Games Like Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson

An UNCONVENTIONAL ADVENTURE RPG that takes place in an inexpressible world filled with amusing musical battles and strange delightful encounters. To put it simply: You are in for a ride.🍄

Why similar: Music 42.8%, Rhythm 27.7%, Story Rich 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, RPG 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game masterfully blends rhythm-based combat with a surreal, music-focused RPG narrative that mirrors the intensity of Fretless.

A turn-based tactical RPG about a group of troublesome magic students. Use timing mechanics to power your spells and block attacks, explore the twisted halls of a vast magic school, fight challenging monsters and bosses, and uncover dark secrets never meant to be found.

Why similar: RPG 26.6%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Fantasy 15.7%, Story Rich 13.7%, Indie 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming tactical RPG that features timing-based combat mechanics, requiring players to hit buttons in sync with the action.

Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.

Why similar: Rhythm 19.7%, Soundtrack 19.7% ★, Music 18.7%, Wholesome 18.6% ★, Cute 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A delightful blend of exploration and rhythm-based challenges that emphasizes musical storytelling in a cute, side-scrolling world.

A musical platforming adventure with an emotional story. Play as a silly bard and use music to interact with everything on a journey around the world. Along the way you'll explore, solve puzzles, and meet a huge cast of characters!

Why similar: Music 56.3%, Rhythm 13.4%, Cute 9.4%, Story Rich 7.4%, Cartoony 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This adventure game centers entirely around musical expression and exploration, sharing the whimsical and emotional tone of Fretless.

The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky & friends.

Why similar: Rhythm 58.5%, Music 22.1%, Soundtrack 10.4% ★, Cute 2.8%, RPG 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-based spin-off that focuses on precise musical timing within a tactical, grid-based environment.

A Rhythm Role-Playing Game! Fight party crashing monsters with the power of music! Level your party and upgrade your gear while dancing to the beat of some groovin' tunes. Grab a friend and combine forces in all game modes in The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor!

Why similar: Soundtrack 28% ★, Rhythm 27.3%, Music 27.3%, Fantasy 5.7%, RPG 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title directly combines traditional RPG party management with rhythm-based combat, making it a mechanical sibling to Fretless.

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 31.8%, Pixel Graphics 14.7%, RPG 13.1%, Story Rich 12.1%, Fantasy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality turn-based RPG that utilizes timing-based combat inputs to enhance tactical depth and player engagement.

Test your abilities in two new game modes, uncover new rewards and even a few secrets in the Arcade Challenge! Update! Feel the beat as wannabe rockstar Chai and his ragtag team fight against an evil megacorp in a world that syncs to the music.

Why similar: Rhythm 53.8%, Music 27.5%, Cartoony 12.5%, Third Person 3.9%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: While more action-oriented, its vibrant, cartoony aesthetic and core rhythm-based combat loop capture the musical spirit of the seed game perfectly.

AN UNCONVENTIONAL ARPG where you battle enemies through musical encounters while being accompanied by a raven who promises to retrieve your voice if you slay the mighty Mind Dragon!🎵

Why similar: Music 37.2%, Rhythm 30.8%, RPG 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Story Rich 7%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel to the original rhythm-RPG hit, expanding on the psychedelic musical combat and narrative depth.

Follow Vi, Kabbu, and Leif as they uncover the secrets of the Land of Bugaria! Explore and combine your team's abilities to solve puzzles, defeat powerful enemies and find ancient treasures!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 26.8%, Cute 16.8%, Exploration 13.7%, RPG 13.1%, Fantasy 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: This cute, tactical turn-based RPG features a deep combat system and exploration that feels very similar to the charm of Fretless.

Start a rock band & end the EDM empire in NO STRAIGHT ROADS, a rockin' action-adventure that mashes together rhythm-infused third-person combat with a kick-ass soundtrack!

