Games Like Salt and Sanctuary

Join your fellow Marked Inquisitors in this online coop successor to award-winning 2016 Soulslike Salt and Sanctuary.

Why similar: Souls-like 46.5%, Metroidvania 22.9%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Action RPG 4.4%, RPG 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct successor to the seed game, it expands on the formula with improved combat mechanics and a unique monster-hunting structure.

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: Souls-like 43.9%, Metroidvania 27.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Difficult 5.9%, Gore 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly captures the dark, oppressive atmosphere and brutal combat that fans of Salt and Sanctuary crave.

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: Souls-like 47.7%, Metroidvania 24.4%, Difficult 10%, Platformer 4.6%, Side Scroller 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: It refines the original's metroidvania elements and combat, offering a more fluid and polished experience while maintaining the grim aesthetic.

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 57.1%, Metroidvania 18.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%, Difficult 4.1%, RPG 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar blend of 2D action-RPG mechanics and challenging boss fights within a dark, interconnected fantasy 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: Souls-like 44.3%, Metroidvania 23.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Difficult 6.4%, Gore 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines the gothic horror aesthetic of Bloodborne with the precise 2D platforming and combat of a classic metroidvania.

Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.

Why similar: Souls-like 41.4%, Metroidvania 21.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Difficult 9.2%, Platformer 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: The unique parry-based combat system and surreal, dark world provide a refreshing yet familiar challenge for fans of difficult 2D action games.

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: Souls-like 50.1%, Metroidvania 27.3%, Dark Fantasy 5.9%, Platformer 4.1%, Difficult 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its striking visual style and punishing, fast-paced combat mirror the intensity and somber tone of the seed game.

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: Souls-like 42.4%, Metroidvania 30%, Dark Fantasy 12%, Difficult 6.5%, 2D 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on metroidvania exploration, its melancholic atmosphere and challenging combat make it a strong thematic match.

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: Souls-like 42.2%, Metroidvania 23.3%, Difficult 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, Platformer 5%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a highly refined parry-focused combat system that rivals the difficulty and satisfaction of the best souls-like experiences.

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.8%, Metroidvania 21.8%, Difficult 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.6%, Platformer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It leans heavily into the 2D souls-like genre with a focus on dark fantasy, multiple weapon types, and challenging 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: Souls-like 41.9%, Metroidvania 28%, Difficult 10.2%, Dark Fantasy 5.4%, Platformer 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Though less focused on RPG stats, its interconnected world, difficult bosses, and environmental storytelling are essential for any fan of the genre.

UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.

Why similar: Souls-like 50.1%, Metroidvania 24.1%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%, Difficult 6.9%, RPG 4%

Why You'll Like It: This game strips away jumping to focus entirely on tactical, stamina-based combat, making it feel like a pure 2D adaptation of the Souls formula.

Their Flesh is Your Armor. Mortal Shell is a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Survival demands superior awareness, precision, and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 66.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.1%, Difficult 8.2%, RPG 3.9%, Action RPG 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a condensed, high-quality souls-like experience that emphasizes careful combat and atmospheric exploration.

Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.

Why similar: Souls-like 54.4%, Metroidvania 18.9%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Difficult 5.6%, RPG 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: The grim, religious-themed world and focus on resource management and brutal combat align perfectly with the tone of Salt and Sanctuary.

Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.

Why similar: Souls-like 58%, Difficult 12.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Action RPG 3.7%, RPG 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a fast-paced, aggressive combat experience that rewards precision and mastery of mechanics, similar to the high-stakes fights in the seed game.

DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.

Why similar: Souls-like 63.6%, Dark Fantasy 12.8%, Difficult 10.3%, RPG 4.4%, Action RPG 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its vast variety of builds and interconnected world, it shares the most DNA with the RPG depth found in Salt and Sanctuary.

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: Souls-like 51.2%, Metroidvania 12.8%, Difficult 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%, Action RPG 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: While visually distinct, its combat relies heavily on timing, parrying, and stamina management, providing a surprisingly challenging experience.

Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.

Why similar: Souls-like 64.7%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Difficult 9.4%, RPG 3.9%, Dark 3%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational 3D experience that inspired the seed game, essential for understanding the core mechanics and world design philosophy.

