- #1 Hollow Knight
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 563,086 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 41.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 28.9%, Souls-like 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Difficult 11%, Platformer 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: The original offers the closest possible match: intricate interconnected exploration, nail-based combat, demanding bosses, and a haunting hand-drawn kingdom.
- #2 Nine Sols
96% matchVery Positive94% of 45,860 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 32.2%, Souls-like 22.8%, Difficult 14.8%, Platformer 8.3%, Hand-drawn 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: This challenging hand-drawn metroidvania pairs expansive exploration with exacting parry-driven combat and memorable boss encounters.
- #3 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
96% matchVery Positive94% of 45,986 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 36.3%, Souls-like 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Difficult 8.1%, Female Protagonist 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A somber ruined kingdom, difficult bosses, exploration-based progression, and a beautiful mournful soundtrack closely suit Silksong’s tone.
- #4 Voidwrought
95% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,038 reviews2024
Dev: Powersnake
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 56%, Platformer 12.9%, Exploration 8.2%, Hand-drawn 8%, 2D 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its dark hand-drawn world, fast aerial combat, build customization, and exploration-heavy map design make it especially close to Hollow Knight’s feel.
- #5 Aeterna Noctis
94% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,162 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 30.6%, Souls-like 21.8%, Difficult 14.6%, Platformer 8.6%, Hand-drawn 5%
Why You'll Like It: This is an enormous, punishing metroidvania built around precise platforming, tough combat, and a huge world full of upgrades and secrets.
- #6 Blasphemous 2
94% matchVery Positive91% of 21,782 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 32.5%, Souls-like 24.4%, Difficult 24%, Platformer 7.1%, Multiple Endings 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers weighty combat, branching exploration, grotesque religious fantasy, and substantial ability-gated traversal in a dark 2D world.
- #7 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 18,875 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 45.2%, Souls-like 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Female Protagonist 7.1%, Difficult 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: This polished follow-up offers fluid exploration, companion-based combat options, and another atmospheric fallen world to gradually restore.
- #8 Salt and Sanctuary
93% matchVery Positive89% of 21,932 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 45.1%, Metroidvania 29.1%, Difficult 12.3%, Platformer 5.2%, 2D 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A brutally difficult 2D Souls-like with interconnected areas, demanding bosses, and meaningful character builds, though with a heavier RPG focus.
- #9 Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
91% matchVery Positive84% of 1,750 reviews2024
Dev: Squid Shock StudiosPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Flow gracefully through a colorful, hand-drawn 2.5D action platformer inspired by Japanese folklore. Engage in acrobatic aerial combat, unlock powerful mystical abilities, and explore an interconnected world of myth as you seek to unravel the mysteries of your origin.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.4%, Souls-like 26.3%, Platformer 11%, Hand-drawn 7.1%, Exploration 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its elegant hand-drawn art, fluid platforming, aerial mobility, and mystical world make it a particularly strong alternative for Silksong fans.
- #10 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 147,136 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 8.4 hrsMean: 24.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Why similar: Beautiful 27.5% ★, Metroidvania 25.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Platformer 7.3%, Difficult 5%
Why You'll Like It: Its lush world, exceptional movement, emotional atmosphere, and upgrade-driven exploration make it ideal for players who value Silksong’s traversal and beauty.
- #11 The Last Faith
90% matchVery Positive85% of 5,695 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 41.7%, Souls-like 30.6%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 7%, 2D 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its gothic pixel-art setting combines Souls-like combat, unsettling atmosphere, build variety, and metroidvania exploration.
- #12 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
89% matchVery Positive81% of 5,603 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 39.9%, Metroidvania 32.5%, Difficult 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%, Platformer 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: This expanded Soulsvania combines large connected regions, tough bosses, platforming, and multiple character builds in a tragic fantasy setting.
- #13 Moonscars
89% matchVery Positive83% of 1,528 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 41.6%, Souls-like 30.8%, Platformer 7.5%, Difficult 5.9%, Female Protagonist 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its bleak hand-painted pixel world, aggressive Souls-like combat, and cryptic story make it a strong fit for players wanting a harsher mood.
