Games Like Nocturnal

A unique 2D firefighting platformer from the creator of Dead Cells, featuring devastating backdrafts, exploding walls, and expected cat rescues. Battle your way through a mysterious government facility, striving to keep the blaze under control.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 17.2%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Mystery 14.1%, Action-Adventure 12.6%, Platformer 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like Nocturnal, this game features a unique fire-extinguishing mechanic and a focused, linear approach to exploration.

Behind you lies a trail of broken helms, shattered shields. You hold the axe of a fallen foe. Worn and dented, it will suit it's purpose. What lies ahead is still a mystery. Your goal is not.

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.5%, Mystery 15.2%, 2D Fighter 14.1%, Action-Adventure 13.8%, Combat 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same gritty, linear, and action-oriented side-scrolling feel found in Nocturnal.

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 33.8%, 2D Platformer 33.5%, Action 13.6%, 2D 8.9%, Indie 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the same high-intensity, fast-paced action and linear level design that makes Nocturnal so engaging.

Master tactical sword fighting combat, or discover ways to avoid bloodshed. A journey that trusts you from beginning to end.

Why similar: Side Scroller 16.6%, Platformer 14.6%, Action 13.1%, Adventure 11.1%, Exploration 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game mirrors the cinematic, combat-heavy, and atmospheric side-scrolling nature of Nocturnal.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.7%, Platformer 26.2%, 2D Platformer 17.5%, 2D 9.5%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, linear action-platformer that emphasizes precise combat and fast-paced movement.

Fight monsters, ghosts, and zombies with your mighty sythe! Find all the secrets, and unlock powerful weapons! Avoid saws, fireballs, pools of acid, and spikes! Kraino Origins is retro gaming goodness!

Why similar: Side Scroller 21%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Platformer 13.4%, Demons 13.2%, Action-Adventure 13%

Why You'll Like It: Matches the fast-paced, combat-centric side-scrolling gameplay found in Nocturnal.

Restore the Sun’s light and end the Eternal Eclipse in this 2D fast-paced action-platformer game inspired by Peruvian cultures. Explore hand-crafted environments, battle and improve your skills to defeat the Four Keepers that stole the power of the Sun.

Why similar: Soundtrack 29.1% ★, Hand-drawn 18.2%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Platformer 10.6%, Combat 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar hand-drawn aesthetic and fluid movement mechanics that prioritize action over complex backtracking.

Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.4%, Demons 15.2%, Platformer 14.2%, Action-Adventure 12.3%, Dark 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, combat-focused side-scroller that emphasizes exploration and mastery of mechanics.

Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.

Why similar: Side Scroller 27.4%, 2D Platformer 21.1%, Action-Adventure 15%, Linear 11%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action-platformer that focuses on linear progression and challenging combat encounters.

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Side Scroller 40.3%, Platformer 27.5%, Action 10.4%, 2D 8.2%, Adventure 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, linear action-platformer that focuses on combat and boss encounters rather than open-world exploration.

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: Side Scroller 30.6%, Platformer 27.6%, 2D 14.3%, Action 9.7%, Indie 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more complex, it shares the dark atmosphere and intense, deliberate combat style of Nocturnal.

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: Platformer 27.6%, Action-Adventure 24.7%, Combat 21.3%, Action 9.3%, 2D 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines fast-paced combat with platforming in a way that rewards aggressive playstyles.

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: Side Scroller 45.7%, Platformer 22.7%, Action-Adventure 19.6%, 2D 6.8%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar dark, side-scrolling action experience with a focus on challenging, souls-like combat.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Side Scroller 48%, Platformer 18.8%, 2D Platformer 16.6%, Action 8.5%, 2D 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a similar arcade-style, side-scrolling action experience with a strong focus on combat and momentum.

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: Platformer 30.3%, Action-Adventure 28.6%, Exploration 21.2%, Action 7.1%, Adventure 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on precision platforming and combat, offering a high-energy experience for fans of action-platformers.

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: 2D Platformer 16.9%, Dark 16.1%, Platformer 12.8%, Hand-drawn 12.1%, Action-Adventure 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a dark, lore-rich world with side-scrolling action that feels similar in tone to Nocturnal.

Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.7%, 2D Platformer 14%, Platformer 12.5%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Combat 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a side-scrolling action-RPG experience with a focus on combat and exploration.

Stray Savior is a 2D action platformer packed full of lethal traps, precise jumps, and powerful bosses. Venture through the dystopian world with weapons and skills, to prove yourself and forge your own path.

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.6%, 2D Platformer 16.7%, Platformer 15.6%, Action-Adventure 15.5%, Linear 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure platformer that focuses on combat and navigating linear levels.

Through the Nightmares is a challenge-driven platformer for anyone who’s ever had a restless night. Run, jump, and change your size to overcome the nightmare’s traps. Face Morpheus. Rescue children from an endless dream.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 20.4%, Side Scroller 19.1%, 2D Platformer 12%, Linear 11.2%, Dark 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, atmospheric platformer that tests player reflexes and precision.

