Games Like Pixel Galaxy

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the growth and evolution mechanics of Pixel Galaxy, allowing you to build and mutate your ship during intense bullet-hell combat.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Great Soundtrack 28.3%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 4.6%, Action 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished bullet-hell that shares the minimalist aesthetic and intense, rhythmic boss encounters found in Pixel Galaxy.

Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you. Be the bullet hell!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 71.4%, Co-op 9.2%, Arcade 8.6%, Indie 4.1%, Action 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the addictive 'growth-based' survival loop where you become an unstoppable force by absorbing enemy drops.

Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.8%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Arcade 6.9%, Action 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive bullet-hell experience that challenges players to master complex patterns and survival through precise movement.

Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Co-op 10%, Arcade 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style arcade shooter that delivers a polished, retro-inspired experience with a fantastic soundtrack.

A twin-stick, bullet-hell, roguelite where you must cultivate and defend the last farm in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Farm mutated crops, upgrade your weapons, marry townsfolk, and kill every mutant creature that tries to invade your homestead! Yee-haw!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 77.1%, Action 10.9%, Indie 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines frantic bullet-hell combat with a growth-based farming mechanic that rewards you for expanding your territory.

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.8%, Bullet Hell 32.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Co-op 7.4%, Arcade 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: An excellent co-op bullet-hell that provides the same chaotic, screen-filling action and arcade satisfaction.

Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 20.9%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential minimalist arcade game that focuses on survival in a confined space against waves of enemies.

Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 31%, Great Soundtrack 28%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Co-op 8.5%, Arcade 8%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane twin-stick shooter that matches the chaotic, minimalist visual style and arcade difficulty of the seed game.

Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 30.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Bullet Time 13.6% ★, Arcade 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist twin-stick survival game that focuses on pure arcade mechanics and high-score competition.

Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Co-op 8.3%, Arcade 4.4%, Action 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A music-driven shooter where the intensity of the bullet-hell is dictated by your own music library.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.2%, Bullet Hell 30.9%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Arcade 5.3%, Action 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, visually striking bullet-hell that rewards aggressive play and precise positioning.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Great Soundtrack 18.8%, Arcade 6.2%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, stylish bullet-hell that emphasizes fluid movement and high-intensity dodging.

Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.8%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Arcade 3.4%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A solid, action-packed bullet-hell that provides a straightforward and challenging arcade experience.

A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Indie 9.4%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, minimalist shooter that emphasizes constant movement and screen-filling bullet patterns.

Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 72%, Arcade 12.3%, Minimalist 7.3%, Indie 6.1%, Action 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: While a rhythm game, it shares the minimalist, high-speed, and 'one-more-try' arcade nature of Pixel Galaxy.

Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Co-op 15.5%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style bullet-hell that focuses on quick reflexes and constant enemy engagement.

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 22.6%, Co-op 13.6%, Arcade 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult and modern bullet-hell that features a great soundtrack and intense, pattern-based combat.

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Arcade 23.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.7%, Action 9.4%, Indie 9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-skill arcade game that rewards precise movement and constant downward momentum.

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Arcade 6.4%, Action 4.9%, Indie 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy shooter that provides a classic bullet-hell experience with modern visual flair.

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Bullet Hell 29.5%, Co-op 21.6%, Arcade 9.2%, Action 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style co-op game that captures the minimalist, screen-clearing fun of the seed game.

Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 25.5%, Arcade 6.4%, Action 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art bullet-hell that captures the retro arcade feel and high-energy soundtrack of the seed game.

FOR THE POWER AND GLORY; NOW AND FOREVER

Why similar: Minimalist 73.6%, Action 26.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique, abstract minimalist art style combined with intense, fast-paced action combat.

Circle Empires is a fresh take on the RTS genre, featuring a fast-paced approach to conquering the world.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy game that centers on expanding your territory and growing your army, echoing the growth-based progression of Pixel Galaxy.

Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 64.9%, Indie 16.1%, Minimalist 11.7%, Arcade 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A meditative yet challenging game entirely built around the core mechanic of growing by absorbing smaller entities.

