- #1 Lost Wish: In the desperate world
97% matchMostly Positive79% of 29 reviews2022
Dev: Innocent Soul
Windows
Lost Wish: In the desperate world is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. Play as a young girl, explore different locations, defeat monsters, and find out what secrets this cruel world is hiding from you. Wonderful pixel art, a sad story, epic bosses and much more is waiting for you in the Lost Wish...
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 9.4%, Atmospheric 3.3%
- #2 Anokye
96% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: Mills Media
Windows
Anokye is a 2D action–adventure platformer where you play as a destined hero fighting to unite the Ashanti people. Battle through villages, forests, and mystical peaks inspired by Ghanaian art and folklore in a journey to restore light to a kingdom in darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Souls-like 22.9%, Difficult 14.2%, Platformer 7.3%, Indie 4.2%
- #3 SHADE Protocol
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Little Legendary
Windows · Linux
SHADE Protocol is a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where music, code, and combat collide. Swap between DAWN and SHADE forms to unleash devastating abilities, wield Instruments as weapons, and rewrite reality itself in a world on the brink of annihilation by the SHADE Protocol.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.6%, Souls-like 23.4%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 9.7%, Multiple Endings 3.3%
- #4 Last Souls
95% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ruben Wihler
Windows · Mac
Last souls is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania soulslike game.The player controls a mysterious caped character and explores a labyrinthine, dark and cold world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Souls-like 22%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 9%, Nonlinear 6.3%
- #5 Children of Birch
94% matchNo user reviews
Dev: UvuikSmoniti
Windows
"Children of the Birch" is a dark fantasy metroidvania inspired by the mythology of various Slavic peoples and combining a sophisticated platformer with a depressing narrative.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30%, Souls-like 24.2%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 9.8%, Adventure 3.1%
- #6 Steel Flood
94% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Egobounds
Windows
Explore a fallen utopia in this action-packed adventure platformer. Harness the weather to find new paths. Fight the untamed machines and seek ways to get their fragile parts for crafting. Become the savior of humanity or its doom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Souls-like 24.5%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 10.1%, Atmospheric 3.5%
- #7 Hollow Knight
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 534,538 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 33.4%, Souls-like 22.3%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 9.3%, 2D 3%
- #8 Lotus Knight
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stinky Tofu Games
Windows · Mac
Lotus Knight is a 2D platform action game. A girl born from a lotus, following the call of her "mother", adventuring inside the world covered with flowers, exploring various interesting places, engaging in intense battles and experiencing a wonderful story.
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Souls-like 29.6%, Platformer 14%, 2D 4.4%, Nonlinear 3.4%
- #9 Solateria
91% matchVery Positive85% of 331 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
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 30.2%, Souls-like 25%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 7.5%, Dark Fantasy 3.6%
- #10 WarriOrb: Prologue
91% matchVery Positive88% of 399 reviews2019
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
WarriOrb: Prologue is a free standalone demo for the action platformer WarriOrb, where you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one... Are you ready to do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.6%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 9.3%, Multiple Endings 3.9%
- #11 Dimension Rift Zero
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MrDyvik
Windows
Explore an interconnected world, encounter bizarre enemies and mysterious puzzles in this hand-drawn metroidvania, action adventure. Forge your own path, uncover secrets and master unique powers.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Souls-like 25.3%, Difficult 13.5%, Platformer 10.8%, Atmospheric 4%
- #12 Intertwined
89% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: VoidNode
Windows · Mac
Choose between Seren and Umbra, two warriors who despise each other. Armed with a spear that can strike in any direction, explore a fractured world, uncover the truth behind your bond, and hunt down the one person you must destroy. Desperate for Separation~Forever Intertwined
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.2%, Souls-like 25%, Difficult 14.3%, Platformer 9.2%, Exploration 3.6%
- #13 Benders of Moona
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lincoln Charlles BorgesPub: Tao Team
Windows
Discover the power of healing through the pursuit of mastery in the art of waterbending. Learn new skills, explore a living world full of riddles and mysteries that plague the peace between the material and spiritual world. A hand-drawn 2d platformer inspired by digital oil painting.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.3%, Souls-like 21.2%, Platformer 11.7%, Difficult 10.9%, Story Rich 4%
- #14 LUNARIS
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Richard BuenoPub: Two Void Studios
Windows
LUNARIS is a 2D metroidvania with fast and fluid combat. Defeat brutal bosses, unlock new abilities. Master jumps, dashes, and precise strikes as you traverse the dangerous ruins of the Mountains of Kaliman in an adrenaline-filled abandoned world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Souls-like 18.8%, Difficult 12%, Platformer 11%, Exploration 4.2%
