Games Like Escape the Underground

A Short Handcrafted Pixel Art Platformer that follows Sheepy, an abandoned plushy brought to life. Sheepy: A Short Adventure is the first short game from MrSuicideSheep.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 31.4%, Platformer 25.2%, Adventure 13.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This free-to-play title perfectly mirrors the atmospheric, pixel-art platforming and sense of discovery found in the seed game.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 35.4%, Platformer 18.4%, 2D Platformer 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Side Scroller 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: As the gold standard for precision platformers, it offers the same high-stakes movement challenges and emotional narrative depth.

A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.

Why similar: Platformer 38.4%, Adventure 32.8%, Indie 10.3%, 2D 9.8%, Cute 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid movement and charming, minimalist aesthetic provide a similar satisfying platforming experience.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Platformer 24%, Action 17.3%, Adventure 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.5%, Side Scroller 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: You play as a small creature navigating a hostile underground facility, blending tight platforming with exploration.

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 54.5%, Platformer 27.8%, Adventure 12.1%, Indie 3.8%, 2D 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on exploration within vast, interconnected underground environments, matching the core theme of the seed game.

An ongoing apocalyptic meteor shower has forced the world’s population to settle underground. As Shell, a feline child who awakens to find her mother missing, drill downward from the surface layer through a tile-based underground and discover the Everdeep.

Why similar: Platformer 26.2%, Adventure 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, 2D 12.9%, Cute 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, exploration-focused game that captures the charm of navigating deep, mysterious underground worlds.

Cave Crawler is a short, 2D side-scrolling action platformer. Explore caves filled with interesting enemies and fun platforming challenges.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 27.9%, 2D Platformer 17.6%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Platformer 16.3%, Action 7%

Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic match that focuses on navigating dangerous underground caverns through platforming.

You find yourself stuck in a cave with nothing but your wit... and a pickaxe! As you climb your way out you'll find this is no ordinary cave.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 37.2%, 2D Platformer 20.9%, Platformer 17.8%, Action 7.3%, Pixel Graphics 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the specific underground escape premise and pixel-art style of the seed game.

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 41.2%, Platformer 17.7%, 2D Platformer 16.6%, Action 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game centers entirely on the act of descending into the depths, capturing the feeling of an underground journey.

Fell is a 2d Precision Platformer with a retro semi-1-bit aesthetic. Play through multiple unique areas, unlock new color palettes, and use fun movement abilities to conquer levels and make difficult jumps!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 47.3%, 2D Platformer 16.7%, Platformer 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the atmospheric, minimalist, and underground feel of the seed game with a focus on precision.

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

Why similar: Platformer 46.6%, Action 14.7%, Adventure 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 12%, 2D 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic underground adventure that balances platforming, exploration, and a quirky, memorable narrative.

Embark on a moldy adventure in a land of bread. Play as Bradley the Breadapus, a waffle-tailed bread platypus, in this quirky action platformer and battle to cleanse a world infected by mold. Break the mold, save the world!

Why similar: Platformer 36%, Cartoony 23%, Action 14.3%, Adventure 11.5%, Cute 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A cute and cartoony platformer that shares the lighthearted, stylized aesthetic of the seed game.

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 47.3%, Platformer 20.7%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 6%, 2D 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: If you enjoyed the precision platforming aspects of the seed game, this title offers the ultimate test of those skills.

Venture into the haunted wilds with Gable, a little owl, as she sets out to rekindle the dormant relics of a land long abandoned to ruin.

Why similar: Action 46.6%, Platformer 28.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art platformer that emphasizes action and exploration in a similar indie-focused package.

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: Platformer 42.3%, Adventure 13.5%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Action 10.3%, 2D 10%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a deeper, more expansive take on the underground exploration theme with beautiful hand-drawn art.

VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?

Why similar: Precision Platformer 37%, Platformer 21.4%, 2D Platformer 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Action 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled precision platformer that uses unique gravity mechanics to create challenging, memorable levels.

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Platformer 67%, 2D 8.3%, Action 7.3%, Side Scroller 6%, Indie 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic underground exploration game that emphasizes platforming and navigating treacherous environments.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Platformer 32.1%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Action 11.4%, Side Scroller 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality pixel-art platformer that features tight movement and a journey through diverse, challenging levels.

Challenging 2D platformer with simple graphics and a great chiptune soundtrack.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 32.8%, Platformer 18.1%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Action 9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the core challenge of precision platforming within a confined, subterranean setting.

Stuck in the Underworld without the slightest clue why, a young fiend has a bit of a mystery to solve in this action/adventure platformer. With a world to explore, a past to uncover, and quite the task to complete, players must embark on a quest filled with monsters, towns, dungeons, bosses, and various platforming challenges.

Why similar: Action 29.4%, Adventure 27.7%, Platformer 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired platformer that captures the same indie charm and simple, effective gameplay loop.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Adventure 40.5%, Pixel Graphics 25.4%, Cute 20.3%, Indie 9.9%, Singleplayer 4%

Why You'll Like It: While less focused on precision, it captures the same feeling of a small, determined character on a journey to reach a destination.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Platformer 49.3%, Adventure 26.1%, 2D 11.1%, Indie 9.7%, Singleplayer 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric platformer that uses movement and environment to tell a story, similar to the seed game's narrative focus.

