Games Like Owlboy

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 45.9%, Platformer 15.4%, Story Rich 6.3%, Atmospheric 6.3%, Exploration 6%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the deep, atmospheric world-building and challenging exploration that makes Owlboy's journey so memorable.

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 37.3%, Platformer 15.6%, Story Rich 6.3%, Atmospheric 6.1%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a similarly breathtaking visual experience paired with fluid movement and an emotionally resonant narrative.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Puzzle Platformer 12.7%, Platformer 10%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It matches Owlboy's focus on character-driven storytelling within a vibrant, hand-crafted 2D world.

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 27.9%, Metroidvania 21.4%, Atmospheric 13.1%, Adventure 7.4%, Exploration 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game excels at environmental storytelling and atmospheric pixel art, mirroring the silent, evocative nature of Owlboy.

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 35.5%, Platformer 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Funny 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features exceptional pixel art and a clever blend of action and metroidvania exploration that fans of Owlboy will appreciate.

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Animals 23.3% ★, Metroidvania 22.3%, Platformer 9%, 2D Platformer 5.3%, Fantasy 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game balances charming character interactions with accessible metroidvania exploration and platforming.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Platformer 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Puzzle Platformer 10.5%, Story Rich 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Like Owlboy, it uses tight platforming mechanics to tell a deeply personal and touching story about overcoming adversity.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.6%, Platformer 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, 2D 3.8%, Exploration 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential metroidvania that captures the sense of discovery and retro-inspired aesthetic found in Owlboy.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Platformer 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Story Rich 8.3%, Cute 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic of the genre that shares the pixel-art charm and sense of adventure that defined Owlboy's inspiration.

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 40.9%, Story Rich 14.5%, Action-Adventure 11.4%, 2D 9.7%, Indie 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title delivers a rich, story-driven experience with beautiful pixel art and engaging combat mechanics.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, 2D Platformer 13%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Cute 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, atmospheric 2D experience with tight controls and a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.7%, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Exploration 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the exploration-heavy, pixelated charm of classic metroidvanias while maintaining a distinct, atmospheric identity.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Atmospheric 23.7%, Platformer 19.9%, Puzzle Platformer 17.3%, Story Rich 10.3%, Indie 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on a poignant, emotional journey through a visually stunning world, much like the narrative core of Owlboy.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Platformer 20%, Fantasy 7.2%, Action 6%, 2D 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines fluid action-platforming with a story-rich narrative and lush, hand-drawn visuals.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 35%, Pixel Graphics 24.7%, 2D 8.3%, Indie 5.6%, Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It celebrates the golden age of 2D platformers with incredible pixel art and a sense of wonder similar to Owlboy.

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Platformer 16%, Adventure 7.2%, Action 6%, Action-Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant adventure that emphasizes exploration and unique transformation mechanics within a beautifully realized world.

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Puzzle Platformer 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Platformer 9.8%, Exploration 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features dense, atmospheric exploration and intricate puzzles that reward curiosity in a way similar to Owlboy.

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.7%, Platformer 18.3%, Puzzle Platformer 12.4%, Adventure 6%, Cute 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique, refreshing take on the metroidvania genre that prioritizes charm and exploration over traditional combat.

A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Platformer 25.3%, Puzzle Platformer 14.5%, 2D 4.9%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game uses unique electromagnetic mechanics to create a challenging and atmospheric 2D puzzle-platforming experience.

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Puzzle Platformer 14.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Action-Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A sprawling adventure that rewards players for exploring its detailed world and interacting with its quirky inhabitants.

Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.5%, Pirates 18.1% ★, Platformer 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Cute 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted, character-focused platformer that excels in its level design and charming pixel art style.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 36.8%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, 2D 9.1%, Action 7.8%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers fast-paced, high-energy action platforming with a strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling.

Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.6%, Platformer 12.1%, Puzzle Platformer 11.9%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Funny 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique, whimsical world filled with exploration and charm that resonates with Owlboy's sense of discovery.

