- #1 Nine Sols
97% matchVery Positive95% of 38,824 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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: Metroidvania 66.4%, Souls-like 7.3%, Action-Adventure 5.4%, Action 5%, Difficult 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a similar focus on high-stakes, parry-heavy combat and tight 2D action that rewards precision and timing.
- #2 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 143,220 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 24.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 61.7%, Exploration 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Action-Adventure 5.4%, Action 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: Provides some of the most fluid and satisfying platforming mechanics in the genre, paired with a stunning, atmospheric world.
- #3 The Rogue Prince of Persia
96% matchVery Positive90% of 2,517 reviews2025
Dev: Evil EmpirePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 73%
In this challenging, fast-paced roguelite, every death is a unique chance to rewrite fate, save Persia or die trying. Master fluid, acrobatic combat and parkour as you explore your kingdom to right your wrongs!
Why similar: Side Scroller 35.7%, Action-Adventure 18.7%, Action 10.9%, Platformer 7.3%, Hack and Slash 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic successor that translates the series' signature parkour and combat into a fast-paced roguelite format.
- #4 Hollow Knight
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 534,538 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.2 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 61.7%, Exploration 7.8%, Side Scroller 5.7%, Souls-like 5.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the genre, offering deep exploration and challenging boss encounters that demand mastery of movement.
- #5 Blasphemous 2
94% matchVery Positive91% of 17,676 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 18.9 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 40.8%, Side Scroller 13.4%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Action RPG 6.4%, Combat 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a dark, combat-focused Metroidvania experience with intricate level design and satisfying ability-based progression.
- #6 Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
94% matchVery Positive83% of 1,556 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 29.3%, Precision Platformer 17.2%, Side Scroller 13.6%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Exploration 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful action-platformer that emphasizes aerial movement and precision, capturing a similar sense of acrobatic grace.
- #7 Aeterna Noctis
93% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,963 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 11.7 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 42.5%, Precision Platformer 18.9%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Exploration 6.7%, Action-Adventure 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Designed specifically for players who crave the most difficult and demanding precision-platforming challenges within a Metroidvania structure.
- #8 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
92% matchVery Positive87% of 6,949 reviews2021
Dev: TiGamesPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 79%
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.3%, 2D Platformer 14.4%, Exploration 9.4%, Action-Adventure 7.2%, Action 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a dieselpunk aesthetic with deep, combo-based combat and satisfying exploration typical of the genre.
- #9 The Messenger
91% matchVery Positive93% of 12,834 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Why similar: Metroidvania 59.8%, 2D Platformer 11.4%, Side Scroller 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Action-Adventure 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D action-platforming that evolves from a linear experience into a sprawling, interconnected world.
- #10 Prince of Persia®: The Sands of Time
91% matchVery Positive86% of 5,029 reviews2008
Dev: KudosoftPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, there is a legend spun in an ancient tongue. It speaks of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. Drawn to the dark powers of a magic dagger, a young Prince is led to unleash a deadly evil upon a beautiful kingdom.
Why similar: Action 27.8%, Adventure 23.4%, Platformer 14.7%, Hack and Slash 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 9%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive classic that established the series' focus on time-manipulation and acrobatic traversal.
- #11 Dead Cells
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 178,807 reviews2018
Dev: Motion Twin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.5 hrsMean: 41.0 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 61.4%, Hack and Slash 7.9%, Souls-like 7.1%, Adventure 5.3%, Action 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: While a roguelite, its lightning-fast movement and combat fluidity make it a must-play for fans of the action-heavy side-scrolling style.
- #12 Guacamelee! 2
90% matchVery Positive91% of 3,294 reviews2018
Dev: Drinkbox Studios
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!
Why similar: Metroidvania 43.5%, Side Scroller 13.8%, 2D Platformer 10.4%, Exploration 7.2%, Action-Adventure 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly fluid combat and platforming mechanics that feel just as responsive and punchy as The Lost Crown.
- #13 TUNIC
89% matchVery Positive91% of 17,199 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.8%, Exploration 15.5%, Action-Adventure 8.2%, Action RPG 7.1%, Souls-like 6%
Why You'll Like It: While isometric, it captures the same sense of discovery, cryptic world-building, and challenging combat found in the best Metroidvanias.
- #14 Afterimage
87% matchMostly Positive78% of 9,803 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.3 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 41.5%, Side Scroller 14.3%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Exploration 7.8%, Action RPG 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A massive, hand-drawn world that offers extensive exploration and a wide variety of combat styles to master.
