Games Like Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse

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 54.7%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Anime 8%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive metroidvania experience that shares the gothic, anime-influenced aesthetic and deep combat customization.

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 50.6%, Dark Fantasy 19.5%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Anime 4.7%, Hand-drawn 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the dark fantasy atmosphere and anime-inspired visual style while focusing on fluid metroidvania exploration.

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 26.4%, Hack and Slash 15.5%, Action Roguelike 15.3%, Dark Fantasy 12.5%, Roguelike 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential roguevania that perfectly balances fast-paced combat, exploration, and permanent progression.

Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 29.1%, Metroidvania 19%, Roguelike 16.5%, Hack and Slash 10.3%, Platformer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core head-swapping mechanic that mirrors the possession system found in Never Grave.

Rogue Legacy 2 is what you'd get if you mashed Rogue Legacy and a sequel together. Every time you die, your children will succeed you, and each child is unique. Your daughter might be a Colourblind Archer, and your son could be a Pacifistic Chef. Either way, one of them is getting conscripted.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.9%, Platformer 20.1%, Roguelike 12.3%, Action 4.9%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a deep village-building meta-progression system alongside challenging roguelite platforming.

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 35.9%, Platformer 14.5%, Anime 10.6%, Action Roguelike 9.4%, Action-Adventure 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful anime-inspired metroidvania that focuses on magical combat and emotional storytelling.

"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 34.1%, Platformer 12.3%, Anime 11.7%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Action-Adventure 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Polished 2D action with a dark fantasy tone and a female protagonist that feels very similar to Never Grave.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Hack and Slash 19.6%, Dark Fantasy 17.6%, Hand-drawn 8.5%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a dark, souls-like metroidvania experience with a heavy emphasis on cooperative multiplayer.

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 37.2%, Hack and Slash 17.9%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Anime 11.1%, Platformer 11%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, hand-drawn metroidvania with a strong anime aesthetic and deep character customization.

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 37.2%, Hack and Slash 18.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.2%, Platformer 11.3%, Fantasy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a punishing, atmospheric dark fantasy world with precise 2D combat and intricate level design.

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 36.5%, Action Roguelike 18.9%, Platformer 12.7%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Hand-drawn 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Blends roguelite procedural generation with metroidvania exploration in a dark, hand-drawn world.

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: Metroidvania 52.9%, Dark Fantasy 22.8%, Platformer 10.5%, 2D 5.4%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines challenging souls-like combat with expansive metroidvania exploration and a dark narrative.

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 39.7%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Dark Fantasy 12.7%, Hack and Slash 11.7%, Platformer 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy metroidvania featuring a female protagonist and a wide variety of weapons and skills.

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 41.3%, Platformer 15.4%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Anime 12%, Fantasy 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-styled metroidvania that features fluid combat and exploration reminiscent of classic genre staples.

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 41.7%, Platformer 15.1%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Anime 10.8%, Action-Adventure 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced anime metroidvania with unique time-manipulation mechanics that reward skillful play.

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 40.1%, Platformer 14.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.2%, Female Protagonist 13%, Action-Adventure 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric metroidvania that leans heavily into souls-like combat and exploration.

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 45.3%, Dark Fantasy 21.7%, Platformer 17.6%, Action-Adventure 10%, Action 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique absorption mechanic where you gain the traits of enemies you defeat, similar to possession.

Take control of the demon sisters Kirika and Masha as they attempt to revive their Demon Lord Maxim and rebuild their castle in this 2D action Metroidvania adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.5%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Anime 11.9%, Action-Adventure 10%

Why You'll Like It: A co-op focused action game with strong anime aesthetics and classic 2D platforming elements.

The Knight Witch is a metroidvania adventure game with fast-paced, shoot 'em up combat set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Cast devastating card-based spells, forge close bonds, and make moral choices all in your quest to save your home and discover who's behind the War Golem invasion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.9%, Female Protagonist 19.8%, Action-Adventure 9.2%, Hand-drawn 8%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines metroidvania exploration with bullet-hell shooting and a female lead in a stylized world.

Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial contains core elements of roguelite games, presented in a toon render style. The player explores a mysterious tower with Erza, vanquishes mutant monsters and defeats bosses to acquire a Hunter’s License and become the most powerful Battle Maiden.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.3%, Action Roguelike 20.1%, Female Protagonist 15%, Anime 9.6%, Hack and Slash 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A roguevania that focuses on a female protagonist navigating a tower with action-roguelike progression.

This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.3%, Anime 14%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, anime-styled metroidvania that provides a challenging experience with fluid movement.