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 23.5%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Platformer 14.3%, Cute 7.2%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends innovative puzzle-platforming with a dark, atmospheric pixel-art world.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 23.5%, Exploration 21.8%, Cute 20.9%, Adventure 12.2%, Funny 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: While less combat-focused, it captures the joy of flight and exploration in a charming, small-scale world.

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Platformer 15.4%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Mystery 13.7%, Story Rich 12.7%, Funny 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a focus on deep, character-driven dialogue and atmospheric world-building that makes the protagonist's journey feel grounded.

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 34.8%, Platformer 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Fantasy 8.5%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a refined metroidvania experience with beautiful pixel art and satisfying action sequences.

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 38.9%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Exploration 8%

Why You'll Like It: It features highly polished combat mechanics and fluid movement within a visually striking 2D world.

EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%, Puzzle Platformer 10.4%, Platformer 8.1%, Exploration 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It combines exploration and action with a time-sensitive narrative that makes every choice feel impactful.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.9%, Platformer 13%, Adventure 4.6%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that emphasizes deep exploration and uncovering secrets in a mysterious, pixelated environment.

A Bomb Caterpillar's Big Adventure! "Öoo" is a charming yet mysterious exploration puzzle platformer where you discover creative ways to use bombs!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.3%, Puzzle Platformer 18.3%, 2D Platformer 11.4%, Platformer 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%

A Hat in Time is a cute-as-heck 3D platformer featuring a little girl who stitches hats for wicked powers! Freely explore giant worlds and recover Time Pieces to travel to new heights!

Why similar: Cute 28%, Platformer 22.2%, Funny 19.5%, Exploration 8.5%, Adventure 7.8%

“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 for PC.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.1%, Platformer 15.2%, Atmospheric 9.5%, Puzzle Platformer 7.6%, Story Rich 7.6%

Seasons After Fall is a 2D platform-puzzler game that will let you dive into a captivating universe and explore a land governed by magic and nature.

Why similar: Platformer 18.8%, Puzzle Platformer 17.8%, Metroidvania 17%, Animals 9.8% ★, Cute 7%

Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 27.5%, Story Rich 17%, Atmospheric 12.8%, Cute 12.1%, Adventure 8.4%

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

Why similar: Exploration 29.1%, Adventure 21.6%, Atmospheric 21.6%, Indie 12.3%, Story Rich 7.4%

Yooka-Laylee is an all-new open-world platformer from genre veterans Playtonic! Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters and horde a vault-load of collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep Capital B!

Why similar: Platformer 31.8%, Adventure 14.3%, Funny 13.2%, Exploration 11.4%, Cute 11.3%

“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 40.6%, Platformer 17.8%, Atmospheric 10.6%, Story Rich 7.3%, Cute 5.7%

Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.5%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Platformer 11.4%, 2D Platformer 11.4%

A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.

Why similar: Exploration 21.5%, Atmospheric 21.1%, Fantasy 15.6%, Adventure 15.2%, Story Rich 7.7%

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.4%, Puzzle Platformer 14.1%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Platformer 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Platformer 22.5%, Fantasy 6.6%, Adventure 6.5%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost.

Why similar: Funny 17.4%, Cute 13.4%, Atmospheric 13%, Story Rich 12.9%, Adventure 12.5%

World to the West is a standalone followup of Teslagrad, the indie hit that sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide. A vast world of blue skies and dark caves awaits you in this 3D action adventure, as you try to unveil the mysteries of an ancient prophecy.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 18.9%, Adventure 12.1%, Exploration 11.7%, Action 10.2%, Funny 10%

Help an owl find its chicks after losing them - and the ability to fly - in a thunderstorm. In this short 2D platformer you slowly recover your ability to navigate the dangers of the forest as you bring your chicks back to your hollow one by one.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 27.8%, Pixel Graphics 24.1%, Cute 13.5%, Adventure 10%, Platformer 8.8%

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 19.7%, Platformer 18.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.4%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Exploration 7.6%

After decades of toil, an old machinist plots his escape from Communism, through manipulation and scheming. Along the road, he befriends the most unlikely creature, an abandoned robot. Could they solve the puzzles and flee this bleak world together?

