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 28.9%, Souls-like 26.2%, 2D Platformer 7.7%, Side Scroller 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

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 39.4%, Souls-like 29.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Dark Fantasy 6.4%, Platformer 3.9%

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 35.3%, Souls-like 30.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Dark Fantasy 6.8%, 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 50.1%, Metroidvania 27.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.9%, 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 42.7%, Metroidvania 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%, Action 3.6%

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 36.4%, Souls-like 30.7%, Platformer 7.8%, Difficult 5.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.3%

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 29.2%, Platformer 7.5%, Side Scroller 7.5%, 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 29.9%, Souls-like 26%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Platformer 6.5%, Female Protagonist 5.6%

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 44.9%, Souls-like 29.5%, Female Protagonist 7.9%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, 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 29.3%, Souls-like 21.2%, Side Scroller 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Action-Adventure 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 42.3%, Souls-like 29.3%, Platformer 8.1%, Difficult 5.2%, 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 37.6%, Souls-like 36.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Dark Fantasy 6.6%, Action 5.2%

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 36.3%, Metroidvania 27.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Female Protagonist 6.5%, Dark Fantasy 4.9%

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

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 51%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Souls-like 12%, Action-Adventure 7.9%, Action 5.7%

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

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 48.9%, Souls-like 23.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%, Female Protagonist 6.6%, 2D 3.6%

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

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 54.1%, Platformer 11.4%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, 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.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Souls-like 29%, Side Scroller 7.7%, 2D Platformer 7.6%, Hack and Slash 7.3%

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

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 28.1%, Souls-like 21.8%, Side Scroller 9.6%, Platformer 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 7%

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.

Weave your own story in this dark fairy tale. In the mysterious ancient ruins, you will adventure with Tania to reveal her origins and fate. Is there any chance of survival in the darkest and desperate place?

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 23.7%, 2D Platformer 7.4%, Platformer 6.4%, Hack and Slash 6.2%

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

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 29.4%, Platformer 8.1%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

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 42.6%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Platformer 9.3%, 2D Platformer 8.6%, Action-Adventure 6.5%

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 31.7%, Metroidvania 25.1%, 2D Platformer 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%

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 27.8%, Souls-like 22.9%, Side Scroller 8.5%, 2D Platformer 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

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 51.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Platformer 11.7%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Action 6.6%

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 39.7%, Souls-like 23.6%, Female Protagonist 8.4%, Action 6.5%, Dark Fantasy 4.1%

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

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 44.6%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Platformer 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Action-Adventure 8.2%

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.

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%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Platformer 5.9%, 2D Platformer 5.8%

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.

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 39.9%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Platformer 8.7%, Action-Adventure 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

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 28.4%, 2D Platformer 9.3%, Platformer 7.3%, 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%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Platformer 8.9%

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 31.1%, Souls-like 22.6%, Side Scroller 8.7%, 2D Platformer 8.5%, Hack and Slash 6.2%

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 47.5%, Platformer 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Action-Adventure 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

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 30.5%, Platformer 7.4%, Difficult 5.9%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 40%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Action 8.7%, Platformer 8.4%, Side Scroller 7.5%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.5%, Action 11.7%, Platformer 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Female Protagonist 7%

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 25.7%, Souls-like 22.5%, Side Scroller 8.3%, 2D Platformer 7.7%, Hack and Slash 6.5%

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 33.4%, Souls-like 29.8%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Female Protagonist 7.3%, Platformer 5.7%

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%, Souls-like 19.9%, Side Scroller 9.1%, 2D Platformer 8.7%, Hack and Slash 6.8%

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 26.6%, Side Scroller 7.8%, 2D Platformer 7.7%, Platformer 7.2%

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 38.6%, Side Scroller 12.6%, 2D Platformer 8.7%, Hack and Slash 7.5%, Platformer 7.2%

Hunt the Night is a dark fantasy action-RPG where you play as Vesper, a Stalker fighting to reclaim a world annihilated by horrors. Slash through dungeons, endure brutal bosses, and wield forbidden powers in a relentless struggle against the Night itself.

Why similar: Souls-like 46%, Pixel Graphics 14.4%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Hack and Slash 7.8%, Action 6.2%

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 30.1%, Souls-like 29.3%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%, Side Scroller 5.9%, Hack and Slash 5.3%

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 35.9%, Souls-like 31%, 2D Platformer 6.8%, Platformer 6.2%, Dark Fantasy 6.1%

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 34.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Platformer 10.6%, Action 7.4%

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 34.7%, Dark Fantasy 25.9%, Difficult 20.7%, Action 13.7%, Indie 2.9%

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 30.2%, Souls-like 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Hack and Slash 7.3%, Platformer 7.1%

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 33.8%, Metroidvania 31.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%, Action 5.1%

Explore the mysteries of an unknown land! ”Transiruby '' is a metroidvania game where you explore the world as a cyborg protagonist named Siruby. Slash and shoot your way to reveal its hidden secrets!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, 2D Platformer 10%, Action-Adventure 7.6%, Side Scroller 6.1%

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: Metroidvania 64%, Female Protagonist 8.8%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Action 6%, Platformer 5.4%

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 38.1%, Souls-like 27.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Female Protagonist 8.1%, Action 6.4%

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Platformer 10.6%, Female Protagonist 7%, Side Scroller 5.3%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Souls-like 27.8%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Dark Fantasy 7%

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 34.5%, Platformer 14.1%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Action-Adventure 8%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.8%, Souls-like 26.7%, Side Scroller 9.2%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Action-Adventure 6.1%

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of an ancient, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, Souls-like 35.6%, Hack and Slash 9.4%, Dark Fantasy 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55%, Action 9.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Side Scroller 7.1%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

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: Metroidvania 31.2%, Action 19.6%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, Platformer 9.7%, Indie 6.5%

Explore a dark world brimming with hidden mysteries, master a diverse combat system, and inhabit the dual forces of two sisters in a coming-of-age dark fantasy story with fast-paced action, vicious enemies, and spectacular boss fights.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 25.7%, Dark Fantasy 21.3%, Action-Adventure 21.3%, Female Protagonist 20%, Action 11.7%

The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.1%, Souls-like 30.8%, Hack and Slash 8.6%, Female Protagonist 8%, Platformer 6.9%

Worldless is a stylised 2D platformer with a unique combat system and a mind-bending interpretative narrative. Players embark on a journey of self-growth and understanding, pushing the limits of their nature in a newly born and abstract universe.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.9%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Platformer 10.8%, Female Protagonist 8.9%, Stylized 6.4%