Games Like Imp of the Sun

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 30.6%, Platformer 12.2%, Open World 7.4%, Story Rich 7.3%, Cute 7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and vibrant metroidvania that balances accessible combat with rewarding exploration and a heartwarming story.

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: Metroidvania 32.1%, Platformer 13.2%, Emotional 8.1%, Difficult 6.7%, Story Rich 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features breathtaking hand-drawn visuals and fluid, high-speed movement that mirrors the kinetic feel of Imp of the Sun.

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 22.5%, Platformer 12%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, Difficult 9.4%, Atmospheric 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that shares the same focus on unique world-traversal mechanics.

“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 35.9%, Platformer 15.4%, Atmospheric 10%, Difficult 9.7%, Story Rich 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric masterpiece that emphasizes exploration and platforming precision in a lush, colorful world.

Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Hand-drawn 17.7%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Platformer 10.5%, Colorful 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn adventure that captures a similar sense of discovery and mythological storytelling through its platforming gameplay.

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 32.9%, Difficult 13.4%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Platformer 10.2%, Open World 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Boasts stunning hand-drawn art and an expansive world that rewards players for exploring every corner of its vibrant map.

A unique adventure game filled with beautiful puzzles all hand-drawn in an original 2D style . Out of Line follows the adventures of San in a quest to escape the Factory that was once home. Dive into a story set in a mysterious world that is revealed through multiple chapters.

Why similar: Soundtrack 32.7% ★, Hand-drawn 19.9%, 2D Platformer 11%, Platformer 9.5%, Colorful 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a distinct, hand-drawn aesthetic and focuses on environmental storytelling through clever platforming puzzles.

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 31.7%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 10.5%, Hand-drawn 9.4%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for atmospheric metroidvanias, offering a deep, interconnected world and challenging combat.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.9%, Difficult 14.6%, Platformer 12.4%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Colorful 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Deeply rooted in cultural mythology with a vibrant art style and fast-paced combat that feels very similar to the energy of Imp of the Sun.

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: Soundtrack 23.5% ★, Metroidvania 21%, Difficult 10.8%, Hand-drawn 10.7%, Platformer 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a significant challenge for those who enjoyed the precision platforming aspects of Imp of the Sun.

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Platformer 19.2%, Exploration 8.8%, 2D 4.8%, Atmospheric 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric metroidvania that uses music and color as central themes to drive its exploration and 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 41.1%, Platformer 17.4%, Cute 11.1%, Exploration 10.5%, Atmospheric 7%

Why You'll Like It: Blends 3D precision platforming with metroidvania exploration, offering a unique challenge for fans of movement-based games.

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 26.5%, Hand-drawn 13%, Nonlinear 11.6%, Platformer 7.6%, Cute 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and fast-paced metroidvania that focuses on exploration and satisfying combat in a unique afterlife setting.

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 52%, Difficult 16.4%, Combat 10.1%, Action 4.7%, 2D Platformer 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant action-adventure game that blends complex combat with intricate level design and exploration.

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 43%, Platformer 12.5%, Story Rich 8.9%, Indie 7.9%, 2D 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a rich, emotional story with tight action-platforming and a distinct, colorful pixel-art style.

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.2%, Platformer 16.7%, Hand-drawn 10.9%, Open World 6.6%, Cute 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful and unique take on the genre that blends exploration with pinball mechanics in a beautifully crafted world.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.6%, Platformer 17.2%, 2D 7.6%, Indie 7%, Adventure 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished, colorful adventure that emphasizes satisfying movement and steady character progression.

A world of Beauty and Mystery, Emotive Animations, Atmospheric Environments, Visually Driven Story, Metroidvania Exploration and Memorable Sword Duels.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Nonlinear 14%, Difficult 9.9%, 2D Platformer 9.9%, Colorful 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, atmospheric metroidvania that emphasizes tight controls and meaningful, story-driven combat.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.8%, Platformer 14.8%, 2D Platformer 13.5%, Story Rich 8.5%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers intense, action-heavy combat and a vibrant, diesel-punk world that feels expansive and alive.

