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 27.8%, Souls-like 24.8%, 2.5D 12.4%, Action RPG 11.2%, Surreal 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it shares the exact core mechanics of absorbing enemies and surreal, art-focused world-building.

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%, Souls-like 26%, Action RPG 11.2%, Lore-Rich 10.8%, Nonlinear 10%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly dark, grotesque atmosphere paired with tight, challenging souls-like combat and deep exploration.

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 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the definitive 2D souls-like, it provides the deep character customization and punishing difficulty found in the GRIME series.

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 33.3%, Action RPG 7.6%, RPG 6.6%, Action 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features a rich RPG progression system and challenging boss encounters that align perfectly with the action-RPG elements of the seed.

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 50.9%, Souls-like 43.5%, Action 2.5%, Dark 2%, Indie 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: It combines gothic horror aesthetics with brutal souls-like combat and non-linear exploration, mirroring the tone of the seed game.

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 50.5%, Souls-like 41.9%, Action 3.4%, Atmospheric 2.8%, Indie 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a highly polished parry-based combat system that will feel familiar to fans of the high-stakes encounters in GRIME II.

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 24.6%, Action RPG 13.3%, RPG 5.2%, Fantasy 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel continues the atmospheric, spirit-summoning combat style that makes the series a strong companion to the GRIME experience.

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 49.2%, Souls-like 42.1%, Action 4.6%, Stylized 3.2%, Indie 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its dark, painterly art style and punishing, fast-paced combat capture the surreal and oppressive atmosphere of the GRIME universe.

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 48.5%, Souls-like 31.6%, Action RPG 8%, Multiple Endings 5.1%, Dark 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on summoning spirits to perform attacks mirrors the form-stealing and ability-gaining mechanics of the seed game.

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 49.1%, Souls-like 33.6%, Exploration 7%, Multiple Endings 5.3%, Atmospheric 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: It remains the gold standard for metroidvania exploration, offering a vast, interconnected world that rewards curiosity and skill.

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 34.7%, Souls-like 29.9%, Action RPG 15.1%, Multiple Endings 6.3%, RPG 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a dark, moody atmosphere with a heavy emphasis on souls-like combat mechanics and complex level design.

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%, Souls-like 23.9%, 2.5D 14.9%, Action RPG 14%, Exploration 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It blends side-scrolling action with deep RPG elements, providing a similar sense of progression and challenge.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Souls-like 28.8%, Action RPG 16.4%, PvE 8.2%, RPG 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Expanding on the original's formula, this title adds deeper hunting mechanics and co-op play that complement the action-RPG focus.

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 41.2%, Lore-Rich 17.9%, Nonlinear 15.3%, Multiple Endings 9.3%, Exploration 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: The core mechanic of transforming into defeated enemies to gain their powers is a direct parallel to the form-stealing system in GRIME II.

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 47.1%, Lore-Rich 23.7%, Exploration 10.3%, Dark 6.4%, Combat 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its dark, lore-rich world and focus on exploration make it a natural fit for players who enjoy the mystery of the seed game.

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 32.6%, Metroidvania 26.3%, Lore-Rich 14.7%, RPG 7.9%, Multiple Endings 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title emphasizes stamina-based combat and challenging boss fights within a dark fantasy setting.

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 80%, Exploration 7.9%, Action 4%, Atmospheric 3.1%, Dark 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its surreal, hand-drawn art style and chaotic, high-stakes combat encounters resonate strongly with the bizarre nature of the seed game.

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 34.4%, Souls-like 24.5%, Action RPG 13.7%, Lore-Rich 10.3%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The vast, beautiful world and deep ability-gating make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize exploration and discovery.

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 63.8%, Souls-like 15.2%, Lore-Rich 10.6%, Action 3.5%, Combat 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a vibrant yet challenging metroidvania experience with distinct class-based combat that rewards tactical play.

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 33.6%, Action RPG 22.6%, Metroidvania 18.7%, 2.5D 10%, RPG 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on tactical, stamina-based combat in a dark, hand-drawn world mirrors the intensity of the seed game's boss encounters.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.8%, 2.5D 15.2%, Exploration 12.3%, Action 4.4%, Stylized 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: The tight, combo-heavy combat and interconnected world design offer a satisfying experience for fans of action-oriented metroidvanias.

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 78.3%, Dark 8.1%, Action 5.6%, Atmospheric 5.4%, Indie 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its atmospheric, sci-fi setting and methodical combat provide a unique take on the souls-like metroidvania genre.

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 45.1%, Souls-like 37.5%, Exploration 5.7%, Action 3.7%, Combat 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans heavily into parry-based combat, making it a great choice for players who enjoy the technical combat of GRIME II.

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 28.1%, Souls-like 26.7%, Action RPG 13.6%, Lore-Rich 12.9%, Exploration 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a focused, challenging experience that strips away the fluff to highlight pure souls-like combat and exploration.

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 35.9%, Souls-like 31.9%, Surreal 11.6%, Exploration 9%, Stylized 4%

Why You'll Like It: While 3D, its emphasis on precision platforming and difficult combat encounters captures the same 'tough but fair' spirit.