- #15 Foregone
86% matchVery Positive81% of 1,393 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 29%, Souls-like 21.6%, Platformer 11.6%, Difficult 11.5%, Side Scroller 3.9%
- #16 Enemies Within
86% matchNo user reviews2028
Dev: BoomSqueak
Windows
Battle corrupted enemies, liberate afflicted allies, and explore a modernly medieval world on the verge of self-destruction in this action-packed 2D side scrolling adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, Souls-like 22.7%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 8%, Exploration 4.9%
- #17 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
85% matchVery Positive81% of 5,476 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 40.5%, Metroidvania 28.8%, Difficult 6.3%, Platformer 5%, Dark Fantasy 4%
- #18 Gedda Cake
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Flannel Bear Games
Windows · Mac
Gedda Cake is a metroidvania about Dragons and Cakes. Play as 6 characters with unique skills and playstyles, swap between them on the fly, battle dangerous foes and explore the vast sugar-coated lands of Sugria. Help them reclaim their invaded world and get The Cake!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Souls-like 24.2%, Difficult 12.7%, Platformer 10.1%, Atmospheric 3.6%
- #19 Unbound: Worlds Apart
84% matchVery Positive84% of 1,299 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 27.8%, Souls-like 13.1%, Platformer 12.5%, Difficult 10.1%, Atmospheric 4.8%
- #20 Unworthy
83% matchVery Positive81% of 842 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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: Metroidvania 36.3%, Souls-like 33.7%, Difficult 10.1%, Dark Fantasy 4.5%, Indie 3.6%
- #21 Lightward
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Wolfbit Games
Windows · Mac
Embark on a quest to restore light to a kingdom swallowed by darkness. Dive into a cute and dark pixel-art interconnected world with tight controls, seamless exploration, and challenging combat.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.7%, Souls-like 29.7%, Platformer 11.8%, Adventure 3.6%, Action 3.6%
- #22 Crownless
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Studio Wallnut
Windows
Carry your life as a fragile crown in Crownless! An epic action adventure built for exploration and punchy combat. Explore a vast hand-crafted 2D world, uncover forgotten realms, and dash, swim, and forge your way through the unknown.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Souls-like 25.3%, Platformer 13.4%, Exploration 5%, Adventure 4.4%
- #23 Colorless World
81% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2022
Dev: Bazzucco Entertainment
Windows
Immerse yourself in this strange Colorless World. Unleash new mechanics and defeat obstacles, monsters, and bosses. As you unravel a hidden story told between the lines that will shape your ultimate destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30%, Souls-like 25.5%, Platformer 10.5%, Difficult 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 3.5%
- #24 THE DARK DWELLERS
81% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2022
Dev: COLNELIUS
Windows
In this dank pit of rot and undeath, take control of The Mortali, the newest member of ragtag-group THE DARK DWELLERS. Fight and crawl your way through this subterranean land, collect unique weapons, learn devastating Blood Magic spells and attempt to end The Maddening Curse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.1%, Souls-like 25.2%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 6.7%, Dark Fantasy 4.7%
- #25 Akatori
80% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Contrast Games
Windows
Akatori is an epic metroidvania where you wield your staff to fight, jump, and explore diverse realms across different eras. Explore worlds spanning different eras, battle formidable enemies, and help Mako stop the Amber Storms that poison all living things.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Souls-like 23.5%, Difficult 12.4%, Platformer 9.3%, Exploration 4.4%
- #26 Hollow Knight: Silksong
76% matchVery Positive89% of 400,178 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.1 hrsMean: 45.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 33%, Souls-like 23.3%, Difficult 13.6%, Platformer 8.6%, 2D 3.2%
- #27 Salt and Sanctuary
79% matchVery Positive89% of 21,497 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 45.1%, Metroidvania 25.6%, Difficult 10.2%, Platformer 5.6%, Dark Fantasy 3.9%
- #28 Vulpis
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: max.marauder
Windows · Mac
Guide a lonely fox through a vast interconnected world of a mysterious planet Vulpis in this Metroidvania-style game. Explore non-linear paths, unlock new abilities, fight enemies, overcome obstacles, and unravel the planet's mysteries to find a way back home.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.8%, Difficult 16.5%, Platformer 14.5%, Adventure 4.8%, 2D 4.5%
- #29 Void Memory
79% matchMixed67% of 230 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Metroidvania 28.3%, Souls-like 25.3%, Difficult 11%, Platformer 6.8%, Adventure 6%
- #30 Shieldbound
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Bangers
Windows
Shieldbound is a metroidvania action-platformer. Explore a realm that revolves around a mysterious tower with many platforming challenges. Fight powerful enemies in 2D souls-like combat... all of that, using the unique abilities of a spirit-powered shield!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.6%, Souls-like 24.7%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 10.2%, Exploration 3.5%
- #31 Fading Light
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Punica Games
Windows
In a world of eternal darkness, navigate the unknown with only the glow of your companion, Spark. Craft arrows from the environment to survive, uncover lost secrets of an ancient world, and push forward through the shadows into hope. Will you find your way, or will the dark consume you?
