Games Like Rivals of Aether

Rivals of Aether II is the sequel to the hit indie fighting game, Rivals of Aether. Play as both new and returning elemental fighters in the next generation of platform fighters.

Why similar: Fighting 35.4%, 2D Fighter 24.7%, Local Multiplayer 10.3%, 4 Player Local 9.6%, Multiplayer 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is the direct follow-up, preserving Rivals' movement-first platform-fighter design, competitive focus, and distinct character kits.

Fraymakers is the ultimate customizable platform fighting game, featuring a cast of some of indie gaming's biggest icons. Duke it out with up to 4 players and call on assists to help out in the heat of battle. Create and play custom characters, stages, modes, and more for infinite fun!

Why similar: Fighting 26.8%, 2D Fighter 20.2%, Competitive 11.2%, Moddable 8.6% ★, Local Multiplayer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This indie platform fighter is one of the closest matches on Steam, with Smash-like combat, strong customization, and a community-driven feel Rivals players usually love.

Slap City is a Seriously Fun platform fighter with a perfect mix of characters from the Ludosity universe. Play Locally or Online. Slap it hard in Ranked or fast and loose in Slap Ball game mode. We are the original inventors of Clutch Technology.

Why similar: Fighting 48.6%, 2D Fighter 22%, Multiplayer 6.6%, Local Multiplayer 5.3%, Platformer 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its fast movement, platform-fighter ruleset, and combo-heavy indie design make it feel very close to Rivals in moment-to-moment play.

An epic platform fighter for up to 8 players online or local. Try casual free-for-alls, ranked matches, or invite friends to a private room. And it's free! Play cross-platform with millions of players on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android & Steam! Frequent updates. Over sixty Legends.

Why similar: Fighting 40.1%, 2D Fighter 23.4%, Local Multiplayer 9.8%, Multiplayer 9.5%, 4 Player Local 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers the same ring-out-based platform-fighter structure with a huge competitive scene, lots of characters, and both online and local multiplayer.

Rushdown Revolt is a platform fighter featuring 12 dazzlingly unique characters and best-in-the-business rollback netcode.

Why similar: Fighting 50.9%, 2D Fighter 36.6%, Platformer 7.7%, Arcade 3%, Action 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: Built around advanced movement, aerial pressure, and technical offense, it scratches the same high-speed competitive itch as Rivals of Aether.

A FEW QUICK MATCHES is a fast-paced, 1-4 player platform fighter that lets you bring old-school stick battles to life! play with your friends locally, or challenge players online in this flash-inspired spectacle!

Why similar: Fighting 30.2%, 2D Fighter 29.1%, 4 Player Local 10.1%, Competitive 10%, Local Multiplayer 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its compact indie platform-fighter design and quick, competitive multiplayer matches make it a strong fit for Rivals players wanting something fresh.

Brawlout is the platform fighting game, designed for couch play, online ranked matches and competitive tournaments. Now at 2.0!

Why similar: Fighting 47.7%, 2D Fighter 28.3%, Multiplayer 8%, Platformer 5.8%, Competitive 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is an indie platform fighter explicitly aimed at the same crowd, with aerial combat, knockback KOs, and a familiar flow.

Indie Pogo is a platform brawler game for 2-4 players about bouncing, ricocheting, and pogoing your friends into oblivion! Gather your friends for 2-4 player local romps, or climb the online ladder in the bounciest of battles. Prepare yourself for a rompin' stompin' jumpin' good time!

Why similar: Fighting 61.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Multiplayer 7.3%, Great Soundtrack 7%, Platformer 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This indie crossover platform fighter shares Rivals' small-studio spirit, pixel-heavy charm, and love of character-specific gimmicks.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 lets you duke it out with the biggest and best fighting character roster yet! Choose your favorite brawlers, master their unique move sets, and use all-new powerful Supers to land the finishing blow with friends or across a unique, roguelike player campaign!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 70.2%, Beat 'em up 11.6%, Arcade 5.5%, Multiplayer 5.4%, 2D 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is a polished modern platform fighter with strong movement, edge-guarding, and item-free competitive play that lines up well with Rivals fans' tastes.

Banging beats and mad style, Lethal League Blaze is the most intense ball game you can play online with up to 4 players.

Why similar: Fighting 32%, 2D Fighter 26.7%, Competitive 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Local Multiplayer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: While not a traditional platform fighter, its high-speed arena duels, mind games, and competitive spacing feel appeal strongly to Rivals fans.

