Games Like Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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: Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Platformer 21.4%, Retro 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, 2D 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the transition from linear action-platforming to expansive metroidvania, much like the Shovel Knight saga.

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 20.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Retro 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, Side Scroller 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Developed with a deep respect for 8-bit design, this title offers the same character-swapping mechanics and retro-action feel.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 32%, Platformer 27.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Retro 9.3%, Metroidvania 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that shares the same blend of exploration, charm, and challenging boss encounters.

Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.6%, Platformer 22%, Retro 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for modernizing classic 2D platforming mechanics with a vibrant, high-fidelity retro aesthetic.

Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 41.4%, Platformer 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Retro 7.2%, Difficult 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It matches the high-energy, personality-driven platforming and incredible soundtrack that makes Shovel Knight so memorable.

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 22.7%, Retro 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Difficult 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game feels like a lost NES masterpiece, offering the same level of polish, difficulty, and retro-inspired action as Shovel Knight.

DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.

Why similar: Platformer 39.5%, Great Soundtrack 26%, Retro 18.2%, Adventure 4.9%, Action 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: The pogo-stick mechanic in Shovel Knight was directly inspired by this classic, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

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: Great Soundtrack 28.2%, Platformer 22%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Retro 10.6%, Metroidvania 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It leans into the exploration and retro-aesthetic aspects of the genre with a unique, sci-fi twist.

Infernax is the adventures of a great knight who returns to his homeland only to find it plagued with unholy magic. Uncover the mysteries of the curse and face the consequences of your actions.

Why similar: Retro 24.9%, Pixel Graphics 21.1%, Side Scroller 11.5%, 2D 8.1%, Metroidvania 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, retro-inspired action-adventure that features meaningful choices and the same satisfying combat loop found in Shovel Knight.

Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games.

Why similar: Platformer 26.3%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Retro 17.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Difficult 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: As the primary inspiration for Shovel Knight's gameplay loop, these games are essential for understanding its roots.

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: Great Soundtrack 37.4%, Platformer 26%, Difficult 11.5%, 2D 6.3%, Metroidvania 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more atmospheric, it provides the definitive modern 2D action-adventure experience with tight controls and deep world-building.

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: Great Soundtrack 30.6%, Platformer 28.3%, Retro 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers fast-paced, high-quality 2D action with a stellar soundtrack and distinct character abilities.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Platformer 36.5%, Retro 16.1%, Difficult 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%, 2D 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a punishing, arcade-style difficulty that will appeal to players who enjoyed the more challenging aspects of Shovel Knight.

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 35.9%, Platformer 21.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Difficult 11.2%, Retro 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in precision platforming that matches Shovel Knight's high quality and emotional resonance.

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 23.4%, Great Soundtrack 22.8%, Pixel Graphics 20.6%, Indie 6.2%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines beautiful pixel art with engaging action-platforming and a surprisingly deep narrative.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 35.3%, Platformer 21.5%, Pixel Graphics 17.5%, Retro 7.9%, Difficult 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly tight, responsive controls and a stylish pixel-art presentation that feels modern yet nostalgic.

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Why similar: Platformer 35.9%, Great Soundtrack 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Retro 7.3%, Metroidvania 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, character-driven action-platformer that balances exploration with satisfying combat.

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Platformer 52.7%, Difficult 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, 2D 6.7%, Indie 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: High-stakes, difficult platforming with deep systemic gameplay that rewards learning and persistence.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design.

Why similar: Retro 26.6%, Pixel Graphics 21.3%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Difficult 8.9%, Platformer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A massive collection of retro-inspired games that honors the 8-bit era with incredible variety and polish.

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: Platformer 30.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.3%, Side Scroller 15%, Difficult 14.2%, 2D 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric, and challenging 2D action game that rewards precision and pattern recognition.

The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.

Why similar: Platformer 33.4%, Great Soundtrack 31.3%, Difficult 13%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%, Indie 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Demanding precision platforming that pairs a dark sense of humor with a fantastic, moody soundtrack.

Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.

Why similar: Platformer 63.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Indie 5.7%, 2D 4.6%, Side Scroller 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Cleverly combines traditional platforming with roguelike progression, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Platformer 25.3%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Retro 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Metroidvania 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 8-bit exploration and puzzle-platforming that feels like a classic NES adventure.

Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!

Why similar: Platformer 23.8%, Retro 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Indie 10.5%, Adventure 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic 16-bit action-adventure feel perfectly, focusing on exploration and gear-based progression.

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: Pixel Graphics 22.4%, Platformer 19.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Difficult 9.7%, Metroidvania 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a challenging, dark, and visually striking 2D action experience for those who enjoy difficult platforming.

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 34.7%, Pixel Graphics 24.7%, 2D 8.4%, Indie 5.6%, Metroidvania 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning pixel art and unique flight-based platforming mechanics that feel fresh and innovative.

