- #1 Hollow Knight: Silksong
96% matchVery Positive89% of 424,009 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.5 hrsMean: 47.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Souls-like 22.8%, Difficult 14.8%, Platformer 8.3%, Hand-drawn 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: It offers fast, challenging 2D action, intricate traversal, elaborate boss fights, and a beautifully illustrated world for players seeking more Hollow Knight-style exploration.
- #2 Hollow Knight
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 563,086 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 41.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Souls-like 21.8%, Difficult 12.8%, Platformer 9%, Hand-drawn 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: Its vast, melancholic interconnected world, precise combat, difficult bosses, and hand-drawn presentation make it the essential metroidvania companion to Nine Sols.
- #3 Blasphemous 2
96% matchVery Positive91% of 21,782 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, Souls-like 24.5%, Difficult 21.6%, Platformer 7.4%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its dense nonlinear map, punishing bosses, ornate visual identity, and expanded weapon-driven combat closely match Nine Sols' action-focused metroidvania appeal.
- #4 Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
95% matchVery Positive84% of 7,274 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MontpellierPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 15.8 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.
Why similar: Metroidvania 70.7%, Difficult 5.9%, Action-Adventure 5.4%, Action 5.2%, Platformer 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: This polished action-metroidvania pairs excellent movement and exploration with satisfying parries, demanding boss encounters, and extensive combat customization.
- #5 Blasphemous
94% matchVery Positive90% of 67,491 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.5%, Souls-like 26.2%, Gore 8.9%, Dark Fantasy 8.5%, Difficult 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers harsh melee combat, memorable boss duels, cryptic lore, and a hauntingly detailed world built for methodical exploration.
- #6 GRIME
94% matchVery Positive85% of 6,798 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 28.8%, Souls-like 25.4%, Difficult 13.6%, Platformer 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its oppressive alien world, deliberate soulslike encounters, absorb-and-parry mechanics, and exploration-driven progression make it a particularly strong tonal and mechanical fit.
- #7 The Last Faith
93% matchVery Positive85% of 5,695 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.1%, Souls-like 27.3%, Difficult 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 9%, Gore 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its Gothic pixel-art setting combines metroidvania exploration with weapon builds, ranged options, and challenging soulslike combat.
- #8 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
92% matchVery Positive86% of 7,280 reviews2021
Dev: TiGamesPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.7%, Platformer 18.1%, Story Rich 8.6%, Action-Adventure 6.3%, Action 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A lavishly animated dieselpunk metroidvania with combo-heavy combat, parries, multiple weapons, and a substantial interconnected world.
- #9 The Devil Within: Satgat
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 930 reviews2024
Dev: Newcore Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
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 24.2%, Souls-like 22.5%, Martial Arts 14.3% ★, Difficult 12.3%, Platformer 9%
Why You'll Like It: This Korean dark-fantasy action platformer emphasizes aggressive swordplay, evasions, counters, difficult enemy encounters, and a similarly demanding pace.
- #10 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
91% matchVery Positive81% of 5,603 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 40.6%, Metroidvania 28.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%, Difficult 6.9%, Platformer 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A large 2D soulslike with meaningful builds, formidable boss rematches, platforming, and a story that rewards persistence and curiosity.
- #11 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
89% matchVery Positive94% of 45,986 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 40.4%, Souls-like 25.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Difficult 9.3%, Hand-drawn 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its beautiful ruined kingdom, melancholic storytelling, difficult bosses, and summon-based combat offer a more somber but highly polished metroidvania experience.
- #12 Salt and Sanctuary
90% matchVery Positive89% of 21,932 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Why similar: Souls-like 42.4%, Metroidvania 23.7%, Difficult 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.4%, Platformer 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its bleak hand-drawn world translates Dark Souls-style stamina combat, builds, and dangerous boss progression into a deeply interconnected 2D map.
- #13 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 18,875 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.1%, Souls-like 23%, Dark Fantasy 10.3%, 2D 4.2%, Difficult 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: It builds on Ender Lilies with smoother exploration, varied companion attacks, strong boss design, and another evocative post-apocalyptic world.
- #14 Aeterna Noctis
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,162 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 28.5%, Souls-like 23.4%, Difficult 14%, Platformer 9.5%, Hand-drawn 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: For players who enjoyed Nine Sols' challenge, it provides a huge hand-drawn map, demanding combat, and exceptionally precise traversal sequences.
