- #1 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 18,875 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 41.8%, Souls-like 15.7%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its direct successor preserves the spirit-companion combat, melancholy ruined-world atmosphere, and exploration-driven 2D action that define ENDER LILIES.
- #2 Vigil: The Longest Night
96% matchVery Positive86% of 3,655 reviews2020
Dev: Glass Heart Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 35.9%, Souls-like 23.9%, Female Protagonist 11%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Difficult 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: This bleak hand-drawn soulsvania pairs punishing combat, branching exploration, and an ominous gothic world with a similarly vulnerable heroine.
- #3 Afterimage
96% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,497 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 41.5%, Souls-like 22.7%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Difficult 7.7%, Action RPG 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a huge, beautiful hand-drawn metroidvania world, a female lead, extensive build options, and frequent demanding boss battles.
- #4 Moonscars
95% matchVery Positive83% of 1,528 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 44.8%, Souls-like 30.1%, Female Protagonist 8%, Dark Fantasy 7.7%, Difficult 3.2%
Why You'll Like It: A somber, painterly 2D souls-like centered on difficult encounters, cryptic storytelling, and a decaying dark-fantasy world.
- #5 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
94% matchVery Positive81% of 5,603 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 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 37.9%, Metroidvania 34.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 4%, Difficult 4%
Why You'll Like It: Its dark fantasy setting, RPG builds, intense bosses, and broad interconnected areas make it an especially strong souls-like alternative.
- #6 Salt and Sanctuary
94% matchVery Positive89% of 21,932 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.7 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 42.7%, Metroidvania 30.4%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Difficult 6.4%, 2D 2.1%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply grim 2D souls-like with oppressive environments, stamina-based combat, character builds, and dangerous boss encounters.
- #7 The Last Faith
93% matchVery Positive85% of 5,695 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 43.2%, Souls-like 28.8%, Dark Fantasy 14.8%, Difficult 6%, 2D 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: This gothic metroidvania combines grim imagery, weighty souls-inspired combat, character builds, and substantial exploration.
- #8 Blasphemous
92% matchVery Positive90% of 67,491 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.1 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 45.1%, Souls-like 26.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 6%, Difficult 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: The original delivers punishing 2D combat and a haunting, lore-rich fallen world for players who enjoy ENDER LILIES' sorrowful tone.
- #9 Hollow Knight
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 563,086 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 41.8 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 38.7%, Souls-like 20.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Difficult 7.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its lonely ruined kingdom, excellent exploration, challenging bosses, and exceptional atmospheric soundtrack make it a natural next metroidvania.
- #10 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
91% matchVery Positive93% of 41,767 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 24.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 61.2%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%, Anime 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: This expansive modern Castlevania-style adventure provides ability-gated exploration, flexible builds, and a female protagonist battling through a cursed castle.
- #11 Blasphemous 2
89% matchVery Positive91% of 21,782 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Metroidvania 38.1%, Souls-like 25.9%, Difficult 14.1%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, Action RPG 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its upgraded traversal, nonlinear exploration, elaborate bosses, and oppressive religious-horror atmosphere closely fit the desired dark metroidvania mood.
- #12 GRIME
90% matchVery Positive85% of 6,798 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Metroidvania 36.7%, Souls-like 25.4%, Dark Fantasy 14.1%, Difficult 8.4%, Action RPG 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal and hostile soulsvania built around deliberate combat, absorbing enemy abilities, and uncovering a strange ruined world.
- #13 Nine Sols
89% matchVery Positive94% of 45,860 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 40.4%, Souls-like 25.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Difficult 9.3%, Hand-drawn 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: While its setting is sci-fi Taoist rather than medieval fantasy, its precision combat, memorable bosses, exploration, and tragic story are superb fits.
- #14 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
88% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,837 reviews2025
Dev: Primal Game StudioPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 13.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Metroidvania 32.7%, Souls-like 23.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.9%, Difficult 7.8%, Action RPG 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its side-scrolling dark-fantasy world, souls-like encounters, RPG customization, and branching exploration echo ENDER LILIES' core appeal.
