Games Like Ex Vitro

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.6%, Platformer 14.8%, Exploration 4.8%, Adventure 3.4%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a deep, non-linear exploration experience within a mysterious, pixelated sci-fi setting.

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 37.7%, Platformer 13%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Horror 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A haunting sci-fi metroidvania that perfectly captures the atmospheric isolation and dark exploration found in Ex Vitro.

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, 2D Platformer 15.3%, Platformer 11.3%, Exploration 9%, Dark 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark and lore-rich 2D platformer that emphasizes exploration and challenging combat in a decaying world.

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 61.8%, Platformer 13.1%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Exploration 4.5%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic sci-fi metroidvania that focuses on uncovering the secrets of a strange, alien landscape.

Genopanic is a pixel-art, Metroidvania-inspired adventure-platformer. Explore corridors of the space station, teeming with secrets and dangers, and engage in boss fights. Solve puzzles and uncover hidden mysteries in the dark atmosphere of a sci-fi research complex. Discover the truth with each step

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.3%, 2D Platformer 16.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Exploration 9.3%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi metroidvania that balances atmospheric exploration with 2D platforming in a research facility setting.

Three limbs ripped off, infected with a deadly parasite, you must survive. Drag yourself through the hallways of an infested arcship, fight off twisted eldritch creatures, craft vaccines and ammunition, and escape to civilization.

Why similar: Nonlinear 26.5%, Horror 18.3%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Exploration 14.7%, 2D 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a visceral, dark sci-fi horror experience with 2D gameplay that mirrors the intensity of Ex Vitro.

Zapling Bygone is a twisted metroidvania where you murder your foes and steal their abilities by wearing their skulls and absorbing their consciousness into your hive-mind.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Nonlinear 15.9%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Horror 9%, Platformer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a dark, horror-tinged metroidvania structure where exploration and uncovering the past are central to the experience.

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.3%, Platformer 10.7%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Horror 8%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric metroidvania that rewards exploration and discovery in a mysterious, ruined environment.

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.4%, Platformer 15.9%, Exploration 10.7%, 2D Platformer 9.4%, Horror 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines difficult platforming with dark, eldritch themes that align well with the tone of Ex Vitro.

You're trapped, alone and cold on a distant planet. Pursued by a droid with only one purpose: killing everything. You must find an escape. Explore the hostile environment, find secret upgrades and new weapons, and finally make your escape from this dark, hostile planet...

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.1%, Platformer 22.2%, Exploration 11.8%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-adventure that emphasizes non-linear exploration and survival on a hostile planet.

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.7%, Nonlinear 12.8%, Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 10.9%, Horror 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: While less combat-focused, it excels at non-linear exploration and uncovering deep, atmospheric secrets.

BIOMORPH is a dark metroidvania game where you become the creatures that you kill! Solve ingenious puzzles and navigate a stunning hand-drawn world. Meet quirky characters, rebuild a city, and uncover the secrets of a sprawling, fallen civilization… and of your own mysterious origins.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.2%, Nonlinear 14.2%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Platformer 11.8%, Multiple Endings 9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that features deep combat and exploration mechanics in a dark, interconnected world.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.5%, Nonlinear 13.6%, 2D Platformer 13%, Platformer 11.5%, Exploration 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet atmospheric metroidvania that focuses on exploring a ruined world populated by machines.

Dark Matter is a 2.5D side-scrolling survival horror game, set in a derelict spaceship besieged by a sinister alien presence, and infested with deadly parasites. As the Ensign, you must explore fetid hallways and abandoned facilities, scavenging for parts and blueprints, expanding your arsenal to up to four deadly weapons and freely...

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.1%, Action 16.3%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Horror 14%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling sci-fi action game that focuses on surviving against alien horrors in a derelict station.

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: Sci-fi 23.9%, Platformer 23.2%, Metroidvania 23%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Exploration 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric sci-fi puzzle-platformer that explores themes of isolation and identity in space.

CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.1%, Horror 16.9%, 2D 6.5%, Platformer 6%, Sci-fi 6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a unique reverse-horror experience in a sci-fi setting, emphasizing 2D movement and environmental interaction.

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 53.1%, Platformer 17.7%, Exploration 5.8%, Horror 5.4%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, hand-drawn metroidvania that features intense combat and horror elements within a sprawling world.

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 42.1%, Platformer 15.3%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Exploration 8.2%, Story Rich 7%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania that offers a polished exploration experience with a focus on interconnected world design.

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 52%, Platformer 15.4%, Exploration 8.6%, Nonlinear 5.3%, Action 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi metroidvania that focuses on exploration and utilizing unique abilities to navigate a hostile alien world.

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: Metroidvania 59.3%, Platformer 13.9%, 2D 6%, Action 5.2%, Exploration 5%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, sci-fi metroidvania that captures the feeling of exploring a dangerous facility in a 2D space.

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 71.1%, Platformer 11.4%, Horror 6.4%, 2D 5.8%, Action 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, gothic metroidvania that features intense combat and a deep, mysterious world to explore.