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.5%, Souls-like 18.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Difficult 11.1%, Adventure 4%
- #32 Anatine
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Pixel TrashPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows · Mac
Anatine is a pixelated metroidvania game that contains organic musical elements. Play the flute to interact with the environment or unleash powerful magic! In the dangerous world of Avenis, battle against the Eidolons and confront powerful enemies to uncover the many secrets of this lost world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.3%, Souls-like 28.7%, Platformer 9.2%, Atmospheric 4.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%
- #33 Mother's Sword
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Monsitle
Windows
Make your way through a 2D ruined world with metroidvania elements, unleash fast and powerful attacks in Hack & Slash combat and face fearsome enemies in difficult fights. Breathe and be brave.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.7%, Souls-like 34.5%, Platformer 7.4%, Adventure 5.2%, Action 4.5%
- #34 DEVIATOR
75% matchMixed68% of 988 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
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 33.9%, Souls-like 27.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Difficult 5.5%, Dark Fantasy 3.9%
- #35 Dumbriel: Magnificent Adventure in Hell
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MadMoa
Windows
Dumbriel is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure set in Hell. Play as a clumsy fallen angel in a twisted underworld. Slash, craft, and dodge through deadly arenas, weird monsters, and hellish traps. Die, upgrade, and dive back in.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.3%, Souls-like 26.9%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 10.8%, Exploration 3.2%
- #36 Castleward
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Amanari Studio
Windows
Forge your destiny in Castleward! Play as Frida, a young witch and her living hat, facing cursed creatures in a dark castle. Explore striking areas in search of a way out and fight your own way in this challenging retro 2D action game!
Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Souls-like 18.7%, Platformer 13.5%, Difficult 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 5%
- #37 Misspell
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Bones Keeper Studio
Windows
Misspell is a 2D atmospheric Metroidvania about magic and mysteries of the past. Uncover the secrets of an island risen from the ashes of a catastrophe and master a magical living vine that changes the way you fight and explore. Every step tells a story — every enemy echoes the mistakes of the past.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Souls-like 16.2%, Platformer 12.5%, Difficult 7%, Atmospheric 4.4%
- #38 Blade of Mercy: Bloody Countess
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Pixel Beer Games
Windows
Blade of Mercy: Bloody Countess is a 2D action with metroidvania elements set in a 16th-century fantasy world, drawn with cozy pixels. Explore a mysterious realm, battle ruthless enemies, and uncover powerful weapons and abilities. And remember: beer is the best medicine in these grim times!
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Souls-like 24%, Difficult 13.8%, Platformer 8.9%, Exploration 3.5%
- #39 Astronium
73% matchPositive90% of 41 reviews2022
Dev: LukeThePolicePub: The Council
Windows
Astronium is a metroidvania with souls-like aspects, with a focus on combat and on getting weapons. Defeat strong enemies, survive ambushes, explore diferent biomes and meet interesting individuals on this hostile planet
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.8%, Souls-like 23.4%, Difficult 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 4%, Exploration 3.8%
- #40 Go Alone
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: orobi
Windows · Mac · Linux
Go Alone is a pixel art soulslike metroidvania adventure with magical ranged spells and fast-paced combat.
Why similar: Metroidvania 41.3%, Souls-like 31.8%, Adventure 5.7%, Exploration 5.1%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%
- #41 Eden's Guardian
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Voragine Game Studio
Windows
Where shadow falls, it begins. Dive into Eden's Guardian, a challenging metroidvania experience with handmade pixel art set in a world with medieval and fantasy aesthetics devastated by conflict where the history of Gods and humans intertwine.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.6%, Souls-like 23.9%, Difficult 11.8%, Platformer 10.1%, Exploration 3.8%
- #42 Silent Santicado
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vigilant Addiction Studios
Windows
Explore a silent, crumbling world in Silent Santicado! A retro journey through a fallen kingdom tainted by lost magic. Explore overgrown ruins, encounter a cast of peculiar characters, and defeat a menagerie of twisted enemies as you search for the source of Santicado's curse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.7%, Souls-like 28.3%, Nonlinear 6.4%, Dark Fantasy 5%, Platformer 4.5%
- #43 MIO: Memories in Orbit
69% matchVery Positive83% of 2,890 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Souls-like 19.5%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 11%, Robots 7%
- #44 Tairo: Lost In Time
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Philuma
Windows
Tairo: Lost In Time is a 3D stylized metroidvania following Tairo, a young time weaver lost in a forgotten realm. Explore a big lively world, full with mysteries to solve, wide range of bosses, creatures and forgotten knights. Shape your journey downwards, manipulating time to reveal your past.
