- #1 Hollow Knight
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 542,706 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.4 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 32.1%, Souls-like 21.7%, Difficult 12.7%, Platformer 8.9%, Hand-drawn 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers the same rewarding blend of difficult exploration, layered world design, atmospheric storytelling, and intense boss fights that makes Nine Sols so compelling.
- #2 Blasphemous 2
96% matchVery Positive90% of 18,296 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.3%, Souls-like 24.4%, Difficult 22%, Platformer 7.5%, Dark Fantasy 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This is a combat-focused metroidvania with tough encounters, deliberate melee combat, rich lore, and a similarly punishing-yet-satisfying progression curve.
- #3 Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
96% matchVery Positive84% of 6,374 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MontpellierPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 66.2%, Souls-like 7.2%, Action-Adventure 5.2%, Action 4.9%, Difficult 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its fast 2.5D metroidvania structure, demanding bosses, and parry-heavy swordplay make it one of the closest overall matches to Nine Sols.
- #4 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
95% matchVery Positive94% of 44,489 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 18.1 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 39.8%, Souls-like 25.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Difficult 9.2%, Hand-drawn 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: It matches Nine Sols with melancholic atmosphere, challenging bosses, strong movement-driven exploration, and a story told through a ruined world.
- #5 Blasphemous
94% matchVery Positive90% of 63,499 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 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 25.8%, Gore 9.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%, Difficult 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its brutal 2D action, cryptic lore, harsh worldbuilding, and weighty combat make it a natural fit for Nine Sols fans who want something darker.
- #6 The Devil Within: Satgat
94% matchMostly Positive79% of 901 reviews2024
Dev: Newcore Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 5.6 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 23.9%, Souls-like 22.3%, Martial Arts 14.6% ★, Difficult 12.2%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its stylish 2.5D soulslike combat, heavy emphasis on timing and counters, and bleak mythic world feel very close to Nine Sols' boss-driven action.
- #7 The Last Faith
93% matchVery Positive84% of 5,369 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 31.8%, Souls-like 27%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Difficult 9.2%, Gore 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: This blends metroidvania exploration with soulslike pacing and punishing combat in a way that scratches a very similar itch to Nine Sols.
- #8 GRIME
92% matchVery Positive85% of 6,541 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 28.5%, Souls-like 25.2%, Difficult 13.5%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: GRIME offers a similarly oppressive world, difficult exploration, and timing-based defensive combat that rewards patience and mastery.
- #9 Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 348,230 reviews2019
Dev: FromSoftware, Inc.Pub: Activision (Excluding Japan and Asia)
Windows
Median: 25.8 hrsMean: 61.5 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 48.5%, Difficult 24.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.6%, Gore 5.5%, Action 5%
Why You'll Like It: Nine Sols takes direct inspiration from Sekiro's posture-breaking deflection combat, so this is the best pick if that precise sword-duel rhythm was your favorite part.
- #10 Salt and Sanctuary
91% matchVery Positive89% of 21,605 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 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 42.1%, Metroidvania 23.5%, Difficult 10.4%, Dark Fantasy 7.7%, Platformer 5%
Why You'll Like It: It translates the soulslike formula into 2D with tough boss fights, risky progression, and deliberate melee combat that will feel familiar to Nine Sols players.
- #11 Aeterna Noctis
90% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,022 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 12.2 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 28.2%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 9.4%, Hand-drawn 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: If you want another demanding metroidvania with high execution, huge exploration spaces, and relentless boss challenges, this is one of the strongest options.
- #12 Moonscars
89% matchVery Positive83% of 1,466 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.8 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 36.3%, Souls-like 30.7%, Platformer 7.9%, Difficult 5.5%, Dark Fantasy 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its parry-capable combat, bleak atmosphere, and death-loop structure echo Nine Sols' emphasis on precision and persistence.
- #13 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 17,920 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.4 hrsMean: 18.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 47.9%, Souls-like 22.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, 2D 4.4%, Difficult 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: Like its predecessor, it combines somber atmosphere, methodical combat, and exploration-driven progression in a way that lines up well with Nine Sols.