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 59.2%, Platformer 13.9%, 2D 7%, Dark 4.6%, Horror 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, punishing metroidvania that excels at building a grim, oppressive atmosphere.

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: Metroidvania 54.3%, Platformer 20.1%, 2D 7.6%, Atmospheric 7.3%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: While a roguelite, it provides the tight 2D platforming and combat mechanics that fans of Ex Vitro will appreciate.

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 49.4%, Platformer 18.3%, Exploration 11%, Dark 7.1%, Atmospheric 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, surreal metroidvania that focuses on challenging combat and unique character progression.

Xeodrifter is the story of an interstellar drifter traveling the stars on a simple mission of exploration. We join our nomad as he embarks on the investigation of a small cluster of four planets in the omega sector, after a collision with a rogue asteroid damaged his warp core.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.4%, Platformer 15.6%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Exploration 9.1%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A focused sci-fi metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and boss combat in a 2D environment.

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 75.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Exploration 5.2%, Action 4.7%, Adventure 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential metroidvania that offers a vast, interconnected world filled with secrets and horror-themed enemies.

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 71%, Multiple Endings 9.8%, Atmospheric 5.7%, Dark 5.7%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, melancholic metroidvania that focuses on exploration and combat in a ruined, atmospheric world.

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 59.1%, Dark 6.9%, 2D 6.9%, Multiple Endings 6.9%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, retro-inspired action-platformer that features non-linear progression and horror elements.

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 51.1%, Platformer 18.6%, Exploration 10%, Story Rich 5.8%, 2D 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A massive metroidvania that emphasizes precision platforming and exploration in a dark, atmospheric setting.

EMPTY SHELL: PROLOGUE will throw you in a dark industrial environment, a secret facility on a japanese island. Each volunteer has signed a contract for a "recovery operation" without being privy to too many details. A tense roguelite survival horror with a top down perspective.

Why similar: Horror 31.8%, Sci-fi 17.3%, Story Rich 15.6%, Old School 9.6%, Action 9%

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 26.8%, Platformer 21%, Exploration 11.7%, Metroidvania 8.4%, Atmospheric 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania that prioritizes movement and exploration, offering a deep world to uncover.

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 32.2%, Platformer 19.1%, Exploration 18.1%, Atmospheric 9.7%, 2D 8.4%

After a science experiment gets out of control, you need to survive and escape this dark prison that hides weird secrets. The game is a cinematic platform of terror and stealth, inspired by INSIDE, Another World, Blackthorne and Prince of Persia.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 21.5%, Multiple Endings 16%, Horror 15.7%, Platformer 13.3%, Sci-fi 10.2%

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 31.8%, Platformer 18.2%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Story Rich 12.3%, Atmospheric 8%

ROUTINE is a First Person Sci-Fi Horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

Why similar: Horror 18.8%, Sci-fi 17.4%, Exploration 15.5%, Dark 14.5%, Story Rich 11.1%

Explore terrifying liminal spaces. Horror walking simulator with reality-bending platforming and supernatural threats. Get lost between dimensions.

Why similar: Platformer 31.2%, Exploration 17.6%, Action 12.4%, Adventure 11.4%, Sci-fi 7.2%

EMPTY SHELL will throw you in a dark industrial environment, a secret facility on a Japanese island. Each volunteer has signed a contract for a "recovery operation" without being privy to too many details. A tense roguelite survival horror with a top down perspective.

Why similar: Horror 29.2%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Story Rich 13.8%, Dark 10.3%, Atmospheric 9.2%

A multiplayer horror where you escape a laboratory at the cost of others.

Why similar: Horror 37.7%, Exploration 24%, Atmospheric 13.9%, Dark 8.5%, Action 8.3%

Sivi's Factory is a single player first-person horror game in which you play as Felix. You are looking for your brother on the scientific factory. Solve puzzles on the locations, explore new rooms, fight your enemy and go deeper into factory.

Why similar: Horror 34.7%, Dark 16.9%, Story Rich 14.6%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Action 10.4%

A procedural first-person horror adventure. You are on your own after something goes terribly wrong in this top-secret containment facility. Collect items to aid in your escape and try to uncover the truth, as horror lurks behind every door. Can you make it out alive?

Why similar: Horror 22.7%, Exploration 16.5%, Multiple Endings 13.4%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Atmospheric 8.8%

Explore a cold, abandoned, and dreary facility to piece together its mysteries and find a means for escape from the horror that lurks within.

Why similar: Horror 41%, Exploration 30%, Atmospheric 22.3%, Adventure 6%, Singleplayer 0.7%

A fast-paced 2D handcrafted metroidvania with strange sci-fi environments. Something is roaming the halls, watching your every move.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, 2D Platformer 16.2%, Platformer 10.4%, Exploration 10.3%, Sci-fi 9.2%

Dive into the strange town of Rainybrook, taken over by the “Vile” in this 2.5D metroidvania! Fight your way through treacherous terrains and defeat formidable bosses to absorb their powers! Will you save the town and find your missing friend Ella — or will you give in to the monster you've become?

