Games Like Retrace the Light

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

Why similar: Hack and Slash 19.3%, Metroidvania 18.1%, Souls-like 16.6%, Atmospheric 9.7%, Action RPG 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the same sense of mysterious, atmospheric exploration and fast-paced, skill-based combat in a top-down perspective.

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 22%, Souls-like 20.5%, Hack and Slash 14.4%, 3D Platformer 12.8%, Action-Adventure 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It combines intense 3D platforming with metroidvania progression and souls-like combat mechanics.

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 20.3%, Souls-like 20%, Isometric 13.9%, Exploration 8%, Action RPG 7%

Why You'll Like It: This isometric adventure perfectly mirrors the game's blend of challenging souls-like combat, deep exploration, and cryptic environmental puzzles.

This atmospheric, Metroidvania hacking adventure lets you take control of a semi-sapient program struggling against deletion. In the sprawling 3D world of a Mainframe, Recompile features intense combat, tight 3D platforming, super-powered abilities and an environmental logic-based hacking mechanic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, 3D Platformer 20%, Multiple Endings 10.6%, Third Person 10.3%, Exploration 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the futuristic, AI-driven narrative and metroidvania exploration style found in Retrace the Light.

Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.

Why similar: Souls-like 23.3%, 3D Platformer 13.3%, Isometric 12.8%, Metroidvania 12.8%, Hack and Slash 12%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar top-down perspective with tight, souls-inspired combat and a strong emphasis on atmospheric world-building.

Strayed Lights is a colourful action-adventure featuring epic boss fights and a unique parry-based combat system. Shift between colours to repel attacks and strike back. Explore a dreamlike world as you restore your light that was torn by shadows.

Why similar: Souls-like 42%, Third Person 14.7%, Action-Adventure 13.4%, Stylized 11.1%, Atmospheric 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on emotional, character-driven combat and souls-like mechanics that resonate with the themes of the seed game.

Retro Machina is a single-player action and exploration game set in a retro-futuristic universe. Experience the journey of a little robot as it solves intricate puzzles and begins unraveling the mysteries of a world long forgotten.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.9%, Action-Adventure 13.1%, Exploration 12%, Puzzle 11.4%, RPG 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This isometric, sci-fi adventure features a robot protagonist and emphasizes puzzle-solving and exploration in a desolate 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 37.4%, Souls-like 28%, Action RPG 11.4%, RPG 7.5%, Exploration 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down metroidvania that features complex exploration, time-sensitive mechanics, and challenging combat similar to the seed game.

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 41.1%, Souls-like 25.7%, Exploration 10.8%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Atmospheric 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish metroidvania that emphasizes platforming and atmospheric exploration in a futuristic setting.

Transform the world of Hob! A new action-adventure from Runic Games, the award-winning studio behind Torchlight I and II. It's your chance. Make it home.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, 3D Platformer 16.3%, Puzzle 10.7%, Exploration 10.5%, Hack and Slash 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: An isometric puzzle-adventure that excels at world-shifting mechanics and environmental storytelling without the use of dialogue.

Transform from a featureless nobody into a SLUG, a GHOST and a DRAGON in this new take on Action RPGs from the creators of Guacamelee! Discover 15+ distinct Forms, mix-and-match their abilities, clear evolving dungeons and... SAVE THE WORLD!?

Why similar: Hack and Slash 31.5%, Action RPG 22.2%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Exploration 11.1%, RPG 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down action-RPG that offers deep exploration and creative combat mechanics through its unique form-shifting system.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Souls-like 49.3%, Metroidvania 32.5%, Action RPG 7%, RPG 6.4%, Indie 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania that leans heavily into souls-like combat and deep, dark-fantasy world-building.

Uncover the secrets of the sinking metropolis in this action RPG. Clash beam sabers, or be a gunslinger. Make alliances or go it alone. Your actions have consequences - those whom learn the nature of this world will be able to shape it as they see fit.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Souls-like 36.1%, RPG 14.6%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: This indie metroidvania features souls-like combat and a distinct, dark atmosphere that matches the seed game's vibe.

Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.

Why similar: Souls-like 73%, Top-Down 10.2%, Indie 4.2%, Action-Adventure 3.9%, Atmospheric 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It distills the souls-like experience into a top-down, boss-focused challenge that tests precision and timing.

Discover the secrets of the Calamity, a surreal catastrophe that shattered the world to pieces.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 31%, Isometric 28.1%, Action RPG 15.4%, RPG 10.8%, Indie 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This classic isometric action game features a strong narrative and atmospheric world-building that complements the seed game's tone.

