Games Like Shovel Knight: King of Cards

Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Action 17.7%, Adventure 16%, Indie 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%

Why You'll Like It: This prequel offers the same high-quality platforming and charm as King of Cards but with a unique, fluid movement system.

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action-adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, lovable bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Why similar: Action 18.9%, Adventure 18.5%, Platformer 17.4%, Indie 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: The original campaign that established the series' signature blend of retro aesthetics and modern, polished gameplay.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 29.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.6%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Retro 12%, Indie 7%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive collection that includes all Shovel Knight campaigns, providing the most complete experience of the series.

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: Platformer 25.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Retro 14%, Action 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant action-platformer that perfectly captures the retro feel while evolving its mechanics in surprising ways.

Meet new friends and foes, visit strange lands, and outfit yourself in your quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot! Jump, slash, and dig your way down an ever-changing chasm of mystery in Shovel Knight Dig, an all-new Shovel Knight adventure!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 29.9%, Action 26.4%, Adventure 15.7%, 2D 14.1%, Retro 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike spin on the Shovel Knight universe that retains the series' iconic art style and tight movement.

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: Platformer 24.5%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Retro 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Action 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that channels the spirit of classic Castlevania with tight controls and multiple playable characters.

Delve with Shovel Knight into the depths of the Pocket Dungeon in an action-packed puzzle adventure mashup like none other!

Why similar: Adventure 29.6%, Action 27.8%, Pixel Graphics 23%, Indie 11.1%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-adventure hybrid that expands the Shovel Knight world with a fresh, strategic gameplay loop.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Platformer 26.6%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Retro 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, fast-paced action-platformer that feels like a spiritual successor to classic 8-bit ninja games.

Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.

Why similar: Platformer 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Action 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Indie 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane action-platformer that features a fantastic soundtrack and satisfying combat mechanics reminiscent of classic genre staples.

Enter a world of never-ending battle! Duel with up to 4 local challengers and scramble after gems, or take control of your favorite characters, many playable for the first time ever, in Story Mode. Master every move, explore a vast array of items and locales, and discover new revelations.

Why similar: Action 32.4%, Adventure 30.5%, Indie 25.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused fighting game that features the same cast and charm as the main Shovel Knight campaigns.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Platformer 40.7%, Action 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Retro 8.2%, Adventure 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the classic platformer formula that shares the same precision-based action found in Shovel Knight.

The ultra-refined 2D side-scrolling action you remember from "Azure Striker Gunvolt" is recharged and better than ever! In Gunvolt 2, series anti-hero Copen joins the fray as a playable character! Copy abilities from defeated boss characters and use them as your own!

Why similar: Platformer 30.6%, Action 21%, Pixel Graphics 16.7%, Indie 16%, Retro 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action game that emphasizes precision and style, similar to the high-energy gameplay of Shovel Knight.

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: Platformer 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 29.2%, Indie 11.2%, Adventure 9.9%, Action 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more exploration-focused, its tight controls and atmospheric world make it a must-play for any fan of 2D platformers.

Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.

Why similar: Action 35.9%, Platformer 24.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Retro 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: These titles offer some of the most intense and rewarding 2D action-platforming mechanics available on Steam.

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: Platformer 30.8%, Adventure 18.3%, Action 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Indie 13%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant and polished adventure-platformer that excels in its world-building and character progression.

Spark the electric jester is an action/platformer video game heavily based on best classics from the 16-bit era from both sides of the aisle.

Why similar: Platformer 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.6%, Action 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Retro 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed platformer that focuses on momentum and combat, capturing the excitement of classic 16-bit action games.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Platformer 29.9%, Great Soundtrack 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Indie 9.2%, Action 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that blends exploration, platforming, and a memorable soundtrack in a charming pixel-art world.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Platformer 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 20.9%, Action 13.6%, Adventure 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully crafted 2D platformer with a deep narrative, challenging boss fights, and creative puzzle elements.

Go on a journey as Kaze in this 90’s classics inspired platformer. When the Crystal Islands get cursed, Kaze needs to save her friend Hogo while facing enraged living vegetables. Find the Wild Masks to unleash the powers of the legendary guardians and master land, sky and sea.

Why similar: Platformer 24.8%, Pixel Graphics 18.4%, Retro 15.6%, Action 10.6%, Adventure 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 90s-era platformers that features polished controls and diverse, imaginative level design.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 30.9%, Great Soundtrack 20.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Action 10%, Retro 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed platformer with a vibrant aesthetic, excellent music, and fluid, momentum-based movement.