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.4%, Surreal 18.8%, Exploration 11.4%, RPG 9.5%, Fantasy 5%

Why You'll Like It: Its precise combat and elemental switching mechanics provide a polished, high-quality experience similar to the seed game's technical focus.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 76.6%, Nonlinear 13.6%, Action 8.6%, Indie 0.7%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on unique traversal and exploration, appealing to the metroidvania side of the seed game's design.

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of an ancient, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.3%, Souls-like 22.2%, Action RPG 12.3%, Nonlinear 11.7%, Lore-Rich 9.9%

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 28.1%, Souls-like 24.2%, Action RPG 16.2%, 2.5D 11.8%, RPG 8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a fast-paced, action-heavy experience with a wide variety of weapons and skills to master.

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 34.4%, Metroidvania 31.6%, Action RPG 15.9%, Exploration 9%, RPG 3.4%

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 39.8%, Souls-like 29.3%, Nonlinear 16.3%, Exploration 9.2%, Atmospheric 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: The psychological horror themes and ability-gating through enemy absorption align well with the surreal nature of the seed game.

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 49.6%, Souls-like 29.6%, Exploration 11.7%, Atmospheric 3.3%, Combat 2.5%

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 41.5%, Action RPG 25.1%, RPG 8.4%, 2.5D 7.2%, Metroidvania 5.1%

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 39.6%, Souls-like 33.8%, Exploration 7.3%, Lore-Rich 6.6%, Multiple Endings 4.9%

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 44.8%, Souls-like 42.8%, RPG 8.3%, Action 3.1%, Indie 1%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Souls-like 32.1%, Lore-Rich 13.3%, Multiple Endings 8.1%, RPG 6.4%

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 27.6%, Souls-like 25.6%, Action RPG 14.8%, Lore-Rich 14.4%, Exploration 7.1%

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 42.4%, Souls-like 36.9%, Lore-Rich 18%, Action 1.6%, Indie 0.8%

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 29.5%, Souls-like 25.8%, Action RPG 14.2%, 2.5D 13.9%, Exploration 7.2%

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 32.9%, Souls-like 31.6%, Action RPG 18%, Nonlinear 8.7%, RPG 5.9%

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 43.3%, Souls-like 34.8%, RPG 14.9%, Action 5.4%, Indie 1.5%

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%, Souls-like 30.9%, Action RPG 17.4%, Dark 5%, Fantasy 3.9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Souls-like 29.1%, Action RPG 18%, Nonlinear 10.8%, RPG 6.2%

Dive into Fatal Claw, a Metroidvania game in vibrant 2D artwork. Explore the arcane underworld your way with Kisha. Your ultimate goal is to find the key to the surface world alongside other survivors, while vanquishing infected enemies and absorbing their power. Start your clawsome adventure now!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Souls-like 29.5%, Nonlinear 15.5%, Multiple Endings 8.3%, Exploration 8%

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 33.8%, Souls-like 31.8%, 2.5D 17.9%, Exploration 6.7%, Dark 3.5%

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 34.8%, 2.5D 20%, Lore-Rich 17.1%, Multiple Endings 9.5%, 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 30.8%, Souls-like 27.1%, Action RPG 14.6%, Exploration 8%, Multiple Endings 6.5%

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%, Souls-like 35.5%, Exploration 8.7%, Fantasy 3.6%, Dark 3.5%

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 46.6%, Action RPG 23.5%, RPG 10.7%, Exploration 10.2%, Dark 4.4%

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 88.1%, Exploration 5.9%, Action 3.2%, Atmospheric 1.3%, Indie 1.2%

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 31.9%, Souls-like 23.6%, 2.5D 14.7%, Action RPG 13.8%, RPG 5.2%

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 51.6%, Souls-like 38.1%, Lore-Rich 7.6%, Action 1.7%, Indie 0.6%

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%, Souls-like 21%, Lore-Rich 14.2%, Multiple Endings 9.1%, 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 46.3%, Action RPG 17.6%, Nonlinear 13.7%, Exploration 10.5%, RPG 4%

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 35.5%, Souls-like 32.7%, RPG 15.6%, Action 5.4%, Exploration 4.9%

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 38.4%, Action RPG 21.6%, Multiple Endings 11.7%, RPG 9%, Fantasy 7%

Feudal Alloy is an epic action adventure with fish-controlled medieval robots! Explore an unusual medieval world with a fish-controlled robot, Attu. Improve your combat techniques and skills by smashing many kinds of mechanical creatures in a beautiful hand-drawn world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.8%, Action RPG 17.9%, RPG 12.7%, Exploration 5%, Action 4.8%

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 68.7%, Action 14.7%, Combat 13.4%, Singleplayer 3%, Indie 0.3%

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 40.5%, Metroidvania 23.4%, Action RPG 15.9%, Exploration 8%, RPG 7%

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 54.6%, Action RPG 20.9%, RPG 7.7%, Dark 4.5%, Fantasy 3.5%