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 29.9%, Difficult 15.7%, Hand-drawn 12.4%, Gore 11.9%, Platformer 10.7%

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 30.2%, Gore 26.4%, 2D Platformer 17.9%, Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 7.6%

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 35.1%, Blood 16.2% ★, Gore 14.3%, Violent 10.5%, Difficult 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 25.1%, Metroidvania 20.7%, Atmospheric 13.9%, Platformer 13.1%, 2D Platformer 10.8%

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 17.8%, 2D Platformer 17.4%, Violent 16.3%, Difficult 15.9%, Gore 14.3%

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

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: Blood 30.1% ★, Soundtrack 23% ★, Gore 13.3%, Violent 12.6%, Difficult 12.3%

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

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 36.2%, Difficult 15.7%, Platformer 11.6%, Atmospheric 7.3%, Hand-drawn 7.2%

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

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 29.6%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, Platformer 10.8%, Difficult 10.2%

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 24.3% ★, Metroidvania 22.3%, Difficult 12.2%, Side Scroller 9%, Platformer 8.7%

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 31.7%, Difficult 28.2%, Story Rich 15.4%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Adventure 8.2%

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 40%, Difficult 22.1%, Platformer 15.7%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Adventure 5.7%

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 33.3%, Difficult 17.2%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Platformer 13%, Atmospheric 8.6%

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 41.6%, Difficult 20.1%, Platformer 10.4%, Gore 8.3%, Side Scroller 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 25.2%, Blood 22% ★, Soundtrack 17.4% ★, Gore 10.9%, Violent 10.6%

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

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%, Side Scroller 14.8%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Platformer 11.4%, Atmospheric 9.9%

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

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 28.2%, Platformer 19.2%, Difficult 16%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Atmospheric 9.1%

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

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 60.2%, Difficult 15.4%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Hand-drawn 8.1%, Singleplayer 2.4%

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

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 41%, 2D Platformer 16.2%, Platformer 16%, Story Rich 9.4%, Exploration 8.6%

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

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 39%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Platformer 12.5%, Hand-drawn 11.9%, Atmospheric 10%

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

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 36%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Platformer 14.9%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Exploration 7.5%

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

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 32.8%, 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.

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 29.1%, Side Scroller 17.8%, 2D Platformer 13.3%, Platformer 11.7%, Atmospheric 8.6%

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

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 43.8%, Platformer 19%, 2D Platformer 12%, Difficult 11%, Side Scroller 7.5%

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

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 55.4%, Platformer 11.4%, Atmospheric 9.6%, Exploration 9.1%, Adventure 7.5%

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

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 35.2%, Gore 18.8%, Violent 12.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Atmospheric 8.1%

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

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 38.5%, Platformer 14.9%, Atmospheric 12.2%, Story Rich 9.2%, Exploration 7.1%

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

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 36.8%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Side Scroller 14%, Platformer 12.9%, Atmospheric 9.1%

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

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 32.7%, Difficult 13.8%, Platformer 12.3%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Atmospheric 9.8%

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 35.7%, Hand-drawn 13.9%, Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.8%

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

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 28.4%, Blood 20.6% ★, Gore 13.5%, Violent 12.9%, Difficult 9%

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 33.7%, 2D Platformer 19.5%, Platformer 17%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Difficult 5.1%

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

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 40.1%, Side Scroller 23.3%, Platformer 18.7%, Atmospheric 8.5%, Adventure 8.2%

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 32.3%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Difficult 15.1%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, Platformer 10.8%

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: Blood 44.6% ★, Metroidvania 20.8%, Gore 17.1%, Difficult 13%, Adventure 2.9%

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 16.9%, Platformer 14.8%, Gore 14.8%, Violent 12.9%, Atmospheric 12.7%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.1%, Platformer 14.2%, Difficult 10.9%, Atmospheric 5.1%, Adventure 4.8%

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

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 14.7%, Soundtrack 14.4% ★, Gore 13.4%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 12.5%

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 34.9%, Side Scroller 20.4%, 2D Platformer 16.5%, Platformer 15.3%, Atmospheric 10%

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: Blood 24.3% ★, Metroidvania 18.7%, Violent 11.7%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Difficult 10.3%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.7%, Blood 22.7% ★, Side Scroller 12.9%, Difficult 11.4%, Gore 9.9%

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 44.1%, Side Scroller 17.3%, 2D Platformer 14.3%, Exploration 9.4%, Atmospheric 4.3%

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 28.7%, Hand-drawn 14.2%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Platformer 12.2%, Atmospheric 9.1%

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 20.1%, Platformer 14.9%, Violent 12.8%, Side Scroller 11%, Atmospheric 10.8%

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 47.4%, Side Scroller 15.1%, 2D Platformer 14.4%, Platformer 11.9%, Difficult 7.7%

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 29.4%, Atmospheric 25%, 2D Platformer 20.7%, Adventure 13.1%, Indie 5.4%

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 32.3%, Difficult 26.6%, Platformer 20.6%, Exploration 13.3%, Adventure 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 31.3%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Difficult 15.1%, Platformer 14.5%, Atmospheric 4.9%

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 28.5%, Difficult 24.4%, 2D Platformer 21%, Story Rich 8.5%, Blood 8.3% ★

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Gore 33.9%, Violent 20.3%, Difficult 20.2%, Platformer 12.8%, Arcade 4.7%

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 33.1%, Difficult 17%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Platformer 10.1%, 2D Platformer 9.1%

An innovative adventure mixed with beat 'em up and RPG elements. In a grim world where animals have replaced mankind, what kind of detective will you be?

Why similar: Soundtrack 56.7% ★, Atmospheric 18.2%, Story Rich 15.8%, Adventure 9.3%

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 60.1%, Platformer 18.9%, Exploration 12.5%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.6%

"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 56.5% ★, Arcade 27.7%, Atmospheric 13.4%, Indie 1.5%, Singleplayer 0.9%

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 61%, Platformer 13.5%, Side Scroller 5.1%, Difficult 4.4%, Exploration 4.1%

A deadly plague known as erosion broke out in the land of Elworth. It corrupted all life, bringing pain and destruction – Idonia, as the knight accepting the bloodthirsty imprint set out on a path to redemption, exterminating plague minions and destroying ancient evils

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.4%, Gore 21.2%, Violent 16.7%, Adventure 2.9%, Singleplayer 2.6%

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 36.2%, Difficult 18.2%, Platformer 10.8%, Hand-drawn 8.8%, Atmospheric 7.1%

Enter the dark world of Nosgoth – Ascendance is a fast paced, 2D action platformer built around fluid combat, vertical movement, vampiric powers, and skill-driven play.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.2%, 2D Platformer 15.4%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Platformer 14.3%, Violent 10.7%

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.6%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Platformer 15.8%, Atmospheric 14.6%, Story Rich 14.1%

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 39.1%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Platformer 15.9%, Exploration 7.6%, Atmospheric 5.4%

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 41.2%, Adventure 20.6%, Indie 18.8%, Exploration 11.2%, Singleplayer 8.2%