Games Like Moonscars

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.6%, Souls-like 25%, Side Scroller 6.9%, 2D Platformer 6.8%, Difficult 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same dark, religious-themed atmosphere and punishing 2D combat that makes Moonscars so compelling.

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 38.8%, Souls-like 30%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Dark Fantasy 6.3%, Platformer 4%

Why You'll Like It: This title is a foundational experience for fans of dark, gothic metroidvanias with brutal execution-style combat.

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 34.6%, Souls-like 30.7%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Dark Fantasy 6.6%, Platformer 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly blends gothic horror aesthetics with souls-like combat and deep exploration mechanics.

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 50.8%, Metroidvania 27.1%, Dark Fantasy 5.8%, Platformer 4.1%, Difficult 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the definitive 2D souls-like, it offers the deep character building and interconnected world design found in Moonscars.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.3%, Metroidvania 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%, Platformer 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a rich, dark fantasy narrative combined with challenging boss encounters and complex character progression.

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 36.6%, Souls-like 31.3%, Platformer 7.8%, Difficult 5.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features highly precise, parry-focused combat that rewards the same level of skill and timing as Moonscars.

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 32.3%, Souls-like 29.8%, Platformer 7.6%, Side Scroller 7.3%, Dark Fantasy 7%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique absorption mechanic and surreal, dark world provide a challenging experience that feels very similar to Moonscars.

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Souls-like 26.7%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Platformer 6.5%, Female Protagonist 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It leans heavily into the dark, souls-like aesthetic with a focus on varied weapon combat and exploration.

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 44.8%, Souls-like 30.1%, Female Protagonist 8%, Dark Fantasy 7.7%, Difficult 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: The melancholic atmosphere and fluid, ability-based combat make it a perfect companion to the tone of Moonscars.

"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 29.5%, Souls-like 21.6%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Platformer 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title delivers polished 2D action with a dark, moody atmosphere that fits perfectly alongside Moonscars.

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 42.2%, Souls-like 29.8%, Platformer 8.2%, Difficult 5.1%, Dark Fantasy 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more expansive, its tight controls and atmospheric world-building set the standard for the modern metroidvania genre.

UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.5%, Souls-like 37%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist souls-like that strips away platforming to focus entirely on precise, difficult combat encounters.

Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.

Why similar: Souls-like 36.8%, Metroidvania 27.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Female Protagonist 6.6%, Dark Fantasy 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on a grim, oppressive atmosphere and challenging combat where every encounter feels like a test of survival.

AWAKEN - Astral Blade is a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania where you play as Tania, a bionic warrior fighting through a world twisted by Karpas energy. Master parries, upgrade your abilities, and survive relentless enemies and bosses. Is there any chance of survival in such a desperate place?

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.1%, Souls-like 24.3%, 2D Platformer 7.1%, Platformer 6.5%, Hack and Slash 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers fast-paced, combo-heavy combat within a dark, sci-fi metroidvania setting.

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 54.3%, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its hand-drawn art style and chaotic, high-stakes combat capture the intensity of fighting against overwhelming darkness.

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 48.7%, Souls-like 24.4%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%, Female Protagonist 6.6%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It continues the dark, atmospheric tradition of its predecessor with refined combat and hauntingly beautiful visuals.

Join your fellow Marked Inquisitors in this online coop successor to award-winning 2016 Soulslike Salt and Sanctuary.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Souls-like 29.8%, Side Scroller 7.6%, 2D Platformer 7.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel to Salt and Sanctuary expands on the formula with more dynamic combat and monster-hunting elements.

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 50.8%, Souls-like 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Action-Adventure 7.6%, Action 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It combines classic metroidvania exploration with a challenging combat system that offers multiple playstyles.

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 28.2%, Souls-like 22.4%, Side Scroller 9.5%, Platformer 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on fluid, high-speed 2D action that feels like a more kinetic take on the metroidvania formula.

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Souls-like 30.1%, Platformer 8.2%, Side Scroller 7.3%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a massive, challenging world that tests both your combat skills and your platforming precision.

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 43.1%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Platformer 9.4%, 2D Platformer 8.3%, Action-Adventure 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its atmospheric, lonely world and deliberate combat pace mirror the somber tone of Moonscars.

As the final creation of the Goddess, Juxtia, journey through the ruins of two divine kingdoms, overrun by the Tarnishing. Challenging combat, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a sinister narrative work in unison to make The Tarnishing of Juxtia an unforgettable 2D dark fantasy action RPG.