Steel yourself for a relentless display of might and muscle…brawn and bravery…magic and mayhem! Inspired by heroic fantasy fiction, Tiny Barbarian DX combines engaging 2D platform action and combo-based hack-and-slash combat with retro-style pixel art and a loincloth-stirring chiptune soundtrack.

Why similar: Action 27.9%, Platformer 27.4%, Adventure 25%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Retro 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action game that focuses on simple, punchy combat and classic platforming challenges.

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: Pixel Graphics 43.3%, Action 24.2%, Adventure 14.4%, Platformer 9.4%, Singleplayer 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-adventure that combines metroidvania exploration with deep, satisfying combat.

Explore a huge open game world in classic action-adventure fashion! Prove your worth by fighting through monster-infested dungeons to save the Kingdom of Blossom!

Why similar: Retro 23.3%, Pixel Graphics 21.7%, Action 15.5%, Adventure 13.9%, Indie 13.7%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down action-adventure that captures the whimsical charm and retro spirit of classic Zelda titles.

Swords & Bones inherits the spirit of the great 16-bit classics from the 80s and 90s, enriching the game experience with modern mechanics! Undead hordes and demons await you in this epic adventure!

Why similar: Action 21.1%, Adventure 20.1%, Platformer 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Retro 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, retro-styled action game that delivers a classic 8-bit experience with modern polish.

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: Great Soundtrack 30.1%, Platformer 29.4%, Indie 12.2%, Adventure 10.4%, Action 8%

Return to the indie classic Teslagrad, recharged to provide the ultimate electromagnetic experience! Escape a tyrant king, master the art of Teslamancy, and uncover the secrets buried deep within the Tesla Tower in this puzzle-platforming adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 39.4%, Adventure 19.8%, Action 19.5%, Indie 12.2%, 2D 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses electromagnetic mechanics to create clever challenges and fluid movement.

Dash, jump, and fly at full speed through Wunderling DX: a non-stop puzzle platformer and the world's first "goomba simulator"! Race against the clock, beat tricky puzzles to uncover shiny secrets, and stomp the odds to please your evil overlord!

Why similar: Action 28.7%, Adventure 27.8%, Indie 22.9%, Retro 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer where you play as the minion, offering a fresh twist on traditional movement mechanics.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Platformer 26.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Indie 10.1%, Adventure 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in platforming design that offers incredibly tight controls and a deeply moving story.

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Action 23.7%, Indie 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Retro 13.7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action-platformer that feels like a lost classic from the 8-bit era.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Platformer 46.2%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Adventure 16.8%, Indie 6.4%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and colorful action-platformer with fluid animation and satisfying exploration mechanics.

Join brave sir Lootalot on his epic quest in this little Zelda-lite adventure. Explore and fight your way through the dangerous dungeons filled with traps, puzzles and magical artifacts. And, of course, show the evil bosses who is the real boss here.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Action 16.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Adventure 15.8%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming dungeon-crawler that focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving in a retro pixel-art style.

Experience the apeX of 2D action! A new era of 2D action begins now! Get ready for high-speed, stylish 2D side-scrolling action like never before. Inti Creates presents the ultimate in classic 2D action with "Luminous Avenger iX"!

Why similar: Action 30.8%, Platformer 30.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, 2D 4.6%

Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 25.9%, Action 22.5%, Indie 18.4%, Platformer 18%, 2D 6.6%

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: Platformer 32.8%, Pixel Graphics 20.8%, Adventure 16%, Action 15.3%, 2D 6.7%

Jump, burrow, and tail swipe your way to victory in this love letter to classic 3D platformers!

Why similar: Platformer 52.5%, Adventure 24.6%, Action 18.1%, Singleplayer 4.8%

Play as the ultimate digital underdog in the Adventures of Pip,an action-platformer with a fresh gameplay twist inside a retro 32-bit world. Alas, Pip is an unlikely 1-pixel hero yet has the unique ability to absorb the pixels of his defeated enemies to evolve into three different forms.

Why similar: Platformer 32.8%, Action 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Retro 13.5%, Adventure 13.3%

An adventure game with focus on acrobatics and discovering secrets. Classic platformer gameplay in the spirit of the 8-bit era games.

Why similar: Platformer 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 19.4%, Retro 18%, Action 12.5%, Adventure 10.6%

An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!

Why similar: Action 26%, Adventure 24.3%, Platformer 21.3%, Indie 18.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%

Join Pixel as he quests through gaming history, teleporting across the most iconic video game systems of generations past. He’ll have to jump, dodge and play smart if he wants to survive all the traps, puzzles and enemies waiting to take him down at every turn.

Why similar: Platformer 31%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.4%, Retro 14.5%, Indie 10.8%

Shuffle Tactics is a roguelike deckbuilding tactical RPG. Strategize to survive tough battles, pick the right cards to create powerful synergies, and bond with your sidekicks to get an edge in battle. Adventure awaits! Will you rise as Asteria's new King?