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, 2D Platformer 13.3%, Platformer 11.5%, Multiple Endings 11.1%, Horror 9.1%

Crashed on a desolate but mysterious planet you find yourself eye to eye with an ancient civilisation. Explore the planet, find powerful upgrades, and fulfill your destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.3%, Platformer 14.6%, Exploration 11.5%, Multiple Endings 10.3%, Atmospheric 5.8%

Albert Innovation is an immersive, narrative, atmospheric semi-horror game, where you will attempt to unravel the mysteries of what was once the most brilliant technological innovation company of the olden days. Manipulate machines, run away, and put an end to this nightmare.

Why similar: Horror 26.2%, Exploration 25.1%, Dark 19.9%, Atmospheric 15%, Action 8%

MOONROT is a short horror game about piloting a rover across a distant alien moon. Take grainy photos, record crackly signals, keep your battery charged, and uncover the source of the anomaly that led you here.

Why similar: Horror 24.6%, Nonlinear 21.9%, Exploration 18.9%, Sci-fi 15%, Atmospheric 6.7%

Anoxemia is a story-driven exploration game that puts you in control of the scientist Dr. Bailey and his operations drone, ATMA. Search the ocean floor as you discover and extract samples from the bowels of the underwater caves. Danger lurks in each passageway.

Why similar: Platformer 24.6%, Dark 14.2%, Horror 13.6%, Exploration 11.5%, Atmospheric 9.7%

Adventure through bizarre and intricately made levels in this 2D platformer game.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 32.9%, Platformer 29.8%, Dark 12.1%, Atmospheric 9.1%, Adventure 7.4%

Exographer is an exploration game based on science. Become an explorer, stranded in an alien planet, and discover the secrets of an extinct civilization. Gain new powers to avoid dangers and obstacles in your journey, and use your camera to reveal particles and hidden clues.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 24.3%, Metroidvania 17.7%, Platformer 17.2%, Exploration 14.2%, Sci-fi 8%

A post-apocalyptic 3D platformer combining puzzles with intense action. You play as El, a robot escaping from a dreadful facility and exploring the ruins of civilization.

Why similar: Platformer 42%, Dark 25.1%, Atmospheric 16.5%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Adventure 8.1%

In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.

Why similar: Multiple Endings 21.8%, Exploration 17.3%, Sci-fi 14%, Horror 13.3%, Story Rich 11.9%

There has been a containment breach in a secret facility located deep underground. Experiment E.C.H.O has escaped and is running loose. The lab has gone into shutdown mode, and it's dark...

Why similar: Horror 41.9%, Dark 30.2%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Action 10.8%, Combat 3.7%

Trapped in an abandoned asylum, survive by exploring, solving puzzles, and escaping the terrifying Doctor Viscera. Hide, fight back with limited resources, and uncover documents that reveal the way out before you become the next victim of his gruesome experiments.

Why similar: Multiple Endings 30.5%, Horror 20.8%, PvE 15.1%, Atmospheric 10.5%, Exploration 8.3%

Bio Fail is a dark 2D platformer where you play as a biological anomaly—a monster that possesses humans. Control their bodies, fight your way through levels, solve puzzles, and destroy everything in your path. One body—one chance

Why similar: 2D Platformer 32.3%, Platformer 25.5%, Story Rich 11%, Sci-fi 9.3%, 2D 8.4%

Dissonance is a top-down 3rd person adventure game. Players will encounter supernatural anomalies and creatures. Find and use specialized gadgets to aid you in your journey. Explore the abandoned research facility and reveal the secret of the organization that sent you here.

Why similar: Exploration 34.3%, Sci-fi 28.8%, Horror 18.8%, Adventure 12%, Atmospheric 5.1%

Utomah is a 2D platformer in which the player navigates through a nightmarish world. Grapple, latch, and dash through incredible environments, discovering the darkness of one's inner mind, encountering true horrors along the way. Prepare to push your skills to the limit!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 30.9%, Platformer 26.5%, Horror 19.3%, 2D 8.8%, Action 6.1%

Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below…

Why similar: 2D Platformer 28.6%, Horror 18.4%, Exploration 13.7%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Dark 12.1%

It has been -̷̯͙̔̈́-̴̱̽̓͝-̷̍̊̕͠ days without incident. Your investigation has brought you to an old metalworks factory, abandoned after a series of mysterious deaths. But something’s been growing in the quiet. A short first-person survival horror experience.

Why similar: Horror 35.6%, Exploration 20.7%, Action 13.1%, Dark 10.5%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Emergency Protocol activated: Dark Energy Particle Synthesis failed. Now you – late and alone – must navigate a facility where science and sanity have collapsed. Face entities born from the corruption of dark energy in this atmospheric FPS-horror hybrid, where human ambition meets primal terror.

Why similar: Horror 25.8%, Exploration 18%, Sci-fi 18%, Story Rich 12.1%, Atmospheric 9%

You are a test subject in the underground SCP research facility. When a containment breach occurs, you must find your way out. Escape the SCPs, discover anomalous objects, and collect valuable resources along the way.

Why similar: Horror 37.1%, Exploration 19%, Sci-fi 17.1%, Multiple Endings 15.2%, Action 7.4%