Explore the last remnants of civilization in this vast, unforgiving, and interconnected world. Learn what is left of its history. Discover pockets of natural life in the perpetually expanding Omnistructure. Lose yourself in a journey unlike any other. Find your purpose in the world.

Why similar: Souls-like 75.8%, RPG 7.3%, Action RPG 6.4%, Dark 3.9%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Despite being 3D, it captures the specific 'janky' yet ambitious atmosphere and world-building that made the seed game so memorable.

Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies.

Why similar: Souls-like 58.2%, Difficult 13.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, RPG 7.1%, Co-op 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers the most complex and rewarding combat system in the genre, perfect for players who enjoy the deep character building of the seed game.

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: Souls-like 42.7%, Metroidvania 22.3%, Dark Fantasy 11.1%, Difficult 10.4%, Platformer 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: The fast-paced combat and sense of progression make it a great choice for players who enjoy the action-heavy side of the seed game.

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 62.7%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, RPG 8%, Platformer 5.3%, Side Scroller 5%

Why You'll Like It: While more of a traditional metroidvania, its deep RPG systems and character customization will appeal to those who enjoy the build-crafting of the seed game.

Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop.

Why similar: Souls-like 67.4%, Difficult 6.6%, RPG 5.8%, Action RPG 4.1%, Co-op 4%

Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi souls-like features a complex, interconnected world and challenging combat that will feel right at home for fans of the genre.

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 58.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.2%, Metroidvania 14.9%, RPG 4.2%, Action RPG 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This isometric action-adventure game captures the sense of discovery and challenging combat that defines the best souls-like experiences.

DarkMaus is an indie action RPG with challenging, skill-based combat that punishes careless play.

Why similar: Souls-like 89.4%, Dark Fantasy 4%, Difficult 3.7%, RPG 1.7%, Action 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: This indie title features a unique perspective and challenging, tactical combat that captures the punishing nature of the souls-like genre.

Ashen is an action RPG about a wanderer in search of a place to call home.

Why similar: Souls-like 70.7%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, RPG 4.9%, Action RPG 4.9%, Dark 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on stamina-based combat and exploration in a desolate, beautiful world, emphasizing the same sense of isolation as the seed game.

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: Souls-like 52%, Metroidvania 25.7%, Difficult 11.5%, RPG 3.9%, Action RPG 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Beneath its cute exterior lies a deep, challenging world that rewards exploration and mastery of combat mechanics in a way reminiscent of the Souls series.

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

Why similar: Souls-like 36%, Difficult 21.9%, Metroidvania 18.5%, RPG 4.7%, Atmospheric 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its atmospheric storytelling and challenging, precision-based combat provide a similar sense of mystery and accomplishment.

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.

Why similar: Souls-like 38.4%, Metroidvania 19%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Difficult 8.8%, Platformer 4.4%

Plunge into a dark fantasy Action-RPG, harnessing powerful magic alongside a satisfying combat system. When the tyrannical god, Adyr, invades the human realm seeking vengeance for his imprisonment, humanity calls upon an unlikely defender… a convicted sinner named Harkyn.

Why similar: Souls-like 60.4%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Difficult 9.6%, RPG 5.3%, Action RPG 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward souls-like that provides a familiar experience for those looking for more of the core mechanics found in the seed game.

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 77.8%, Difficult 15.5%, 2D 2%, Action 1.7%, Indie 1%

Why You'll Like It: It strips the genre down to its most intense element: one-hit-kill boss battles that require absolute precision and pattern recognition.

Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.

Why similar: Souls-like 73.3%, Difficult 8.4%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%, RPG 3.8%, Action RPG 2.2%

Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, DARK SOULS™ II is the highly anticipated sequel to the gruelling 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward.