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 41%, Platformer 16.1%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Action-Adventure 9.8%, 2D 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features fast-paced, combo-driven combat and exploration in a vibrant metroidvania setting.

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 25.7%, Hack and Slash 15%, Dark Fantasy 12.9%, Platformer 10.5%, Female Protagonist 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fluid 2D action and a strong anime aesthetic within a challenging metroidvania framework.

Dragon Marked For Death is a 2D side-scrolling action RPG game where up to 4 players can play together in online multiplayer. The characters, known as the Dragonblood Clan, have forged a pact with the Astral Dragon, which granted them special new powers.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, Platformer 13.8%, Anime 13.3%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Hack and Slash 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action RPG with anime visuals that supports co-op play and character-specific combat styles.

Garden of Witches is a cute roguelike action game full of danger. Help the protagonist, Sil, as she tries to round up her unruly fellow witches and save the Garden.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 19.4%, Action Roguelike 19.2%, Dark Fantasy 14.4%, Roguelike 14.4%, Female Protagonist 7.7%

Explore the halls of the Neverinth and uncover the history of the Valkyrie. Do glorious battle against the beasts and monsters of Norse legend and uncover the hidden pasts of each heroic woman. But their trials will not be easy as they face down those that haunt the sacred halls of Valhalla.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.7%, Action Roguelike 20.5%, Roguelike 16.4%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Anime 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy, anime-inspired roguelike that features deep character customization and challenging boss fights.

Action roguelike for 1-4 players with cute graphics and deep game mechanics. Combine dozens of different weapons, magic items, potions and spells with unique effects to beat 8 enemy factions and 28 bosses. Can you find the ancient goblin artifact at the end of the dungeon?

Why similar: Action Roguelike 38.8%, Hack and Slash 29.8%, Roguelike 21.5%, 2D 4.7%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused roguelite that captures the chaotic dungeon-crawling feel of Never Grave.

Plague Breaker is a retro roguelike platformer with heavy RPG elements. Pick your class and ascend a procedurally generated castle filled with undead monsters and corrupted plague doctors. Level up your character and find items, weapons, and traders along the way before taking on each floors boss.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Action Roguelike 23.2%, Roguelike 15%, Platformer 14.7%, Magic 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled roguevania that emphasizes exploration, loot, and character builds.

Embark on an epic action-adventure as you slash, dash, and combo your way through a vast, vibrant world. Explore and uncover hidden secrets. Customize your build to triumph in spectacular boss battles. Experience a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem in TEVI, a bullet hell metroidvania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.6%, Anime 12.8%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Platformer 10.3%, Action-Adventure 9.1%

Explore, craft, and survive in this Multiplayer RPG Platformer with permanent death! Featuring many Rogue-like elements, Magicite randomly generates each underground dungeon for you and your friends to delve deep into.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 28%, Roguelike 26.6%, Platformer 19.2%, Crafting 12.1%, 2D 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer roguelite that incorporates crafting and exploration elements into its 2D world.

A fast, brutal action roguelite with razor-sharp controls and insane build freedom. Fuse embers, magic cards, and gear into wildly overpowered combat styles — and break each run in a world consumed by the Ash Witch.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 26.2%, Action Roguelike 24.8%, Roguelike 17.2%, Dark Fantasy 12.1%, Female Protagonist 9%

Join mage-in-training Lily on an epic adventure! Explore a multitude of worlds, including forests, deserts, and dungeons, in hopes of becoming a full-fledged mage!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Hack and Slash 22.6%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, PvE 11%, Anime 6.1%

From indie Chilean developer ACE Team comes a new side-scrolling action adventure game featuring a complex fighting engine in procedurally generated levels that destines its three warriors to battle a different abyss each time! Choose your hero and also learn to possess your enemies in the abyss…

Why similar: Action Roguelike 25.6%, Metroidvania 18.7%, Platformer 16%, Roguelike 9.8%, Female Protagonist 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike that emphasizes character-based combat and platforming in a unique, shifting environment.

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 52.6%, Dark Fantasy 17.2%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Anime 4.9%, 2D 4.9%

Hack, slash, and cast your way through a haunted kingdom brimming with secrets where no two builds are ever the same. As a cursed mage-knight you will unlock devastating spells, equip ability transforming runes, and reforge your curse on the path to victory or death in this fantasy action roguelite.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 28.2%, Hack and Slash 27.7%, Dark Fantasy 25%, Magic 9%, 2D 4.2%

Nongunz is a roguelite action-platformer. Battle grotesque creatures, kill quickly to maintain your combo meter, and rescue worshipers to become part of your idle army to buy upgrades.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.3%, Action Roguelike 26.8%, Roguelike 9.1%, Platformer 7.5%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult roguevania with a dark, nihilistic theme and unique gameplay mechanics.