Be a ninja and go on an action platforming adventure to save the world. Climb walls, slice up bad guys, master tricky platforming sequences and face ruthless bosses.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.7%, Demons 19.2%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Platformer 13.3%, Action-Adventure 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, arcade-style platformer that focuses on tight controls and quick, decisive combat.

Everslash is an action platformer game where you have to move quickly and attack with your scythe. Use your Slash Attack move to dodge and strike your foes at the same time; defeat the monsters infesting the lab and find your way out.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.5%, Platformer 16.2%, 2D Platformer 14.7%, Linear 14.1%, Action-Adventure 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action game that prioritizes fluid movement and combat in a 2D side-scrolling environment.

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.3%, Demons 15.8%, 2D Platformer 15.7%, Platformer 12.9%, Exploration 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game that emphasizes exploration and martial-arts-inspired combat.

Magenta Horizon is a fast-paced 2D action platformer with challenging spectacle fighter inspired combat. Playing as a Reaper of the twisted purgatorial afterlife, push your skills to the limit to destroy the hordes of demons and epic bosses to reach your destination.

Why similar: Demons 32.8%, 2D Platformer 27.6%, Platformer 22.2%, Action 7.2%, Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized, fast-paced action game that rewards players for aggressive, hack-and-slash combat.

Saga of Sins is an expiatory action-adventure which features a mystical storyline and a rewarding arcade gameplay! Transform into demonic creatures and fight the seven deadly sins.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 15.3%, Puzzle Platformer 15.1%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Platformer 12.9%, Linear 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features an atmospheric, side-scrolling action experience with a unique visual style.

A 2D puzzle-platformer where you light your way through the darkness. Play as the Light, exploring an abandoned civilization where you find a suit of armor that seems to have magical properties. Suit up using the powers of the suit to channel your light magic to see what this strange place hides.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.6%, Puzzle Platformer 15.7%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Exploration 11.3%, Linear 10%

Why You'll Like It: Combines exploration and puzzle-platforming with a side-scrolling perspective.

2D platform game focused on intense combat against enemies and exploration of secret areas in dark dungeons full of dangers.

Why similar: Side Scroller 29.3%, Platformer 18.1%, Action-Adventure 14.6%, Exploration 10.4%, Action 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, action-oriented platformer that captures the classic feel of linear side-scrollers.

A fast-paced 2D handcrafted metroidvania with strange sci-fi environments. Something is roaming the halls, watching your every move.

Why similar: Side Scroller 18.3%, 2D Platformer 15%, Soundtrack 12.3% ★, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Linear 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-platformer that offers a similar focus on exploration and combat mechanics.

Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Side Scroller 34.6%, 2D Platformer 21.7%, Exploration 10.9%, Platformer 10.2%, Combat 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on elemental combat mechanics within a side-scrolling platformer framework.

Creepy quest with the atmosphere of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Go through a dangerous adventure filled with puzzles and challenges! Perhaps it is you who will be able to solve all the secrets of forest and save the peaceful creatures?

Why similar: Side Scroller 14.1%, Puzzle Platformer 13.4%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Platformer 11.2%, 2D Platformer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an atmospheric, adventure-focused experience with platforming elements.

Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 29.9%, Platformer 25.6%, Action-Adventure 13%, 2D 9.3%, Action 8.6%

Mahluk is a hack and slash platformer game with pixel-art style graphics and retro style addicting gameplay.

Why similar: Side Scroller 16%, Puzzle Platformer 15.4%, Platformer 13.4%, Action-Adventure 11.8%, Dark 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style action-platformer that focuses on combat and navigating dangerous environments.

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: Soundtrack 28.3% ★, Side Scroller 14.8%, Platformer 11.4%, Puzzle Platformer 10.7%, Hand-drawn 10.3%

Fight, dash, swim and bite your way through 3 different dungeons. Let the inner shark out! Face many different opponents and defeat powerful bosses. Makis Adventure is an Action-Platformer with a bite!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.2%, Action-Adventure 13.9%, 2D Platformer 11.4%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Linear 9.7%

Utomah is a 2D platformer in which the player navigates through a nightmarish world. Grapple, latch, and dash through incredible environments, discovering the darkness of one's inner mind, encountering true horrors along the way. Prepare to push your skills to the limit!

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.1%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Platformer 12.8%, Linear 12.3%, Action-Adventure 11.9%

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 19.4%, Platformer 19%, Action-Adventure 15.1%, Linear 11.7%, Exploration 11.3%

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: Hand-drawn 23%, 2D Platformer 22.5%, Action-Adventure 17.1%, Platformer 12.3%, Exploration 7.5%

Play as a candle warrior fighting to keep your flame alive in a world where fire means life and death. Steal wax from enemies to survive, wield your flame tactically in intense hack-and-slash combat, and uncover the dark secrets of a dormant wax factory filled with danger !