Why similar: Souls-like 63.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.4%, Difficult 9.1%, RPG 6%, Action RPG 3.4%

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: Souls-like 45.4%, Metroidvania 28.7%, Difficult 12.2%, Platformer 5.1%, 2D 3.1%

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: Souls-like 42.2%, Metroidvania 25.3%, Difficult 10.3%, Platformer 7%, Side Scroller 5.2%

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 59.4%, Dark Fantasy 16.3%, Difficult 13.5%, Action RPG 5.4%, Action 1.7%

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 49.4%, Metroidvania 21.6%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%, Local Co-Op 5.3%, Action RPG 3.8%

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Why similar: Souls-like 35.4%, Metroidvania 34.7%, Dark Fantasy 12%, Action RPG 3.3%, RPG 3.3%

Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.

Why similar: Souls-like 39.8%, Metroidvania 19%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%, Difficult 9.2%, Local Co-Op 6.5%

As the final creation of the Goddess, Juxtia, journey through the ruins of two divine kingdoms, overrun by the Tarnishing. Challenging combat, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a sinister narrative work in unison to make The Tarnishing of Juxtia an unforgettable 2D dark fantasy action RPG.

Why similar: Souls-like 46.7%, Metroidvania 17.2%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Platformer 4.9%, RPG 4.7%

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

Why similar: Souls-like 42.2%, Metroidvania 23.9%, Difficult 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.1%, Platformer 5.2%

Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.9%, Dark Fantasy 15.9%, RPG 7.9%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Action RPG 7.2%

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 51.6%, Souls-like 26.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Action 3.1%, Platformer 1.6%

Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.9%, Metroidvania 23.6%, Difficult 10.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.2%, Platformer 4%

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: Souls-like 42.7%, Metroidvania 27.3%, Difficult 9.9%, Platformer 4.9%, Side Scroller 4.6%

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.9%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 11.3%, 2D 5.3%, Side Scroller 5.2%

Immortal Planet is an action RPG with challenging combat that rewards patience and punishes recklessness. Explore the crumbling remains of a society of immortals trapped in endless cycles of rebirth. Fight your way to discover the planet's mystery and escape its curse.

Why similar: Souls-like 70.1%, Difficult 6.7%, RPG 6%, Dark Fantasy 4.6%, Action 2.6%

Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.7%, Metroidvania 21.5%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Difficult 8.7%, Platformer 3.8%

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Dark Fantasy 16.3%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 11.3%, Side Scroller 7.2%

Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!

Why similar: Souls-like 62.4%, Dark Fantasy 14.4%, Difficult 11.2%, RPG 3.9%, Action RPG 2.3%

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: Souls-like 49.6%, Metroidvania 25.5%, Platformer 5%, Gore 4.2%, Difficult 3.6%

Perennial Order is a 2D plant horror boss rush with challenging one-hit-death combat. Set in an atmospheric Dark Age world plagued by nature-infested horrors, explore a lore-filled and eldritch land alone or in two player co-op, all in a realistic painterly style.

Why similar: Souls-like 51.2%, Dark Fantasy 14.2%, Difficult 9.1%, Local Co-Op 8.6%, Co-op 4.5%

A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!

Why similar: Souls-like 42.3%, Metroidvania 20.8%, Dark Fantasy 11.5%, Difficult 8%, Platformer 4.7%

You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers - it leads to this accursed temple, a seemingly-infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters.

Why similar: Souls-like 59%, Dark Fantasy 18.7%, Difficult 15.9%, Action 2.7%, Horror 1.2%

Cast into the Great Well, unwanted by the world above. You delve the dark in search of the Old One, your last salvation. Lunacid is a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by Shadow Tower and King’s Field.

Why similar: Souls-like 42.9%, Dark Fantasy 23.6%, Metroidvania 16.6%, RPG 6.3%, Action RPG 4%

Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.

Why similar: Souls-like 56.6%, RPG 7%, Metroidvania 6.8%, Side Scroller 6.4%, Platformer 5.6%

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 72.1%, Platformer 9.5%, 2D 4.4%, Difficult 4.4%, Action 2.8%

The followup to 2009's Dead Samurai, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is a combo-fueled, fast-paced, stylistic 2D action platformer that features the series' staple gritty, graphic novel-inspired art style, built on a new engine that allows for an even more visually gruesome experience.

Why similar: Gore 22.2%, Difficult 19.8%, Action 16.1%, 2D 11.4%, Co-op 10.3%

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: Souls-like 46%, Metroidvania 25.4%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 5.9%, Side Scroller 3.3%