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 28.9%, Platformer 21.4%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Story Rich 11.4%, Adventure 9.1%

The hottest bird lawyering game to come out of 1840s France! Join Jayjay Falcon and his witty apprentice, Sparrowson, as the two take on clients, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and deliver justice to the guilty.

Why similar: Mystery 34.7%, Story Rich 23.3%, Adventure 15.8%, Indie 11.8%, Funny 6.2%

A creature-scanning metroidvania. Explore an ancient paradise before it's lost forever. Study the EMUUROM creatures, document your findings in the EMUUDEX, and use what you learn to unlock new paths.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Puzzle Platformer 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Platformer 9.7%, 2D Platformer 9%

Embark on a short, playful adventure in your cozy flying boat and sail through fluffy clouds. Discover floating islands and befriend their quirky citizens. Jump, roll, climb, and skate through Cloudburg as Skye faces her biggest obstacle on her way to the Royal Postal Academy!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 25.5%, Cute 18.8%, Exploration 17.9%, Funny 13.2%, Adventure 11.9%

X marks the spot! Follow the map and find hidden treasures.

Why similar: Pirates 16.5% ★, Platformer 13.4%, Puzzle Platformer 13.2%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Action-Adventure 10.1%

In this story-driven adventure, you are the raven from the pages of Norse legends. Fly, explore an open world, uncover its secrets, solve puzzles, save souls, and help your family. Caw!

Why similar: Story Rich 22%, Cute 19.9%, Atmospheric 19.3%, Exploration 19.1%, Adventure 8.6%

The Sexy Brutale — a never-ending masked ball featuring intrigue, murder and the (quite possibly) occult! Relive the same mysterious day where the guests at the casino mansion are being murdered by the staff over and over again...

Why similar: Mystery 42.7%, Story Rich 19.7%, Adventure 14.8%, Indie 10.3%, Atmospheric 7%

Cursed Castilla (Maldita Castilla EX) is an arcade action platformer full of creatures from medieval myths from Spain and the rest of Europe, as well as from chivalric romances. The extended version of the classic Maldita Castilla, originally created by the indie Locomalito.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 17.8%, Platformer 16.3%, Metroidvania 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Fantasy 11.4%

One Dog Story is an engaging pixel adventure game with RPG elements, gameplay that’ll get you hooked for hours, and well-developed characters. You wake up in an underground laboratory, free again after a horrific accident. Prepare to explore this expansive game world and its many secrets and mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Mystery 8.3%, Cute 6.2%

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 42.6%, Exploration 14%, Action-Adventure 12.8%, Cute 10.9%, Fantasy 7.5%

Tacoma is a sci-fi narrative adventure from the creators of Gone Home. Set aboard a high-tech space station in the year 2088, explore every detail of how the station’s crew lived and worked, finding the clues that add up to a gripping story of trust, fear, and resolve in the face of disaster.

Why similar: Story Rich 25.3%, Mystery 20.5%, Exploration 15.6%, Adventure 13.3%, Atmospheric 13.3%

Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.5%, Platformer 15.7%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Exploration 7.3%, Cute 7%

Drill Bird is a cozy-yet-tense digging platformer where every trip underground counts. Play as a bird fallen from the sky, in search for powerful ores to hatch your Egg. Get home before night falls, upgrade abilities, grow stronger, and unfold a sincere bird story about survival, care and purpose.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 19%, 2D Platformer 16.2%, Platformer 15%, Action-Adventure 10%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Explore the mysterious Hotel Norwood in this surreal first-person adventure. Curious characters, forgotten secrets, and head-nodding music await your arrival.

Why similar: Mystery 29.3%, Exploration 24%, Atmospheric 20.6%, Adventure 13.6%, Indie 9%