- #14 Rebel Transmute
88% matchMostly Positive76% of 288 reviews2024
Dev: Fatal Fawn GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Rebel Transmute is a challenging 2D action-platformer epic with heart! Explore the twisting caverns of an alien planet, augment your play-style to fit your strengths, battle deadly bosses, and uncover a dark truth as Moon Mikono searches for her long lost mother.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.8%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 14.4%, Platformer 7%, Female Protagonist 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Designed around lonely alien-world exploration, customizable movement upgrades, secret hunting, and difficult insectoid encounters, it strongly evokes Hollow Knight’s structure.
- #15 Blasphemous
87% matchVery Positive90% of 67,491 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 42.6%, Souls-like 27.2%, Difficult 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Platformer 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its oppressive religious-horror world and deliberate, punishing combat trade Silksong’s agility for a uniquely grim and memorable pilgrimage.
- #16 Afterimage
86% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,497 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 33.8%, Souls-like 20.4%, Difficult 12.6%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Platformer 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A huge hand-drawn fantasy map, female protagonist, RPG builds, and many secrets make it a natural choice for exploration-first metroidvania fans.
- #17 Constance
85% matchVery Positive83% of 3,085 reviews2025
Dev: Blue Backpack
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Constance is a 2D hand-drawn action adventure featuring a paintbrush-wielding artist, striving to escape from a colorful but decaying inner-world, created by her declining mental health.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.2%, Platformer 11%, Hand-drawn 8.5%, Female Protagonist 7.9%, Exploration 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its hand-painted world, agile combat, precision platforming, and ability-focused exploration offer a more colorful but very compatible metroidvania experience.
- #18 GRIME
86% matchVery Positive85% of 6,798 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 34.2%, Souls-like 26.1%, Difficult 15.6%, Platformer 9.7%, Exploration 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal organic world, deliberate high-risk combat, absorb-and-customize mechanics, and dense exploration provide a distinct but similarly demanding journey.
- #19 Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
84% matchVery Positive84% of 7,274 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MontpellierPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 15.8 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.
Why similar: Metroidvania 66.8%, Exploration 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%, Difficult 5.4%, Platformer 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: It excels at responsive platforming, acrobatic combat, intricate maps, and traversal powers that continually recontextualize earlier areas.
- #20 Celeste
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 147,901 reviews2018
Dev: Maddy Makes Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 27.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33.5%, Difficult 24.5%, Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Story Rich 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: While it lacks metroidvania exploration, its pinpoint platforming, demanding optional challenges, and superb soundtrack strongly appeal to Silksong players who love mastering movement.
- #21 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
83% matchVery Positive93% of 41,767 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 24.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 58.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Platformer 6%, Difficult 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: This modern Castlevania-style adventure offers a sprawling castle, enormous weapon and spell variety, boss battles, and richly rewarding backtracking.
- #22 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
82% matchVery Positive93% of 11,963 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.3%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 8.5%, Female Protagonist 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A concise dark-fantasy metroidvania with agile dodging, crisp boss fights, hidden routes, and a melancholic atmosphere.
- #23 Haiku, the Robot
81% matchVery Positive90% of 3,583 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.
Why similar: Metroidvania 50%, Platformer 12.4%, Exploration 7.9%, Open World 7.5%, Atmospheric 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: This compact robot-themed metroidvania captures the pleasure of discovering shortcuts, upgrades, bosses, and charming hand-drawn environments.
- #24 Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
82% matchVery Positive81% of 1,275 reviews2018
Dev: Long Hat HousePub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Platformer 10.5%, Difficult 8%, Female Protagonist 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its unusual gravity-based movement makes exploration feel fresh while retaining the difficult boss encounters and mysterious world structure metroidvania fans seek.
