Games Like Dust: An Elysian Tail

Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Beautiful 19.3% ★, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Platformer 14.6%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a breathtakingly beautiful world combined with fluid movement and combat that rivals the polish of Dust.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Platformer 18.3%, Beautiful 3.2% ★, Adventure 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title shares the gorgeous artistic direction and emotional storytelling that made Dust so memorable.

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 45.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Platformer 16.3%, 2D 4.2%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more challenging, it offers the definitive modern Metroidvania experience with incredible atmosphere and tight controls.

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 53.6%, Platformer 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, RPG 6.5%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features deep combat mechanics and character progression that will feel very familiar to fans of Dust's action-RPG elements.

Discover the secrets of the Calamity, a surreal catastrophe that shattered the world to pieces.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.7%, Hack and Slash 13.9%, RPG 10.8%, Action 9.2%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a strong focus on narrative-driven action and a distinct, memorable musical score.

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 34.8%, Beat 'em up 15%, Platformer 14.8%, RPG 6.7%, Fantasy 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a beautiful 2D aesthetic and tight, responsive combat within a classic Metroidvania structure.

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48%, Platformer 20.3%, Beat 'em up 13.5%, Action 5%, Great Soundtrack 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at blending platforming with fast-paced, combo-driven combat in a vibrant 2D world.

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.2%, Beat 'em up 9.3%, RPG 8.3%, Hack and Slash 7.7%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It mirrors Dust's focus on fluid, combo-heavy 2D combat and features a distinct, hand-drawn art style.

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 56.5%, Platformer 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, RPG 8.2%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a robust RPG experience with extensive gear and ability customization within a sprawling 2D map.

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 63.9%, Great Soundtrack 18.1%, 2D 4.3%, Action 2.7%, Indie 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a hauntingly beautiful art style and a combat system centered around summoning spirits, similar to Dust's companion mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Platformer 16.8%, RPG 15.9%, Action 9.8%, Indie 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title features stunning hand-drawn animation and a unique blend of platforming and tactical action-RPG combat.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 38.9%, Great Soundtrack 29.3%, Action 9.1%, 2D 7.2%, Indie 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the high-speed, 2D action and character-focused charm found in Dust.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.9%, Metroidvania 21.3%, Hack and Slash 10.7%, Action 6.6%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a striking visual style and fluid, high-stakes combat that emphasizes player skill.

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 56.4%, Platformer 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Action 3.9%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style Metroidvania that focuses heavily on exploration and finding unique tools to traverse the world.

Discover the world of Transistor, a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 42.9%, Beautiful 18.6% ★, RPG 8.9%, Indie 6%, Action RPG 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique combat system and a deeply atmospheric world that fans of indie-developed action games will appreciate.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.1%, Platformer 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Action 6.9%, Indie 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines a compelling, character-driven story with polished 2D platforming and action sequences.

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 49.1%, Platformer 19.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Action 4.7%, 2D 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes beautiful hand-drawn art and intense, large-scale combat encounters that feel very dynamic.

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Platformer 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Action 7.3%, Adventure 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a colorful, hand-drawn aesthetic and a variety of transformation-based mechanics that keep exploration fresh.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.7%, Platformer 19.6%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Action 6.1%, Fantasy 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a tight, atmospheric 2D action experience with a focus on exploration and challenging combat.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.5%, Platformer 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Adventure 4%, 2D 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a lighthearted, action-platformer experience with vibrant visuals and satisfying ability-based progression.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.5%, Platformer 21.1%, Action 6.3%, 2D 5.3%, Adventure 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie title that balances platforming, shooting, and a charming, story-rich world.

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: Metroidvania 53.3%, Platformer 14.8%, RPG 9.2%, 2D 5.6%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It brings a dark, RPG-heavy approach to the 2D action genre with deep character building and exploration.

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 62.2%, Platformer 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, 2D 4.5%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a unique, dark aesthetic and challenging combat that rewards mastery of 2D movement.

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Platformer 19.9%, Fantasy 7.2%, Action 6%, 2D 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is renowned for its incredible pixel art and a unique flight-based movement system that changes how you explore.

SteamWorld Dig is an action-adventure puzzler with strong Metroidvanian influences set in the SteamWorld Universe. You’ll need to dig deep into the earth, gather resources to upgrade your tools and abilities, take on enemies, solve challenging puzzles and uncover the secrets to save a dying town.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.6%, Platformer 27.5%, Adventure 4.6%, Action 4.2%, Indie 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a satisfying loop of mining and upgrading that makes the Metroidvania exploration feel very rewarding.

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 39%, Platformer 16%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, RPG 7.3%, Side Scroller 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features exceptionally fluid combat and time-manipulation mechanics within a well-designed 2D space.

In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.