- #15 AWAKEN - Astral Blade
87% matchVery Positive82% of 1,258 reviews2024
Dev: Dark Pigeon GamesPub: ESDigital Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
AWAKEN - Astral Blade is a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania where you play as Tania, a bionic warrior fighting through a world twisted by Karpas energy. Master parries, upgrade your abilities, and survive relentless enemies and bosses. Is there any chance of survival in such a desperate place?
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Souls-like 21.2%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Difficult 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A polished female-led action metroidvania with difficult bosses, upgrade-driven exploration, and a hostile mysterious setting.
- #16 Dark Devotion
86% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,509 reviews2019
Dev: Hibernian WorkshopPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.
Why similar: Souls-like 33%, Metroidvania 32.4%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%, Difficult 5%
Why You'll Like It: This oppressive action RPG emphasizes careful combat, cursed equipment choices, and exploration of a forbidding religious-fantasy temple.
- #17 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
86% matchMixed68% of 714 reviews2022
Dev: Actual NerdsPub: Mastiff
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 56%
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: Metroidvania 31.3%, Souls-like 30.2%, Dark Fantasy 18.2%, Dark 5%, Multiple Endings 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: This uncompromising pixel-art soulsvania emphasizes grim dark fantasy, deliberate combat, difficult bosses, and exploration through dangerous ruins.
- #18 Sundered®: Eldritch Edition
85% matchVery Positive82% of 5,179 reviews2017
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 52.9%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Difficult 7.2%, Hand-drawn 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its hand-drawn caverns, powerful bosses, customizable abilities, and oppressive eldritch atmosphere make for a compelling darker metroidvania.
- #19 Aeterna Noctis
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,162 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 44%, Souls-like 28.4%, Difficult 10.5%, Atmospheric 4%, Hand-drawn 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: An enormous, demanding hand-drawn metroidvania with intense boss fights and extensive traversal challenges for players seeking a sterner test.
- #20 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
82% matchVery Positive92% of 3,298 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.6%, Souls-like 23.4%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Anime 4.3%, Atmospheric 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: A graceful female-led metroidvania with responsive combat, supernatural melancholy, intricate bosses, and a compact but rewarding world.
- #21 Minoria
84% matchVery Positive81% of 2,659 reviews2019
Dev: BombservicePub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 41%, Souls-like 18.7%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Dark Fantasy 7.4%, Difficult 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: This female-led dark-fantasy action game shares a somber religious setting, fluid 2D combat, and boss-focused progression.
- #22 Unworthy
83% matchVery Positive81% of 858 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 43.3%, Souls-like 32%, Dark Fantasy 13.4%, Difficult 6.5%, 2D 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: A stark monochrome souls-like with deliberate combat, interconnected exploration, and a lonely, despairing atmosphere.
- #23 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
81% matchVery Positive93% of 7,464 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 60.1%, Female Protagonist 19.9%, Anime 5.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%, 2D 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful female-protagonist metroidvania with polished movement, elemental combat mechanics, and satisfying ability-based route expansion.
- #24 Elderand
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 823 reviews2023
Dev: MantraPub: Graffiti Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 60%, Dark Fantasy 19.4%, Action RPG 10.1%, 2D 4.6%, Singleplayer 2.1%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a brutal Lovecraftian dark-fantasy journey with weapon builds, interconnected regions, and fast but punishing combat.
- #25 Hollow Knight: Silksong
78% matchVery Positive89% of 424,009 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.5 hrsMean: 47.1 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 36.3%, Souls-like 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Difficult 8.1%, Female Protagonist 7.6%
- #26 Dark Light
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 752 reviews2022
Dev: Mirari&Co.
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.2%, Souls-like 28.2%, Post-apocalyptic 5.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%, Dark 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: This cyberpunk soulsvania replaces fantasy with sci-fi horror while retaining punishing encounters, moody exploration, and build-driven combat.
- #27 LOST EPIC
80% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,137 reviews2022
Dev: One or Eight
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
LOST EPIC is a 2D side-scrolling action RPG about a war between gods and humanity. The player becomes the deity-defying knight, God Slayer, and explores the world known as Sanctum to bring the Pantheon of Six to their knees.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.1%, Souls-like 24.3%, Dark Fantasy 14.6%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Action RPG 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its side-scrolling dark-fantasy combat, weapon crafting, giant bosses, and character-build focus suit players wanting more action-RPG depth.