Why similar: Soundtrack 27.3% ★, Rhythm 25.2%, Music 23.3%, Turn-Based Combat 10.8%, Cartoony 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: An action-rhythm game that explores a world where music is the primary weapon against a tyrannical regime.

Viola: The Heroine's Melody is the musical Platformer/RPG! After failing at violin practice for the hundredth time, Viola becomes trapped inside her instrument's fantastical world. Join her adventure to find her way back home, aided by the diverse ensemble of friends she meets along the way.

Why similar: Rhythm 32.5%, Tactical RPG 23%, Turn-Based Combat 13.1%, Cute 9.9%, Story Rich 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A JRPG that integrates rhythm-based combat mechanics into its story-rich, musical-themed adventure.

Soundfall is a dungeon crawler that combines looter-shooter action with rhythm-based gameplay. Venture out solo or with up to 4 friends locally or online. Collect loot and time your actions to the beat to become all powerful. Play the Campaign Mode, Free Play 100's of songs or import your own music!

Why similar: Rhythm 47.8%, Music 42.1%, Third Person 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A dungeon crawler where combat and movement are synchronized to the beat of the soundtrack, emphasizing the rhythm-action connection.

Get ready to go on a wacky and joyful turn-based RPG adventure! Play as Loaf, a freshly baked flour golem, and explore the different regions of a wonderful world ripe with mysteries with the help of a colorful cast of characters.

Why similar: Soundtrack 49.7% ★, Cute 14.8%, Exploration 9.7%, Fantasy 9.4%, RPG 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, cute turn-based RPG that relies on timing-based combat inputs to keep players engaged during battles.

Take control of the Underworld’s grumpiest ghoul to help a lost little girl find her way home in this creepy-cute indie adventure. Just be warned: if she cries, the whole world dies.

Why similar: Wholesome 34.1% ★, Soundtrack 28.3% ★, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Cute 6.5%, RPG 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A story-driven RPG with a unique combat hook and a charming, emotional art style that resonates with the feel of Fretless.

Untamed Tactics is a Tactical RPG set in world of colorful animals. Relive the legend of Greycoat’s escape into the untamed Wilds in a tale of lost honor and finding a new home as you fight, talk, and think your way through this beautifully illustrated adventure!

Why similar: Tactical RPG 31.8%, Turn-Based Combat 17.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.1%, RPG 7.3%, Fantasy 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RPG that offers deep turn-based combat and party management for players who enjoy the strategic side of Fretless.

Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.

Why similar: RPG 30.8%, Fantasy 26.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.8%, Story Rich 10.6%, Cute 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based RPG with a strong artistic focus and a unique timeline-based combat system that rewards rhythmic planning.

Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 40.2%, Fantasy 16.3%, Story Rich 16.3%, RPG 12.1%, Exploration 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based RPG that blends fantasy themes with a strong musical atmosphere and tactical combat.

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: Music 53%, Rhythm 39%, Indie 5%, 2D 2.2%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: An adventure game where the environment and gameplay are entirely reactive to the musical soundtrack.

Cris Tales is a gorgeous, indie love letter to classic JRPGs with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future -- all on one screen as you play!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 26.9%, Cute 15.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.1%, Fantasy 13%, RPG 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful turn-based RPG that uses time-manipulation mechanics to add a unique tactical layer to its combat.

A bitter RPG where every enemy has their own unique minigame, and where there are two sides to every soul: Main and Invert!

Why similar: Soundtrack 48.9% ★, RPG 9.4%, Story Rich 8.7%, Exploration 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich RPG that features musical themes and choices that impact the narrative, similar to the world-building in Fretless.

3 exotic planets to explore. Aliens. Robots. Magic. Forbidden technology. Ruined Worlds. Ghosts. Long-lost secrets. Conspiracies. A galactic threat. And one brave heroine to make things right. Cosmic Star Heroine is an exciting new RPG from the creators of Cthulhu Saves the World.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 32.8%, RPG 23.9%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Indie 7.8%, Story Rich 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced tactical RPG that emphasizes party synergy and strategic turn-based combat in a stylized world.