Guide a group of rectangles through 120 levels, using their different skills together to overcome a series of obstacles in each environment. Discover the human-made story of the first sentient artificial intelligences with Danny Wallace’s BAFTA-winning narration.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 31.6%, Platformer 21.6%, 2D Platformer 19.9%, Side Scroller 18.9%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist platformer that uses simple shapes and narrative to create an engaging, character-driven experience.

Minit is a peculiar little adventure played sixty seconds at a time.

Why similar: Adventure 36.8%, Pixel Graphics 28.8%, 2D 9.8%, Indie 8.9%, Action 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, pixel-art adventure that captures the same sense of small-scale exploration and charm.

Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Why similar: Platformer 35.1%, Adventure 19.1%, Action 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, 2D 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a more intense, action-oriented take on underground platforming and exploration.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 42.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Adventure 9.7%, Action 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in retro-styled platforming that feels both nostalgic and modern in its design.

Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 27.5%, Platformer 26.1%, Dark 15.1%, Adventure 12.9%, Action 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that excels at environmental storytelling within a mysterious underground world.

“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: Platformer 43.1%, Adventure 18.4%, Side Scroller 11%, Action 9%, 2D 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, high-quality platforming in a lush, atmospheric world that rewards exploration.

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Why similar: Platformer 39.7%, Dark 19.9%, Adventure 12.4%, Side Scroller 10.2%, 2D 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A seminal atmospheric platformer that focuses on navigating a dangerous, monochromatic world as a small child.

All of the color has been wiped from Huey's world! Run, jump, dash, swipe, and pogo your way through this hand-drawn platformer to restore color to the land.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 22.1%, Platformer 21.5%, Action 16.3%, Adventure 12.1%, Side Scroller 9.8%

Cave Crawler 2 is a retro-inspired 2D side-scroller. Escape a series of winding caves full of strange creatures and treacherous platforming challenges.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 29.1%, 2D Platformer 17.6%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Platformer 16.5%, Action 7%

Welcome to Underminer, an underground adventure game set in a subterranean world. Mine minerals, earn money, upgrade your drill machine and descend deeper into the earth. The truth about 'legendary minerals' and an exciting underground world are waiting for you!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 33.3%, Adventure 27.1%, Action 25.2%, Indie 7.9%, Singleplayer 6.5%

Welcome to the Deep: Pixelart platformer indie game located deep inside caves. You are a cave explorer who accidentally falls in a pit which leads to a big cave system. After some exploration, you find remains of an old civilization that used to live there and decide to explore it a little further.

Why similar: Adventure 27.2%, Action 25.8%, Platformer 21.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Indie 6.1%

Help Slimey, our tiny slippery protagonist, visit his friends for some well deserved teatime after some thrilling platforming challenges!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 23.4%, Platformer 14.2%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Cartoony 8.8%

Ghoulscrapers is a precision platformer where you play as Eggroll, the new employee at Ghoulscrapers. You owe the government one gazillion dollars and it's your job to pay the debt before it's too late!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 32.3%, 2D Platformer 19.1%, Platformer 18.8%, Action 8.6%, Adventure 7.7%

Lost Girl Platformer is a thrilling 2D platform game where you play as a courageous girl. Your task is to jump from platform to platform to survive and escape. But be careful: time is limited, and every jump must be precise!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 28%, Side Scroller 18.6%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Platformer 15%, Action 8.4%

It is a 2D adventure game with cute characters.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 22.7%, Platformer 21%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Cartoony 11.7%, Adventure 10.9%

A fast paced precision platform game where you play as Lupu, a monster looking to make their way out of the abandoned lab and onto the surface!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 41.8%, 2D Platformer 21.1%, Platformer 20.7%, Action 11.3%, 2D 4.1%

Adventure Slime is a 2-D side-scrolling platformer where a slime traverses through a magical forest in their quest to find the bounciest mushroom room. Avoid noxious goop as you spring from mushroom to mushroom, collecting shiny golden leaves, and enjoy the casual atmosphere and catchy music.

Why similar: Adventure 100%

Help Sam and Elicy on their challenging journey through the abyss. An epic 2D precision platform game where exploring the unknown, overcoming obstacles, and discovering secrets are crucial to reaching the top of the abyss. Adventure awaits you!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 25.3%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Platformer 14.4%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Dark 7.2%

Explore an abandoned facility on the planet you've crashlanded, solving puzzles with strange plants along the way.

Why similar: Platformer 25.1%, 2D Platformer 24.3%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Adventure 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

Escape from a mysterious underground megastructure in this short atmospheric 3d-platformer.

Why similar: Adventure 51.4%, Platformer 40.3%, Singleplayer 4.3%, Indie 4.1%

A 3D platformer in which you play as a robot on an alien planet cleaning up polluted goop while interacting with cute creatures named Pogglewonks.