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 36.5%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Anime 8.1%

In the abyss where the mortal realm and netherworld intertwine, become a warrior wielding the power of the Nether Lantern to fight along with the fallen souls. With hardcore, soulslike action and intriguing roguelike builds, shatter the cursed barriers and unveil the truth woven from blood and soul.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 25.4%, Action Roguelike 22.4%, Dark Fantasy 19%, Roguelike 18.8%, Action-Adventure 9.7%

Abyss decayed, witches awaken. As their guide, you will weave their destinies. Craft unique cards, schedule their days, shape endless possibilities through deckbuilding. Each choice will lead to different Ending...

Why similar: Roguelike 26.1%, Anime 24.3%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Magic 15.9%, Fantasy 9.1%

An all-new Metroidvania-style game developed using Pixel Game Maker MV! Make use of a variety of weapons as you traverse sprawling stages on a mission to take back your brother's body from the witch who stole it!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.8%, Platformer 19.4%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, 2D 5.7%, Action 4.2%

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 38.6%, Platformer 25.9%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Action-Adventure 10.1%, 2D 5.3%

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.8%, Dark Fantasy 26.3%, Platformer 18.7%, Action 5.2%

Xenon Valkyrie is a rogue-like with many RPG elements in which you will have to get to the deepest part of a moon and finish the plans of a wicked witch. You will be able to get many weapons randomly as you fight in a world that is created every time you play.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 37.9%, Roguelike 28.2%, Female Protagonist 9.4%, Anime 8.8%, Platformer 7.5%

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: Platformer 22.1%, Female Protagonist 22%, Dark Fantasy 20%, Action-Adventure 16.9%, 2D 7.3%

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: Action Roguelike 30.6%, Roguelike 20.3%, Platformer 20.1%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, 2D 6.2%

Become the stealer of forms in GRIME II, a surreal action-adventure metroidvania. Launch tendrils made of hands to absorb foes and summon molds in their shape, as you explore a bizarre lived-in-world obsessed with art.

Why similar: Metroidvania 70.6%, PvE 19.7%, Fantasy 5%, Action 4.6%

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%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Anime 10.5%, Hack and Slash 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 9%

This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.1%, Hack and Slash 17.9%, Platformer 12.6%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Anime 10.9%

Control the lovely little witch Nobeta, explore the unknown mysterious castle, and gradually discover the truth!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 37.8%, Anime 36.3%, Action 10%, Magic 8.2%, Adventure 4.7%

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.3%, Female Protagonist 20.5%, Hack and Slash 14.9%, Anime 7.7%, 2D 5.8%

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 33.3%, Hack and Slash 20.4%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Action-Adventure 6.9%

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 49.1%, Platformer 15.8%, Dark Fantasy 7.5%, Female Protagonist 7.2%, 2D 6.4%

Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.4%, Platformer 10.9%, Hack and Slash 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.2%

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 36.6%, Platformer 16.7%, Hack and Slash 11%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Roguelike 9.5%

Join the witches in their quest to restore the Grimoire Groves! Master magic, grow cute plant creatures and discover the mystery of the Rainbow Socks in this cozy, rogue-lite dungeon crawler.

Why similar: Agriculture 20.9% ★, Action Roguelike 19.6%, Roguelike 14.7%, Hand-drawn 10.6%, Magic 9.1%

Wizard with a Gun is an online sandbox survival game for 1 - 4 players set in a magical wilderness wrought with dangerous creatures and arcane mysteries. Embark on a journey alone or with a friend to collect, craft, and outfit your wizard however you see fit as you explore the unknown.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 29.2%, Roguelike 21.5%, Dark Fantasy 17.3%, Action-Adventure 13.6%, Crafting 9.5%

Experience the tale of a cheerful girl and a grouchy talking hat in this charming Metroidvania, where every ability is hat-based! Throw the hat to attack enemies, teleport to him to make perilous leaps, and fly him through narrow tunnels of spikes as you escape a dangerous magic forest.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.1%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Platformer 12.5%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Magic 7.9%

Witchcrafty is a metroidvania platformer with magical action gameplay, exploration of a weird world, and adorable pixel art graphics. Help the little witch solve the mystery of strange events in the Kingdom, and defeat enemies with fire, lightning, and ice magic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Platformer 15.2%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Action-Adventure 9.3%, Magic 7.8%

Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Hack and Slash 16.7%, Anime 15%, Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 6.9%

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 45.4%, Platformer 19.7%, Anime 12.7%, Female Protagonist 7.6%, Action 5.8%