Games Like GRIME II

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 28%, Souls-like 25%, 2.5D 12.2%, Action RPG 11.2%, Surreal 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it shares the exact core mechanics of absorption, surreal world-building, and parry-heavy 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 29.9%, Souls-like 26.2%, Action RPG 11.1%, Lore-Rich 10.4%, Nonlinear 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the dark, surreal atmosphere and brutal, deliberate combat that defines the best of the souls-like metroidvania subgenre.

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 50.7%, Souls-like 41.9%, Action 3.4%, Atmospheric 2.7%, Indie 0.8%

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

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 54.8%, Metroidvania 30.2%, Action RPG 5.5%, RPG 5.1%, Dark 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive 2D souls-like experience that provides deep RPG character customization and a grim, interconnected world.

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 48.1%, Metroidvania 33.5%, Action RPG 7.5%, RPG 6.6%, Action 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines intricate metroidvania exploration with challenging, souls-like boss encounters and a rich, dark narrative.

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 50.8%, Souls-like 43.7%, Action 2.4%, Dark 2%, Indie 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gothic, pixel-art metroidvania that leans heavily into visceral souls-like combat and atmospheric exploration.

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 68.6%, 2.5D 14%, RPG 9.5%, Exploration 4.2%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Centers on a core mechanic of absorbing enemy powers to gain new abilities, directly mirroring the 'stealer of forms' gameplay loop.

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 48.8%, Souls-like 31.7%, Action RPG 7.9%, Multiple Endings 5%, Dark 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a melancholic, surreal atmosphere and a unique combat system involving the summoning of defeated spirits.

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 51.9%, Souls-like 25.2%, Action RPG 12.9%, RPG 5.1%, Fantasy 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: The spiritual successor to Ender Lilies, maintaining the dark, atmospheric exploration and spirit-based combat mechanics.

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 49.1%, Souls-like 42.6%, Action 4.5%, Stylized 3%, Indie 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a moody, surreal aesthetic paired with fast-paced, challenging combat that feels both fluid and punishing.

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 49.3%, Souls-like 33.6%, Exploration 6.9%, Multiple Endings 5.2%, Atmospheric 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for metroidvania exploration and atmosphere, essential for any fan of the genre's interconnected world design.

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 47.9%, Lore-Rich 23%, Exploration 10.3%, Dark 6.3%, Combat 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, lore-rich metroidvania that emphasizes surreal world-building and challenging platforming sequences.

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.3%, Souls-like 24.2%, 2.5D 14.6%, Action RPG 14%, RPG 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, dark-fantasy action-RPG that captures the brutal combat feel and sense of danger found in the genre.

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Souls-like 30.1%, Action RPG 15%, Multiple Endings 6.1%, RPG 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric souls-like metroidvania with a heavy focus on equipment variety and character builds.

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of this war-torn empire and escape your captors. Carve your way through a gritty souls-like RPG set in a sprawling, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.5%, Souls-like 22.4%, Action RPG 12.3%, Nonlinear 11.6%, Lore-Rich 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A nonlinear, souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes exploration, discovery, and atmospheric world-building.

Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.

Why similar: Souls-like 41.9%, Action RPG 25%, RPG 8.4%, 2.5D 7%, Metroidvania 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the souls-like combat and dark, hand-drawn aesthetic of its predecessor with improved mechanics.

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 33%, Metroidvania 26.5%, Lore-Rich 14.3%, RPG 7.9%, Multiple Endings 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-RPG with a focus on stamina-based combat and dark fantasy lore.

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 41.8%, Lore-Rich 17.5%, Nonlinear 15.3%, Multiple Endings 9.2%, Exploration 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique transformation mechanic that allows players to take the form of defeated enemies to solve puzzles and fight.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.1%, Souls-like 29%, Action RPG 16.4%, PvE 7.9%, RPG 6%

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

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 46.9%, Souls-like 39%, Exploration 8.2%, Atmospheric 2.5%, Action 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, challenging metroidvania that rewards precise movement and deep, non-linear exploration.

UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.9%, Souls-like 42.8%, RPG 8.2%, Action 3.2%, Indie 0.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, combat-focused souls-like that strips away platforming to emphasize tight, difficult boss encounters.

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 63.3%, Souls-like 16.4%, Lore-Rich 10.1%, Action 3.6%, Combat 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, action-packed metroidvania that offers deep class customization and challenging, diverse combat encounters.

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 78.6%, Dark 8%, Action 5.6%, Atmospheric 5.2%, Indie 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A moody, atmospheric metroidvania with a strong emphasis on sci-fi world-building and exploration.

Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.2%, Souls-like 37.7%, Exploration 5.6%, Action 3.7%, Combat 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A parry-focused metroidvania that emphasizes precision and timing in its combat encounters, similar to GRIME's core loop.

As a hunter, you explore a dark, interconnected world filled with dungeons, relying on precise combat to survive. Battle grotesque monsters, expand your arsenal, and uncover hidden paths in a non-linear, pixel art journey.

Why similar: Souls-like 34.8%, Metroidvania 31.6%, Action RPG 15.8%, Exploration 8.8%, RPG 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, exploration-focused title that captures the bizarre, otherworldly atmosphere found in GRIME.

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.9%, Souls-like 29.9%, Exploration 11.4%, Atmospheric 3.2%, Combat 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, acrobatic movement and a surreal, atmospheric world that rewards exploration.

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 77.2%, Nonlinear 13.2%, Action 8.5%, Indie 0.7%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a more cerebral, exploration-heavy take on the metroidvania genre with a unique, alien sci-fi setting.

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 36.1%, Souls-like 32.1%, Surreal 11.6%, Exploration 8.9%, Stylized 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends 3D precision platforming with souls-like combat and a surreal, fragmented world design.

Their Flesh Is Your Weapon. Mortal Shell II is a standalone sequel action-RPG with adrenaline-charged, high-stakes combat. Possess warrior Shells, dethrone false gods, redeem a ravaged world.

Why similar: Souls-like 46.5%, Action RPG 22.1%, Lore-Rich 7.6%, RPG 6.8%, Exploration 6.6%

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: Metroidvania 28.4%, Souls-like 27%, Action RPG 13.6%, Lore-Rich 12.5%, Exploration 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, souls-like metroidvania that focuses on tight combat and atmospheric, dark exploration.

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 28.3%, Souls-like 24.3%, Action RPG 16.2%, 2.5D 11.6%, RPG 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action-RPG that emphasizes boss-rush style combat and deep character progression.

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 34.9%, Souls-like 24.6%, Action RPG 13.6%, Lore-Rich 9.9%, Exploration 7.2%

Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.7%, Souls-like 34%, Exploration 7.3%, Lore-Rich 6.5%, Multiple Endings 4.8%

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 33.7%, Action RPG 22.4%, Metroidvania 19.3%, 2.5D 9.7%, RPG 5.2%

Embark on a quest to recover the Three Rings of the Triskelion, as the last descendant of ancient Kung Fu warriors in Twilight Monk!. Experience a richly crafted Metroidvania, RPG, with intricately crafted dungeons, linked across a vast overworld spanning multiple continents.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29%, 2.5D 15.7%, Action RPG 15.7%, Lore-Rich 13.8%, Exploration 7.1%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.7%, Souls-like 33.3%, Exploration 8%, Multiple Endings 7%, Action 3.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, Souls-like 32.4%, Lore-Rich 12.9%, Multiple Endings 7.9%, RPG 6.4%

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 51.5%, Souls-like 38.5%, Lore-Rich 7.4%, Action 1.7%, Indie 0.5%

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: Metroidvania 33%, Souls-like 31.8%, Action RPG 17.9%, Nonlinear 8.5%, RPG 5.9%

Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Souls-like 37.2%, Lore-Rich 17.5%, Action 1.6%, Indie 0.8%