Build a powerful deck, cast spells on the fly, battle evolving enemies, find game-changing artifacts, make friends or make enemies, just make it to Eden.

Why similar: Deckbuilding 59.4%, Strategy 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Indie 6.8%, 2D 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity tactical game that requires rhythmic reflexes and quick decision-making in a grid-based combat system.

Enter Tahnra, a land savaged by war. You, a fresh academy graduate with humble beginnings, will grow to lead a grand army against a corrupt adversary. Gather heroes, form bonds, and lead your force in turn-based battles. Make use of tactics, terrain, morale and more to bring peace to the land!

Why similar: Tactical RPG 37.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.8%, RPG 9.8%, Fantasy 9.6%, Story Rich 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deep tactical RPG that offers complex turn-based strategy for players who enjoy the tactical depth of the seed game.

Saturday Morning RPG is an episodic JRPG set in world heavily inspired by 1980s Saturday morning cartoons and pop culture.

Why similar: RPG 67.3%, Indie 19.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Singleplayer 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures a nostalgic, music-heavy aesthetic with turn-based combat that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon.

“People think battles need powerful weapons, but strategy at hand is key."The story follows a rookie adventurer and a new healer in a dungeon quest, with the core gameplay involving hand-picked methods using weapons and items. Fight or purify? Heal or alter? The choice is in your hands.

Why similar: Wholesome 29.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.1%, Cute 15%, Cartoony 10.4%, Turn-Based Combat 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, hand-drawn adventure game that focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving in a whimsical world.

Control your environment, gather your party, and build your best deck to overcome outlaws and supernatural forces, across a rich fantasy world. Watch as your tactical choices and deckbuilding prowess play out through stylish fight sequences.

Why similar: Tactical RPG 27.4%, Deckbuilding 23.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.9%, Fantasy 10.1%, Strategy 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A card-based tactical game that requires rhythmic positioning and strategic planning in a confined, stylized space.

Vigorus is a visually stunning rhythm platformer, a musical adventure into a bizarre world, with a talking frog puppet as your guide. While playing, become our girl Vigorus, retrieve the memory once was lost, and help your little companion to save the world from monsters.

Why similar: Rhythm 47.8%, Cartoony 16.4%, Cute 12.8%, Fantasy 10.5%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-based platformer that features a cute aesthetic and a focus on musical synchronization.

Fight against capitalism in this satirical adventure RPG! When a greedy megacorp from the real world starts taking over fairytales for their cheap labor, a newly-hired storybook hero must climb the corporate ladder, rally together other disgruntled employees, and fight back!

Why similar: Soundtrack 29.4% ★, Music 27%, Tactical RPG 19%, Fantasy 7.2%, RPG 6.2%

RPG turn-based combat game with deep tactics and bad jokes! Do you have what it takes to save the kingdom?

Why similar: Tactical RPG 24.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.7%, Turn-Based Combat 15.6%, Cartoony 10.5%, Cute 8%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RPG that focuses on grid-based movement and turn-based strategy, appealing to the tactical side of Fretless.

Take up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits.

Why similar: RPG 28.2%, Turn-Based Combat 24.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Indie 6.9%, Exploration 6%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern turn-based RPG that features a unique overdrive combat system that rewards rhythmic tactical flow.

In this turn-based RPG musical, join Cadence as she recruits an ensemble of musicians on her quest for stardom. Experience turn-based combat like never before, where each battle is a musical performance with evolving combat conditions and genre-bending mashup attacks!

Why similar: Music 40.5%, Turn-Based Combat 27.8%, RPG 13.7%, Story Rich 8.1%, Fantasy 7.6%

Lead a tribal warband and time your attacks to the beat of the Wardrum in this tactical turn-based roguelite! Forge a path across a harsh fantasy world full of rhythm magic, face death and strengthen your warriors until you have the power to destroy the dark sorcery infecting the lands.