Roof Rage is a Martial Arts Platform Fighter featuring epic rooftop battles. Play with up to 8 players locally or 1vs1 online.

Why similar: Fighting 33.2%, 2D Fighter 24.7%, Local Multiplayer 9.7%, 4 Player Local 6.7%, Multiplayer 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its pixel-art presentation, platform-based stages, and knockback-driven duels give it a very Rivals-adjacent feel, especially for 1v1 play.

Lethal League is a competitive projectile fighting game where you have to hit an anti-gravity ball into the face of your opponent to win. The ball speeds up with every strike, up to explosively extreme velocities. Play intense local matches with friends and foes, challenge yourself in the singleplayer mode or battle it out online.

Why similar: Fighting 36.7%, 2D Fighter 21.4%, Local Multiplayer 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Competitive 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Like Rivals, it turns movement, reads, and pressure into explosive multiplayer matches despite using a very different core mechanic.

TowerFall Ascension is the definitive version of the hit archery combat game. Inspired by classics from the golden age of couch multiplayer, it's a 4-player local party game centering around hilarious, intense versus matches. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, but hard to master and combat is fierce.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 35.9%, Local Multiplayer 18.2%, Fighting 9.9%, 4 Player Local 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its precise 2D movement, intense local-versus matches, and constant fight for stage position capture a lot of Rivals' party-meets-competitive energy.

Icons: Legacy Edition is a Community Tribute Release that makes important product updates such as an input-delay-free offline mode and includes hundreds of unique cosmetics such as character skins, taunts, recovery platforms, victory poses and emotes at the modest price of $4.99.

Why similar: Fighting 72.4%, Multiplayer 9.3%, Local Multiplayer 6.9%, Platformer 6.3%, Indie 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game is another platform fighter built around clear movement, aerial duels, and competitive fundamentals that overlap heavily with Rivals.

Brawl it out with your Nickelodeon favorites in epic platform battles.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 61.6%, Multiplayer 18.8%, Beat 'em up 9.4%, Arcade 4.1%, 2D 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Even if rougher than its sequel, it still offers straightforward platform-fighter action with familiar offstage play and stage-control battles.

Samurai GUNN 2 is a fighting game with Samurai and Gunns. Best your foes online or locally in this cutting edge sequel featuring Rollback Netcode and Ranked Matchmaking. Free Edition out now!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 28.8%, Fighting 23.1%, Competitive 19.6%, 4 Player Local 9.5%, Local Multiplayer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its minimalist but lethal platform arenas create the same kind of fast adaptation, edge play, and local multiplayer hype that Rivals excels at.

A couch/online game where you battle your friends with unique and wild abilities. There are many choices such as a shrink ray, creating black holes, stopping time and attaching a rocket engine to the stage to send it flying. Choose a combination that synergizes well to win the round!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 44.9%, 4 Player Local 20.1%, Multiplayer 15%, Local Multiplayer 14.1%, 2D 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its sandbox-like arena fights reward improvisation, stage awareness, and creative kills in a way Rivals players often appreciate in group play.

Stick Fight is a physics-based couch/online fighting game where you battle it out as the iconic stick figures from the golden age of the internet.

Why similar: Fighting 38.4%, 2D Fighter 21.1%, Multiplayer 13.2%, Local Multiplayer 11%, 4 Player Local 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same instant-readability and laugh-to-tryhard swing that makes Rivals so good for both friends and serious matches.

Nidhogg is the epic award-winning game of fencing tug-of-war complete with flying giant worms.

Why similar: Fighting 35.4%, 2D Fighter 19.9%, Local Multiplayer 17.9%, Multiplayer 7.7%, Competitive 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its stripped-down duel design emphasizes spacing, aggression, and momentum in a way that appeals to players who enjoy Rivals' fundamentals.

Enter the futuristic year of 1984, an age where ducks run wild in a frantic battle for glory. Blast your friends with Shotguns, Net Guns, Mind Control Rays, Saxophones, Magnet Guns, and much, much more. This is DUCK GAME. Don't blink.

Why similar: Local Multiplayer 20.8%, Multiplayer 19.8%, 4 Player Local 15%, Competitive 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: Though more weapon-driven, it shares Rivals' fast 2D arena pacing, local multiplayer chaos, and high skill ceiling beneath a simple surface.