Your brother is corrupted. The Blight is spreading. Only you can stop it. Colossus is an atmospheric pixel action-adventure where you master precise combat, explore a vast dark fantasy world, and make choices that permanently scar the kingdom of Eireos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Souls-like 25.3%, Action RPG 15.4%, PvE 9.4%, Exploration 6.5%

Uncover the secrets of the sinking metropolis in this action RPG. Clash beam sabers, or be a gunslinger. Make alliances or go it alone. Your actions have consequences - those whom learn the nature of this world will be able to shape it as they see fit.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.4%, Souls-like 34.9%, RPG 14.8%, Action 5.4%, Indie 1.4%

A Souls-Like Western full of Eldritch horrors. Explore the accursed Wild West town of Tombwater and lay bare the darkness that lies beneath. Survive blood-spilling combat in this gruesome 2D action-RPG that may just drive you to madness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Souls-like 25.8%, Action RPG 14.8%, Lore-Rich 13.9%, Exploration 7.1%

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: Metroidvania 34%, Souls-like 32.1%, 2.5D 17.6%, Exploration 6.6%, Dark 3.5%

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 29.7%, Souls-like 26%, Action RPG 14.1%, 2.5D 13.7%, Exploration 7.1%

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 40%, Souls-like 29.5%, Nonlinear 16.1%, Exploration 9.1%, Atmospheric 2.5%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, Souls-like 29.2%, Action RPG 17.9%, Nonlinear 10.7%, RPG 6.2%

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 35.4%, 2.5D 19.9%, Lore-Rich 16.7%, Multiple Endings 9.4%, Exploration 8.3%

Dive into the immersive world of Retrace the Light, a captivating 2.5D action-adventure game centered around the "Spatial Retracing" feature. Assume the role of an Enforcer working for a super AI in a futuristic world, exploring the depths of human consciousness and healing their emotional wounds.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.1%, Souls-like 27.3%, Action RPG 14.6%, Exploration 7.9%, Multiple Endings 6.3%

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.2%, Souls-like 35.6%, Exploration 8.6%, Fantasy 3.6%, Dark 3.5%

Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, full of charming characters living in a wretched kingdom. Play as Glimmer - a tiny bird armed with a matchstick - who must burn the wicked queen to save his family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 67.3%, Lore-Rich 12.5%, Exploration 10.4%, Dark 4.8%, Action 4.8%

Explore the last remnants of civilization in this vast, unforgiving, and interconnected world. Learn what is left of its history. Discover pockets of natural life in the perpetually expanding Omnistructure. Lose yourself in a journey unlike any other. Find your purpose in the world.

Why similar: Souls-like 47.1%, Action RPG 23.4%, RPG 10.7%, Exploration 10.1%, Dark 4.3%

Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Souls-like 31.1%, Action RPG 17.3%, Dark 4.9%, Fantasy 3.9%

The Perfect Pencil is a surreal action platformer where exploration and choice shape everything. Discover hidden paths, meet bizarre characters, and unravel a psychological story filled with bizzare humor.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, Souls-like 21.3%, Lore-Rich 13.9%, Multiple Endings 8.9%, Exploration 8.4%

Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.2%, Action RPG 17.3%, Nonlinear 13.4%, Exploration 10.3%, RPG 3.9%

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 88.3%, Exploration 5.8%, Action 3.2%, Atmospheric 1.3%, Indie 1.1%

Traverse a chaotic and crumbling realm of dreams composed of liminal spaces. Adapt to the world’s odd rules as a Dreamer, and defy others like you to escape the strange and eclectic subconscious landscape.

Why similar: Souls-like 42.5%, Action RPG 20.7%, Exploration 9.9%, Surreal 9%, RPG 7.6%

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Exploration 68.6%, Action 14.9%, Combat 13.1%, Singleplayer 3%, Indie 0.3%

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 38.8%, Action RPG 21.6%, Multiple Endings 11.4%, RPG 9%, Fantasy 7%

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 35.7%, Souls-like 32.8%, RPG 15.5%, Action 5.4%, Exploration 4.8%