- #15 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
86% matchVery Positive94% of 43,849 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 18.2 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 75.7%, Souls-like 6.5%, Action RPG 5%, Great Soundtrack 4.5%, Atmospheric 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on atmospheric exploration and a unique combat system that rewards careful positioning and timing.
- #16 Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™
88% matchVery Positive83% of 3,948 reviews2008
Dev: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Enter the dark underworld of Prince of Persia Warrior Within, the sword-slashing sequel to the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time™. Hunted by Dahaka, an immortal incarnation of Fate seeking divine retribution, the Prince embarks upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death.
Why similar: Action 26.9%, Adventure 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Hack and Slash 15%, Atmospheric 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a darker tone and more complex combat mechanics that expanded the series' action-adventure roots.
- #17 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
86% matchVery Positive93% of 40,867 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!
Why similar: Metroidvania 72.7%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Exploration 4%, Action 3.8%, Adventure 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style Metroidvania that offers deep character customization and a vast, secrets-filled castle to explore.
- #18 The Last Faith
85% matchVery Positive84% of 5,200 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 71.3%, Side Scroller 8.3%, Souls-like 8%, Action 3.8%, Difficult 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: Blends the exploration of a Metroidvania with the brutal, gothic combat and difficulty of a Souls-like.
- #19 Katana ZERO
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 74,545 reviews2019
Dev: AskiisoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.0 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: 2D Platformer 38.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Action 14.1%, Hack and Slash 13.9%, Platformer 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique time-manipulation mechanic and instant-death combat that demands the same level of focus and execution as Sargon's trials.
- #20 Souldiers
84% matchMixed69% of 2,964 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 68.4%, Action-Adventure 8%, Combat 4.3%, Action 4.2%, 2D Platformer 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features a vibrant pixel-art style and a challenging combat system that requires players to master different character classes.
- #21 Islets
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,209 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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: Metroidvania 58.3%, Exploration 9.3%, Side Scroller 6.9%, 2D Platformer 4.7%, Adventure 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A charming and highly polished Metroidvania that focuses on tight platforming and accessible, fun combat encounters.
- #22 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 69,981 reviews2016
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 21.2 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 66.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Side Scroller 6.8%, Atmospheric 5%, Platformer 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, movement-focused adventure that prioritizes platforming challenges and environmental traversal.
- #23 SANABI
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 43,256 reviews2023
Dev: WONDER POTIONPub: NEOWIZ
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 25.7%, Side Scroller 16%, Precision Platformer 13.3%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Action 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, story-driven action game that utilizes a grappling hook mechanic for incredibly satisfying and fluid movement.
- #24 Haiku, the Robot
81% matchVery Positive90% of 3,390 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 48.4%, Side Scroller 14.2%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Exploration 10.2%, Action-Adventure 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: A compact, well-designed Metroidvania that emphasizes clean, responsive movement and clever environmental puzzles.
- #25 Psychonauts 2
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 13,956 reviews2021
Dev: Double Fine ProductionsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.0 hrsMean: 15.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers.
Why similar: Action-Adventure 23%, Adventure 16.2%, Colorful 16.2%, Action 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: While a 3D platformer, its creative level design and focus on movement-based challenges will appeal to any fan of platforming excellence.
- #26 Blue Fire
82% matchVery Positive81% of 3,030 reviews2021
Dev: Robi StudiosPub: Graffiti Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 6.7 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 40.3%, Precision Platformer 20.5%, Exploration 9%, Action-Adventure 6.9%, Hack and Slash 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A high-speed 3D platformer that emphasizes precision movement and difficult combat, echoing the intensity of 2D precision platformers.
- #27 Pronty
79% matchVery Positive91% of 1,254 reviews2021
Dev: 18Light Game Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.7%, Side Scroller 14.8%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Exploration 8.5%, Action-Adventure 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A unique underwater Metroidvania that features a distinct combat system involving a controllable companion drone.
- #28 MIO: Memories in Orbit
77% matchVery Positive83% of 2,890 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 44.5%, Precision Platformer 12%, Exploration 9.5%, 2D Platformer 8.1%, Action-Adventure 6.2%
- #29 Hollow Knight: Silksong
76% matchVery Positive89% of 400,178 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.1 hrsMean: 45.2 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 63.5%, Exploration 9.1%, Souls-like 6.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Difficult 3.9%
- #30 Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
78% matchVery Positive89% of 2,575 reviews2019
Dev: Game AtelierPub: FDG Entertainment
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 55.1%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Exploration 6.8%, Action 5.7%, Adventure 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: Uses unique transformation mechanics to create varied and engaging platforming puzzles throughout its colorful world.
