- #1 Shovel Knight Dig
97% matchMostly Positive75% of 909 reviews2022
Dev: NitromePub: Yacht Club Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Meet new friends and foes, visit strange lands, and outfit yourself on a quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot! Jump, slash, and dig your way down an ever-changing chasm of mystery in this standalone Shovel Knight adventure.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 29.8%, Action-Adventure 23.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, 2D 8.6%, Colorful 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features the same developer's signature polish with a focus on tight platforming and exploration.
- #2 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 16,925 reviews2014
Dev: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Why similar: Platformer 43.6%, Pixel Graphics 26.6%, 2D 10.1%, Difficult 7%, Action 5%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same studio, this game defines the gold standard for modern retro-inspired action-adventure.
- #3 TUNIC
96% 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: Souls-like 40.2%, Action-Adventure 19.1%, Top-Down 14.8%, Difficult 9.4%, Colorful 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down exploration game that mirrors the sense of mystery and souls-like challenge found in Mina the Hollower.
- #4 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
95% 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: Souls-like 22%, 2D Platformer 14.8%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Platformer 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a somber, gothic atmosphere paired with precise 2D action and exploration.
- #5 The Last Faith
94% 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: Gothic 27.9% ★, Souls-like 26.2%, Dark Fantasy 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Platformer 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a dark, gothic pixel-art world with brutal souls-like combat mechanics.
- #6 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
94% matchVery Positive94% of 4,524 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Why similar: Gothic 31.5% ★, Platformer 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers the classic, whip-cracking gothic action that serves as a direct inspiration for Mina's gameplay.
- #7 Hunt the Night
93% matchMostly Positive78% of 519 reviews2023
Dev: Moonlight GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-RPG that blends fast, skillful combat with dark fantasy lore. Play as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, and traverse the ruined world of Medhram on a mission to save humanity from a deadly cycle of annihilation.
Why similar: Gothic 29.6% ★, Souls-like 21.6%, Dark Fantasy 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Top-Down 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Captures a similar gothic aesthetic and challenging combat that perfectly matches the dark tone of the seed game.
- #8 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
92% 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: Souls-like 21.1%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Platformer 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a refined gothic action experience with beautiful, detailed pixel art.
- #9 UNSIGHTED
91% matchVery Positive93% of 2,240 reviews2021
Dev: Studio Pixel PunkPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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: Souls-like 31.3%, Female Protagonist 24.2%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Platformer 10.5%, Action 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down action-adventure game that emphasizes exploration and tight, responsive combat.
- #10 Iconoclasts
91% 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: Female Protagonist 29.8%, Pixel Graphics 21.5%, Platformer 18.5%, Action-Adventure 8.6%, Action 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features pixel-perfect action-platforming and a compelling story with a strong female protagonist.
- #11 La-Mulana 2
90% matchVery Positive86% of 1,088 reviews2018
Dev: NIGOROPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 37.4 hrs≥1hr: 75%
The long-awaited sequel to La-Mulana, La-Mulana 2 follows Lumisa Kosugi as she explores the ancient ruins of La-Mulana. Desperate to find the cause of the recent slew of monsters appearing from the ruins, Lumisa discovers the "other" La-Mulana: the ruins known as Eg-Lana.
Why similar: Souls-like 24.4%, 2D Platformer 14.8%, Action-Adventure 13.3%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Platformer 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers complex exploration and high-difficulty puzzles for players who enjoy deep, rewarding adventure.
- #12 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: Souls-like 29.1%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Platformer 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, moody metroidvania that blends souls-like combat with striking pixel-art visuals.
- #13 Death's Door
89% matchVery Positive93% of 22,253 reviews2021
Dev: Acid NervePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.
Why similar: Souls-like 45.6%, Dark Fantasy 22.5%, Action-Adventure 18.6%, Action 5.9%, Colorful 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down action game with a melancholic atmosphere and challenging boss encounters.
- #14 Blasphemous
88% 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: Souls-like 31.6%, Gothic 17% ★, Dark Fantasy 14%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Platformer 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a deeply gothic pixel-art world with challenging souls-like mechanics and exploration.
- #15 ANIMAL WELL
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 24,672 reviews2024
Dev: Billy BassoPub: Bigmode
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.