- #14 Afterimage
88% matchMostly Positive77% of 9,999 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 37.5%, Souls-like 26.6%, Difficult 14.7%, Platformer 9.7%, Action-Adventure 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: While less parry-centric, it shares Nine Sols' large exploratory map, anime-influenced art, demanding fights, and lore-heavy world.
- #15 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
89% matchVery Positive81% of 5,518 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.8 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 40.5%, Metroidvania 28.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.5%, Difficult 6.9%, Platformer 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: This is a challenging action-metroidvania with strong boss design, soulslike progression, and a serious narrative tone similar to Nine Sols.
- #16 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
86% matchVery Positive87% of 7,022 reviews2021
Dev: TiGamesPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 11.6 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 53.4%, Platformer 17.9%, Story Rich 8.7%, Action-Adventure 6.4%, Action 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: It offers polished side-scrolling combat, interconnected exploration, and a stylish dieselpunk world that appeals to the same action-first metroidvania crowd.
- #17 Voidwrought
85% matchMostly Positive78% of 941 reviews2024
Dev: PowersnakePub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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%, Mythology 13.6%, Platformer 11.1%, Hand-drawn 10%, Dark Fantasy 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: It leans into eerie exploration, lore-rich worldbuilding, and punishing 2D combat in a way that overlaps well with Nine Sols' mood and structure.
- #18 Eastern Exorcist
86% matchVery Positive84% of 6,739 reviews2021
Dev: Wildfire Game(无锡野火数字科技有限公司)
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.2 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 35.6%, Hand-drawn 11.6%, Platformer 11.2%, Metroidvania 9.4%, Martial Arts 8.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: Its gorgeous hand-drawn 2D presentation, Chinese fantasy flavor, and tough melee combat make it a strong thematic and mechanical companion piece.
- #19 Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
84% matchVery Positive83% of 1,615 reviews2024
Dev: Squid Shock StudiosPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 28.2%, Souls-like 25.1%, Platformer 10.8%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Comic Book 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Though lighter in tone, it shares beautiful hand-drawn presentation, nimble movement, and challenging platforming-exploration with Nine Sols.
- #20 DEVIATOR
84% matchMixed68% of 994 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 30.4%, Souls-like 25.1%, Platformer 9.5%, Hand-drawn 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its Hollow Knight-style structure and emphasis on reflex-based 2D combat make it a promising fit for anyone wanting more difficult modern metroidvania action.
- #21 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
82% matchVery Positive92% of 3,126 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
"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 34.7%, Souls-like 24.4%, Platformer 10.9%, Difficult 6.8%, Action-Adventure 5%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers tight, elegant 2D action with dodge-and-counter boss fights and a polished melancholy tone that Nine Sols players should appreciate.
- #22 TEVI
82% matchVery Positive89% of 3,880 reviews2023
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 11.6 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 56.3%, Platformer 13.1%, Story Rich 8.9%, Action-Adventure 7.7%, 2D 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: TEVI mixes dense metroidvania exploration with flashy, mechanically demanding boss battles that reward mastery much like Nine Sols.
- #23 Unsouled
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 357 reviews2022
Dev: Megusta GamePub: NEOWIZ
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Unsouled is a 2D action RPG game requiring immense elaborate control. Take a break from repetitive attack and dodge action by challenging yourself with the world of Unsouled.
Why similar: Souls-like 46.6%, Difficult 28.8%, Action-Adventure 7.6%, 2D 5.2%, Action 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its razor-sharp combo and counter-based combat captures the same high-skill, reaction-heavy intensity that defines Nine Sols' best fights.
- #24 Hollow Knight: Silksong
78% matchVery Positive89% of 407,420 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.3 hrsMean: 45.8 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 31.8%, Souls-like 22.8%, Difficult 14.7%, Platformer 8.2%, Hand-drawn 6.4%
- #25 Dark Light
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 739 reviews2022
Dev: Mirari&Co.