- #25 Axiom Verge
81% matchVery Positive90% of 6,640 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 55.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Platformer 9%, Difficult 3.5%, 2D 3%
Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric alien-world metroidvania focuses on isolation, secrets, strange upgrades, and nonlinear exploration rather than melee-centric combat.
- #26 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
80% matchVery Positive86% of 7,280 reviews2021
Dev: TiGamesPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.9%, Platformer 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Exploration 7%, Story Rich 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A detailed dieselpunk city, satisfying combo combat, and multiple weapon tools create a polished exploration-action adventure with substantial traversal variety.
- #27 Islets
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,527 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.9%, Platformer 13.6%, Story Rich 5.9%, Exploration 5.7%, Atmospheric 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its approachable combat and uplifting tone are lighter than Silksong’s, but the tightly designed exploration and upgrade progression remain highly satisfying.
- #28 TEVI
78% matchVery Positive89% of 4,070 reviews2023
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 21.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Embark on an epic action-adventure as you slash, dash, and combo your way through a vast, vibrant world. Explore and uncover hidden secrets. Customize your build to triumph in spectacular boss battles. Experience a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem in TEVI, a bullet hell metroidvania!
Why similar: Metroidvania 55.4%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Platformer 10.5%, Story Rich 6.2%, 2D 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: Its fast combo combat, aerial movement, large interconnected world, and extensive boss roster make it a lively action-heavy alternative.
- #29 Lone Fungus
79% matchVery Positive83% of 1,192 reviews2023
Dev: BASTI GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 61%
A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!
Why similar: Platformer 29.7%, Metroidvania 17%, Exploration 13.1%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Adventure 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes open-ended ability progression, extensive exploration, and very demanding optional platforming challenges for players who enjoy mastering movement.
- #30 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 71,636 reviews2016
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 21.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Great Soundtrack 24.2%, Platformer 10.3%, Difficult 8.5%, Beautiful 5.2% ★
- #31 Ori and the Blind Forest
77% matchVery Positive94% of 60,203 reviews2015
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.4%, Metroidvania 28.9%, Platformer 9.8%, Difficult 8.3%, Atmospheric 4.8%
- #32 Infinitevania
75% matchVery Positive93% of 303 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
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 32%, Souls-like 19.5%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 8%
- #33 Dead Cells
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 183,835 reviews2018
Dev: Motion Twin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.1 hrsMean: 40.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 35.2%, Souls-like 26.4%, Platformer 10%, Difficult 9.1%, 2D 4.2%
- #34 Hyper Light Drifter
77% matchVery Positive93% of 19,210 reviews2016
Dev: Heart Machine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.5%, Difficult 19.6%, Metroidvania 16.7%, Souls-like 12.4%, Atmospheric 5.5%
- #35 GRIS
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 96,496 reviews2018
Dev: Nomada StudioPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
Why similar: Beautiful 45% ★, Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Female Protagonist 7.2%, Platformer 5.5%, Atmospheric 5.2%
- #36 MIO: Memories in Orbit
74% matchVery Positive83% of 5,187 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 36.1%, Souls-like 18.5%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 9.5%, Exploration 5.6%
- #37 Dust: An Elysian Tail
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 19,084 reviews2013
Dev: Humble Hearts LLCPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Beautiful 11.3% ★, 2D 3.7%
- #38 Akatori
73% matchMostly Positive73% of 343 reviews2026
Dev: Contrast GamesPub: Games Harbor
Windows
A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.9%, Souls-like 15.7%, Difficult 15%, Platformer 8.5%, Female Protagonist 6.9%
- #39 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure
74% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,596 reviews2021
Dev: Rootless StudioPub: NEOWIZ
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Difficult 6.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Hand-drawn 4.4%
- #40 Solateria
72% matchVery Positive83% of 757 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
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 30.9%, Souls-like 22.6%, Difficult 14.6%, Platformer 6.6%, Hand-drawn 6.5%
- #41 Souldiers
73% matchMixed69% of 3,156 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 58.2%, Difficult 17%, Souls-like 12.9%, Action 2.4%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #42 Hades II
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 123,698 reviews2025
Dev: Supergiant Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 24.6 hrsMean: 43.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
Why similar: Souls-like 23.8%, Female Protagonist 18.6%, Difficult 17%, Hand-drawn 12.5%, Story Rich 8.5%
- #43 Ghost Song
72% matchVery Positive83% of 1,459 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 42.8%, Difficult 12.9%, Platformer 11.3%, Hand-drawn 7.5%, Female Protagonist 6.4%
- #44 Foregone
73% matchVery Positive81% of 1,409 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 31.7%, Souls-like 20.9%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 10.6%, Female Protagonist 5.8%
- #45 Mina the Hollower
69% matchVery Positive88% of 8,694 reviews2026
Dev: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!