Why similar: Metroidvania 45.7%, Souls-like 38.1%, Platformer 5.7%, Adventure 3.6%, Indie 3.2%
- #45 Ceplion
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mert Ali Barlas
Windows
Embark on an epic journey in Ceplion, a metroidvania-inspired action-platformer. Explore the Ceplion Island, uncovering mysteries and ancient secrets. Engage in precise combat against believers and monstrous creatures. Harness the power of inheritors to bring an end to the relentless war.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Souls-like 21.5%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 10.5%, Exploration 3.9%
- #46 Blasphemous
70% matchVery Positive90% of 62,190 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 39.4%, Souls-like 28.2%, Difficult 8.3%, Platformer 5.7%, Dark Fantasy 4.6%
- #47 Momento Temporis: Light from the Deep
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 48 reviews2016
Dev: Burning Ice Games
Windows · Mac
All alone, Hania sets out on a journey to find the answers to her past across this uncharted, perilous and magical world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.8%, Difficult 15.2%, Platformer 15%, Adventure 7.8%, Indie 5.3%
- #48 OUTBUDDIES DX
70% matchMixed70% of 283 reviews2019
Dev: Julian LauferPub: Headup
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!
Why similar: Metroidvania 43.1%, Difficult 14.2%, Platformer 11.8%, Indie 4.5%, Adventure 4.2%
- #49 Nara: Facing Fire
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Glowing Glade Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
In a world where a mysterious energy known as Va flows through and connects all living beings, a child with the power to command this energy was born. As the last of her kind, young Nara must unravel the dark secrets of her power and face the flames and shadows that took someone special from her.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, Souls-like 25.3%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Exploration 4.4%
- #50 Castle In The Darkness
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,266 reviews2015
Dev: Matt KapPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!
Why similar: Metroidvania 50.3%, Difficult 15.7%, Platformer 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 4.1%, Indie 4.1%
- #51 WarriOrb
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 175 reviews2020
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
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: Metroidvania 27%, Souls-like 24.5%, Difficult 12.1%, Platformer 9.9%, Dark Fantasy 4.1%
- #52 Necrowave
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Arfhis The Wizard
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the emotional life of a zombie with his butt stuck in a microwave. It's a 2D platformer with critical thinking based combat where each different enemy feels like a puzzle to solve instead of relying on brute hack & slash tactics.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Souls-like 24.8%, Platformer 9.7%, Nonlinear 7.2%, Exploration 4.7%
- #53 Custodian: Beginning of the End
68% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2021
Dev: Red-Pixel
Windows
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 29.6%, Souls-like 24.3%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 9%, Exploration 4.1%
- #54 The Light of the Darkness: Renascence
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: QUARTOMUNDO
Windows
Fly, fight, and evolve in a seamless 2.5D world. Absorb enemies to craft builds, unlock spells, and harness Mystic Natures. Equip and manage memories in your Mind Inventory to reshape both your powers and the way the story unfolds.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.2%, Souls-like 20.9%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 4.2%
- #55 GLIGHT
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ATOMIC BREATH
Windows
Welcome to the world of Glight, a dark fantasy side-scroller adventure by ATOMIC BREATH. On a daunting journey to recover something long lost, give form to your powers of light and darkness in a fast-flowing, super-tight platformer full of hidden shortcuts and devious secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 11.6%, Dark Fantasy 5.4%, Adventure 5.1%
- #56 3000th Duel
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 623 reviews2019
Dev: NEOPOPCORN Corp
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 51%
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: Metroidvania 27.2%, Souls-like 24%, Difficult 12%, Platformer 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 4.3%
- #57 CRAVE
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Hang The Eyelids
Windows
Ceaseless hunger draws you yet a bit closer to the gates of Foghorn. Devour men and beasts alike to acquire a wide array of combat abilities. Through shadows and mold, track down the paling memories of this bygone kingdom, all in a classic hand-drawn action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.3%, Souls-like 20.3%, Difficult 14.6%, Platformer 8.7%, Nonlinear 5.3%
- #58 Runic Curse Remastered
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Alexey Suslin
Windows
Runic Curse Remastered is a thrilling action RPG Metroidvania that transports you to a cursed island. Explore dark and diverse locations, battle hordes of enemies and mighty bosses. Forge your own playstyle by combining various weapons with magical runes to overcome all challenges.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.5%, Souls-like 30%, Platformer 8.4%, Adventure 4.9%, Action 4.4%
- #59 Rebel Transmute
66% matchMostly Positive75% of 272 reviews2024
Dev: Fatal Fawn GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Rebel Transmute is a challenging 2D action-platformer epic with heart! Explore the twisting caverns of an alien planet, augment your play-style to fit your strengths, battle deadly bosses, and uncover a dark truth as Moon Mikono searches for her long lost mother.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Souls-like 24.1%, Difficult 12.2%, Platformer 7.6%, Nonlinear 5.4%