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Hand-drawn 17.5%, Platformer 17.5%, Difficult 7.3%, 2D 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A gorgeous hand-drawn remake of a classic that shares the same sense of adventure and transformation-based gameplay.

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: Metroidvania 32.5%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Colorful 10.8%, Atmospheric 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep exploration and a massive variety of movement abilities that make traversing its world a joy.

Join RIN, the last child of the Creator, on a journey to restore order in a mystical world. Collect aspects and runes, craft spells, and confront powerful bosses - your transformed siblings. The fate of the world rests in your hands. Can you restore harmony to this enchanted realm?

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Emotional 11.6%, Platformer 11.1%, Difficult 10.8%, 2D Platformer 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a dark, atmospheric world with a heavy focus on spell-casting and exploration-based platforming.

Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Platformer 11.4%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Open World 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A unique metroidvania that focuses on non-violent exploration and creature-collecting mechanics in a colorful world.

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 29.2%, Hand-drawn 17.9%, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Story Rich 6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, action-heavy metroidvania that features a unique art style and deep, skill-based combat.

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Platformer 13.9%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Colorful 9.4%, Indie 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, colorful platformer that rewards players for maintaining momentum and chaining together moves.

Blast off in a 2D metroidvania adventure bursting with platforming thrills, deep exploration, and explosive action. Assemble a crack team of heroes to save the world in Blast Brigade!

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Difficult 14.1%, Platformer 11%, Colorful 8.4%, 2D Platformer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, cartoon-inspired action game that features fun platforming and a lighthearted, adventurous tone.

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 27.4%, Nonlinear 12.2%, Open World 9.9%, Platformer 9.7%, 2D Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, well-crafted metroidvania that captures the essence of exploration and discovery in a charming mechanical world.

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 23.9%, Nonlinear 12.7%, Difficult 11.6%, Emotional 9.3%, Platformer 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi metroidvania that prioritizes exploration and satisfying combat mechanics in a beautifully realized world.

"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 33.4%, Platformer 12.5%, Combat 8%, 2D 7.2%, Difficult 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric action-platformer that delivers a polished experience with a focus on fluid combat and exploration.

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 26.1%, Hand-drawn 12.5%, Difficult 10.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Colorful 6.8%

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 25.7%, Hand-drawn 17.1%, Difficult 13.2%, Platformer 7.6%, 2D Platformer 6.9%

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 34%, Hand-drawn 19.6%, Platformer 12.3%, Difficult 9.8%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features chaotic, hand-drawn combat and massive, sprawling environments that reward persistent exploration.

Help the God Wiraqocha to recover all the stolen suns that have been hidden in different dimensions, which you can access through the Great Gate of the Sun, to return light to the Milky Way.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 40.7%, Platformer 29.4%, Adventure 13.6%, 2D 9.6%, Singleplayer 6.6%

Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Difficult 14.1%, Hand-drawn 10.7%, Platformer 9.1%, 2D 5.3%

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Platformer 12.1%, Soundtrack 10.9% ★, Exploration 7.2%

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 24.4%, Hand-drawn 16.1%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Platformer 11.3%, Colorful 7.5%

Embark on an enchanting adventure in this breathtaking 2D Metroidvania game inspired by the rich folklore of Indonesia. Control Kimo and Wispy as they seek to recover the Shards of Light. Manipulate terrain to solve puzzles, befriend the natives of Lumina, and take abilities from powerful titans.✨

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Platformer 10.7%, Cute 9.4%, Colorful 8.7%

Explore, solve puzzles, and fight your way through over 100 screens and return your pumpkin pals!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Nonlinear 19.2%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Platformer 9.8%, Open World 9.3%

Lamp Chronicle is a 2D platformer game that tells the story of a little hero who travels to save a kingdom in crisis. Defeat enemies against beautiful backgrounds and enjoy exciting battles with bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Hand-drawn 21.9%, Platformer 11.8%, 2D Platformer 10.1%, Cute 7.9%

Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 26%, Difficult 25.6%, Platformer 10.5%, Colorful 9.9%, Indie 7.2%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.7%, Platformer 10.9%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Nonlinear 8.7%, Exploration 8.2%

Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Difficult 13.8%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Platformer 9.6%, Atmospheric 6.3%

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 37.7%, Platformer 11.5%, Hand-drawn 11%, Indie 6.9%, Adventure 5.9%

Dive into the wondrous world of the Inops! The 2D puzzle based side scrolling adventure of dark and light. Battle the fire breathing demons and rescue the scattered Inops.

Why similar: Indie 31.4%, Adventure 25.9%, 2D Platformer 11.2%, Colorful 9.5%, Cute 7.4%

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

Why similar: Soundtrack 28.2% ★, Metroidvania 24.3%, Platformer 9.9%, Cute 6.5%, Story Rich 6.2%

Uncover the truth about the Ghostland Yard investigators disappearance in this challenging 2D platformer. Travel across the world in more than 250 handcrafted levels to find your friends!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.5%, Difficult 17.3%, 2D Platformer 14%, Platformer 11.5%, Indie 6.4%

Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Difficult 11.3%, Platformer 7.2%, Atmospheric 7%

Explore the mysterious island of Kindara in this vibrant 2D action-adventure. Fight and platform your way through jungles, icy peaks, castles, and crystal caverns in a non-linear interconnected world. Adventure awaits!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.9%, Nonlinear 14.9%, Hand-drawn 12.8%, 2D Platformer 10%, Colorful 7.1%

Summum Aeterna is a fast-paced Roguelite inspired by the Metroidvania Aeterna Noctis. Create your own worlds, challenges, difficulty and influences in each new run. Die, learn, become stronger, and achieve victory. Death is inevitable, but glory is only for the chosen.

Why similar: Difficult 21%, Hand-drawn 20.6%, Platformer 12.5%, 2D 9.5%, Atmospheric 9.2%

Evergate is a haunting 2D puzzle-platformer set in a stunning hand-drawn vision of the Afterlife with an original score recorded by a live orchestra. Navigate 85 challenging stages and unleash the extraordinary powers of the genre-defining 'Soulflame' to help a lost soul reincarnate on earth!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.2%, Emotional 13.6%, Platformer 12.7%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Colorful 9.2%

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 31.6%, Hand-drawn 14.3%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Platformer 10.4%, Combat 7.9%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.6%, Difficult 14.3%, Platformer 12.1%, Indie 6.3%, Exploration 5.7%

Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments.

Why similar: Soundtrack 32% ★, Metroidvania 13.5%, Hand-drawn 10.1%, Emotional 9.6%, Cute 6.3%

Pankapu is a narrative action-platformer that takes place in the dreams of Djaha’rell, a child troubled by a tragic incident. Upgrade your skills, find new competencies, switch your Aegis in real time in order to get rid of Nightmare's invasion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.6%, Platformer 20.2%, Indie 11.1%, Cute 9.6%, Action 8.8%

Marko: Beyond Brave is an action-packed Metroidvania adventure. Wander through lush forests and crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through challenging foes and mighty bosses inspired by Slavic myths and legends.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, Hand-drawn 16.5%, Platformer 9.7%, 2D Platformer 8.5%, Combat 7.6%

“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: Metroidvania 30.3%, Platformer 14.6%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Difficult 9.3%, Story Rich 7.8%

Explore a vast, colorful world in this 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania set during the Age of Discoveries. Grab your halberd and become a hero amid the storm!

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.2%, Nonlinear 15.6%, Hand-drawn 14.8%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Platformer 9.6%

In this Insanely Twisted, 2-D action-adventure game, explore unique environments and battle bizarre creatures.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.1%, Exploration 8.6%, 2D 8.2%, Indie 8.2%, Adventure 7.2%

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Nonlinear 22.7%, Platformer 10.4%, Exploration 7.9%, Colorful 6.2%