Why similar: Rhythm 37.4%, Turn-Based Combat 18.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.8%, Strategy 8.4%, RPG 7.6%

Radix is a tactical RPG inspired by SNES and Playstation classics. With dark themes but bright characters, this fantasy tale changes depending on how you fight! Your magic can even alter the land itself. Use your timing and skill, rather than your luck, to lead your party home safely each day!

Why similar: Tactical RPG 25.5%, Turn-Based Combat 19.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.4%, Fantasy 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%

A Rhythm based RPG experience. Providing detailed pixel art and expressive animation. Experience a fun world with lots of colorful characters. Come and disrupt their peace! This is a prequel to a larger story.

Why similar: Rhythm 45.9%, Cute 12.1%, RPG 11.5%, Story Rich 9.5%, Strategy 9.1%

Save the kingdom by fighting the rats and their cronies, restore the health of the people.

Why similar: Tactical RPG 31.9%, Turn-Based Combat 13.3%, Third Person 12%, RPG 11.4%, Exploration 9.5%

UNBEATABLE is a rhythm adventure where music is illegal and you do crimes. Follow the story of Beat and her band on the run, in a narrative experience full of big emotions powered by arcade-flawless rhythm gameplay.

Why similar: Rhythm 43.7%, Music 39.4%, Story Rich 7.5%, Exploration 6.5%, 2D 1.8%

Bring civilization to Sproggiwood, a story-driven, turn-based roguelike set in a humorous world inspired by Finnish mythology. Grow your civilization and plunder procedural dungeons with six unique classes. Outsmart mischievous monsters who work together in unexpected ways. No two dungeon dives are alike.

Why similar: Tactical RPG 17.8%, Turn-Based Combat 17.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 13%, Cute 12.3%, RPG 11.7%

In a silent world where music is outlawed, play as a singer to shatter the strings of fate and sing the melody of freedom in this unforgiving Turn Based Rhythm JRPG.

Why similar: Rhythm 36.9%, Music 18.7%, Turn-Based Combat 17.3%, RPG 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%

Join Snufkin in this musical adventure about restoring harmony and balance to Moominvalley, protecting it from the industrious Park Keeper.

Why similar: Wholesome 38% ★, Cartoony 14.4%, RPG 12.9%, Cute 12.8%, Exploration 8.1%

In Deathless, elements of a collectible card game, roguelike, and turn-based strategy combine seamlessly. Build a unique deck of cards, discover unusual relics, and defeat legendary bosses. No two journeys will ever be the same with endless Path. Crush the Evil and save the world!

Why similar: Deckbuilding 36.4%, Turn-Based Combat 22.2%, Cartoony 16%, Strategy 9.8%, RPG 8.5%

Earthlock is an indie developed, adventure RPG inspired by the classic 3D RPGs of the late 90's, with a fresh take on turn based combat and character progression.

Why similar: RPG 22%, Turn-Based Combat 19.5%, Strategy 16.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.6%, Fantasy 8.6%

Tower Song is a challenging turn-based RPG that rewards clever planning and decisive tactics in unrepeatable battles. Eldritch tower-borne beasts threaten to breach reality and overrun the capital of Qadam. Lead your chosen Mana Knight in this tightly plotted quest to push back the darkness.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 36.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 25.9%, RPG 15%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, 2D 8.8%

A light-hearted turn-based RPG, heavily inspired by old 2D classics. You will battle through waves of cute enemies, grow your characters, explore a diverse world, solve puzzles, and of course, save the world. (Just updated to version 3!)

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 24.6%, RPG 18.8%, Fantasy 14.1%, Cute 14%, Strategy 10.1%

Get the band together and take on the world in this battle of the bands, deckbuilding card game set in the fantasy land of Riff City. Play solo or with friends to conquer offbeat bosses in a coop campaign. Wits and a sick riff are key to becoming a rock legend.

