Games Like GRIME

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 28.4%, Souls-like 25.4%, Difficult 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 9.6%, Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a high-stakes parry-focused combat system that mirrors the intensity of GRIME's absorption mechanics.

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 36%, Souls-like 28.4%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Difficult 8.3%, Platformer 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a hauntingly beautiful and grotesque world filled with challenging souls-like combat.

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 25%, Souls-like 24.1%, Difficult 10.9%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Combat 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, gothic metroidvania that refines the brutal combat and exploration found in the original.

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 41.4%, Metroidvania 21.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Difficult 9.2%, Platformer 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential 2D souls-like that perfectly captures the oppressive atmosphere and deep RPG customization of GRIME.

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 30.9%, Souls-like 28.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, Difficult 8.8%, Platformer 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, gothic-horror metroidvania that blends brutal melee combat with intricate pixel art.

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 39.1%, Metroidvania 25.2%, Dark Fantasy 11.4%, Difficult 6%, Platformer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines souls-like combat with metroidvania exploration and a dark, narrative-heavy world.

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 32.3%, Souls-like 29.2%, Platformer 7.5%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Dark Fantasy 7%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, dark-fantasy metroidvania with a focus on fast-paced, punishing combat.

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 36.2%, Souls-like 25.2%, Dark Fantasy 14.6%, Difficult 8.3%, Action RPG 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a melancholic atmosphere and a unique combat system where you summon spirits to fight for you.

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 32.1%, Souls-like 23.6%, Difficult 12.5%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for exploration-heavy metroidvanias with challenging boss encounters and atmospheric storytelling.

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 37.5%, Difficult 17.5%, Dark Fantasy 16.2%, Action RPG 10.7%, Dark 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced souls-like that emphasizes aggressive combat and plague-themed mechanics.

Their Flesh is Your Armor. Mortal Shell is a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Survival demands superior awareness, precision, and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 50.6%, Dark Fantasy 18.7%, Difficult 13.4%, Action RPG 8.2%, Action 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: While 3D, it shares the core 'vessel' and body-swapping themes that define the progression in GRIME.

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 36.4%, Dark Fantasy 20.4%, Difficult 17.9%, Action RPG 14.9%, Combat 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A boss-rush souls-like that focuses on high-difficulty encounters and unique character progression.

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: Souls-like 34.7%, Metroidvania 33.9%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, Difficult 10.4%, Action 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, dark souls-like metroidvania that relies on tight combat and environmental storytelling.

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 27.2%, Souls-like 24.3%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 9.9%, Side Scroller 8%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly challenging experience that balances complex platforming with difficult combat encounters.

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 24.3%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Dark Fantasy 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, Lovecraftian-inspired metroidvania with a heavy emphasis on souls-like combat and character builds.

Join your fellow Marked Inquisitors in this online coop successor to award-winning 2016 Soulslike Salt and Sanctuary.

Why similar: Souls-like 25.7%, Metroidvania 25.7%, Dark Fantasy 13.9%, Action RPG 10.9%, Side Scroller 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the souls-like formula with a focus on hunting unique mages in a dark, interconnected world.

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 52.4%, 2.5D 11.2%, Side Scroller 9.5%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style metroidvania with deep RPG systems and a vast, interconnected world to explore.

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 45.7%, Platformer 15.1%, Difficult 12.6%, Side Scroller 10%, Atmospheric 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, Lovecraftian metroidvania that features massive scale and challenging, procedurally-influenced encounters.

Battle your way through the grim Underground world in this brutal action-adventure RPG. Exterminate hordes of enemies, fight dangerous bosses and explore the world the way you want!

Why similar: Souls-like 28.9%, Dark Fantasy 15.8%, Difficult 15.4%, Action RPG 12.1%, Dark 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, top-down souls-like set in a dark, oppressive world with challenging combat.

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 30.8%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Action RPG 12.9%, Platformer 9%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action-RPG metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and dark, eldritch themes.

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 41.5%, Souls-like 20.9%, Dark Fantasy 14.4%, Action RPG 8.8%, Side Scroller 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the atmospheric, dark-fantasy tradition of its predecessor with refined combat mechanics.

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 68.8%, Platformer 8.1%, Action 7.2%, Adventure 5.1%, Indie 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A reverse-horror game where you play as a grotesque, evolving creature, mirroring the body-horror themes of GRIME.

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: Souls-like 16.9%, Metroidvania 16.9%, 2.5D 10%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Difficult 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark-fantasy action-RPG that incorporates souls-like mechanics into a side-scrolling world.

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 28.3%, Souls-like 21.9%, Difficult 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Action RPG 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: An expansive metroidvania with beautiful art and a focus on deep, varied combat encounters.

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 64.4%, Platformer 13.3%, Difficult 4.2%, Side Scroller 3.9%, Exploration 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the exploration and discovery aspects of the metroidvania genre with a unique sci-fi aesthetic.

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 47.3%, Difficult 14.2%, Souls-like 11.8%, Action-Adventure 8.7%, Combat 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with distinct class-based combat and a large, interconnected map.