Discover the world of Transistor, a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.

Why similar: Isometric 34.4%, Action RPG 27%, RPG 10.9%, Atmospheric 9.3%, Indie 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi, isometric action game that blends strategic combat with a deeply emotional and mysterious narrative.

Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight--a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.

Why similar: Souls-like 26.9%, Isometric 16.3%, Action RPG 16%, Hack and Slash 13.9%, Stylized 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers an action-RPG experience with souls-like combat and a vast, explorable world.

HunterX: code name T is an action adventure with fast and stylish combat. Perfect your own fighting style using various weapon actions and magic, and explore an ever-greater world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Souls-like 23.9%, Hack and Slash 14.8%, Action RPG 14.4%, RPG 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action-RPG with platforming elements and souls-like combat mechanics.

Stray Blade is an action-adventure where you play a rogue Adventurer exploring the ancient Valley of Acrea with your companion, the Xhinnon wolf Boji. Unveil the history of the forgotten valley and master the powers of the three Acrean Metals to restore balance to this war-torn land.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Souls-like 23.6%, Hack and Slash 16.7%, Action-Adventure 8.2%, Action RPG 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure game that emphasizes exploration and combat with a focus on metroidvania-style progression.

DARKSIDERS: GENESIS gives players their first look at the world of DARKSIDERS before the events of the original game. Furthermore, it introduces the fourth and last horseman STRIFE, as well as Co-op gameplay for the first time in the history of the franchise.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 40.7%, Isometric 28%, Action RPG 12.7%, Top-Down 11.1%, RPG 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high-octane, isometric hack-and-slash experience with light puzzle elements and exploration.

XEL is an epic 3D sci-fi fantasy action-adventure. Explore the mysterious world of XEL and help protagonist Reid to uncover her enigmatic past. Make new friends and foes along the way and collect exciting gadgets to master challenging dungeons and solve time bending puzzles.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 35.2% ★, Action RPG 18.2%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Exploration 9.6%, Third Person 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This action-adventure title features time-manipulation mechanics and exploration that mirror the seed game's spatial focus.

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.2%, Souls-like 42.9%, Atmospheric 6.2%, Indie 2.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk-themed metroidvania that incorporates souls-like difficulty and exploration in a dark, futuristic world.

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 47.3%, Souls-like 42.4%, Hack and Slash 5.9%, Indie 2.7%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines metroidvania exploration with brutal souls-like combat and a haunting, atmospheric aesthetic.

Wéko the Mask Gatherer is a 3D action-adventure game where you step into the shoes of Wéko, a mysterious adventurer on a quest to collect the seven powerful Primordial Masks in a mesmerizing world full of exploration, puzzles, and combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.4%, Souls-like 21.9%, Action RPG 11.8%, Action-Adventure 7.5%, Third Person 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure game that focuses on exploration, atmospheric world-building, and puzzle-solving.

Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.

Why similar: Souls-like 35.2%, Isometric 20.4%, Hack and Slash 19.3%, Action RPG 17.4%, Indie 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down, souls-like experience that focuses on challenging, high-stakes boss encounters.

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 44.6%, Souls-like 32%, Exploration 7%, Multiple Endings 5.8%, Atmospheric 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential metroidvania that provides the gold standard for exploration, atmosphere, and challenging combat.

In the abyss where the mortal realm and netherworld intertwine, become a warrior wielding the power of the Nether Lantern to fight along with the fallen souls. With hardcore, soulslike action and intriguing roguelike builds, shatter the cursed barriers and unveil the truth woven from blood and soul.

Why similar: Isometric 25.7%, Hack and Slash 24.3%, Action RPG 17.5%, Action-Adventure 9.9%, RPG 7.9%

Perceive the future in this time-loop metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Time Manipulation 33.5% ★, Exploration 10.9%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Indie 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes time-travel mechanics to drive its metroidvania exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay.