Spiders with laser swords! Duel to the death against your friends or choose to team up and hold back swarms of savage enemies. Swing, stab and shoot with style, effortlessly performing movie-worthy parkour.

Why similar: Fighting 36.4%, 2D Fighter 29.4%, Local Multiplayer 14.6%, 4 Player Local 9.4%, Multiplayer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers chaotic but skillful platform-arena combat with momentum, ring-outs, and strong couch multiplayer appeal.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds is a 2D fighting game featuring a cast of adorable animals designed by acclaimed cartoon producer Lauren Faust. Beneath the cute and cuddly surface, a serious fighter awaits!

Why similar: Fighting 38.6%, 2D Fighter 31.5%, Local Multiplayer 12.5%, Multiplayer 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: If you want a more traditional fighter, this indie standout offers strong netcode, expressive movement, and a serious competitive focus.

The rules are simple. Reach the other side and kill anyone that stands in your way. Deftly parry and rend their throats, riddle their bowels with arrows, or squish their brains between your toes. The wurm cares not for chivalry.

Why similar: Fighting 41.3%, Local Multiplayer 19.5%, 2D Fighter 15.7%, Multiplayer 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is another footsies-heavy 2D versus game where movement, spacing, and quick reads matter more than memorizing huge movelists.

--Main Stage Game at Evo 2022!-- The ultimate Skullgirls experience: Featuring 14 hand-animated characters, fully voiced story mode, countless palettes, and unparalleled GGPO-based multiplayer netcode.

Why similar: Fighting 45%, 2D Fighter 26.7%, Competitive 11.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.6%, Multiplayer 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is further from Rivals than the platform fighters above, but its indie roots, deep systems, and skill-heavy multiplayer make it a solid crossover recommendation.

The WILDEST ANIME FIGHT. Fly super fast, smash your friends through skyscrapers and break the planet with one punch! Up to 4 players local & 2 online. Now with workshop for INFINITE CHARACTERS!

Why similar: Fighting 27%, 2D Fighter 19.9%, Moddable 10.6% ★, Competitive 9.9%, Local Multiplayer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its over-the-top aerial duels and knockback-focused fights echo the explosive finishers and offstage excitement Rivals players enjoy.

Superfighters Deluxe is a unique action game that combines brawling, shooting and platforming in dynamic sandboxy 2D levels. Lots of weapons and fun gameplay systems interlock to create absurd action-movie chaos.

Why similar: Multiplayer 20.7%, Local Multiplayer 18.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Platformer 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its 2D arena brawling and frantic local-versus focus make it a good adjacent pick for players who like Rivals' competitive party energy.

Bämeräng is a fast paced boomerang fighting game for two to four players. Enjoy hilarious boomerang battles against your friends in local multiplayer or using Steam's Remote Play Together.

Why similar: Fighting 39.6%, 2D Fighter 26%, Competitive 19%, Local Multiplayer 13.7%, Action 0.9%

Why You'll Like It: This multiplayer arena brawler leans into ring-outs, quick rounds, and clean competitive chaos that fit the broader Rivals vibe.

Jumpala is a fast-paced action puzzler with heavy fighting game vibes. While the core mechanics are simple, each game is a test of skill and strategy as you try to outscore and outplay your opponents. Features both local and online play.

Why similar: Fighting 27.6%, 2D Fighter 25.8%, Competitive 17.5%, Local Multiplayer 12.7%, Multiplayer 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a niche but clever competitive platformer where mobility, positioning, and arena control matter in ways that resemble platform-fighter thinking.

Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play.

Why similar: Competitive 27.6%, Multiplayer 21.7%, Local Multiplayer 20.2%, 4 Player Local 13.2%, Platformer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is not a fighter, but its movement mastery, tight reads, and ruthless multiplayer races hit a similar competitive-platforming nerve.

Pick one of 20 unique characters and fight your way through the dangers of the “Hollow Night”, and claim your victory over those who would get in your way. Experience intuitive and tight 2D fighter controls, with a splash of devastating combos and unique fighting styles to keep your appetite for battle sated!

Why similar: Fighting 40.5%, 2D Fighter 35%, Competitive 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, Local Multiplayer 4.9%

Ultimate battle action, and the epitome of the GUILTY GEAR XX series now on Steam! Bonus soundtracks included!

