Games Like Laika: Aged Through Blood

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 29.3%, Difficult 15.4%, Hand-drawn 12%, Gore 11.3%, Platformer 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a high-skill, parry-focused combat system that mirrors the precision required in Laika's encounters.

A nostalgic metroidvania adventure with insane weapons, skills, and pixel gore. Ride your BMX and blast your enemies as you discover the secrets of the Wasteland.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Gore 24.8%, 2D Platformer 17.2%, Platformer 11.4%, Exploration 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar post-apocalyptic setting and bike-based traversal mechanics coupled with intense, gore-filled combat.

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 41.1%, Gore 16.9%, Violent 12.2%, Difficult 10.5%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Captures a similarly dark, violent, and melancholic atmosphere within a challenging metroidvania framework.

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 24.8%, Metroidvania 20.5%, Atmospheric 13.5%, Platformer 12.8%, 2D Platformer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a brutal, atmospheric post-apocalyptic survival experience that rewards patience and mastery of movement.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Platformer 16.9%, 2D Platformer 16.5%, Violent 15.5%, Difficult 15.2%, Gore 13.5%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a fast-paced, story-rich experience where precision and momentum are key to surviving violent encounters.

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 35.8%, Difficult 15.5%, Platformer 11.5%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Hand-drawn 7%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for atmospheric metroidvania exploration with a deep, lore-rich world and challenging boss fights.

One-hit kill die-retry murderballet. Left for dead by a colorful band of bandits: you will chain killing sprees to exact revenge on the treacherous Mr. Black Wolf. Improvise your kills with utterly everything you can get your hands on: from carrots to plasma guns.

Why similar: Soundtrack 32.1% ★, Gore 18.3%, Violent 17.5%, Difficult 17.1%, Arcade 8%

Why You'll Like It: A highly violent, momentum-driven action game where the environment is your primary weapon.

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 28.9%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Platformer 10.6%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Difficult 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric sci-fi metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and a lonely, desolate 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: Soundtrack 24% ★, Metroidvania 22.1%, Difficult 12%, Side Scroller 9%, Platformer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on precision platforming and difficult navigation, perfect for players who enjoyed the bike-handling challenges of Laika.

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: Metroidvania 30%, Difficult 26.5%, Story Rich 14.3%, Atmospheric 12.7%, Adventure 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, combat-focused 2D adventure with a distinct art style and punishing boss encounters.

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 42.8%, Platformer 16.9%, Atmospheric 13.4%, Difficult 12.5%, Adventure 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, momentum-based combat and platforming that feels rewarding and fast-paced.

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 32.4%, Difficult 16.7%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Platformer 12.7%, Atmospheric 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes parrying and absorbing enemies to progress.

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: Metroidvania 40.5%, Difficult 19.6%, Platformer 10.1%, Gore 8%, Side Scroller 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines deep souls-like mechanics with a dark, interconnected 2D world.

Fueled by love but driven by rage, Cherry embarks on a blood-soaked quest for revenge, explores the massive Megastructure, and eviscerates the armies of Infornet in a best-in-class action-adventure that breaks tropes and bones.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Soundtrack 21.2% ★, Gore 15.8%, Violent 12.8%, Platformer 11%

Why You'll Like It: A violent, stylized metroidvania that leans into a punk-rock aesthetic and brutal combat.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.5%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Platformer 15.5%, Story Rich 9%, Exploration 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a diesel-punk aesthetic and satisfying, combo-heavy combat in a 2D world.

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 59.4%, Difficult 15.1%, Atmospheric 11.2%, Hand-drawn 7.9%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a hauntingly beautiful, melancholic atmosphere paired with challenging, skill-based combat.

Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Platformer 18.7%, Difficult 15.5%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique platformer that uses a physics-based grappling hook to create momentum-heavy movement.

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 33.1%, Side Scroller 14.9%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Platformer 11.4%, Atmospheric 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, atmospheric metroidvania that captures a sense of wonder and exploration in a ruined world.

HAAK is a Metroidvania-Platformer. As the mysterious wanderer Haak, you embarked on an epic expedition across the vast cyber-wasteland to find your lost brother. Explore deserted cities and metro, refine your weapons and hack skills, and uncover the secrets behind metal and dust.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.9%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Platformer 14.5%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A post-apocalyptic metroidvania that blends puzzle-platforming with fluid, gadget-based movement.

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.9%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Platformer 12.2%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, Atmospheric 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, lore-rich metroidvania that focuses on challenging exploration and cosmic horror themes.

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%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Difficult 14.1%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Platformer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, visually stunning metroidvania with a deep combat system and expansive world.

EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?

Why similar: Metroidvania 52%, Platformer 10.8%, Atmospheric 8.9%, Exploration 8.5%, Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down metroidvania with a time-sensitive narrative that adds urgency to exploration.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.3%, Platformer 18.4%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Difficult 10.7%, Side Scroller 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers tight, responsive platforming and a narrative that evolves significantly as you progress.

Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Side Scroller 17.4%, 2D Platformer 13%, Platformer 11.4%, Atmospheric 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, hack-and-slash metroidvania that emphasizes constant movement and aggression.

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 33.8%, Platformer 13.1%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Atmospheric 10.5%, 2D Platformer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging metroidvania that excels in exploration and fluid movement mechanics.

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34%, Gore 17.6%, Violent 12.3%, Platformer 11.2%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk-themed metroidvania that emphasizes survival and difficult, souls-like combat.