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 26.4%, Metroidvania 13.3%, Action RPG 13%, Difficult 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like action-adventure game with a unique art style and challenging, timing-based combat.

Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.6%, Souls-like 27.2%, Platformer 11%, Surreal 10.1%, Action-Adventure 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Blends precision 3D platforming with souls-like combat and exploration in a unique, stylized world.

Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.

Why similar: Souls-like 32.8%, Dark Fantasy 17.5%, Metroidvania 17.1%, Action RPG 9.7%, Action-Adventure 7.5%

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 26.7%, Souls-like 22%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game that captures the fluid movement and challenging combat of the genre.

Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 18.3%, Metroidvania 18.1%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, 2.5D 9.8%, Difficult 9.1%

You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers - it leads to this accursed temple, a seemingly-infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters.

Why similar: Souls-like 37.6%, Dark Fantasy 24.4%, Difficult 21.9%, Exploration 5.3%, Action 4.1%

Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a Horrorpunk Action RPG filled with Lovecraftian horrors and Cronenbergian gore, making it the most gruesome take on the isometric Souls-like genre yet!

Why similar: Souls-like 53.7%, Dark Fantasy 15.6%, Action RPG 13.1%, Action 4.9%, Adventure 4.5%

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 32%, Souls-like 30.8%, Platformer 9.8%, Dark 6.4%, Difficult 4.9%

VELASTER is a gruesome 3D side-scrolling action combat game set in the Middle-earth called Malum. You will find yourself growing in battles against various monsters and bosses. Take revenge that remains in your fading memories.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.1%, Souls-like 20.7%, 2.5D 10.7%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Action RPG 8.5%

ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Platformer 16.1%, Difficult 15.6%, Action 13.2%, Adventure 11.4%

Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.

Why similar: Souls-like 23.8%, Metroidvania 23%, Difficult 11.9%, Dark Fantasy 11.4%, Action RPG 10.1%

Greak: Memories of Azur is a single-player puzzle platformer adventure. Azur is under threat from an enemy attack who have control of strange creatures infecting the land. Take on the role of three siblings: Greak, Adara and Raydel and utilize their unique abilities to escape the invasion together.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Cinematic 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Platformer 9.9%

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 37.3%, Platformer 11.2%, Dark 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Exploration 7.2%

Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!

Why similar: Difficult 27%, 2.5D 25.4%, Dark Fantasy 24.6%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Combat 6.8%

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Difficult 16%, Metroidvania 13.1%, Action 10.6%

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 24.2%, Souls-like 23.9%, Difficult 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%, Platformer 6.2%

Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop.

Why similar: Souls-like 49.2%, Action RPG 13.6%, Difficult 10.4%, Dark 9.6%, Atmospheric 5.5%

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 31.5%, Souls-like 24.9%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Platformer 8.1%, Action-Adventure 6.7%

HunterX: code name T is an action adventure with fast and stylish combat. Perfect your own fighting style using various weapon actions and magic, and explore an ever-greater world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.6%, Souls-like 20.8%, Action RPG 10.4%, 2.5D 9.7%, Platformer 9.3%

Take on the last case of Benedict Fox and dive into a twisted world of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded murders. Explore the memories of deceased victims as you search for clues and fight demons in this fantastical Lovecraftian Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Souls-like 18.1%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%

You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.

Why similar: Difficult 24.5%, Metroidvania 22.5%, Souls-like 16.2%, Platformer 13.3%, Exploration 8.1%

A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!

Why similar: Souls-like 22.1%, Metroidvania 22.1%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Difficult 9%, 2.5D 8.4%

3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Souls-like 19.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, 2.5D 10.2%, Difficult 9.9%

Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Souls-like 25%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, Difficult 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.6%

Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle

Why similar: Souls-like 19.8%, Metroidvania 19.3%, Difficult 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Platformer 7.6%

Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Souls-like 22%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Difficult 11.2%, Action RPG 8.6%

Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Souls-like 22.7%, Difficult 11.1%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%

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 39.2%, Metroidvania 27.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Difficult 8.6%, Side Scroller 5.9%

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 35.7%, Platformer 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Difficult 11%, Dark 8.1%

Discover and destroy increasingly horrifying creatures across an oppressive lofi world, wielding fierce weaponry and powerful magic in this pocket-sized action adventure.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 41.5%, Action-Adventure 22.9%, Dark 14.5%, Atmospheric 9.3%, Action 7.3%

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: Souls-like 29.1%, Metroidvania 21.7%, Dark Fantasy 16.5%, Platformer 9.7%, Combat 7%

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 26.7%, Souls-like 25.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.4%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 9.8%

Katanaut is a fast-paced, Metroidvania-inspired action roguelite blending fluid combat and cosmic horror. Slash, dodge, and wield powerful abilities as you battle through a station sprawling with twisted, once-human horrors. Adapt, survive, and descend into the shadows to uncover dark secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Souls-like 25.2%, Difficult 13.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Platformer 10.1%

Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.

Why similar: Souls-like 34.8%, Side Scroller 18%, Action RPG 12.6%, Platformer 11%, Metroidvania 8.5%