Why similar: Fighting 39.8%, 2D Fighter 28.9%, Competitive 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%

THE COLLISION IS INEVITABLE! THE IMPACT WILL BE UNAVOIDABLE! Cross over between 4 different universes! Play as characters from the BlazBlue, Persona, Under Night In-Birth, and (for the first time ever in a fighting game), RWBY series!

Why similar: Fighting 42.5%, 2D Fighter 36.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Local Multiplayer 5.7%, Multiplayer 3%

The cutting-edge 2D/3D hybrid graphics pioneered in the Guilty Gear series have been raised to the next level in “GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-“. The new artistic direction and improved character animations will go beyond anything you’ve seen before in a fighting game!

Why similar: Fighting 43%, 2D Fighter 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Local Multiplayer 6.7%, Multiplayer 5.2%

Astonishing 3D cell animations and overwhelming content volume, the next-generation fighting game "GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2" is now out on Steam! Total cast of 25 unique characters, and tons of game modes, get ready to ROCK!

Why similar: Fighting 49.8%, 2D Fighter 26.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Competitive 5.4%, Local Multiplayer 4.8%

A fighting game designed from the ground up to be so easy to control that even non-fighting game players can play it, yet deep enough to play in tournaments. Vibrant graphics and excellent online play.

Why similar: Fighting 34.3%, 2D Fighter 28.1%, Competitive 16%, Local Multiplayer 10.3%, Multiplayer 7.3%

Fighting Fiends is a top-down fighting game. Play it 1 on 1 for intense matches or with up to 4 players for chaotic fun, both locally and online.

Why similar: Fighting 38%, 2D Fighter 23.1%, 4 Player Local 12.2%, Local Multiplayer 11.6%, Multiplayer 8.6%

Punch Planet is a Competitive Sci-Fi 2D fighter with a rich and immersive universe, spanning exotic planets, advanced cities, and alien races.

Why similar: Fighting 48.7%, 2D Fighter 38%, Great Soundtrack 5.2%, Multiplayer 4.2%, Indie 2.5%

Master your technique, execute flashy combos, and outsmart opponents across the world, frame-by-frame. Slow down the clock to fine-tune your fighting style in this innovative, turn-based combat simulator. Pulverize your friends and choreograph spectacular fight scenes. No training mode required.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 80.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, 2D 3.9%, Action 2.6%

FOOTSIES is a simple 2D ground-based fighting game that both new and experienced players can pick up and enjoy right away. Featuring online battle mode with rollback netcode, implemented using GGPO open-source codes.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 41.6%, Fighting 41.1%, Multiplayer 5.2%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%, Arcade 2.3%

Fighties is a fast paced 2D platform fighter. Choose from a wide selection of Fighties each with their own unique play style. Beat down your opponents to become the strongest Fightie of them all.

Why similar: Fighting 28.8%, 2D Fighter 20.7%, Local Multiplayer 9.8%, Competitive 9%, 4 Player Local 8.7%

DRAGON BALL FighterZ is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters.

Why similar: Fighting 48.3%, 2D Fighter 23.6%, Competitive 10%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Say goodbye to jumping and hello to intense, lightning-fast grounded battles! Arcus Chroma is an offline juggle combo fighting game where dodging and countering are the keys to victory. With a truly unique cast to choose from, let your mind run wild as you master the game's creative combo system.

Why similar: Fighting 45.5%, 2D Fighter 39.8%, Multiplayer 5.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, 2D 1.8%

Super Slime Arena is a 16-bit style, party-fighting game embracing equal parts accessibility and chaos. One attack, one hitpoint, all slime! Use nearly any controller in fast and frantic 2-50+ multiplayer matches across the many lands of Planet Blorb!

Why similar: Fighting 30.7%, 2D Fighter 16.7%, Local Multiplayer 11.8%, 4 Player Local 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%

Dynasty Feud is a competitive, team-based, fast-paced platform brawler for 2-4 players. Play either local or online and show off your skills with 40 characters, one-hit kills, multiple fighting skills and a lot of style.

Why similar: Fighting 33.4%, 2D Fighter 23.7%, 4 Player Local 12.3%, Local Multiplayer 11.7%, Multiplayer 9%

SLAYERS FOR HIRE® is a free-to-play indie platform fighter with an emphasis on speed, precision, and creative characters. If you want something fresh to play with your friends, look no further. Playable online or locally with 2-16 players.