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: Platformer 35.1%, Pixel Graphics 21.4%, 2D 9.5%, Difficult 8.5%, Metroidvania 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides fluid combat and movement in a challenging 2D environment with a focus on replayability.

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Retro 11.8%, Side Scroller 6.3%, 2D 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful remake that captures the spirit of classic adventure games with a modern, hand-drawn aesthetic.

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: Platformer 22.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Retro 14%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Indie 8.2%

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.

Why similar: Platformer 32.5%, Great Soundtrack 25.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Action 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced action that emphasizes tight, responsive combat and unique character-specific mechanics.

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Platformer 32.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.7%, Side Scroller 15.8%, 2D 8%, Metroidvania 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania with a strong focus on time-manipulation mechanics and retro-inspired art.

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 29.6%, 2D 18.6%, Retro 14.4%, Action 9%, Funny 7.9%

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 28.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.3%, Retro 8.9%, Indie 7.7%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44%, Pixel Graphics 22.7%, Difficult 12.3%, Indie 4.5%, Adventure 4.3%

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

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 34.1%, Adventure 17.2%, Action 14.3%, Difficult 12.2%, 2D 10.6%

Spelunky 2 builds upon the unique, randomized challenges that made the original a roguelike classic, offering a huge adventure designed to satisfy players old and new. Meet the next generation of explorers as they find themselves on the Moon, searching for treasure and missing family.

Why similar: Platformer 46.1%, Difficult 18%, Side Scroller 11.5%, 2D 7.2%, Indie 5.6%

Step into the gilded boots of King Knight in the biggest and most regal Shovel Knight game of them all! Leap, Shoulder Bash, gather new subjects, and strategize your way through this prequel in your quest to become King of Cards!

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.7%, Pixel Graphics 15%, Retro 11.9%, Indie 6.8%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Platformer 28%, Great Soundtrack 25.3%, Difficult 13%, Retro 7.8%, Metroidvania 6.2%

"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.

Why similar: Platformer 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Retro 14.2%, Difficult 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, Retro 11.6%, Difficult 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%

Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move to the music and deliver beatdowns to the beat! Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 53.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, Difficult 10.7%, Retro 4.3%, Indie 4.1%

Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!

Why similar: Platformer 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Retro 12.5%, Difficult 10.7%

Three incredible action adventure games from the Castlevania series have finally returned, for the first time! But wait, there's more! Haunted Castle Revisited, a redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut!

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Retro 22.9%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Metroidvania 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31%, Platformer 22.6%, Difficult 15.6%, Retro 11%, 2D 5%

Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.9%, Platformer 31.7%, Pixel Graphics 11%, 2D 5.2%, Metroidvania 4.8%

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.

Why similar: Platformer 48.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Metroidvania 8.9%, 2D 6.1%, Indie 5.6%

Mega Man X Legacy Collection includes the legendary 16-bit titles and the series’ exciting foray into the 32-bit era: Mega Man X, Mega Man X2, Mega Man X3, and Mega Man X4. Test your skills in the new X Challenge mode, which pits players against two deadly bosses at once.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.8%, Platformer 26.4%, Retro 14.9%, Side Scroller 7.9%, Difficult 6.4%

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 55%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, 2D 7.3%, Metroidvania 7.3%, Indie 6.5%

The definitive version of the smash-hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges, and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.

Why similar: Platformer 67.9%, 2D 17%, Metroidvania 11.1%, Difficult 1%, Side Scroller 0.8%

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: Great Soundtrack 32.2%, Platformer 30.3%, Retro 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, 2D 5.5%

Retro Game Crunch is a series of 7 games, full of the charm and challenge of the 8-bit generation. Each world feels like an authentic NES classic. A massive genre-spanning collection.

Why similar: Retro 22.2%, Platformer 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.4%, Indie 5.6%

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 31.7%, Great Soundtrack 23.4%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Adventure 6.7%, Indie 6.1%

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 24.7%, Retro 21%, Pixel Graphics 15%, Difficult 9.5%, Side Scroller 6.9%

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Platformer 40%, Great Soundtrack 22.5%, 2D 8.5%, Metroidvania 7.6%, Adventure 7.5%

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Retro 24.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, 2D 6.6%

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.7%, Platformer 27.8%, Side Scroller 11.1%, 2D 5.8%, Metroidvania 4.4%

20XX is a roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend. Jump and shoot your way through ever-changing levels, collect awesome new powers, and battle mighty bosses in the name of saving the human race maybe!

Why similar: Platformer 43.9%, Great Soundtrack 24.9%, Side Scroller 7.9%, 2D 6.2%, Difficult 5.5%

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 53.1%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, Retro 8.9%, 2D 5.8%, Funny 3.8%

Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!

Why similar: Platformer 43.3%, Great Soundtrack 28.5%, 2D 6.7%, Side Scroller 3.7%, Local Co-Op 3.7%

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 33.5%, Great Soundtrack 25.7%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Retro 9.3%, Difficult 9%