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Souls-like 26.9%, Gore 9.8%, Platformer 8.5%, Sci-fi 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling soulslike channels the same oppressive atmosphere, punishing combat, and cryptic progression that Nine Sols fans may enjoy.
- #26 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
79% matchVery Positive93% of 7,299 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 58.7%, Platformer 19.2%, 2D 7.4%, Action 5.4%, Adventure 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: This offers smooth weapon-switching combat, elegant movement, and a polished anime-fantasy metroidvania feel that overlaps nicely with Nine Sols.
- #27 Vernal Edge
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 637 reviews2023
Dev: Hello Penguin Team LLCPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 56.1%, Platformer 19%, Action-Adventure 7.6%, 2D 6.4%, Action 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its aerial-combo combat and exploration-heavy structure give it a similarly skillful, momentum-based feel despite a brighter presentation.
- #28 MIO: Memories in Orbit
77% matchVery Positive82% of 3,685 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12.4 hrsMean: 15.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 31.1%, Souls-like 19.1%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 10.1%, Hand-drawn 8.3%
- #29 Valdis Story: Abyssal City
81% matchVery Positive84% of 2,713 reviews2013
Dev: Endlessfluff Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.
Why similar: Metroidvania 65.2%, Platformer 13.4%, Difficult 9.1%, Action 4.5%, 2D 3.2%
Why You'll Like It: This older gem emphasizes skill-based 2D combat, build variety, and challenging bosses in a way that still feels very relevant to Nine Sols fans.
- #30 Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
78% matchVery Positive80% of 2,143 reviews2024
Dev: Metamorphosis GamesPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.4%, Platformer 16.5%, Story Rich 9.5%, 2D 6.4%, Atmospheric 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: It combines stylish pixel-art action, metroidvania exploration, and a more narrative-forward structure that aligns well with Nine Sols' story focus.
- #31 Solateria
77% matchVery Positive84% of 523 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 26.8%, Souls-like 22.7%, Difficult 13.2%, Hand-drawn 9.9%, Dark Fantasy 6.9%
- #32 Ato
79% matchVery Positive97% of 467 reviews2020
Dev: Tiny Warrior Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A world of Beauty and Mystery, Emotive Animations, Atmospheric Environments, Visually Driven Story, Metroidvania Exploration and Memorable Sword Duels.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Martial Arts 20.4% ★, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 7.2%, Atmospheric 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Even without full metroidvania structure, its duel-focused 2D sword combat and Japanese-inspired atmosphere make it a great pick for players chasing Nine Sols' combat feel.
- #33 Laika: Aged Through Blood
76% matchVery Positive92% of 6,356 reviews2023
Dev: Brainwash GangPub: Thunderful Publishing
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 33.3 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 29.3%, Difficult 15.4%, Hand-drawn 12%, Gore 11.3%, Platformer 10.6%
- #34 Death's Door
75% matchVery Positive93% of 21,308 reviews2021
Dev: Acid NervePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.9 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 42.8%, Metroidvania 24.7%, Dark Fantasy 16.4%, Action-Adventure 5.8%, Action 4.9%
- #35 Mask of Soul
74% matchVery Positive84% of 56 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 31.9%, Souls-like 27.5%, Platformer 10.8%, Hand-drawn 6.6%, Dark Fantasy 5.3%
- #36 Tails of Iron
75% matchVery Positive88% of 14,555 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 8.9 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 32.2%, Metroidvania 17.8%, Difficult 14.4%, Dark Fantasy 8%, Story Rich 6.1%
- #37 Souldiers
76% matchMixed69% of 3,012 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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 53.7%, Difficult 16.4%, Souls-like 12.4%, Action-Adventure 5.5%, Action 4.3%
- #38 9 Years of Shadows
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,183 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 10.6 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 54.1%, Platformer 18.9%, Action-Adventure 6.4%, Action 4.4%, Atmospheric 3.7%
- #39 Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
73% matchVery Positive80% of 1,894 reviews2025
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 34.2%, Difficult 20.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, Story Rich 6.4%, Action-Adventure 5%
- #40 Emberbane
73% matchMixed60% of 129 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 29.5%, Souls-like 19.7%, Mythology 11.4%, Difficult 10%, Dark Fantasy 9%
