Games Like Sundered®: Eldritch Edition

Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53%, Difficult 13.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Side Scroller 5.1%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same oppressive atmosphere and challenging, soulslike combat found in Sundered.

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: Metroidvania 61.1%, Platformer 9%, Difficult 8.5%, Side Scroller 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a similarly dark, gothic aesthetic paired with brutal, skill-based 2D combat.

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: Metroidvania 44.2%, Platformer 14.8%, Difficult 12.3%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Atmospheric 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a surreal, alien world and unique parry-based combat mechanics that mirror the intensity of Sundered.

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: Metroidvania 52.9%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Difficult 7.2%, Hand-drawn 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game provides a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and challenging metroidvania exploration similar to the eldritch themes of Sundered.

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: Metroidvania 57.4%, Platformer 9.8%, Difficult 8.2%, 2D 4.6%, Side Scroller 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A strong blend of soulslike difficulty and metroidvania exploration that feels right at home for fans of Sundered.

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.7%, Platformer 12%, Difficult 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Hand-drawn 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: While less focused on roguelite elements, it is the definitive 2D metroidvania for players who enjoy deep exploration and challenging bosses.

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: Metroidvania 54.3%, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its grim, hand-drawn art style and punishing combat loop align perfectly with the aesthetic and difficulty of the seed game.

ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Action Roguelike 20.3%, Platformer 10.2%, Action 7.8%, Indie 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers the same high-speed, chaotic action and roguelite elements found in Sundered's combat encounters.

Jotun is a hand-drawn action-exploration game set in Norse mythology. In Jotun, you play Thora, a Viking warrior who died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the Gods to enter Valhalla. Impress the Gods!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 23.2%, Female Protagonist 18.1%, Difficult 15.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the same developers, this game shares the distinct hand-drawn art style and focus on massive, challenging boss encounters.

Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 40.5%, Metroidvania 31.5%, Action Roguelike 13.7%, Atmospheric 3.6%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It leans heavily into the Lovecraftian aesthetic with procedural generation and chaotic, action-heavy gameplay.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.8%, Platformer 11.3%, Difficult 9.7%, Side Scroller 5.2%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines gothic horror with precise metroidvania mechanics, offering a dark experience reminiscent of eldritch settings.

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: Metroidvania 40.6%, Platformer 13.5%, Difficult 11.8%, Hand-drawn 10.7%, Side Scroller 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers extreme platforming challenges and a vast, interconnected world for players who enjoy the difficulty of Sundered.

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories is an action roguelite with RPG elements. Explore randomly generated levels based in Lovecraft's stories, fight cultists and all kinds of monsters from the Mythos, improve your gear, solve puzzles, and find clues and knowledge to defeat the Great Old Ones.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 57.5%, Action Roguelike 19.7%, Action 3.6%, Difficult 3.6%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic match that focuses on the Lovecraftian horror elements and action-roguelike progression.

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.7%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Indie 7%, Action 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique movement mechanic that challenges the traditional metroidvania formula, much like Sundered's unique mechanics.

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34%, Lovecraftian 31.5%, Platformer 9.3%, Hand-drawn 7.8%, Dark 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, lore-rich metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and atmospheric world-building.

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 61.6%, Platformer 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, 2D 3%, Indie 3%

Why You'll Like It: An essential metroidvania for those who appreciate exploration-heavy gameplay and unique, surreal environments.

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: Metroidvania 44.1%, Hand-drawn 13.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Difficult 12.4%, 2D 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique, combat-focused approach to the metroidvania genre with high difficulty and a distinct visual style.

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 58.6%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Platformer 7.1%, Great Soundtrack 5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style metroidvania that offers deep character customization and satisfying exploration.

Usurper is a Metroidvania Action-RPG. With Eldritch horrors having been unleashed by the outer-worldly Citadel, your job is to rid London of its terrors. Use the new "Guard" system that rewards skillful play and accuracy, to uncover the massive structure and defeat the nightmares lurking within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48%, Lovecraftian 34.6%, Platformer 4.9%, Action 4.8%, Indie 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends metroidvania exploration with dark, Lovecraftian themes and challenging combat.

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.2%, Platformer 11.3%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Difficult 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a moody, atmospheric metroidvania experience with a focus on exploration and 2D action.

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: Metroidvania 47.2%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Platformer 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Side Scroller 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features beautiful hand-drawn art and a narrative-driven metroidvania structure that feels polished and distinct.

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 72.7%, Difficult 13%, Action 4.3%, Platformer 3.1%, Adventure 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with multiple classes and a strong focus on action-adventure gameplay.

Explore the depths below a remote mountain town in this procedurally-generated Adventure Platformer. Taking inspiration from hack 'n slash dungeon crawlers and Metroidvania-style platformers, Chasm will immerse you in a fantasy world full of exciting treasure, deadly enemies, and abundant secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.6%, Platformer 12.5%, Side Scroller 7.2%, Indie 4.2%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: Uses procedural generation to create a fresh metroidvania experience every time, similar to Sundered's roguelite rooms.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.8%, Hand-drawn 17.5%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Action 4.6%, Adventure 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel to Salt and Sanctuary, offering more refined combat and monster-hunting mechanics.