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 32.5%, Difficult 13.1%, Platformer 12.4%, Hand-drawn 10.3%, Atmospheric 9.7%

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 34.9%, Hand-drawn 13.4%, Platformer 12.4%, Difficult 10.8%, Side Scroller 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, chaotic metroidvania that balances intense combat with large-scale exploration.

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: 2D Platformer 22.3%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Platformer 18.2%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A movement-focused metroidvania that rewards players who master complex platforming abilities.

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 35.9%, Violent 16.3%, Gore 14.2%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 8.4%

Embark upon a tragic tale and discover the ravaged world of Elypse! Fight your destiny in an arduous 2D adventure, story rich platformer, in a mesmerising and mysterious world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, 2D Platformer 18.7%, Platformer 16.5%, Atmospheric 9.9%, Difficult 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer that focuses on parkour and momentum to navigate dangerous, atmospheric environments.

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, Side Scroller 19.6%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Platformer 14.8%, Atmospheric 9.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.5%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Difficult 14.7%, Platformer 10.6%, Hand-drawn 10.5%

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 28.1%, Hand-drawn 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Platformer 11.9%, Atmospheric 8.8%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Platformer 16.8%, Atmospheric 7.5%, Adventure 7.4%

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.4%, Platformer 13.8%, Difficult 10.6%, Atmospheric 4.8%, Adventure 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, atmospheric metroidvania that focuses on discovery and difficult boss encounters.

The wolves are watching! Venture through a captivating but brutal dystopia where our young adventurer Ravengirl will travel through this huge city’s brightest highs and delve to its darkest depths on her perilous journey of discovery and finding her destiny where hope seems in short supply.

Why similar: Difficult 16.5%, Platformer 14.6%, Gore 14%, Violent 12.6%, Atmospheric 12.3%

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 21.3%, Violent 13.3%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Gore 12%, Difficult 11.7%

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Gore 18.6%, Platformer 14.3%, Violent 12.1%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Atmospheric 10.2%

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: Side Scroller 31.3%, Difficult 25.6%, Platformer 19.9%, Exploration 12.7%, Adventure 3.8%

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 42.4%, Side Scroller 17%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Exploration 9.1%, Atmospheric 4.3%

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: Side Scroller 14.3%, Soundtrack 14% ★, Gore 12.9%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Difficult 12.1%

"Kill The Crows" is a fast-paced top-down arena shooter set in the twisted western world. A gunslinger burning with vengeance steps into the ruins of a forsaken town, ready to face death. Prepare for one-shot, one-kill gunfights using classic revolvers and fanning techniques.

Why similar: Bullet Time 52.7% ★, Arcade 25.7%, Atmospheric 12.4%, Action 7%, Indie 1.4%

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 44.4%, Side Scroller 14.3%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Platformer 11.3%, Difficult 7.4%

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 30.1%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 14%, Atmospheric 4.6%

Parkour through the ruins of a megastructure, climb massive bosses, and hunt down every construction equipment in this slice of life action-adventure with immaculate vibes.

Why similar: Platformer 32.8%, Atmospheric 29.6%, Exploration 16.5%, Action 8%, Adventure 7.8%

Deep within the realm of sleep, Sybil finds herself pulled to a distorted castle. Grow strong, and unlock new abilities to build up a deep movement system, fight enemies, find secrets, and free the weary soul of Castle Sansa, in this retro-inspired 3D Platformer Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.4%, Platformer 19%, Exploration 12.3%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.5%

SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 18.8%, Story Rich 18%, Platformer 14.4%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Difficult 12.2%

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 32.3%, Difficult 16.6%, Atmospheric 10%, Platformer 9.9%, 2D Platformer 8.9%

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 59.1%, Platformer 13.3%, Side Scroller 4.9%, Difficult 4.2%, Exploration 4%

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 38.1%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Platformer 15.5%, Exploration 7.3%, Atmospheric 5.1%

Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.

Why similar: Platformer 28.5%, Atmospheric 24.1%, 2D Platformer 20.3%, Adventure 12.4%, Indie 5.1%

Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.2%, Difficult 25.5%, 2D Platformer 22.2%, Story Rich 8.9%, Violent 5.9%

Test your limits in ITTA, a bullet-hell, boss-rush style adventure. Armed with her father’s revolver and guided by a strange ghostly cat, a displaced girl must battle her way through impossible trials in search of answers… and peace.

Why similar: Atmospheric 33.8%, Action 18%, Adventure 17%, Indie 15.3%, Exploration 9.2%

BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!

Why similar: Soundtrack 25.1% ★, Metroidvania 18.1%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Difficult 11.8%, 2D Platformer 10.5%

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 66.8%, Side Scroller 6.9%, Difficult 5.7%, Atmospheric 5.3%, Platformer 4.6%

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 44.6%, Difficult 23.9%, Exploration 16.3%, Atmospheric 10%, Action 2.8%

Enter the world of ATLYSS, a Singleplayer/Online RPG where you can fight with or against friends in a surreal world filled with creatures beyond comprehension. Customize and progress your character(s), complete quests, and discover strange locations.

Why similar: Atmospheric 43.4%, Adventure 27.8%, Action 22.4%, Singleplayer 6.3%

Humanity has been destroyed - and it's up to Gori, along with his deadly but wise-cracking sentient hoverboard, F.R.A.N.K, and morose AI companion, CH1-P, to shred and slay the evil Adorable Army!

Why similar: Gore 36.5%, Metroidvania 32.1%, Difficult 20.1%, Adventure 4.4%, Action 4.4%

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Difficult 30.3%, Metroidvania 21.9%, Atmospheric 19.9%, Exploration 8.5%, Adventure 7.2%