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 55.1%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.3%, Anime 8.1%, Platformer 7.6%

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

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 29.9%, Metroidvania 19%, Roguelike 16.9%, Hack and Slash 10.2%, Platformer 8.1%

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

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: Roguevania 32.2% ★, Metroidvania 17.8%, Action Roguelike 10.8%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%

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

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%, Dark Fantasy 20%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Anime 4.6%, Hand-drawn 4.5%

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

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 55.7%, Platformer 20.5%, Roguelike 12%, Action 5%, 2D 4.3%

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

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 19.8%, Dark Fantasy 18.3%, Hand-drawn 8.8%, PvE 7.8%

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 36.9%, Hack and Slash 18.1%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Anime 11.2%, Platformer 10.9%

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

"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 34.4%, Platformer 12.2%, Anime 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

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

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 14.3%, Anime 10.9%, Action Roguelike 10.2%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

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

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 42.6%, Hack and Slash 21.9%, Platformer 13.2%, Fantasy 9.4%, Action-Adventure 8%

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: Roguevania 46.4% ★, Metroidvania 19.5%, Action Roguelike 10.6%, Platformer 6.7%, Female Protagonist 5.2%

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

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 41.8%, Platformer 15.6%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Anime 12.2%, Fantasy 6.4%

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

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 53.3%, Dark Fantasy 23.9%, Platformer 10.5%, 2D 5.6%, 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 40.2%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Hack and Slash 11.9%, Platformer 11.3%

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

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 25.8%, Hack and Slash 15.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Platformer 10.4%, Female Protagonist 9.5%

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

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 39.6%, Platformer 14%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, 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.

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 42.3%, Platformer 15.1%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Anime 11%, Action-Adventure 9.6%

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

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 45.9%, Dark Fantasy 22.7%, Platformer 17.5%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, 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 39%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Anime 12.4%, Female Protagonist 12%, Action-Adventure 10.5%

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

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 45%, Anime 14.2%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 13%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

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

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: Roguevania 39.2% ★, Metroidvania 21.2%, Action Roguelike 12.6%, Female Protagonist 8.9%, Anime 5.8%

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

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 53.8%, Female Protagonist 20.1%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Hand-drawn 8.4%, 2D 4.2%

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

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 41.8%, Platformer 16.1%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Action-Adventure 9.9%, 2D 5%

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

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: Roguevania 41.8% ★, Metroidvania 16.4%, Action Roguelike 13.8%, Roguelike 9.1%, Platformer 8.3%

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

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 39.8%, Hack and Slash 29.5%, Roguelike 22.4%, 2D 4.9%, Action 3.5%

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

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: Roguevania 43.9% ★, Action Roguelike 15%, Metroidvania 10.6%, Platformer 8.8%, Roguelike 5.8%

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 51.5%, Dark Fantasy 17.8%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, 2D 5%, Anime 5%

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 21.4%, Action Roguelike 21%, Roguelike 17%, Female Protagonist 12.6%, Anime 12.4%

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

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 38.9%, Hack and Slash 22.6%, PvE 11.6%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Anime 6.1%

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 39.2%, Anime 13%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Platformer 10.3%, Action-Adventure 9.3%

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 24.9%, Action Roguelike 22.6%, Roguelike 19.3%, Dark Fantasy 19.2%, Action-Adventure 9.5%

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: Roguevania 47.4% ★, Metroidvania 20.2%, Action Roguelike 14.7%, Roguelike 5.1%, Platformer 3.9%

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

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 28.5%, Platformer 13.6%, Anime 13.5%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Hack and Slash 10.5%

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 27.1%, Action Roguelike 26.8%, Roguelike 17.5%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Magic 8.3%

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 29%, Roguelike 28%, Platformer 18.9%, Crafting 12.4%, 2D 7.7%

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

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 48.9%, Dark Fantasy 27.3%, Platformer 18.6%, Action 5.2%

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 19.2%, Female Protagonist 17%, 2D 5.9%, Action 4.2%

