Games Like Drifting Lands

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Action 11.7%, Indie 8.5%, Singleplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly blends arcade-style space shooting with deep, modular RPG build-crafting that evolves as you play.

Enter the Blacksea Odyssey, a violent top-down rogue-lite space shoot ‘em up RPG brimming with colossal creatures and runic technologies. Explore dangerous, interstellar spacescapes as you hunt enormous space-behemoths with a harpoon and rune-infused spears.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Action 17.4%, RPG 16.5%, Indie 13.3%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike that emphasizes ship customization and RPG-style stat management within a high-speed combat environment.

A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, RPG 17.5%, Action 10.1%, Sci-fi 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelite shmup that offers deep skill trees and character progression, rewarding players for optimizing their loadouts.

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.5%, Action 16.1%, Indie 12.4%, Bullet Hell 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features an extensive ship customization and loot system that mirrors the RPG-heavy progression found in Drifting Lands.

Earth Atlantis is a side-scrolling shooter with an original "Monster-Hunting" gameplay. Search and hunt down dreadful sea monsters and explore the post-apocalyptic underwater world.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.3%, Bullet Hell 17%, Action 14.5%, Indie 14.3%, Singleplayer 2%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter incorporates exploration and boss-driven progression that feels similar to the structure of Drifting Lands.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Action 11.9%, Indie 9.8%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, high-octane bullet-hell experience that matches the intensity and visual spectacle of Drifting Lands.

Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.4%, Action 19.1%, Indie 16.5%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that centers on loot collection and weapon customization to help you survive increasingly difficult waves.

Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.3%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Action 11.8%, Sci-fi 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shmup with modern visuals and upgrade mechanics that provide a familiar arcade feel.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.2%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Action 8.3%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality side-scrolling shmup that focuses on narrative and unique time-based mechanics, offering a polished experience.

Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.7%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Action 9.9%, Indie 7.9%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a robust upgrade system and mission-based progression that mirrors the satisfying growth of an RPG.

Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.2%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Action 16.1%, Sci-fi 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique scoring mechanics and fast-paced action that will appeal to fans of high-intensity shmup combat.

Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.9%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Action 16.5%, Indie 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, fast-paced bullet-hell shooter with a strong arcade aesthetic and challenging boss encounters.

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Sci-fi 10.5%, Action 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike shmup that forces you to adapt your build through randomized weapon drops and upgrades during each run.

Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.7%, Action 26.6%, Indie 20.7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shmup that captures the high-speed intensity and precision required for bullet-hell mastery.

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.3%, Bullet Hell 22%, Action 15.8%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: An action-packed shooter with mission-based progression that keeps the gameplay loop engaging and varied.

Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, RPG 21.6%, Indie 18.2%, Action 16.8%, Bullet Hell 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines space exploration with RPG elements and shooter mechanics, creating a distinct gameplay loop.

Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Action 31%, Indie 22.9%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that blends horizontal and vertical perspectives, offering a unique twist on traditional shmup movement.

Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.8%, Action 18.5%, Indie 13.7%, Bullet Hell 13%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world style shmup that allows for upgradeable weapons and armor, providing a sense of persistent progression.

Cosmonator is an 'RPG-em-up': a hybrid of classic fast-paced top-down shoot-em-up action infused with deep character building elements. Build up your own unique alien-killing machine to avenge the destruction of planet Earth!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, RPG 20.9%, Action 14.1%, Indie 10.9%, Bullet Hell 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that integrates RPG elements and loot-driven progression for a more strategic experience.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Action 9.6%, Indie 9.6%, Sci-fi 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A masterful shmup that introduces evolving mechanics and secrets throughout the campaign, keeping the gameplay fresh.

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.1%, Action 20.9%, Indie 17%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter with a unique shift mechanic that adds a layer of tactical depth to the combat.

Vacant Kingdom is a synthesis of bullet hell and story-driven action-RPG. Explore a whimsical yet desolate land and rally its adrift people by solving their problems.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, RPG 14.8%, Action 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of bullet-hell combat and RPG storytelling that emphasizes character interaction and world-building.

A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Action 33.5%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Sci-fi 7.3%, Indie 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D side-scrolling shooter that delivers intense bullet-hell patterns for players seeking a significant challenge.

"Greedland” is a roguelike game mixed with survivor-like elements. It's reminiscent of Crimsonland and Vampire Survivors, and as the battle progresses your character will become a mobile arsenal of destruction!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.8%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Sci-fi 11%, Action 9.1%, Indie 5.4%

ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Indie 28.3%, Action 20.5%, Bullet Hell 20%

Why You'll Like It: A casual space shooter that features upgradeable ship systems to help you survive against waves of enemies.

A self-inflicted bullet hell that combines retro sci-fi with the sounds and sights of the disco era

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Action 13.8%, Indie 10.9%, Sci-fi 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A procedural shooter with a focus on character customization and quirky, rhythmic combat.