- #15 Afterimage
88% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,497 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 37.9%, Souls-like 26.5%, Difficult 14.6%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 4%
Why You'll Like It: Its enormous anime-styled world, abundance of weapons and abilities, and exploration-forward progression suit players who want a longer, more traditional metroidvania.
- #16 Moonscars
86% matchVery Positive83% of 1,528 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Souls-like 31.3%, Platformer 7.8%, Difficult 5.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: A bleak painterly 2D soulslike with deliberate melee exchanges, parry-centric defense, cryptic lore, and punishing bosses.
- #17 Vigil: The Longest Night
86% matchVery Positive86% of 3,655 reviews2020
Dev: Glass Heart Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 31%, Souls-like 26.3%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric side-scrolling soulslike features parries, dodge-focused combat, multiple weapon styles, branching builds, and eldritch worldbuilding.
- #18 DEVIATOR
85% matchMixed67% of 1,011 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
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 30.8%, Souls-like 25.3%, Platformer 9.6%, Hand-drawn 9.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This action-metroidvania explicitly centers on precise deflections and challenging sword fights, making it one of the closest mechanical matches for Nine Sols.
- #19 Tails of Iron
84% matchVery Positive88% of 15,173 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!
Why similar: Souls-like 32.1%, Metroidvania 18.7%, Difficult 14.4%, Dark Fantasy 7.7%, Story Rich 6%
Why You'll Like It: Its bruising side-scrolling duels rely on reading attacks, dodging, blocking, and countering, with a grimly charming hand-drawn world.
- #20 Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
84% matchVery Positive84% of 1,750 reviews2024
Dev: Squid Shock StudiosPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Flow gracefully through a colorful, hand-drawn 2.5D action platformer inspired by Japanese folklore. Engage in acrobatic aerial combat, unlock powerful mystical abilities, and explore an interconnected world of myth as you seek to unravel the mysteries of your origin.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Souls-like 25.2%, Platformer 10.9%, Hand-drawn 9.9%, Comic Book 9%
Why You'll Like It: Its exquisite Japanese-inspired hand-drawn art and graceful movement make it a compelling choice for players who value Nine Sols' visual elegance and platforming.
- #21 Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
82% matchMostly Positive80% of 2,177 reviews2025
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.
Why similar: Souls-like 34.8%, Difficult 20.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.2%, Story Rich 6.4%, Action-Adventure 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: It expands the original's timing-based combat and brutal boss encounters with new weapon options, elemental systems, and a larger frozen kingdom.
- #22 Laika: Aged Through Blood
82% matchVery Positive91% of 6,736 reviews2023
Dev: Brainwash GangPub: Thunderful Publishing
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 34.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Laika: Aged Through Blood is an action-adventure Metroidvania set in a post-apocalyptic western world. Play as Laika, a coyote mother and fierce warrior, and carve your motorbike through a land ravaged by betrayal and loss as you uncover dark secrets in the pursuit of vengeance against oppression.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Difficult 15.5%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Gore 11.3%, Platformer 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its emotional post-apocalyptic story, striking art, and demanding combat-platforming structure offer a distinctive but similarly atmospheric metroidvania experience.
- #23 Souldiers
83% matchMixed69% of 3,156 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 53.3%, Difficult 16.1%, Souls-like 13.6%, Action-Adventure 5.2%, Action 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: It blends class-based combat, difficult platforming, puzzle-filled exploration, and large pixel-art environments into a substantial action adventure.
- #24 Voidwrought
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,038 reviews2024
Dev: Powersnake
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Mythology 13.3%, Platformer 11.3%, Hand-drawn 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its dark hand-drawn world, upgrade-driven exploration, and punishing combat present a strong modern metroidvania option with a similarly mysterious tone.
- #25 AWAKEN - Astral Blade
81% matchVery Positive82% of 1,258 reviews2024
Dev: Dark Pigeon GamesPub: ESDigital Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 13.8%, Platformer 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its fluid character-action combat, dramatic bosses, branching upgrades, and hand-drawn sci-fi environments capture much of Nine Sols' energy.
- #26 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
80% matchVery Positive92% of 3,298 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Souls-like 24.5%, Platformer 11.1%, Difficult 6.9%, Action-Adventure 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: This compact, polished action-metroidvania offers responsive dodge-and-bow combat, atmospheric pixel art, and focused exploration without excessive sprawl.