- #28 Astalon: Tears of the Earth
79% matchVery Positive90% of 1,573 reviews2021
Dev: LABS WorksPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom!
Why similar: Metroidvania 67.5%, Post-apocalyptic 16.5%, Anime 5.4%, 2D 4.3%, Singleplayer 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its large interconnected tower, multiple playable heroes, secrets, and demanding retro action reward methodical metroidvania exploration.
- #29 RIN: The Last Child
79% matchMixed61% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: Space Fox GamesPub: Salient Games
Windows
Join RIN, the last child of the Creator, on a journey to restore order in a mystical world. Collect aspects and runes, craft spells, and confront powerful bosses - your transformed siblings. The fate of the world rests in your hands. Can you restore harmony to this enchanted realm?
Why similar: Metroidvania 57.1%, Difficult 10.7%, Female Protagonist 8.8%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, Atmospheric 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its hand-painted fantasy world, spell customization, female protagonist, and exploration-focused 2D combat offer a more colorful but kindred experience.
- #30 Tails of Iron
77% matchVery Positive88% of 15,173 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!
Why similar: Souls-like 31.7%, Metroidvania 23.5%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Action RPG 8.9%, Difficult 8.8%
- #31 3000th Duel
78% matchMixed72% of 628 reviews2019
Dev: NEOPOPCORN Corp
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 50%
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 32.5%, Souls-like 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Dark Fantasy 12.9%, Difficult 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: This dark hand-drawn metroidvania features difficult boss encounters, varied weapons, exploration upgrades, and a mysterious ruined setting.
- #32 Touhou Luna Nights
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 15,000 reviews2019
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 44.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 48.4%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Difficult 11.9%, Anime 3.7%
- #33 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
77% matchVery Positive93% of 11,963 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 37.4%, Souls-like 23.4%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Dark Fantasy 9.8%, Difficult 8.4%
- #34 AI LIMIT
73% matchVery Positive92% of 37,115 reviews2025
Dev: Sense GamesPub: CE-Asia
Windows
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 22.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life.
Why similar: Souls-like 49.4%, Female Protagonist 22.2%, Post-apocalyptic 9.4%, Action RPG 9%, Anime 6.4%
- #35 Lost Ruins
75% matchVery Positive85% of 5,816 reviews2021
Dev: ALTARI GAMESPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 67.8%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Anime 7.7%, Dark 6%, 2D 3.8%
- #36 Souldiers
76% matchMixed69% of 3,156 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 70.3%, Souls-like 14.1%, Difficult 10.3%, Singleplayer 2.1%, Action 1.8%
- #37 Rubinite
71% matchVery Positive94% of 4,135 reviews2026
Dev: Cup Dog Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.
Why similar: Souls-like 34.8%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, Dark Fantasy 15.3%, Difficult 13.4%, Action RPG 6.9%
- #38 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
75% matchVery Positive94% of 4,524 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Difficult 8.6%
- #39 9 Years of Shadows
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,382 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Why similar: Metroidvania 64.5%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Action RPG 8.9%, Anime 5.7%, Atmospheric 3.2%
- #40 The Vagrant
74% matchVery Positive90% of 8,690 reviews2018
Dev: O.T.K GamesPub: Thermite Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 47.8%, Female Protagonist 27.1%, Dark Fantasy 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 6%, 2D 4.7%
- #41 Little Witch Nobeta
73% matchVery Positive84% of 10,055 reviews2022
Dev: Pupuya Games
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Control the lovely little witch Nobeta, explore the unknown mysterious castle, and gradually discover the truth!
Why similar: Souls-like 49.4%, Female Protagonist 24.4%, Action RPG 10%, Anime 7.4%, Difficult 3%
- #42 UNSIGHTED
72% matchVery Positive93% of 2,240 reviews2021
Dev: Studio Pixel PunkPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.3%, Souls-like 23.2%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Post-apocalyptic 5.7%, Action RPG 4.4%
- #43 Thymesia
72% matchVery Positive82% of 10,174 reviews2022
Dev: OverBorder StudioPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.