ASTROLANCER combines top-down shooter and shoot 'em up gameplay into one action-packed experience! Devise your own playstyle with a huge variety of weapons. Hardcore and casual players alike are welcome!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 78.2%, Action 17%, Singleplayer 4.8%

The Aces of the Luftwaffe have returned! Dodge a hail of bullets and face their fearsome war machines in bombastic air battles and boss fights!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.3%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Action 12.8%, Singleplayer 3%

Why You'll Like It: Includes squad-based RPG elements and skill trees within a side-scrolling shooter framework.

An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Action 11.6%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Indie 4.9%

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.4%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Action 8.9%, Indie 8.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 66.5%, Action 33.5%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging bullet-hell shooter designed for players who want to test their reflexes against complex enemy patterns.

Deathstate is a roguelike bullet hell adventure set in a bizarre world of dimensional exploration. Play as a number of unique characters trying to discover the fate of Professor Elinberg who opened a portal to the void. Are you ready to venture deep into the abyss?

Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.6%, RPG 27.8%, Action 20.2%, Indie 15.5%

GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.8%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Sci-fi 11%, Action 10.6%, Indie 8%

Demonslayer AKA Me is a cultivation-themed flying shooter RPG that blends the thrill of classic side-scrolling and vertical shooting battles with the rich depth of immortal cultivation.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 50%, RPG 35.4%, Action 12.4%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Razor2: Hidden Skies Razor2: Hidden Skies is a top view shooter. The game has the style of successful classic arcade games, while using the latest technology to create great visuals and effects. An old-school game with all new technology.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Action 19.7%, Indie 15.6%, Bullet Hell 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that focuses on weapon upgrades and tactical positioning.

Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Action 25.4%, Indie 21.5%, Bullet Hell 21.2%

Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.2%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Action 12.5%, Sci-fi 9.2%, Indie 6%

SKIPCHASER is a story-driven sci-fi fantasy shooter with procedural missions, deep weapon customization and action/adventure elements.

Why similar: RPG 49.9%, Action 26.4%, Indie 23.7%

Light up your fantasy with extra lives ✈︎ ⋆｡˚A new type of bishoujo game combining "bullet hell shooting" and "visual novel."

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Bullet Hell 19%, RPG 17.7%, Sci-fi 9.1%, Action 8.9%

A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.2%, Bullet Hell 24%, Action 13.5%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Woodpunk is an exhilarating roguelike bullet hell retro pixel art shooter in a medieval Woodpunk universe, where the primary energy resource is WOOD.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Action 21.5%, Indie 17.3%

Schism is a challenging action roguelike RPG with deep synergies and high broken build potential. The combination of robust stat systems, fully moddable guns, deity worship, intense frequency-switching bullet hell combat, and difficult bosses make for a unique and highly replayable experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, RPG 21.2%, Bullet Hell 21%, Action 9.2%, Sci-fi 8.2%

Mow down countless crops and corrupt critters while crafting game-breaking builds! Pesticide Not Required is an action roguelite bullet heaven game with farming sim elements that offers a myriad of stats and special character traits to create wildly diverse run possibilities.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.6%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Action 10.9%, RPG 10.7%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Tame monsters! Slay waves of enemy hordes! Explore fantasy lands! Wildkeepers Rising is a whimsical action-RPG roguelite set in a beautiful hand-drawn world that combines the power curve of bullet heaven games with the compulsive fun of a creature collector.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.8%, RPG 27.8%, Action 15.5%, Indie 14.2%, Singleplayer 2.8%

It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.3%, RPG 17.8%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Action 10.4%, Indie 8.6%

Vacant Kingdom is a synthesis of bullet hell and story-driven action-RPG. Explore a whimsical yet desolate land and uncover the mystery of why everyone disappeared.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, RPG 17.7%, Action 11.1%, Indie 8.1%

Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Bullet Hell 31.5%, RPG 24.7%, Action 9.3%

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.2%, Action 16.4%, Indie 11.2%, Bullet Hell 9%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Action 19.4%, Indie 15.7%, Bullet Hell 8.3%

Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Action 23.1%, Indie 19.6%, Sci-fi 9.1%, Singleplayer 2%

Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Action 13%, Indie 11.6%, Singleplayer 2.4%

ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.8%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Action 13.4%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.5%, RPG 20.3%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Action 11.3%

A game with a futuristic anti-utopian story — a hardcore space shooter with RPG elements.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, RPG 15.6%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Action 9.7%

Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Action 21.3%, Indie 17.5%

Non-target action role-playing game, with MOBA and MOBA-style arenas, an open world to explore and relax, a fresh and unique combat system, and many other exciting features.

Why similar: RPG 50.9%, Action 26.6%, Indie 22.5%

Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Action 25%, Indie 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%

Incremental Survivors-like in which you mine valuable resources whilst slaying hoards of enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.4%, Bullet Hell 29.4%, Action 10%, Sci-fi 4.3%, Singleplayer 0.9%

Cube Gothic is a Story-driven Shoot 'em up Adventure. Shooting enemies and dodging projectiles while solving simple puzzles and trying to comprehend the surreal plot - these are the challenges you'll be facing in Cube Gothic.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.2%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Action 15.3%, Sci-fi 1.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%