Why similar: Platformer 30.1%, Pixel Graphics 26.4%, Horror 17.5%, 2D 9.7%, Atmospheric 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on atmospheric exploration and intricate world design within a dense, pixelated environment.
- #16 Hyper Light Drifter
87% 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: Pixel Graphics 27.4%, Souls-like 18.9%, Top-Down 12.3%, Difficult 12%, Atmospheric 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down action game that prioritizes atmosphere and fast-paced, skill-based combat.
- #17 Pepper Grinder
86% matchVery Positive86% of 1,285 reviews2024
Dev: Ahr EchPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Pepper Grinder is an action-packed 2D adventure blending traditional platforming with an alternate drilling mode that allows you to dive in and out of the earth like a dolphin swims through water.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 20.8%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Platformer 16.8%, Action-Adventure 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features high-octane, unique platforming mechanics set in a vibrant and detailed pixel world.
- #18 UFO 50
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,518 reviews2024
Dev: Mossmouth
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 23.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 37.2%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Difficult 13.2%, 2D 11.3%, Platformer 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A collection of retro-styled games that perfectly captures the 8-bit era aesthetic and design philosophy.
- #19 Rusted Moss
84% matchVery Positive89% of 1,748 reviews2023
Dev: EmlisePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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: Platformer 23.2%, 2D Platformer 16.7%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Action-Adventure 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides fast-paced, pixelated action with unique movement mechanics that reward player skill.
- #20 Freedom Planet 2
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,743 reviews2022
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!
Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.2%, Platformer 21.7%, Action-Adventure 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Colorful 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: High-energy action-platforming that features a strong female lead and vibrant pixel art.
- #21 9 Years of Shadows
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,382 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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: Platformer 25.9%, Action-Adventure 19%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Fantasy 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania featuring a female protagonist and gothic fantasy themes that align with the seed game's vibe.
- #22 Minoria
84% matchVery Positive81% of 2,659 reviews2019
Dev: BombservicePub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.
Why similar: Souls-like 24.8%, Female Protagonist 23%, Gothic 12.9% ★, Dark Fantasy 8.7%, Platformer 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed action-platformer that focuses on religious imagery and tight, deliberate combat.
- #23 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
82% 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: Gothic 30.6% ★, Female Protagonist 29.6%, Platformer 14.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.3%, Action 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: An expansive metroidvania that offers deep character customization and classic exploration.
- #24 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
81% matchVery Positive93% of 7,464 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.9%, Platformer 24.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%, Fantasy 8.9%, 2D 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic gothic-inspired metroidvania with fluid, satisfying combat mechanics.
- #25 Hollow Knight: Silksong
77% matchVery Positive89% of 424,009 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.5 hrsMean: 47.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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: Souls-like 37.4%, Platformer 18.3%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Difficult 10.8%, 2D 7%
- #26 Gato Roboto
80% matchVery Positive94% of 5,267 reviews2019
Dev: doinksoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 30.3%, Platformer 28.6%, 2D 12.2%, Action 10.6%, Female Protagonist 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A compact, retro-styled action-platformer that excels in tight mechanics and environmental storytelling.
- #27 Haiku, the Robot
79% 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: 2D Platformer 21.9%, Platformer 19.2%, Dark Fantasy 16.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Action-Adventure 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled metroidvania with a charming yet desolate atmosphere and solid exploration.
- #28 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: Platformer 36.9%, Pixel Graphics 29.7%, 2D 10.8%, Action 8.2%, Difficult 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A classic retro-inspired metroidvania that focuses on exploration and unique, experimental weaponry.
- #29 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,212 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!
Why similar: Top-Down 22.1%, Action-Adventure 19.5%, 2D Platformer 17.7%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 13%
- #30 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: 2D Platformer 29.5%, Platformer 22.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.9%, Colorful 9.6%, Action 6%
Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy metroidvania that features tight platforming controls and a distinct visual style.
- #31 The Messenger
78% matchVery Positive93% of 13,285 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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: Platformer 27.9%, Pixel Graphics 20.3%, 2D Platformer 18.5%, Action-Adventure 11.2%, 2D 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action-platformer that evolves into a deep metroidvania with a great sense of humor.