Why similar: Action-Adventure 22.5%, Action 15.1%, Exploration 15.1%, Linear 14.9%, Combat 11.9%

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: Hand-drawn 23.1%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Platformer 15.1%, Exploration 11%, Combat 9%

3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.

Why similar: Side Scroller 36.3%, Platformer 20.6%, Exploration 13%, Action 8.3%, 2D 6.9%

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: Side Scroller 41.2%, Hand-drawn 17%, Platformer 15.7%, Action 8.9%, 2D 7.7%

You are the Entangled One, a malformed entity. Traverse the flesh wastes under the eye of an eternal eclipse. Delve deep into the planet's guts. Uncover a fleshy ecosystem. Engage in deliberate, challenging combat, using your whiplike arms and collectible sub attacks to augment your combat style!

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.7%, Hand-drawn 17.4%, Dark 12%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 11.3%

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: Side Scroller 25.2%, 2D Platformer 19.4%, Action-Adventure 17.5%, Platformer 15.8%, Action 10.4%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.7%, Platformer 19.6%, Action-Adventure 16.5%, Action 10.6%, Combat 7.8%

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: Side Scroller 22.4%, Demons 14.1%, 2D Platformer 13.5%, Platformer 11.5%, Hand-drawn 11.4%

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: Side Scroller 39.5%, 2D Platformer 23.7%, Action-Adventure 17%, 2D 6%, Combat 5.2%

Take the role of an elite knight and battle your way through action-packed levels with intense sword fighting gameplay in this neo-classic side scrolling action platformer. Save the city from a deadly terrorist organisation hell-bent on exposing the truth you were sworn to protect.

Why similar: Side Scroller 37.6%, 2D Platformer 22%, Platformer 18.5%, Combat 8.6%, 2D 6.2%

In this RPG-inspired action-adventure, you play as Nora, a fire mage. Discover epic creatures steeped in mythology and turn them to ash with powerful spells! Teach Nora new magic, upgrade your favorites, and craft unique combos. Can you bring an end to Nora’s sorrow?

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.4%, 2D Fighter 17.2%, Action-Adventure 13%, Combat 10.3%, 2D Platformer 9.6%

Discover all the secrets of two completely different worlds.

Why similar: 2D 28.9%, Exploration 19.2%, Adventure 16.4%, Action 13.8%, Indie 11.8%

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.2%, 2D Platformer 18.5%, Mystery 15%, Dark 10.3%, Exploration 9.7%

You are Hidalgo Bladewing, a bird with a beef. Hack, slash, platform, and soar through a beautifully chaotic pixel-art neonscape in your quest to save your feathered friends. Challenging retro-inspired platforming gameplay, transforming weapons, and fowl Ninja action await.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.9%, Puzzle Platformer 14.4%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Linear 11.9%, Platformer 11.2%

A dark fantasy adventure where forging steel shapes combat, progression, and fate.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 30.9%, Combat 20.9%, Action 16.8%, Exploration 14.6%, Adventure 12.3%

Defeat the mage Kalinur and bring peace back to the kingdom in this mini metroidvania with a lot of action.

Why similar: Demons 23.8%, Platformer 18.9%, 2D Platformer 18.5%, Exploration 12.5%, Action 7.1%

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: Demons 17.6%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Platformer 11.6%, 2D Platformer 11.5%, Action-Adventure 10%

A puzzle-platformer set in a dystopian world where the invention of a cloning device has messed things up, big time. Armed with a clone gun and a mighty fine mustache, the chore of saving THE WHOLE OF CIVILIZATION rests on your shoulders. Don’t blow it.

Why similar: Side Scroller 20.3%, Puzzle Platformer 15.4%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Platformer 11.4%, Mystery 8.4%

Karma Knight is a fast paced 2D side-scrolling platform action game with stylish combat. Find hidden items in the stages, collect different spells, defeat the enemies as you gain more experience and enjoy the overall platform action game style.

Why similar: Action 24.7%, Side Scroller 23.4%, 2D Platformer 16.9%, Indie 16.4%, Platformer 11.9%

A fast-paced platformer where you can slash, dash, and control time. Slow down the frenzy of combat and find the right moment to strike! Then, aim the 360-degree dash and zoom away at lightning speed! Master your abilities to maneuver around obstacles and vaporize foes before they can touch you.

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.3%, 2D Platformer 17.2%, Linear 16.1%, Platformer 15.1%, Combat 12.1%

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: Side Scroller 37.8%, Platformer 21.7%, Action-Adventure 9%, Action 8.3%, 2D 7.3%

This is a very short game. Has an average level of difficulty. If you do not know what to do, then try to complete this game in less than 2310 seconds.

Why similar: Demons 30.8%, Linear 18.3%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Platformer 13%, Dark 7.7%

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Side Scroller 39.3%, Platformer 20.1%, Exploration 14.5%, Combat 9.4%, 2D 6.2%

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 19.1%, Platformer 15.6%, Mystery 11.6%, Action-Adventure 11.2%, Exploration 10.4%