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 32.8%, Beautiful 19.1% ★, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Platformer 14.6%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers breathtaking hand-painted environments and fluid, high-speed movement that rivals the polish of the seed game.

“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 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Platformer 18.2%, Adventure 3.2%, Fantasy 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a deeply emotional story and gorgeous atmospheric art that perfectly complements the exploration-heavy gameplay.

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 53.9%, Platformer 14.3%, RPG 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features complex, combo-heavy combat and RPG elements that feel very similar to the fast-paced action of the seed game.

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 36.3%, Beat 'em up 9.2%, RPG 8.3%, Hack and Slash 7.6%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a similar 2D action-RPG structure with a focus on fluid swordplay and a vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic.

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 17.9%, 2D 4.4%, Action 2.7%, Indie 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: The melancholic, beautiful art style and action-RPG combat mechanics make it a perfect thematic match for fans of the seed game.

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 45.4%, Platformer 16.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, 2D 4.3%, Indie 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive modern Metroidvania, offering a massive, interconnected world and tight, challenging combat.

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 8.7%, RPG 8.3%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: As a spiritual successor to classic Metroidvanias, it provides the deep character progression and action-packed combat that defined the genre.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 38%, Hack and Slash 14.2%, RPG 11.2%, Action 9.3%, Indie 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique, vibrant art style and strong narrative focus make it a classic indie action-RPG experience.

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 20.2%, Beat 'em up 13.5%, Action 5%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on satisfying, combo-based combat and platforming challenges makes it a highly engaging action-platformer.

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 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Action 4.7%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: The hand-drawn art style and chaotic, screen-filling combat encounters provide a similar visual and mechanical intensity.

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 44.2%, Platformer 14.9%, Hack and Slash 10.5%, RPG 6.5%, Side Scroller 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a massive, hand-drawn world with diverse biomes and deep character customization through RPG elements.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 42.5%, Beautiful 18.5% ★, RPG 9%, Indie 6.2%, Action RPG 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: The artistic presentation and deep, strategic combat system offer a similarly polished and unique experience.

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 34.6%, Beat 'em up 14.9%, Platformer 14.7%, RPG 6.7%, Fantasy 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid movement and beautiful pixel-art animation capture the same sense of grace in combat found in the seed game.

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 56.6%, Platformer 14%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Action 3.9%, Indie 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic exploration-heavy spirit of the genre with a unique, atmospheric sci-fi world.

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 47.6%, Platformer 19.5%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Action 6.1%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers tight, responsive 2D action and a dark fantasy atmosphere that rewards exploration and skill.

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%, Action 6.8%, Indie 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features a beautiful, detailed world and a character-driven story that emphasizes both platforming and 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 38.8%, Great Soundtrack 29.1%, Action 9.1%, 2D 7.3%, Indie 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: The fast-paced momentum and focus on combat-oriented platforming provide an exciting, high-energy experience.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.1%, Platformer 22.6%, Action 7.1%, Adventure 4.9%, Exploration 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines a dieselpunk aesthetic with intense, combo-driven combat that feels very satisfying to master.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Platformer 21.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Action 4.5%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This foundational indie title features a compelling story and classic platforming action that remains a must-play.

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 36.7%, Platformer 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Fantasy 6.2%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The incredible pixel-art animation and focus on exploration make it a visually stunning and charming adventure.

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 30.5%, Platformer 16.7%, RPG 16%, Action 9.8%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: The hand-drawn animation and party-based combat system offer a unique blend of RPG and platforming elements.

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 10.8%, RPG 10%, Action 5.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends dark fantasy storytelling with complex RPG mechanics and challenging 2D combat.

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 53.2%, Platformer 14.8%, RPG 9.3%, 2D 5.7%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It brings deep RPG character building and challenging combat into a 2D Metroidvania framework.

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 63.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, 2D 4.7%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: The striking, unique art style and challenging, deliberate combat make it a standout in the 2D action-platformer genre.

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 46.4%, Platformer 27.5%, Adventure 4.6%, Indie 4.3%, Action 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: The satisfying gameplay loop of mining and upgrading gear provides a rewarding sense of progression.

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 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, RPG 7.4%, Side Scroller 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on time-manipulation mechanics and fast-paced combat makes for a unique and stylish action experience.

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 45.1%, Metroidvania 26.8%, RPG 5.6%, Indie 5.4%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: The blend of platforming and action-RPG progression with roguelike elements provides high replayability.

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%, Platformer 17.9%, Hack and Slash 10.2%, Action 7%, Anime 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a fun, anime-inspired 2D action-RPG experience with a focus on elemental combat interactions.

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 31.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, 2D 4.6%, Indie 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique, puzzle-heavy take on the Metroidvania genre with a distinct, hand-drawn aesthetic.

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.1%, Action 8.8%, Platformer 7.3%, Hack and Slash 6.2%, RPG 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This action-platformer features a beautiful, painterly art style and a focus on parry-based combat.

“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 24.2%, Platformer 17%, Fantasy 4.7%, Adventure 3.6%

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: Metroidvania 40.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Platformer 13.3%, Beautiful 11.1% ★, 2D 4%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Metroidvania 21.1%, Hack and Slash 10.7%, Action 6.5%, RPG 6.1%

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 22.1%, Indie 8.7%, Beautiful 7.7% ★, Exploration 5.5%

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 16.8%, RPG 10%, 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 35.1%, Indie 7%, Action 5.8%, 2D 5.6%

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 6.8%, Beautiful 5.6% ★

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 14.6%, Platformer 11.2%, 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 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Hack and Slash 8.8%, Action 5.4%

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 77.2%, Action 8.3%, Platformer 4.4%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 3.1%

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 54.1%, Action 11%, 2D 10.2%, Indie 8.5%, Side Scroller 6.9%

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 28.6%, Metroidvania 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Indie 7.6%, Atmospheric 4.9%

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

Why similar: Platformer 32.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Fantasy 9.9%, Action 8.5%

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29%, RPG 18.2%, Action RPG 15.4%, 2D 7.7%, Indie 6.2%

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 61.4%, Side Scroller 6.5%, Action 6.1%, Exploration 5%, Platformer 4.5%

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 45.8%, Platformer 19.8%, Fantasy 6.8%, Action 5%, Adventure 4.8%

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%, 2D 16.3%, Exploration 14.4%, Adventure 13.1%, Indie 10.5%

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 37.1%, 2D 12.2%, Adventure 11.5%, Exploration 9.9%, Story Rich 9.9%

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 48.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Beautiful 10.7% ★, Indie 4.1%, Exploration 3.9%

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%, Platformer 16.7%, RPG 11.6%, Action 5.8%, Fantasy 5.1%

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 41.2%, Platformer 14.2%, Hack and Slash 9.4%, RPG 6.2%, Fantasy 5.5%

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 24%, Great Soundtrack 21.7%, Fantasy 13.7%, Action 10.6%, Exploration 7.9%

Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33.3%, Platformer 18.6%, Indie 15.4%, Action 12.2%, Adventure 12.2%

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 52.9%, Platformer 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Adventure 3.5%, Indie 3.2%

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 22.7%, Metroidvania 19.4%, Exploration 18.8%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Adventure 10.3%

Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.4%, Platformer 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%, Adventure 5.5%, Fantasy 5.3%

A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.

Why similar: Platformer 39.3%, Metroidvania 30.7%, Action 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, 2D 6.5%

A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.4%, Platformer 15.4%, RPG 14.6%, Action 7.8%, Anime 7.2%