- #32 Well Dweller
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,655 reviews2026
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, full of charming characters living in a wretched kingdom. Play as Glimmer - a tiny bird armed with a matchstick - who must burn the wicked queen to save his family.
Why similar: Gothic 20.2% ★, Dark Fantasy 16.6%, Action-Adventure 15.8%, 2D Platformer 14.4%, Platformer 13.1%
- #33 Constance
75% 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: Platformer 25.9%, Female Protagonist 24.7%, Action-Adventure 23.4%, 2D 9%, Action 6.5%
- #34 Akatori
76% 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: Souls-like 17.3%, 2D Platformer 16.7%, Female Protagonist 14.1%, Platformer 13%, Action-Adventure 11.6%
- #35 Divinum
74% matchVery Positive87% of 602 reviews2026
Dev: Sigil Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Divinum is an action-adventure that blends stylish, expressive combat with rewarding exploration. Master devastating combos and craft unique builds to repel mysterious invaders and uncover your island's hidden truth.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 18.5%, Female Protagonist 18%, Action-Adventure 15.2%, Platformer 14.8%, Dark Fantasy 11.2%
- #36 Environmental Station Alpha
78% matchVery Positive82% of 1,660 reviews2015
Dev: Arvi TeikariPub: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 34.9%, Platformer 33.2%, Difficult 9.4%, Action 7.6%, 2D 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-styled exploration game that hides deep secrets within its pixelated world.
- #37 The Excrawlers
76% matchVery Positive88% of 134 reviews2023
Dev: Game Dynasty
Windows
Action-RPG slasher in which you have to get into the dark atmosphere of dungeons full of monsters and madness.
Why similar: Souls-like 26.7%, Female Protagonist 13.9%, Top-Down 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%
- #38 Pseudoregalia
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 19,071 reviews2023
Dev: rittzler
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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: Female Protagonist 48.8%, Platformer 36.6%, Fantasy 9.3%, Adventure 3.3%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #39 Tearscape
73% matchVery Positive91% of 352 reviews2026
Dev: NERDS TAKE OVER
Windows · Mac · Linux
As a hunter, you explore a dark, interconnected world filled with dungeons, relying on precise combat to survive. Battle grotesque monsters, expand your arsenal, and uncover hidden paths in a non-linear, pixel art journey.
Why similar: Gothic 27% ★, Souls-like 23.4%, Top-Down 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%
- #40 Rubinite
71% matchVery Positive94% of 4,135 reviews2026
Dev: Cup Dog Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.
Why similar: Souls-like 29.4%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Top-Down 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.4%
- #41 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2
75% matchVery Positive85% of 1,643 reviews2020
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.
Why similar: Platformer 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%
- #42 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
69% 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: Souls-like 32.4%, Female Protagonist 22.8%, Dark Fantasy 19.9%, 2D 7.5%, Platformer 5.3%
- #43 Foregone
72% 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: Souls-like 26.3%, Platformer 18.6%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Action-Adventure 7.5%
- #44 Salt and Sanctuary
72% 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 58.5%, Dark Fantasy 13.9%, Platformer 9.4%, Difficult 6.4%, 2D 4.7%
- #45 Grey Area
71% matchVery Positive88% of 52 reviews2023
Dev: Electric Prune Juice
Windows
A tough platformer following a girl diving over the heads of terrifying creatures and bouncing off walls to traverse a mysterious, unsettling world that's so much bigger than her: the "world between all worlds"
Why similar: 2D Platformer 21.8%, Platformer 19.5%, Top-Down 15%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Female Protagonist 9.5%
- #46 Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
73% 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: Platformer 25.2%, Female Protagonist 25%, Pixel Graphics 17.5%, Action 13.2%, Action-Adventure 8%
- #47 30XX
70% matchVery Positive90% of 2,820 reviews2023
Dev: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Jump, shoot, and slash your way through 30XX, the roguelike action platformer you can play with a friend! Explore lush, ever-changing worlds that mix precise platforming with fevered combat. Destroy fearsome Guardians. Master unique Powers. Rediscover the thousand years we've lost.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 27%, Female Protagonist 22.5%, Platformer 22.1%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, 2D 7.1%
- #48 Hollow Knight
69% 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: Souls-like 40%, Platformer 22.2%, Difficult 10.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, 2D 7.5%
- #49 Blasphemous 2
69% 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: Souls-like 24.2%, 2D Platformer 13.3%, Platformer 9.8%, Difficult 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%
- #50 Awita: Journey of Hope
70% 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: Souls-like 22.5%, 2D Platformer 19%, Female Protagonist 16%, Platformer 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%
- #51 ScourgeBringer
71% matchVery Positive86% of 3,284 reviews2020
Dev: Flying Oak GamesPub: Dear Villagers
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 27.9%, Platformer 20.1%, Action 16.7%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Adventure 8.6%
- #52 Nine Sols
67% 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: Souls-like 35.2%, Platformer 17.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Difficult 9.1%, Action-Adventure 8.7%
- #53 Alabaster Dawn
66% matchVery Positive94% of 2,272 reviews2026
Dev: Radical Fish Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Break Nyx’s curse and guide humanity's rebirth in this top-down 2.5D Action RPG from the creators of CrossCode. Battle enemies with stylish combos, wield multiple divine weapons, solve intriguing puzzles and explore a changing world.