Why similar: Deckbuilding 57.3%, Turn-Based Combat 29.4%, RPG 10.4%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Hailing From the Abyss is a rhythm game with a unique duel setup. Beat powerful enemies in rhythmic battles by using consumables, acquiring power-ups, and skill. Guide Suri while she faces her past memories in style and rhythm!

Why similar: Music 36.6%, Rhythm 35.8%, Cute 8.4%, Fantasy 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

The party-based RPG where you kick down doors and fight with music as a 3-piece band of idiots.

Why similar: Music 37.8%, Turn-Based Combat 18.8%, Cartoony 14.2%, RPG 10.5%, Story Rich 9%

Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 35.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 28.7%, Story Rich 11.8%, RPG 10.7%, Strategy 9.9%

Sentry Knight Tactics is a charming, cute action-strategy RPG adventure. Set in a land under siege by a transdimensional evil, you command your team of powerful heroes through various realms as you slaughter enemy hordes, complete quests, upgrade your gear and save the world.

Why similar: RPG 26%, Strategy 23.5%, Cute 16.8%, Fantasy 13.4%, Indie 10.7%

Lead a team of adventurers to the highest rank of all guilds!

Why similar: Tactical RPG 29.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.3%, Turn-Based Combat 16.2%, Cartoony 13.1%, Fantasy 8%

Dream Tactics is a GBA-styled strategy RPG with cunning card combos and deep character customization. Pick your party, manage cards to create unique playstyles, and outsmart hordes of pillows in turn-based combat to save the Dream World from its inevitable collapse.

Why similar: Tactical RPG 29.4%, Deckbuilding 24.8%, Cute 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Strategy 8.4%

Add up, multiply, clone, and divide your party members to beat the monsters on your path!

Why similar: Deckbuilding 31.3%, Tactical RPG 29.8%, Fantasy 13.8%, RPG 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

Power Chord is a rock'n roguelite deck-building game. Assemble Earth's mightiest musicians, battle your way through legions of demons, discover new cards to enhance your instruments of destruction, and take back the city, one dive bar at a time.

Why similar: Deckbuilding 36%, Turn-Based Combat 26.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 24.5%, Strategy 7.8%, Fantasy 5%

Wield your magical instrument and defy the mecha-goddesses of fate in this Song-Casting Story Driven Action-RPG. Explore a forbidden forest as Traveler. Help him reunite with his long lost love as you fight through abominations and solve mysterious puzzles, all while an ancient conflict unfolds.

Why similar: Story Rich 29.9%, RPG 29.1%, Exploration 20.5%, Fantasy 11%, 2D 9.5%

Step into the world of Terrazael and lead soon-to-be legendary heroes in a quest to restore a land fractured by broken oaths, reckless wars, and untamed magic. Fight back in turn-based battles, manage character relationships, collect dangerous artifacts, and hopefully restore the world...

Why similar: Tactical RPG 24.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 20%, Turn-Based Combat 17%, Fantasy 9.8%, RPG 7.9%

Swords & Souls: Neverseen is a unique RPG where leveling up takes skill! Create, train and upgrade your character as you please, discover The Neverseen and its eccentric locals, and battle across the lands to foil an evil witch's plans!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 31.2%, Cartoony 16.8%, RPG 14.4%, Fantasy 12.3%, Strategy 8.7%

A heartfelt adventure in a fantasy world of frogs! Talk to weird and wonderful characters, fight vicious bugs, and explore a vibrant world in this charming action RPG.

Why similar: Cartoony 21.9%, Cute 18.6%, Exploration 14.5%, RPG 13.6%, Fantasy 13.1%

Before the Echo combines elements of both rhythm and role-playing games to create an entirely unique experience.

Why similar: Rhythm 49.6%, Music 35.8%, RPG 9.7%, Indie 3.6%, Singleplayer 1.4%

A modern turn-based deckbuilding JRPG involving party synergy for attacks that features unique pixel art and chiptune music!

Why similar: Deckbuilding 33.8%, Turn-Based Combat 25.1%, RPG 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Exploration 13.2%