Why similar: Card Game 36.8%, Pixel Graphics 25.4%, Retro 17.9%, Indie 14%, Singleplayer 5.9%

Step into the greaves of King Arthur in this fantasy action roguelite and wield the Broken Excalibur in a quest to rescue the scattered citizens of Camelot, vanquish the calamitous Void Giant, and escape from the Astral Dimension once and for all.

Why similar: Action 39.5%, Adventure 35.5%, 2D 17.9%, Singleplayer 7.2%

Take up the challenge and face true high-stakes platforming in Jump King! Struggle upwards in search of the Smoking Hot Babe of legend, but explore with care; a single missed jump could lead to a long fall back down...

Why similar: Platformer 26.8%, Pixel Graphics 20.8%, Indie 14%, Adventure 12.4%, Action 11.2%

Skeleton Boomerang is a platformer where the hero, Hunter, must use an enchanted boomerang to put an end to an army of bony soldiers led by the voodoo master Mr. Saturday. Get high scores, collect upgrades, find secrets, and overcome many skeletal challenges!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.7%, Action 25.5%, Platformer 24.3%, Indie 18.5%

Fight your way through the dungeons of the Alchemist's Castle, collect power ups and take back what is rightfully yours from the Alchemist himself in this old-school metroidvania!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 18.1%, Indie 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Action 15.5%, Retro 14.1%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Action 19.1%, Platformer 18.1%, Adventure 17.1%, Indie 14%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%

Metroidvania game with 2.5D graphics, single and multiplayer modes and classic game mechanics for the delight of platform and adventure games lovers as well as for you who didn't live the 80's; this is an opportunity for you to taste that classic feeling with the graphics and sound quality of today.

Why similar: Platformer 28.7%, Retro 14.8%, Action 13.1%, Adventure 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Platformer 29.7%, Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Retro 18.3%, Action 15.6%, Adventure 7.5%

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Platformer 28.3%, Adventure 16.6%, Action 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, Indie 12.6%

In Luckslinger, luck is measurable, collectable and usable whenever you please. Contains: gunslingers, dark humor, spaghetti western, vinyl digging, graffiti spraying and jazzy hip hop beats.

Why similar: Platformer 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Action 16%, Adventure 14.5%, Indie 12.9%

SteamWorld Dig is an action-adventure puzzler with strong Metroidvanian influences set in the SteamWorld Universe. You’ll need to dig deep into the earth, gather resources to upgrade your tools and abilities, take on enemies, solve challenging puzzles and uncover the secrets to save a dying town.

Why similar: Platformer 49%, Adventure 15.5%, Indie 12.7%, Action 10.4%, 2D 5.4%

Knight's Try is a tough platformer with retro 64 bit 3D graphics. Take on the role of an honorable Knight of Trye attempting to complete their sacred trial by leaping through a world full of perilous pitfalls and dangerous traps!

Why similar: Platformer 43.7%, Action 22.9%, Adventure 21.8%, Retro 9%, Indie 1.9%

In Super Panda Adventures, you play as the brave panda-knight Fu, who is about to finish his training to become the new guardian of the Princess. At the same day of the big celebration party, some uninvited Robots show up to conquer the planet and take the Princess away in their Space Ships!

Why similar: Platformer 46.9%, Action 17%, Adventure 16.7%, Indie 15.4%, 2D 2.8%

X marks the spot! Follow the map and find hidden treasures.

Why similar: Platformer 29.2%, Action 22.6%, Adventure 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Indie 7.8%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Platformer 22.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Retro 10.3%, Adventure 10.1%

Love pixels? Fond of platformers? Is there a special place in your heart for the 8-bit and 16-bit era? Want to have fun? Yes!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, my friend. Mutant Mudds Deluxe is a “12-bit” action platformer full of pixels and platforming fun!

Why similar: Platformer 28.3%, Pixel Graphics 19.3%, Indie 11.5%, Retro 10.1%, Action 9.2%

Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world!

Why similar: Platformer 28%, Action 18.8%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, Retro 15.3%, Adventure 12.5%

Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!

Why similar: Action 31.8%, Platformer 28.2%, Indie 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, 2D 3.9%

Dandy Ace is an over the top action game that follows this fabulous magician seeking to combine and use his magical cards, fighting and looting his way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist and free himself from a cursed mirror.

Why similar: Action 51.9%, Indie 39.4%, 2D 5.1%, Singleplayer 3.6%

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Why similar: Action 34.2%, Adventure 30.2%, Platformer 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Singleplayer 4.4%