Why similar: Souls-like 32.5%, Metroidvania 25.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 8%, 2D Platformer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes stamina management and challenging boss fights.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28%, Souls-like 23.4%, Side Scroller 8.3%, 2D Platformer 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A shorter but highly polished experience that excels in atmospheric storytelling and precise 2D combat.

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: Metroidvania 51.7%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Action 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It features beautiful pixel art and fluid movement that will appeal to fans of the aesthetic and platforming feel of Moonscars.

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: Metroidvania 39.6%, Souls-like 24.1%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Action 6.4%, Dark Fantasy 4%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the developers of Momodora, it offers a focused, dark narrative experience with tight action mechanics.

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%, Souls-like 28.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Platformer 5.9%, Female Protagonist 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a challenging, sci-fi take on the metroidvania genre with a focus on exploration and boss mastery.

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 45.1%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Platformer 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Action-Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique color-based combat system and a somber, emotional story that resonates with fans of dark fantasy.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Platformer 8.9%, Action-Adventure 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features unique time-manipulation mechanics that add a layer of complexity to its fast-paced action.

Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Souls-like 29.1%, 2D Platformer 9%, Platformer 7.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes parrying and reactive combat, making it a great choice for players who enjoyed the combat focus of Moonscars.

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 43.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Platformer 9%

Why You'll Like It: While visually distinct, its exploration and combat feel are heavily inspired by the best of the genre.

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 31.5%, Souls-like 23%, Side Scroller 8.6%, 2D Platformer 8.2%, Female Protagonist 6.2%

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: Metroidvania 32.1%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Hack and Slash 8.6%, Platformer 7.4%

Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.6%, Platformer 11.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Action-Adventure 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

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 25.9%, Souls-like 23.1%, Side Scroller 8.2%, 2D Platformer 7.4%, Hack and Slash 6.3%

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51%, Action 11.5%, Platformer 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Female Protagonist 7.2%

A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.1%, Souls-like 19.2%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Platformer 7.1%

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, 2D Platformer 9.4%, Action 8.6%, Platformer 8.5%, Side Scroller 7.4%

HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Souls-like 30.4%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Female Protagonist 7.4%, Platformer 5.7%

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 31%, Souls-like 28.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Platformer 7.3%, Hack and Slash 7.3%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.7%, Souls-like 23.3%, Platformer 7.7%, 2D Platformer 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 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 29.3%, Souls-like 20.4%, Side Scroller 9%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Hack and Slash 6.7%

Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28%, Souls-like 27.3%, Side Scroller 7.7%, 2D Platformer 7.5%, Platformer 7.3%

Master your combat techniques and explore a magic world in this combat - focused metroidvania. Help the unreliable narrator complete his story which changes depending on the player's actions.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, Souls-like 32.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.8%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

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 35.8%, Souls-like 31.7%, 2D Platformer 6.6%, Platformer 6.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.9%

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 41.6%, Souls-like 30.8%, Platformer 7.5%, Difficult 5.9%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Souls-like 30.5%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%, Side Scroller 5.9%, Hack and Slash 5.3%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.7%, Souls-like 28.3%, Side Scroller 9%, Pixel Graphics 7%, Dark Fantasy 7%

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 46.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Platformer 8.1%, Action 7.1%

Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.7%, Souls-like 31.2%, Platformer 8.2%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Action-Adventure 6.4%

Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.2%, Side Scroller 12.5%, 2D Platformer 8.5%, Platformer 7.4%, Hack and Slash 7.4%

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: Metroidvania 35%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Side Scroller 11%, Platformer 10.8%, Action 7.4%

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 35.1%, Platformer 14.3%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Action-Adventure 7.7%

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of this war-torn empire and escape your captors. Carve your way through a gritty souls-like RPG set in a sprawling, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Souls-like 36.5%, Hack and Slash 8.9%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%

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: Souls-like 35.2%, Metroidvania 31%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.6%, Action 5.1%

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 43.9%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Platformer 11.3%, Action 10.8%, Action-Adventure 9.2%

This is an action game focused on combat, where a girl returns from the abyss to explore her own secrets and redemption, until the end of an eternal battle to see if she can break free from the shackles of fate.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.1%, Souls-like 33.4%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Female Protagonist 6.4%, Action-Adventure 6.3%

Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.9%, Platformer 10.9%, Action 6%, 2D 5.5%, 2D Platformer 5.3%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, Souls-like 27.4%, Side Scroller 9.1%, 2D Platformer 8.1%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!

Why similar: Souls-like 29.1%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Platformer 9.8%

Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 34.5%, Dark Fantasy 26.1%, Difficult 21%, Action 13.6%, Indie 2.7%