The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Souls-like 23.4%, Hack and Slash 16.1%, Action RPG 11.4%, Exploration 7%

Top-down action-adventure with elemental magic gameplay. Guided by guilt, you embark on a journey to restore the elements in a dying world. Harness and master elemental powers to fight enemies, solve puzzles, and explore a vast world filled with ancient temples.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Action RPG 19.7%, Top-Down 15.8%, Action-Adventure 11.4%, Exploration 10.1%

Master high-skilled combat to uncover the secrets of an ancient, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Souls-like 22.9%, Hack and Slash 14.5%, Action RPG 11.4%, Top-Down 7.7%

Embark on an enchanting adventure in this breathtaking 2D Metroidvania game inspired by the rich folklore of Indonesia. Control Kimo and Wispy as they seek to recover the Shards of Light. Manipulate terrain to solve puzzles, befriend the natives of Lumina, and take abilities from powerful titans.✨

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, Action-Adventure 14.4%, Stylized 13.9%, Exploration 13.7%, Puzzle 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized metroidvania that prioritizes exploration and a unique, vibrant atmosphere.

Resolutiion is a zelda-like action-adventure, where an old killer and his AI explore a vast, mysterious world, full of mighty weapons, surreal abilities and gruesome bossfights.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30%, Hack and Slash 17.3%, Top-Down 16.1%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Exploration 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down, atmospheric action game that emphasizes exploration and a unique, pixel-art visual style.

Undungeon is a gorgeous Action/RPG driven by intense real-time combat and an immensely rich science fiction story. Travel between dimensions and change the world around you in an attempt to reconstruct the shattered Multiverse.

Why similar: Action RPG 21.4%, Isometric 20.6%, Hack and Slash 17.5%, Top-Down 11%, Action-Adventure 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This action-RPG features a unique, atmospheric world and deep exploration mechanics.

A third-person action RPG that brings to life the world of Gaia from the Anima: Beyond Fantasy RPG table-top books. Explore a deep and multifaceted story where your choices and actions directly impact the journey and decide the fate of the characters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 17.1%, Hack and Slash 16.8%, Souls-like 15.3%, Action RPG 12.9%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

Dragon Loop is a metroidvania combining time travel and branching map design. Explore the large open world in a five day loop, opening up new worldlines. Explore a 2D, hand-drawn world, engage in fast-paced battles, and retrieve memories to shape the future.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Time Manipulation 29.2% ★, Action RPG 12.9%, Action-Adventure 8.9%, RPG 5.8%

Become the stealer of forms in GRIME II, a surreal action-adventure metroidvania. Launch tendrils made of hands to absorb foes and summon molds in their shape, as you explore a bizarre lived-in-world obsessed with art.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Souls-like 27.1%, Action RPG 14.6%, Exploration 8%, Multiple Endings 6.5%

Explore a fully interconnected 3D world where every new ability dramatically expands your freedom. A true non-linear Metroidvania with breathtaking movement, atmospheric sci-fi beauty, and deep environmental storytelling.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.8%, 3D Platformer 20.5%, Exploration 9.9%, Third Person 9.6%, Action-Adventure 9.4%

Shadow of the Depth is a top-down action Roguelite game. Delve into a dungeon world of light and shadow to eradicate the monsters that ravage your home. Be prepared to step into the abyss before you!

Why similar: Souls-like 25%, Hack and Slash 22.9%, Action RPG 14.7%, Top-Down 11.6%, Stylized 7%

This is a 3D ancient style fantasy, multi ending action role-playing game. As the third installment of the Ryukyu Hidden series and the Ryukyu Hidden Nine Absolute Reincarnation Chapter, the game is designed with the principle of promoting offense and hesitation to defeat in its combat system.

Why similar: Souls-like 31.1%, Action RPG 14%, 3D Platformer 13.5%, Action-Adventure 8.8%, Hack and Slash 8.3%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.8%, Action-Adventure 11.8%, Exploration 11.3%, Linear 10.1%, Third Person 5.7%

A brand-new entry in the Hyper Light franchise, Hyper Light Breaker is an open world rogue-like with a unique world fully realized in 3D for the first time.

Why similar: Action RPG 22.7%, Action-Adventure 13.9%, Hack and Slash 13.8%, Third Person 13.6%, Stylized 11.9%

Wield your magical instrument and defy the mecha-goddesses of fate in this Song-Casting Story Driven Action-RPG. Explore a forbidden forest as Traveler. Help him reunite with his long lost love as you fight through abominations and solve mysterious puzzles, all while an ancient conflict unfolds.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, Action RPG 17.1%, Hack and Slash 16%, Action-Adventure 9.7%, Puzzle 7.7%

Blending deep Action RPG buildcrafting with roguelite action, Striving for Light lets you shape and customize an infinite skilltree. Hunt for powerful loot, craft and upgrade weapons to legendary power, slay hordes of enemies and challenging bosses in ever-changing dark worlds.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 29.4%, Isometric 23.7%, Action RPG 23.1%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, RPG 9.2%

Travel through time and help Mai and her Grandfather uncover the mysteries of the world after the Last Great War. Explore the connections between ancient eras and dystopian futures in an adventure that blends thrilling combat with precision platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29%, Time Manipulation 27.7% ★, Hack and Slash 20.6%, Souls-like 6.2%, Atmospheric 4.8%

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 29.4%, Souls-like 22%, Hack and Slash 15%, Action RPG 11%, Exploration 6.8%

Automaton Heart is an RPG with platforming elements where you visit obscure and interesting places while upgrading your organs and strategizing about which items to bring along.