- #27 TEVI
79% matchVery Positive89% of 4,070 reviews2023
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 21.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 57.4%, Platformer 13%, Story Rich 8.7%, Action-Adventure 7.4%, 2D 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast anime action-metroidvania with aerial combos, projectile tools, deep combat systems, and a large world packed with bosses and secrets.
- #28 MIO: Memories in Orbit
78% matchVery Positive83% of 5,187 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, Souls-like 18.9%, Difficult 12.2%, Platformer 10%, Hand-drawn 7.9%
- #29 Infinitevania
77% matchVery Positive93% of 303 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
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 30.9%, Souls-like 21.7%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Dark Fantasy 7.1%
- #30 Solateria
77% matchVery Positive83% of 757 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
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 27.1%, Souls-like 22.9%, Difficult 13.3%, Hand-drawn 9.6%, Platformer 6.9%
- #31 Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 356,410 reviews2019
Dev: FromSoftware, Inc.Pub: Activision (Excluding Japan and Asia)
Windows
Median: 26.1 hrsMean: 61.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Why similar: Souls-like 48.9%, Difficult 24.4%, Gore 5.5%, Dark Fantasy 5.3%, Action 5%
Why You'll Like It: Although it is 3D rather than a metroidvania, its posture-breaking sword duels and deflection-first combat are the clearest direct inspiration for Nine Sols' fighting system.
- #32 The Messenger
79% matchVery Positive93% of 13,285 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Why similar: Metroidvania 50.2%, Platformer 18.8%, Difficult 11.7%, 2D 6.5%, Action 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: It combines sharp ninja combat, satisfying mobility, witty storytelling, and a cleverly expanding world that eventually becomes a rewarding metroidvania.
- #33 Mask of Soul
76% matchVery Positive82% of 62 reviews2026
Dev: XION ENTERTAINMENTPub: XIONPLUS
Windows
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 32.3%, Souls-like 27.7%, Platformer 11%, Hand-drawn 6.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.1%
- #34 Death's Door
76% matchVery Positive93% of 22,253 reviews2021
Dev: Acid NervePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.
Why similar: Souls-like 43.1%, Metroidvania 25.3%, Dark Fantasy 15.6%, Action-Adventure 5.8%, Action 4.9%
- #35 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,837 reviews2025
Dev: Primal Game StudioPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 13.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 25.7%, Souls-like 23.4%, Difficult 12.7%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%, Gore 8.7%
- #36 Fatal Claw
73% matchVery Positive91% of 547 reviews2026
Dev: NDEV GAMESPub: Com2us Holdings
Windows
Dive into Fatal Claw, a Metroidvania game in vibrant 2D artwork. Explore the arcane underworld your way with Kisha. Your ultimate goal is to find the key to the surface world alongside other survivors, while vanquishing infected enemies and absorbing their power. Start your clawsome adventure now!
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Cats 15.9%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, Platformer 9.9%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%
- #37 9 Years of Shadows
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,382 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Why similar: Metroidvania 54.4%, Platformer 19.2%, Action-Adventure 6.2%, Action 4.3%, Story Rich 3.6%
- #38 Gurei
72% matchVery Positive84% of 309 reviews2026
Dev: Lobo Sagaz studioPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
An unforgiving game with precise combat. Fight challenging bosses in any order, acquire their unique powers, and succeed on your own terms.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.5%, Souls-like 19.4%, Difficult 14.1%, Mythology 12.7%, Hand-drawn 8.9%
- #39 Eastern Exorcist
74% matchVery Positive84% of 6,789 reviews2021
Dev: Wildfire Game(无锡野火数字科技有限公司)
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.
Why similar: Souls-like 35.9%, Platformer 11.4%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, Metroidvania 9.6%, Martial Arts 8.7% ★
- #40 Emberbane
73% matchMixed61% of 136 reviews2026
Dev: Hamlet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, Souls-like 19.9%, Mythology 11.1%, Difficult 10.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.7%
- #41 Unbound: Worlds Apart
74% matchVery Positive83% of 1,338 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.1%, Souls-like 12.9%, Platformer 12.1%, Difficult 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.6%
- #42 TUNIC
72% matchVery Positive91% of 18,686 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.4%, Souls-like 33.3%, Difficult 17.5%, Action-Adventure 5.2%, Atmospheric 3.8%
- #43 Eldest Souls
73% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,436 reviews2021
Dev: Fallen Flag StudioPub: United Label
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.