- #41 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
72% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,494 reviews2025
Dev: Primal Game StudioPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 25.2%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 12.6%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Gore 8.8%
- #42 Unbound: Worlds Apart
73% matchVery Positive84% of 1,307 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 6.4 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 26.6%, Souls-like 12.8%, Platformer 11.9%, Difficult 11%, Dark Fantasy 8%
- #43 Fatal Claw
70% matchVery Positive96% of 135 reviews2025
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 23.6%, Souls-like 19.4%, Cats 14.5%, Hand-drawn 9.6%, Platformer 8.8%
- #44 GRIME II
69% matchVery Positive87% of 1,591 reviews2026
Dev: Clover BitePub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 50.4%, Souls-like 42%, Action 3.4%, Atmospheric 2.8%, Indie 0.8%
- #45 Rain World
72% matchVery Positive94% of 51,792 reviews2017
Dev: VideocultPub: Akupara Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 24.1 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 26.6%, Metroidvania 24%, Souls-like 15.6%, Platformer 12.9%, Atmospheric 8%
- #46 Vindilis
68% matchVery Positive97% of 70 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%, Hand-drawn 13.6%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Mythology 10.5%, Platformer 7.6%
- #47 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 70,491 reviews2016
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 21.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
“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%, Platformer 16.6%, Difficult 11.9%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Story Rich 6.1%
- #48 Eldest Souls
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,257 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%, Difficult 24.7%, Dark Fantasy 18.5%, Action 4%, Indie 3.1%
- #49 Katana ZERO
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 74,917 reviews2019
Dev: AskiisoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.2 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 23.4%, Difficult 22.5%, Story Rich 14.2%, Gore 13.6%, Action 8.8%
- #50 Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 296 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 29.1%, Souls-like 24.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, Gore 7.5%
- #51 Unworthy
71% matchVery Positive81% of 848 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 35.3%, Souls-like 33.4%, Difficult 11%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Action 3.5%
- #52 TUNIC
68% matchVery Positive91% of 17,461 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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%, Souls-like 33.2%, Difficult 17.6%, Action-Adventure 5.3%, Atmospheric 4.1%
- #53 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 144,155 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 24.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 43.9%, Platformer 15.2%, Difficult 8.9%, Story Rich 5.4%, Souls-like 5.3%
- #54 Blue Fire
69% matchVery Positive81% of 3,056 reviews2021
Dev: Robi StudiosPub: Graffiti Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Souls-like 32.5%, Platformer 13.1%, Action-Adventure 5.5%, Atmospheric 4.3%
- #55 Gravethorn
66% matchVery Positive86% of 78 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 42.3%, Difficult 23.7%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Story Rich 6.4%, Action-Adventure 6.3%
- #56 Dead Cells
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 180,167 reviews2018
Dev: Motion Twin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.5 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 29.6%, Souls-like 25.8%, Platformer 10%, Dark Fantasy 9.8%, Difficult 7.9%
- #57 Crypt Custodian
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,896 reviews2024
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 9.1 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 37.7%, Cats 17.7%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Platformer 8.9%, Atmospheric 6%
- #58 Foregone
68% matchVery Positive82% of 1,396 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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 30.4%, Souls-like 23.2%, Difficult 13.4%, Platformer 12.1%, 2D 4.4%
- #59 Another Crab's Treasure
64% matchVery Positive93% of 20,776 reviews2024
Dev: Aggro Crab
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
In a vibrant undersea kingdom on the verge of collapse, a hermit crab embarks on a treasure hunt to buy back his repossessed shell. The second game from AGGRO CRAB.
Why similar: Souls-like 76.4%, Dark Fantasy 8.4%, Atmospheric 4.7%, Action-Adventure 4.1%, Story Rich 4.1%
- #60 Void Memory
70% matchMixed67% of 231 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 26.8%, Souls-like 24.4%, Difficult 11.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%, Platformer 6.3%