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: Metroidvania 46.6%, Difficult 21.3%, 2D 10.1%, Atmospheric 6.4%, Adventure 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a stunning hand-drawn aesthetic and a combat system that rewards patience and timing.

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: Metroidvania 38.4%, Action Roguelike 20.2%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Difficult 7.2%, Side Scroller 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A grim, pixel-art soulslike that emphasizes exploration and difficult combat encounters.

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: Metroidvania 40.1%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Hand-drawn 7.4%

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: Metroidvania 62.6%, Side Scroller 12.8%, 2D 5.7%, Action 5.2%, Indie 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, gore-filled metroidvania that captures the difficult, retro-inspired spirit of the genre.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Metroidvania 14.8%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Action 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on movement and platforming mastery within a large, interconnected metroidvania world.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.2%, Platformer 12.8%, Difficult 6.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, exploration-focused metroidvania that rewards players who enjoy uncovering deep secrets.

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: Metroidvania 36.1%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Difficult 9.4%, Female Protagonist 8%

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: Metroidvania 38%, Action Roguelike 19.5%, Platformer 12.7%, Roguelike 6.3%, Difficult 6%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, Difficult 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Indie 5.6%

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Platformer 25.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Difficult 9.7%, Indie 9.4%

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.2%, Lovecraftian 21.6%, Platformer 13.3%, Difficult 11.7%, Exploration 3.7%

Afflicted by severe amnesia, you drift deep into the Common Dream. You scour for the lost pages of the Necronomicon, while clinging on to any little purpose you have left. Faced with mad dreamers, horrible abominations and eldritch deities, you feel drawn to the dark Abyss deep within.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 39.3%, Action Roguelike 20.6%, Difficult 8.3%, Side Scroller 6.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%

Wizard of Legend is a no-nonsense, action-packed take on wizardry that emphasizes precise movements and smart comboing of spells in a rogue-like dungeon crawler that features over a hundred unique spells and relics!

Why similar: Action Roguelike 53.2%, Difficult 14.3%, Roguelike 12.8%, Action 6.2%, Indie 4.3%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.6%, Platformer 12.5%, Difficult 10.1%, Side Scroller 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.2%, Platformer 12.1%, Side Scroller 5.8%, Indie 4.9%, 2D 4.5%

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: Metroidvania 61.8%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%, 2D 4.4%, Platformer 3.6%

Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!

Why similar: Platformer 23%, Female Protagonist 21.2%, Action Roguelike 17.4%, Action 12.3%, Indie 10.8%

Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Difficult 10.4%

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.7%, Platformer 12.7%, Difficult 5.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.3%, Action 3.2%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.1%, Platformer 16.6%, Difficult 10.6%, 2D 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.5%

ULTROS is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play...

Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Platformer 14.6%, Hand-drawn 13.3%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, 2D 4.2%

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: Metroidvania 40.3%, Platformer 12.5%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Difficult 11.1%

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: Metroidvania 42.6%, Platformer 13.1%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Difficult 11.3%

Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Platformer 15.5%, Side Scroller 9.4%, Hand-drawn 9%, Difficult 8.5%

Eldritch is the original imsim roguelike: a first-person action game inspired by roguelikes, immersive sims, and H. P. Lovecraft.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 49.8%, Action Roguelike 25.3%, Roguelike 7.8%, Female Protagonist 4.1%, Horror 3.5%

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 35.6%, Lovecraftian 32.3%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Platformer 9.5%, 2D 3.7%

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.7%, Platformer 14.2%, Hand-drawn 12.9%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Action 6%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.4%, Platformer 12%, Hand-drawn 7.1%, Side Scroller 5.9%, Action 4.6%

Aura of Worlds is a chaotic, creative tactics rogue-lite platformer. Explore multiple dangerous worlds where you utilize creative abilities & wield the environment to your advantage. Blast, dash, grapple, fight, and charm your way through ever-changing labyrinths & outwit powerful guardians!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.3%, Action Roguelike 13.7%, Platformer 13.5%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Difficult 8.9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 80.3%, Exploration 7.8%, Action 4.1%, Atmospheric 3%, Dark 2.7%

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.2%, Female Protagonist 16.1%, Difficult 8.8%, Platformer 5.3%, Action 4.6%

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: Metroidvania 47.5%, Platformer 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Difficult 6.6%, 2D 5.1%

Take on the last case of Benedict Fox and dive into a twisted world of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded murders. Explore the memories of deceased victims as you search for clues and fight demons in this fantastical Lovecraftian Metroidvania.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 36.2%, Metroidvania 35.4%, Platformer 12.3%, Difficult 10.1%, Action 2.5%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.5%, Platformer 16.7%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Female Protagonist 11%, Action 6.2%

Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Why similar: Platformer 28.9%, Difficult 20.8%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Action 8.3%, 2D 8.2%