Why similar: Action RPG 24.7%, 3D Platformer 19.8%, Third Person 14.9%, Stylized 12.7%, RPG 11.5%

Retro Machina is a single-player action and exploration game set in a retro-futuristic universe. Experience the journey of a little robot as they solve intricate puzzles and begin unraveling the mysteries of a world long forgotten.

Why similar: Isometric 41.3%, Hack and Slash 13.5%, Third Person 13.1%, Stylized 11.2%, Top-Down 10.5%

Embark on an epic odyssey to save your younger sister – and the whole of humanity – from mysterious dimensional invaders from beyond the starlit skies in Lost Soul Aside™.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 22.5%, Souls-like 21.8%, Action RPG 16.2%, Action-Adventure 9.3%, RPG 7.9%

Embark on a quest to recover the Three Rings of the Triskelion, as the last descendant of ancient Kung Fu warriors in Twilight Monk!. Experience a richly crafted Metroidvania, RPG, with intricately crafted dungeons, linked across a vast overworld spanning multiple continents.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.8%, Souls-like 28.6%, Action RPG 15%, Stylized 7.9%, RPG 5.9%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Souls-like 31.1%, Action RPG 17.3%, Action-Adventure 8.7%, RPG 6.3%

Explore an interconnected world full of platforming challenges in this short metroidvania. Reach new areas by swinging from ceilings, throwing bombs, bouncing off spikes, and more. Examine dozens of artifacts, commune with forgotten gods, and piece together what happened to Auridia.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.8%, Exploration 16.1%, Atmospheric 11.8%, Puzzle 10.5%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Three fractured realities. One collapsing multiverse. Fast, fluid combat in a dark sci-fi Roguevania where each run begins in a separate universe — then lets you fuse your parallel selves, powers, and worlds to create brutal, ever-evolving builds.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Souls-like 26.2%, Hack and Slash 17.7%, Action RPG 13.5%, RPG 4.1%

Seeking Light is an action adventure game in isometric perspective with a focus on boss fights. Fight your fears as Sunny and overcome the demons of your past. Explore your inner world, facing the personification of your phobias, and discover the story behind them.

Why similar: Souls-like 24.2%, Isometric 19.2%, Hack and Slash 17.2%, Top-Down 10.2%, Linear 9%

This is a story of light - of Gleam, in a world of glass stained in darkness.

Why similar: Indie 72.3%, Atmospheric 20.8%, Singleplayer 6.9%

Follow R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body, on a cinematic adventure through an alternate 1980s America. Explore an atmospheric cyberpunk world full of high-stakes action wrapped in a unique 2.5D pixel art style.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 45.5%, Atmospheric 31.9%, Indie 12.4%, Singleplayer 10.2%

MotionRec is a recording puzzle action game where you progress through stages by recording and playing back your own movements.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 34.9% ★, Metroidvania 23.7%, Linear 12.7%, Action-Adventure 9.8%, Puzzle 8.7%

Causal Loop is a narrative puzzler that blends mind-bending mechanics with a rich sci-fi story about time, consequence, and survival. Solve intricate puzzles by using the signature “echo” mechanic to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of your past self. Can you break the loop?

Why similar: Time Manipulation 38% ★, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Puzzle 13.4%, Exploration 13.3%, Atmospheric 10.3%

A uniquely stylised survival-horror adventure game. Explore a dying world, averting enemies, managing your resources, and solving puzzles.

Why similar: Souls-like 23.1%, Action-Adventure 13.3%, Action RPG 12.8%, Top-Down 12.2%, Exploration 10.4%

As a hunter, you explore a dark, interconnected world filled with dungeons, relying on precise combat to survive. Battle grotesque monsters, expand your arsenal, and uncover hidden paths in a non-linear, pixel art journey.

Why similar: Souls-like 30.3%, Metroidvania 26.5%, Action RPG 12.6%, Top-Down 11.7%, Exploration 8.3%