Why similar: Action-Adventure 30.9%, Pixel Graphics 21.8%, Female Protagonist 21.5%, Action 10.1%, Fantasy 8.5%
- #54 Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,115 reviews2024
Dev: Seedy Eye SoftwarePub: Limited Run Games
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
A NEW interactive animated adventure! In this action-adventure game, Arzette must explore the Kingdom of Faramore, slay fearsome foes, acquire powerful items, discover secrets, assist colorful characters, and defeat the evil Daimur!
Why similar: 2D Platformer 22.1%, Female Protagonist 19.4%, Platformer 18.3%, Action-Adventure 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%
- #55 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: Female Protagonist 22.3%, Platformer 20.6%, Action-Adventure 18.5%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Difficult 11%
- #56 Vindilis
67% matchVery Positive94% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: François Mauxion
Windows
Fight tremendous bosses and discover the secrets of Vindilis! A short, epic 2D action platformer that will put you against powerful enemies in a hand-drawn universe. A short-form souls like game about vengeance and creation.
Why similar: Souls-like 27.6%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Dark Fantasy 13.3%, Action-Adventure 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11.6%
- #57 Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
68% matchVery Positive90% of 634 reviews2021
Dev: VINEPub: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Delve with Shovel Knight into the depths of the Pocket Dungeon in an action-packed puzzle adventure mashup like none other!
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 38%, Action 21.9%, Adventure 14.1%, 2D 12.6%, Difficult 10.8%
- #58 Beyond the Ice Palace 2
68% matchMixed67% of 132 reviews2025
Dev: STORYBIRD StudioPub: PQube
Windows
Arise from the dead as the 'Cursed King' in an enthralling action platformer. Wield the chains that once imprisoned you to vanquish foes and traverse your fallen kingdom. Uncover hidden areas, strategically level up, and reclaim your throne by banishing colossal bosses!
Why similar: 2D Platformer 16%, Dark Fantasy 15.1%, Platformer 14.3%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Action-Adventure 12.7%
- #59 Curse of the Crescent Isle DX
70% matchMostly Positive72% of 106 reviews2015
Dev: Adam Mowery
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%
A curse has befallen the Crescent Isle and it's up to you to save it. Luckily the curse has transformed your people into helpful monsters such as drills, blobs, icicles, and gravity flipping...things. With your monster subjects in hand you'll have to drill through rocks, maneuver through spiky terrain, freeze water to pass over the sea,...
Why similar: Platformer 49.6%, Action 31.8%, Adventure 18.6%
- #60 Under The Island
64% matchVery Positive92% of 526 reviews2026
Dev: Slime King GamesPub: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Windows
Embark on an epic adventure in Under the Island! A 2D action-adventure steeped in ‘90s charm, step into the shoes of Nia, and battle fierce monsters, solve clever puzzles, and explore a world alive with mystery as you race to save your new home before it’s too late.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 41.9%, Pixel Graphics 23.8%, 2D 12.3%, Fantasy 10.3%, Action 5.5%