Why similar: Platformer 54.4%, Action 11%, 2D 10%, Indie 8.4%, Side Scroller 7%

Why You'll Like It: It features some of the most polished 2D movement and stealth-action mechanics available on Steam.

Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.2%, Platformer 18%, Hack and Slash 10.2%, Action 7%, Anime 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features anime-inspired art and a heavy focus on using environmental interactions and gear in 2D combat.

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%, Platformer 14%, RPG 8.1%, Action 5.5%, Adventure 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a classic Metroidvania experience with procedural elements that keep the exploration feeling fresh.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.6%, Great Soundtrack 24.5%, Platformer 17.1%, Fantasy 4.7%, Adventure 3.6%

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.6%, Platformer 17.1%, RPG 7.7%, Side Scroller 6.5%, Fantasy 6%

Why You'll Like It: A charming Metroidvania that emphasizes RPG elements and a time-bending narrative.

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 40.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Beautiful 11.2% ★, 2D 3.9%

Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.

Why similar: Platformer 43.3%, Great Soundtrack 22.4%, Indie 8.5%, Beautiful 7.8% ★, Exploration 5.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.2%, Platformer 10.9%, RPG 9.8%, Action 5.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%

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 34.2%, Platformer 16.9%, RPG 9.9%, Hack and Slash 8.9%, Action 6.5%

Take control of a nimble janitor to rid the world of dust and debris.

Why similar: Platformer 43.3%, Great Soundtrack 35.4%, Indie 6.8%, Action 5.8%, 2D 5.5%

Intense 2D action with special attacks, aerial combos, and customizable combat in a vibrant, hand-drawn world. Upgrade your skills, forge new items, discover secret paths, and face challenging enemies on a journey to save the kingdom!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Beat 'em up 14.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Hack and Slash 10.1%, Action 5.4%

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 32.4%, Platformer 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Hack and Slash 8.7%, Action 5.4%

Seasons After Fall is a 2D platform-puzzler game that will let you dive into a captivating universe and explore a land governed by magic and nature.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Metroidvania 21.7%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Adventure 6.7%, Beautiful 6.2% ★

What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.

Why similar: Platformer 28.8%, Metroidvania 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Indie 7.5%, Atmospheric 4.9%

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 77.6%, Action 8.2%, Platformer 4.4%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.7%, Platformer 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Action 6.6%, Adventure 4.9%

Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.

Why similar: Platformer 45.4%, Metroidvania 26.9%, RPG 5.6%, Indie 5.3%, Action 4.6%

Dustless is a hand-drawn wuxia side-scrolling action game built around Yin-Yang switching, fast pressure, and endless combos. Play as a swordsman in white, link sword skills, launch enemies, and overwhelm bosses through aggressive rhythm. Defense is only a fallback while you learn.

Why similar: Action 26.6%, Adventure 20.8%, Action RPG 20.7%, 2D 16.5%, Indie 11.5%

Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.6%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Beautiful 10.8% ★, Indie 4%, Exploration 3.8%

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.1%, Side Scroller 6.6%, Action 6%, Exploration 5%, Platformer 4.5%

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: Metroidvania 45.8%, Hack and Slash 11.7%, RPG 8.3%, Fantasy 7.4%, Side Scroller 6%

A 3D-2D adventure where you travel a 3D world and explore 2D dungeons inside of its characters' bodies and minds! In an unforgettable, surreal story, travel the world, meet whimsical denizens, and save the world from the dangerous Nano Dust.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.8%, 2D 12%, Adventure 11.6%, Exploration 9.8%, Story Rich 9.8%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.5%, Platformer 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, 2D 4.5%, Indie 4.4%

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds.

Why similar: Platformer 32.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Fantasy 9.9%, Action 8.5%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.8%, Platformer 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Adventure 3.5%, Indie 3.1%

Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.2%, Platformer 16.9%, RPG 11.6%, Action 5.8%, Fantasy 5.1%

Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op.

Why similar: Platformer 31.7%, Beautiful 26.9% ★, Great Soundtrack 9.2%, Fantasy 8.4%, Action 8.2%

A 2D action-adventure through a surreal, subconscious world. Explore moody dungeons, buildings, and atmospheric lands, evoked by dreamy music and visuals. Help the human Young awaken from their dream!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 24.5%, 2D 16.1%, Exploration 14.3%, Adventure 13.2%, Indie 10.4%

Explore a secret-filled land in this 3D Action-Adventure, where every level is hidden in plain sight! Travel and fight through a vast, unmarked overworld. The next surprise is only a single search away!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Fantasy 13.6%, Action 10.6%, Adventure 7.8%

The definitive version of the smash-hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges, and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60%, Platformer 28.8%, 2D 7.6%, Beat 'em up 1.9%, Action 0.6%

Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.

Why similar: Indie 22.4%, Metroidvania 19.6%, Exploration 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Adventure 10.4%