FLOW is an extremely short psychological horror adventure video game. Wake up in the shoes of Flo, a 19-year-old, and embark on an adventure into a strange and wonderful world. The more you investigate, the more you can learn about the truth behind the universe.

Why similar: Indie 81.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, atmospheric game focused on the evolution and growth of a creature in a fluid environment.

Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Great Soundtrack 25.7%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Co-op 8.9%, Action 3.7%

Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Arcade 6.4%, Action 4.4%

The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Bullet Hell 31.7%, Great Soundtrack 18.1%, Arcade 6.1%, Action 3.7%

An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 73.1%, Minimalist 16%, Action 7.2%, Pixel Graphics 3.6%

Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Bullet Hell 35.8%, Action 11.2%, Indie 8.4%, Arcade 6.7%

Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?

Why similar: Arcade 43.8%, Action 31%, Indie 25.2%

"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.5%, Bullet Hell 37.1%, Co-op 13.6%, Action 2.5%, Indie 2.3%

It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.2%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Co-op 12.8%, Arcade 9%, Action 4.6%

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Action 3.7%, Indie 2.7%

Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.9%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Action 10.2%, Co-op 8.9%, Indie 7.8%

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 23.6%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Co-op 11.7%, Arcade 8.3%

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Bullet Hell 32.1%, Co-op 17.2%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 3.4%

Spaceman Sparkles 2 is a frantic bullet-hell that takes place in a thumpin' disco universe, you'll be begging for mercy while bobbing your head to the beat.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 75.9%, Action 24.1%

Amaranthine - is a dynamic horizontal scrolling shooter with elements of procedural generation. Travel through warp to the distant frozen planet that sent a distress signal.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.9%, Great Soundtrack 37.4%, Action 8.3%, Indie 5.3%

The party co-op shoot ’em up! Become the king of the night club! Go alone or group your friends! Shoot the party crashers down!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Co-op 14.8%, Arcade 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 1.8%

Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?

Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Co-op 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Arcade 8%

A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Co-op 14.3%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 3.8%

Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 7.2%, Indie 4.7%

Welcome to SoupCo, Astroworker! In Nom Nom Galaxy, construct and automate gigantic soup factories on unexplored planets throughout the universe, harvest flora and fauna to turn them into artisanal soups, and rocket your product into the gullets of the galaxy!

Why similar: Co-op 41.4%, Great Soundtrack 27.1%, Action 14.8%, Indie 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 2.6%

Explore a neon galaxy in your very own battleship in this 1- to 4-player couch co-op adventure.

Why similar: Co-op 49%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Action 7.3%, Indie 5.2%

Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".

Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 37.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Action 3%

classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.5%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Arcade 4.9%, Action 3.3%

Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Bullet Hell 32.5%, Great Soundtrack 23.8%, Action 5.7%

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Bullet Hell 36.5%, Minimalist 10.1%, Arcade 10.1%, Indie 2%

Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Bullet Hell 31.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Arcade 6.9%, Co-op 6.8%

Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Bullet Hell 41.8%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 3.9%, Pixel Graphics 1.8%

Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 74.9%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 8%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%

SPLIT BULLET is a game all about 'splitting up' a massive crowd of enemies—yes, those polygons—crawling towards you. Don't let 'em get you and survive as long as you can, by using your instincts and weapons.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 23.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Minimalist 12.5%, Arcade 6.7%

Shütshimi is a randomized shoot'em up about a muscle-bound fish with memory problems defending the seven seas. Defeat or navigate through waves of enemies, collecting new upgrades every 10 seconds that change up the gameplay as you battle your way through each of the game's bosses.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 76.4%, Action 13%, Indie 10.6%

The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%, Co-op 14.1%, Arcade 7.3%

Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.3%, Bullet Hell 38.3%, Minimalist 8.3%, Action 5%, Indie 2.6%

Form a squad of elemental creatures and face hordes of challenging enemies! Choose your Shards according to their synergies to gain new abilities, and equip relics that will make the winds blow in your favor! Survive through different environments and save your lands!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 53.3%, Co-op 34.2%, Action 5.8%, Indie 3.7%, Pixel Graphics 2.9%