Why similar: Fighting 42%, 2D Fighter 29.2%, Competitive 15.6%, Indie 8.3%, Action 4.8%

Cross Impact is an Early Access free indie crossover platform fighting game, featuring a diverse cast of iconic characters, multiple modes, and a fully-fledged training mode to perfect your moves. Gather your friends for local & online matches! Prepare to Make Your Impact!

Why similar: Fighting 48.6%, Local Multiplayer 14.4%, 4 Player Local 14.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Indie 6.5%

Build a deck and battle online in real-time action with rollback netcode!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 47.3%, Fighting 25.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Multiplayer 7%, Arcade 3.8%

Samurai GUNN is a lightning-fast Bushido brawler for 2 to 4 players. Each samurai is armed with a sword and gunn, with only 3 bullets to a life. Strategy and quick reflexes are the key to deflecting bullets and sending your opponents’ heads rolling.

Why similar: Fighting 28.3%, 2D Fighter 21.9%, Competitive 11.9%, 4 Player Local 10.3%, Local Multiplayer 9.9%

KNIGHT CLUB + Is a casual 2-4 player action platform-fighting game that brings traditional fighting game elements into an unlocked, free form movement playstyle.

Why similar: Fighting 28.5%, 2D Fighter 26.9%, Competitive 15.6%, 4 Player Local 6.3%, Local Multiplayer 5.3%

The newest riveting installment in the epic Under Night In-Birth saga rises from the Abyss! Improved visuals and battle system! Witness the curtain fall on the tale of the Hollow Night. Vie for supremacy through exhilarating combat and a deep, robust battle system!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 45.1%, Fighting 25.8%, Local Multiplayer 7.1%, Multiplayer 5.3%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%

Dive into the parallel story to UNDERTALE! Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles as you explore a mysterious world alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters. Chapters 1-4 will be available on launch, with more planned as free updates!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 54.9%, Pixel Graphics 32.8%, 2D 7.1%, Retro 3.5%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Experience the intensity of head-to-head battles with Street Fighter® V! Choose from 16 iconic characters, then battle against friends online or offline with a robust variety of match options.

Why similar: Fighting 53.8%, 2D Fighter 19.8%, Competitive 10.5%, Local Multiplayer 6.1%, Multiplayer 5.6%

Creatures of Aether is a free-to-play card battler set in the Rivals of Aether universe. Play PvP ladder matches or PvE dungeons as you construct a deck with powerful elemental abilities.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 55.4%, Multiplayer 33.8%, Indie 9.2%, Singleplayer 1.6%

A sandbox fighting game with built-in creation tools to create characters and stages. Animate pixel art characters using our 3D pixel art rotation technology, then battle with up to 8 players! Use our tools to export sprites for your own projects.

Why similar: Fighting 37.5%, 2D Fighter 31.5%, Local Multiplayer 14.5%, Multiplayer 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%

Fight with grappling hooks in this party brawler for one to four players. Play as a treasure hunting cat or a land swimming shark as you swing around the stage taking out your opponents.

Why similar: Fighting 35.1%, 2D Fighter 28.4%, 4 Player Local 8.7%, Local Multiplayer 6.3%, Platformer 5.8%

You are an overpowered gladiator with the skills to destroy all who stand before you. The only problem is, so is everyone else! Enter the Domiverse for fast and frantic fun in this party brawler made for up to four players in local play.

Why similar: Fighting 28.6%, 2D Fighter 25.7%, Local Multiplayer 12.2%, 4 Player Local 10.5%, Multiplayer 7.2%

Made by hololive fans, for hololive fans. Idol Showdown is the definitive fan-made hololive fighting game experience, powered by rollback netcode. Engage in exciting duels as your favorite hololive talent and prove once and for all who the strongest idol is using the game’s easy-to-learn controls.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 43.4%, Fighting 36.5%, Pixel Graphics 6%, Multiplayer 5.3%, Arcade 2.4%

Divekick is the world’s first two-button fighting game. It distills the essence of the fighting game genre into just two buttons with no d-pad directional movement. Includes two extra playable characters: Fencer from Nidhogg and Johnny Gat from Saints Row!

Why similar: Fighting 59.4%, 2D Fighter 25.5%, Local Multiplayer 8%, Competitive 2.4%, Indie 1.9%

The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel.

Why similar: Fighting 61.3%, 2D Fighter 26.5%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%, Local Multiplayer 2.9%, Arcade 1.3%