Why similar: Souls-like 46.8%, Difficult 25%, Dark Fantasy 17.6%, Action 4%, Indie 3%
- #44 Katana ZERO
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 76,196 reviews2019
Dev: AskiisoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Why similar: Platformer 23.7%, Difficult 22.6%, Story Rich 14.2%, Gore 13.6%, Action 8.9%
- #45 Windmills
71% matchMostly Positive78% of 50 reviews2023
Dev: Poor Locke
Windows
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 29.9%, Souls-like 27.8%, Difficult 15%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%, Story Rich 4.2%
- #46 Rain World
71% matchVery Positive94% of 57,645 reviews2017
Dev: VideocultPub: Akupara Games
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 22.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.
Why similar: Difficult 26.7%, Metroidvania 25.2%, Souls-like 15.3%, Platformer 12.9%, Atmospheric 7.5%
- #47 Vindilis
68% matchVery Positive94% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: François Mauxion
Windows
Fight tremendous bosses and discover the secrets of Vindilis! A short, epic 2D action platformer that will put you against powerful enemies in a hand-drawn universe. A short-form souls like game about vengeance and creation.
Why similar: Souls-like 33.7%, Hand-drawn 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Mythology 10.3%, Platformer 7.8%
- #48 Volkolak: The Will of Gods
67% matchVery Positive87% of 351 reviews2026
Dev: Volk TeamPub: Progamefactoryllc
Windows
Volkolak: The Will of Gods is an epic 2D soulsvania in a dark Slavic fantasy setting, with hand-drawn animation. Explore an enchanted world full of secrets and enemies. Your choices will lead to several endings: become a warrior, a werewolf, or join the darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.5%, Souls-like 27.3%, Platformer 10.3%, Hand-drawn 8.1%, Story Rich 4.9%
- #49 Akatori
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 343 reviews2026
Dev: Contrast GamesPub: Games Harbor
Windows
A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Souls-like 18%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 10%, Hand-drawn 8.4%
- #50 GRIME II
67% matchVery Positive87% of 2,047 reviews2026
Dev: Clover BitePub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 50.7%, Souls-like 41.9%, Action 3.4%, Atmospheric 2.7%, Indie 0.8%
- #51 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 147,136 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 8.4 hrsMean: 24.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.4%, Platformer 15.2%, Difficult 9%, Story Rich 5.4%, Souls-like 5.3%
- #52 Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 311 reviews2024
Dev: 70`StrikePub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Linux
Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Souls-like 25.1%, Difficult 12.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Gore 7.5%
- #53 Ghost Song
69% matchVery Positive83% of 1,459 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 36.3%, Platformer 11.4%, Difficult 11.3%, Hand-drawn 10.6%, Sci-fi 7.9%
- #54 Skul: The Hero Slayer
68% matchVery Positive93% of 57,659 reviews2021
Dev: SOUTHPAW GAMESPub: NEOWIZ
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Metroidvania 30.2%, Difficult 16.1%, Platformer 11.5%, Action 9.7%, Souls-like 9.5%
- #55 Unworthy
71% matchVery Positive81% of 858 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 35.7%, Souls-like 33.6%, Difficult 11%, Dark Fantasy 9%, Action 3.5%
- #56 Foregone
70% matchVery Positive81% of 1,409 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.7%, Souls-like 23.3%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 12.2%, Action 4.3%
- #57 Gravethorn
66% matchVery Positive88% of 88 reviews2026
Dev: Volviir
Windows
Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.
Why similar: Souls-like 42.8%, Difficult 23.9%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%, Story Rich 6.4%, Action-Adventure 6.2%
- #58 Crypt Custodian
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 3,178 reviews2024
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 9.1 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.
Why similar: Metroidvania 39%, Cats 17.1%, Hand-drawn 9.8%, Platformer 8.9%, Atmospheric 5.7%
- #59 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 71,636 reviews2016
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 21.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Platformer 16.8%, Difficult 12%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Story Rich 6.1%
- #60 Void Memory
70% matchMixed67% of 235 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%
You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Souls-like 24.2%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 6.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.3%