Why similar: Souls-like 37.4%, Platformer 18.3%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Difficult 10.8%, 2D 7%
- #46 TUNIC
70% matchVery Positive91% of 18,686 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.3%, Souls-like 28.8%, Difficult 16.9%, Exploration 8.7%, Cute 3.4%
- #47 Rain World
71% matchVery Positive94% of 57,645 reviews2017
Dev: VideocultPub: Akupara Games
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 22.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 24.1%, Metroidvania 23.6%, Souls-like 12.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Exploration 6.3%
- #48 Unbound: Worlds Apart
71% matchVery Positive83% of 1,338 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29%, Souls-like 12%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 10.9%, Hand-drawn 4.6%
- #49 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
69% matchVery Positive92% of 3,298 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.2%, Souls-like 21.3%, Platformer 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.1%, Difficult 6.7%
- #50 Iconoclasts
71% matchVery Positive86% of 5,021 reviews2018
Dev: Joakim SandbergPub: Bifrost Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Platformer 9.2%, Story Rich 4.9%
- #51 Sundered®: Eldritch Edition
70% matchVery Positive82% of 5,179 reviews2017
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 40.1%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Hand-drawn 7.4%
- #52 Touhou Luna Nights
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 15,000 reviews2019
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 44.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.8%, Difficult 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Platformer 9.5%, Female Protagonist 7.7%
- #53 Awita: Journey of Hope
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 97 reviews2025
Dev: ant_game_projects
Windows · Linux
Awita: Journey of Hope is a captivating side-scrolling metroidvania game that follows the remarkable journey of a courageous girl determined to rescue her village from the clutches of a devastating epidemic.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.3%, Souls-like 20.8%, Platformer 8.9%, Female Protagonist 8%, Exploration 5.9%
- #54 3000th Duel
70% matchMixed72% of 628 reviews2019
Dev: NEOPOPCORN Corp
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 50%
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 25.6%, Souls-like 19.9%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Difficult 12.1%, Platformer 7.2%
- #55 Alwa's Awakening
68% matchVery Positive80% of 955 reviews2017
Dev: Elden Pixels
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.3%, Platformer 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Difficult 5.5%
- #56 Momodora III
67% matchVery Positive94% of 1,500 reviews2014
Dev: rdein
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.2%, Platformer 18.7%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, 2D 5.7%
- #57 Valdis Story: Abyssal City
67% matchVery Positive84% of 2,716 reviews2013
Dev: Endlessfluff Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.
Why similar: Metroidvania 58.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Platformer 10.1%, Difficult 7.9%, 2D 2.5%
- #58 Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
66% matchVery Positive88% of 2,664 reviews2019
Dev: Game AtelierPub: FDG Entertainment
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Platformer 12.8%, Adventure 4.5%, Exploration 4.3%
- #59 Shantae and the Seven Sirens
66% matchVery Positive90% of 2,043 reviews2020
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!
Why similar: Metroidvania 49.5%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Platformer 12.6%, 2D 2.8%
- #60 WarriOrb
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 180 reviews2020
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
Demons, giants, mutants, and a talking Ball with hybrid limbs?! In WarriOrb you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one. Will you do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Souls-like 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 7.3%