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: Roguevania 56.2% ★, Action Roguelike 17.1%, Roguelike 12.9%, Female Protagonist 4.1%, Anime 3.8%

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: Roguevania 37.5% ★, Metroidvania 19.9%, Action Roguelike 11.6%, Roguelike 8.4%, Female Protagonist 6%

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 20.7% ★, Action Roguelike 19.9%, Roguelike 15.1%, Hand-drawn 10.7%, Magic 9%

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 39.3%, Platformer 26.2%, Female Protagonist 13.9%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, 2D 5.7%

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 31.6%, Roguelike 21.4%, Platformer 19.7%, Female Protagonist 16.4%, 2D 6.5%

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 20.6%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Platformer 11%, Dark Fantasy 7.1%

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%, Hack and Slash 18%, Platformer 12.4%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Anime 11%

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 39.6%, Platformer 15.2%, Female Protagonist 13%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, Magic 8.1%

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 45.5%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Platformer 12.5%, Action-Adventure 10.5%, Magic 8.1%

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 34.9%, Female Protagonist 20.5%, Hack and Slash 15%, Anime 7.9%, 2D 6.2%

Embark on an epic, hand-animated, ‘ratoidvania’ adventure, where your crew has been turned into rats by a pirate witch! Explore a rich non-linear world, enjoy fun action platforming, face challenging bosses, and unlock unique abilities - either alone or in local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Hack and Slash 21.4%, Platformer 13.3%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

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

Why similar: Female Protagonist 39.5%, Anime 38.1%, Action 10.4%, Magic 8.7%, Fantasy 3.2%

Three fractured realities. One collapsing multiverse. Fast, fluid combat in a dark sci-fi Roguevania where each run begins in a separate universe — then lets you fuse your parallel selves, powers, and worlds to create brutal, ever-evolving builds.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.5%, Action Roguelike 18.2%, Hack and Slash 16.4%, Roguelike 13.2%, Platformer 11.5%

A fantasy pixel-style Metroidvania roguelike game. The amnesiac witch picks up her reliable broom and embarks on a journey with Elf companions to defeat the Villain and regain their homeland, unveil the conspiracy. Through the magic mirror, break the 4th wall and find the truth!

Why similar: Action Roguelike 53.3%, Roguelike 36.6%, 2D 10%

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 40%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Anime 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Hack and Slash 9.3%

Embody a water spirit and fight through a corrupted world in this action co-op roguelite for 1-2 players. Take on hordes of enemies and terrifying bosses, summon Guardians, and become stronger with every run.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 27.7%, Hack and Slash 27%, Roguelike 16.3%, Hand-drawn 9.2%, Magic 6.9%

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 29.6%, Roguelike 22.8%, Dark Fantasy 18%, Action-Adventure 13.7%, Crafting 9.8%

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 36.1%, Platformer 13%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Anime 8.2%

As the Debugging Hero chosen by the Legendary Sword, you have gained the ability to manipulate character variables! Use this powerful ability to overcome the dungeons blocking your path and defeat the Demon Lord!

Why similar: Action Roguelike 27.5%, Hack and Slash 26.8%, Roguelike 14.8%, Fantasy 6.1%, Female Protagonist 5.8%

Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike where you play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls - and his vacation plans. In order to restore order, you'll have to grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who's boss.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.7%, Action Roguelike 22.6%, Hack and Slash 21.9%, Roguelike 14.1%, Platformer 9.2%

Descend the nether in search of Death himself! Choose from God-given powers to slay his hordes of minions. Unlock new heroes, collect powerful items and create game-breaking synergies in this roguelite hack and slash survivors game.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 29%, Hack and Slash 23.8%, Dark Fantasy 16.1%, Roguelike 15.5%, 2D 4.8%

Craft original weapons and engage in strategic time-freezing battles as you dive into the million-floor deep underground world of this deep-diving action strategy game.

Why similar: Action Roguelike 29.1%, Roguelike 20.7%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Anime 12.2%, Crafting 11.2%

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 45.2%, Platformer 19.4%, Anime 12.7%, Female Protagonist 7.5%, 2D 6%