- #31 Salt and Sanctuary
78% matchVery Positive89% of 21,497 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: Metroidvania 60.8%, Souls-like 14.5%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Action RPG 4.4%, Difficult 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: A darker, more punishing take on the genre that emphasizes character builds and deliberate, tactical combat.
- #32 Environmental Station Alpha
79% matchVery Positive83% of 1,601 reviews2015
Dev: Arvi TeikariPub: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 78.4%, Exploration 4.6%, Adventure 4%, Action 3.7%, Platformer 3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on non-linear exploration and challenging boss fights, rewarding players who enjoy uncovering hidden secrets.
- #33 NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound
74% matchVery Positive93% of 2,479 reviews2025
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.5%, 2D Platformer 24.3%, Metroidvania 22.4%, Action 7%, Platformer 5%
- #34 Possessor(s)
74% matchMostly Positive79% of 451 reviews2025
Dev: Heart MachinePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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: Metroidvania 45.8%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Action-Adventure 8%, Action 7.3%, Adventure 5.7%
- #35 Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU
75% matchVery Positive83% of 929 reviews2024
Dev: Surgent StudiosPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.3%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Action-Adventure 7.5%, Exploration 7.2%, Adventure 4.1%
- #36 Prince of Persia®
77% matchMostly Positive79% of 3,773 reviews2008
Dev: Ubisoft MontrealPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 52%
The critically acclaimed Prince of Persia® franchise returns for the first time on next-generation platforms with an all-new epic journey. Built by the same award-winning Ubisoft Montreal studio that created Assassin's Creed™, Prince of Persia has been in development for over three years to deliver a whole new action-adventure gaming...
Why similar: Action 24%, Adventure 21.8%, Exploration 18.9%, Platformer 10.4%, Hack and Slash 7%
- #37 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,528 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 46.6%, 2D Platformer 16%, Exploration 13.3%, Action-Adventure 11.8%, Action 4%
- #38 Hades II
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 115,994 reviews2025
Dev: Supergiant Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 24.0 hrsMean: 41.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
Why similar: Action RPG 30%, Hack and Slash 25.6%, Action 19.5%, Souls-like 9.1%, Atmospheric 6.8%
- #39 Solar Ash
73% matchVery Positive91% of 1,409 reviews2022
Dev: Heart MachinePub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
From the creators of the award-winning Hyper Light Drifter comes the high-speed and gravity-bending world of Solar Ash.
Why similar: Exploration 21.9%, Action-Adventure 19.8%, Hack and Slash 12.4%, Action 10.8%, Adventure 9.6%
- #40 Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands™
76% matchMostly Positive70% of 2,871 reviews2010
Dev: Ubisoft MontrealPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands is the next chapter in the fan-favorite Sands of Time universe. Visiting his brother's kingdom following his adventure in Azad, the Prince finds the royal palace under siege from a mighty army bent on its destruction.
Why similar: Action 36.6%, Adventure 30.9%, Platformer 15.9%, Hack and Slash 11.6%, Singleplayer 5%
- #41 Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones™
75% matchVery Positive80% of 2,640 reviews2008
Dev: Ubisoft MontrealPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 53%
The Prince of Persia, a seasoned warrior, returns from the Island of Time to Babylon with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war and the kingdom turned against him.
Why similar: Action 30.5%, Adventure 25.2%, Hack and Slash 18.1%, Platformer 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%
- #42 Foregone
73% matchVery Positive81% of 1,393 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.7%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Action 5.2%, Souls-like 4.8%, Action-Adventure 4%
- #43 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
73% matchVery Positive81% of 5,476 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: Metroidvania 61.9%, Souls-like 11.8%, Side Scroller 6.3%, Action RPG 5.6%, Action 4.2%
- #44 Beyond the Ice Palace 2
72% matchMixed67% of 123 reviews2025
Dev: STORYBIRD StudioPub: PQube
Windows
Arise from the dead as the 'Cursed King' in an enthralling action platformer. Wield the chains that once imprisoned you to vanquish foes and traverse your fallen kingdom. Uncover hidden areas, strategically level up, and reclaim your throne by banishing colossal bosses!
