21.4%, Difficult 8.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%, Open World 8.5%

Shadow of the Depth is a top-down action Roguelite game. Delve into a dungeon world of light and shadow to eradicate the monsters that ravage your home. Be prepared to step into the abyss before you!

Why similar: Souls-like 33.5%, Difficult 24.8%, Action RPG 18.5%, RPG 9%, Action 4.4%

As a hunter, you explore a dark, interconnected world filled with dungeons, relying on precise combat to survive. Battle grotesque monsters, expand your arsenal, and uncover hidden paths in a non-linear, pixel art journey.

Why similar: Souls-like 31.1%, Metroidvania 25.8%, Action RPG 12.2%, Exploration 8%, Dark Fantasy 8%

Carve your way with fire and steel to find out what secrets lie beyond the Mist in this intense 2-hour-long action-platformer game. Get ready to wield the flames and burn everything!

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.5%, Demons 15.7%, Platformer 13.9%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Dark 12%

Explore alternative realities while trying to save Your own from approaching annihilation. Dark fantasy rpg action game which will take You on a journey deep into the realms of Errent.

Why similar: Souls-like 52.6%, Difficult 13.6%, RPG 11.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, Action 5.5%

Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.1%, Souls-like 12.3%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Difficult 11.2%

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: Metroidvania 22.8%, Souls-like 22%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Difficult 12.9%, Platformer 8%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Souls-like 25.8%, Metroidvania 25.5%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Action RPG 13.5%, Action-Adventure 6.8%

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 25.3%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Difficult 15.5%, Lore-Rich 12.9%, Action RPG 11.3%

Drova is an Action-RPG that marries the dark grim tones of its genre with the mysticism of Celtic mythology. Encounter a society where ancient restless spirits and divided factions battle for dominance. Uncover forgotten abilities and unravel the secrets of a past shrouded in mystery.

Why similar: Souls-like 30.3%, Action RPG 18.5%, Open World 11.9%, Exploration 10.7%, RPG 9.7%

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a soulslike, action RPG set in the land of Shu during the dark and tumultuous late Ming Dynasty, plagued with warring factions and a mysterious illness spawning monstrous creatures.

Why similar: Souls-like 31.6%, Difficult 14.9%, Action RPG 12.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%, Open World 7.1%

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Lore-Rich 20.9%, Dark 11%, Platformer 10.4%, Exploration 8.1%

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 52.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 9.3%, RPG 6.5%, Side Scroller 3.9%

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.2%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Action RPG 13.2%, Platformer 11.4%, Demons 10.4%

Hardcore action platformer with multiple endings that depend on your choices.

Why similar: Difficult 30.5%, Side Scroller 27.5%, Platformer 20.7%, Story Rich 8.6%, Action 4.1%