Why similar: Souls-like 40.7%, Dark Fantasy 18.5%, Difficult 12.6%, Action RPG 6.5%, Dark 5%
- #44 Valdis Story: Abyssal City
73% matchVery Positive84% of 2,716 reviews2013
Dev: Endlessfluff Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 73.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Difficult 5%, Female Protagonist 3.1%, 2D 2.1%
- #45 Infernax
70% matchVery Positive93% of 2,265 reviews2022
Dev: Berzerk StudioPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Infernax is the adventures of a great knight who returns to his homeland only to find it plagued with unholy magic. Uncover the mysteries of the curse and face the consequences of your actions.
Why similar: Metroidvania 61.2%, Dark Fantasy 19.4%, Dark 5.6%, 2D 4.2%, Multiple Endings 3.2%
- #46 Skul: The Hero Slayer
69% matchVery Positive93% of 57,659 reviews2021
Dev: SOUTHPAW GAMESPub: NEOWIZ
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.3%, Difficult 13.2%, Souls-like 12.7%, 2D 7.7%, Indie 6.3%
- #47 Solateria
67% matchVery Positive83% of 757 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 38.1%, Souls-like 25.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.2%, Difficult 9%, Hand-drawn 4.4%
- #48 Bloodecay
71% matchMostly Negative38% of 52 reviews2023
Dev: AlvaStudioPub: Fengfeng Network
Windows
A deadly plague known as erosion broke out in the land of Elworth. It corrupted all life, bringing pain and destruction – Idonia, as the knight accepting the bloodthirsty imprint set out on a path to redemption, exterminating plague minions and destroying ancient evils
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.9%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Souls-like 7.1%, Post-apocalyptic 6.7%
- #49 HunterX
70% matchVery Positive83% of 747 reviews2022
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 53%
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: Metroidvania 38.3%, Souls-like 26.2%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, Action RPG 6.5%
- #50 Infinitevania
66% matchVery Positive93% of 303 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.6%, Souls-like 22.4%, Dark Fantasy 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Difficult 7.3%
- #51 Darxanadon
70% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2022
Dev: Scumhead
Windows
Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.6%, Souls-like 26.5%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Dark Fantasy 8.1%, Action RPG 6.8%
- #52 Foregone
69% matchVery Positive81% of 1,409 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 43%, Souls-like 25.7%, Female Protagonist 11%, Difficult 9.1%, 2D 3.6%
- #53 Ghost Song
68% matchVery Positive83% of 1,459 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 50.1%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Difficult 7.6%, Post-apocalyptic 6.7%, Dark 6%
- #54 CODE VEIN
68% matchVery Positive83% of 62,641 reviews2019
Dev: Bandai Namco StudiosPub: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.1 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
In the face of certain death, we rise. Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in CODE VEIN.
Why similar: Souls-like 53.4%, Difficult 10.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.7%, Action RPG 8.8%, Anime 7.2%
- #55 Shattered Divinities
64% matchVery Positive95% of 962 reviews2026
Dev: 星魂游戏Pub: TrueColor Games
Windows
Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.
Why similar: Metroidvania 67.8%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Dark Fantasy 8.3%, 2D 5.1%, Action RPG 3.8%
- #56 Void Memory
71% matchMixed67% of 235 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 37.5%, Souls-like 26.7%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%, Difficult 8.1%, Dark 2.9%
- #57 Rusted Moss
66% matchVery Positive89% of 1,748 reviews2023
Dev: EmlisePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.3%, Female Protagonist 14.1%, Difficult 10.5%, Post-apocalyptic 9%, Multiple Endings 6.5%
- #58 Garden of Witches
63% matchVery Positive93% of 2,143 reviews2026
Dev: Team Tapas
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Garden of Witches is a cute roguelike action game full of danger. Help the protagonist, Sil, as she tries to round up her unruly fellow witches and save the Garden.
Why similar: Dark Fantasy 31.1%, Difficult 20.2%, Female Protagonist 20.2%, Atmospheric 7.9%, Hand-drawn 7.7%
- #59 Rabi-Ribi
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 12,274 reviews2016
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 11.8 hrsMean: 63.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.3%, Female Protagonist 17%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Difficult 8.3%, Anime 5.3%
- #60 Eldest Souls
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,436 reviews2021
Dev: Fallen Flag StudioPub: United Label
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.
Why similar: Souls-like 41.6%, Dark Fantasy 24.3%, Difficult 13.7%, Action RPG 9.5%, Medieval 3.1%