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Precision Platformer 17.9%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 9.2%, Action RPG 7.1%
- #45 Axiom Verge
72% matchVery Positive90% of 6,442 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 77.3%, Exploration 4.5%, Side Scroller 4.2%, Great Soundtrack 3.6%, Action 3.1%
- #46 Absolum
68% matchVery Positive92% of 9,164 reviews2025
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Fight as the outcast heroes of Talamh in a fierce battle to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp in Absolum, an original roguelite beat ‘em up by Dotemu.
Why similar: Side Scroller 43%, Action-Adventure 16.7%, Hack and Slash 14.5%, Action 13.9%, Adventure 12%
- #47 Lone Fungus
71% matchVery Positive84% of 1,139 reviews2023
Dev: BASTI GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
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: Metroidvania 40.6%, Precision Platformer 15.8%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Exploration 6.1%
- #48 Ori and the Blind Forest
71% matchVery Positive94% of 59,304 reviews2015
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 17.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
“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 58.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Side Scroller 6.8%, Atmospheric 5.1%, Exploration 5.1%
- #49 SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
69% matchVery Positive82% of 4,042 reviews2025
Dev: SEGA
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.6%, 2D Platformer 21.9%, Action 9.6%, Side Scroller 6.1%, Platformer 4.1%
- #50 9 Years of Shadows
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,097 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 10.0 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 48.3%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Action RPG 8.3%, Exploration 8.1%, Action-Adventure 6.7%
- #51 PSYCRON
70% matchVery Positive94% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: Mothware
Windows
A fast-paced 2D handcrafted metroidvania with strange sci-fi environments. Something is roaming the halls, watching your every move.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.5%, 2D Platformer 13.3%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Exploration 9.6%, Action-Adventure 6%
- #52 Moonscars
70% matchVery Positive84% of 1,436 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.9%, 2D Platformer 11%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Action-Adventure 6.3%, Souls-like 5.8%
- #53 Tails of Iron
68% matchVery Positive88% of 14,278 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 8.4 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: Metroidvania 36.8%, Action RPG 17.9%, Action-Adventure 11.9%, Souls-like 9%, Combat 6.3%
- #54 Axiom Verge 2
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 907 reviews2022
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.1%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Action-Adventure 6.9%, Action 6.2%
- #55 The Siege and the Sandfox
68% matchMixed65% of 183 reviews2025
Dev: Cardboard SwordPub: PLAION
Windows
A 2D stealth Metroidvania with parkour platforming. Explore the majestic palace and ancient prisons of a kingdom under siege. Don the mantle of the legendary Sandfox as you venture into the ruins below, and discover the true threat from a sand-borne evil.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.5%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Action-Adventure 8%, Exploration 7.4%, Action 4.7%
- #56 Blasphemous
67% matchVery Positive90% of 62,190 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.0 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 74.1%, Side Scroller 7.2%, Souls-like 7.2%, Action 2.7%, Difficult 2.3%
- #57 Crypt Custodian
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,759 reviews2024
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 8.8 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 54.9%, Exploration 11.3%, Action RPG 8.5%, Action-Adventure 6.9%, Action 4.5%
- #58 CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story™
67% matchVery Positive89% of 1,112 reviews2023
Dev: Double StallionPub: Riot Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Traverse the sprawling city of Zaun as Ekko, a young inventor with a device to manipulate time, in this story-driven action platformer. Collect parts, craft gadgets, and unlock abilities—then rewind time to adapt your approach to every new challenge.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.3%, 2D Platformer 18.7%, Stylized 5.4%, Combat 5.2%, Colorful 4.3%
- #59 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
65% matchVery Positive91% of 16,896 reviews2023
Dev: Insomniac GamesPub: PlayStation Publishing LLC
Windows
Median: 12.4 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Blast your way through an interdimensional adventure with Ratchet and Clank – now on PC! Help them take on an evil emperor from another reality as you jump between action-packed worlds and beyond at hyper-speed!
Why similar: Action-Adventure 41.3%, Adventure 23.4%, Action 14.7%, Singleplayer 8.3%, Platformer 6.9%
- #60 Hyper Light Drifter
67% matchVery Positive93% of 18,466 reviews2016
Dev: Heart Machine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.6%, Exploration 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Hack and Slash 7.4%, Action RPG 7.1%