Why similar: Platformer 55.9%, Action 30.4%, Cute 11.8%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Space Expedition is a 2D sci-fi platformer where you play as an astronaut who is sent to a space station to collect samples of mysterious dark matter. Space Expedition combines puzzle platforming, pixel art, and atmospheric adventures set in the style of 1980s sci-fi horror films.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 37%, Platformer 24%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Adventure 12.4%, 2D 7.4%

Kevin is fed up with his game. Follow him in this atmospheric, dark and funny journey and fulfil his dreams. Is it even possible to escape?

Why similar: Platformer 41%, Adventure 28.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, 2D 8.4%, Indie 5.6%

Hunt for Junk is a retro Platformer that follows the graphical limitations of the classic Gameboy (e.g. 4 colors and a 160x144px resolution). Journey the world in your unending pursuit of delicious Junkfood! Avoid traps, fight enemies, collect coins and discover all of the hidden Junkfood items!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 30.1%, 2D Platformer 19.9%, Adventure 10.3%, Action 8.4%, Cartoony 7.7%

After decades of toil, an old machinist plots his escape from Communism, through manipulation and scheming. Along the road, he befriends the most unlikely creature, an abandoned robot. Could they solve the puzzles and flee this bleak world together?

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Adventure 16.7%, Action 16.6%, Dark 12.5%

You are a lowly egg cell on a journey through a swollen sea of strange and humanoid fish. Prey on smaller life and growing larger and stronger to perhaps someday be born.

Why similar: Action 22.6%, Adventure 19.9%, Dark 18.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.9%, 2D 9.7%

Play as a rabbit ascending up a paper scroll, scrambling to escape a rampaging wall of deadly ink. Can you ensure your beautiful world won't be erased from the history books?

Why similar: 2D Platformer 38.6%, Platformer 32.4%, Action 20.4%, 2D 7.5%, Singleplayer 1.1%

In the barren wasteland on the brink of extinction, the last Train departs, supposedly carrying its passengers in search of a place where they can survive. A creature named Eilf boards the Train, determined to travel to Spring - the station that has been said to have vanished.

Why similar: Adventure 34.4%, Pixel Graphics 30.4%, Cute 15%, 2D 12.7%, Indie 7.5%

You are the Entangled One, a malformed entity. Traverse the flesh wastes under the eye of an eternal eclipse. Delve deep into the planet's guts. Uncover a fleshy ecosystem. Engage in deliberate, challenging combat, using your whiplike arms and collectible sub attacks to augment your combat style!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 24.6%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Platformer 16.9%, 2D Platformer 16.5%, Dark 9.3%

Get off the tree and face the world full of saws, pits and spikes in this hardcore 2D platformer about the nimble white Cat. Make your way through wild plains, thorny deserts and crystal caverns on a challenging yet exciting journey to rescue the lost kitten eggs!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 26.8%, 2D Platformer 19.5%, Platformer 13.8%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Adventure 7%

Axolotl is Dry is a precision platforming game where you play as a little axolotl taken from his home. You'll need to jump, dash and slide your way through the harsh desert before you sweat yourself dry. Help the axolotl get to his home!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 32.9%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Platformer 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Action 7.2%

Berry is a short orthogonal 3D platformer about a tiny, blue spider. Gain new abilities, weave through projectiles, collect and purchase a variety of items, and combat various bosses in this tiny metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 23.7%, 2D Platformer 22.3%, Action 20.5%, Adventure 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%

Complete physics-based platformer puzzles as you venture deeper into an abandoned research facility responsible for developing ominously powerful quantum entanglement technology.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 32.7%, Platformer 20.4%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Adventure 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%

Face the Dark Forest of the Divine Comedy in this action platformer inspired by the Sommo Poeta’s masterpiece! Help Dante avoid pitfalls, spikes & specters using double jumps, magical attacks and dashes. Find the scrolls containing the triplets of the Canto exploring this gloomy, pixelart forest!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 32.5%, 2D Platformer 16.5%, Platformer 13.9%, Action 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%

Play as Leonnor who sets out on a journey to discover everything about his past and his world, things are not always what they seem! Learn special abilities, battle monsters and encounter celestial beings as you explore this beautifically crafted pixel world. This prologue starts a epic journey...

Why similar: 2D Platformer 29.9%, Platformer 29.9%, Action 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Adventure 9%

Roguelike with balls! Prove your ball skills and dribble your way through a randomly generated, dangerous track network full of deadly challenges! Face post-apocalyptic mutants, improve your balls with high-tech upgrades and escape the pixel art underground labyrinth.

Why similar: Action 23%, Platformer 22.3%, Pixel Graphics 19.2%, Adventure 14%, 2D 13.3%

Escape a concealed, mutated monster that's disrupting your scavenging. Master running, jumping, swinging, shooting and combining upgrades to end up as the powerful beast you once feared, turning the cave system from a nightmarish hollow into a playground.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 31.1%, Action 18.3%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, Platformer 12.8%

Help an owl find its chicks after losing them - and the ability to fly - in a thunderstorm. In this short 2D platformer you slowly recover your ability to navigate the dangers of the forest as you bring your chicks back to your hollow one by one.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 33.8%, 2D Platformer 21%, Adventure 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Action 6.7%