- #1 Steel Flood
97% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Egobounds
Windows
Explore a fallen utopia in this action-packed adventure platformer. Harness the weather to find new paths. Fight the untamed machines and seek ways to get their fragile parts for crafting. Become the savior of humanity or its doom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.5%, Souls-like 21.4%, Difficult 11.3%, Platformer 8.8%, Side Scroller 7.7%
- #2 Shieldbound
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Bangers
Windows
Shieldbound is a metroidvania action-platformer. Explore a realm that revolves around a mysterious tower with many platforming challenges. Fight powerful enemies in 2D souls-like combat... all of that, using the unique abilities of a spirit-powered shield!
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.5%, Souls-like 19.6%, Difficult 11.4%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Platformer 8.1%
- #3 Vesuvius
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Snow Day Games
Windows · Mac
Explore the frozen depths of Vesuvius, a 2D action platformer. Set within the sprawling volcano, journey through fantastical alternate realities, battle corrupted mythical beasts, and survive a world steeped in ash and fable.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28%, Souls-like 24.3%, Difficult 13.6%, Platformer 8.2%, Hand-drawn 4.8%
- #4 Nonu
95% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Karmic Bit
Windows
Nonu is a hand-drawn 2D souls-like where every action draws from two interlinked resources—one born from inner strength, the other granted by a higher power. Explore a dying world, uncover artifacts that enable distinct builds, and piece together the truth behind its vanished god.
Why similar: Souls-like 18%, Metroidvania 17.8%, 2D Fighter 11.5%, Difficult 10.4%, Side Scroller 9.9%
- #5 Last Souls
94% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ruben Wihler
Windows · Mac
Last souls is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania soulslike game.The player controls a mysterious caped character and explores a labyrinthine, dark and cold world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.9%, Souls-like 20%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 8.2%, Side Scroller 7.3%
- #6 Enemies Within
94% matchNo user reviews2028
Dev: BoomSqueak
Windows
Battle corrupted enemies, liberate afflicted allies, and explore a modernly medieval world on the verge of self-destruction in this action-packed 2D side scrolling adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Souls-like 19.2%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Difficult 10.1%, Exploration 7.4%
- #7 Eden's Guardian
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Voragine Game Studio
Windows
Where shadow falls, it begins. Dive into Eden's Guardian, a challenging metroidvania experience with handmade pixel art set in a world with medieval and fantasy aesthetics devastated by conflict where the history of Gods and humans intertwine.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.8%, Souls-like 18.9%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Difficult 10.3%, Platformer 8%
- #8 Unbound: Worlds Apart
92% matchVery Positive84% of 1,307 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 21.6%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Souls-like 11.2%, Platformer 10.7%, Difficult 9.7%
- #9 Akatori
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Contrast Games
Windows
Akatori is an epic metroidvania where you wield your staff to fight, jump, and explore diverse realms across different eras. Explore worlds spanning different eras, battle formidable enemies, and help Mako stop the Amber Storms that poison all living things.
Why similar: Souls-like 20.7%, Metroidvania 15.4%, Difficult 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Platformer 8.2%
- #10 Solateria
90% matchVery Positive84% of 523 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
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: Metroidvania 24.6%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 13.1%, Hand-drawn 9%, Platformer 6.9%
- #11 Lost Wish: In the desperate world
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 29 reviews2022
Dev: Innocent Soul
Windows
Lost Wish: In the desperate world is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. Play as a young girl, explore different locations, defeat monsters, and find out what secrets this cruel world is hiding from you. Wonderful pixel art, a sad story, epic bosses and much more is waiting for you in the Lost Wish...
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.5%, Souls-like 21.9%, Difficult 12.8%, Platformer 9.2%, Side Scroller 7%
- #12 THE DARK DWELLERS
89% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2022
Dev: COLNELIUS
Windows
In this dank pit of rot and undeath, take control of The Mortali, the newest member of ragtag-group THE DARK DWELLERS. Fight and crawl your way through this subterranean land, collect unique weapons, learn devastating Blood Magic spells and attempt to end The Maddening Curse.
Why similar: Souls-like 21.3%, Metroidvania 20.1%, Difficult 12.5%, Side Scroller 11%, Dark Fantasy 7.8%
- #13 WarriOrb: Prologue
89% matchVery Positive88% of 400 reviews2019
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
WarriOrb: Prologue is a free standalone demo for the action platformer WarriOrb, where you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one... Are you ready to do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Souls-like 20.3%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Difficult 11.8%, Platformer 8.4%
- #14 Dimension Rift Zero
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MrDyvik
Windows
Explore an interconnected world, encounter bizarre enemies and mysterious puzzles in this hand-drawn metroidvania, action adventure. Forge your own path, uncover secrets and master unique powers.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.3%, Souls-like 22.7%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 9.7%, Hand-drawn 7.1%
- #15 Karma Exorcist
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: CyclosPub: Infini Fun
Windows
The underworld lies in ruins, ravaged by evil karma. In this unknown and perilous realm of the dead, you must fight against demonic forces, collect mystical artifacts, face the Yama Kings and the Ghost Emperors, sever the Karma, and reforge the path of reincarnation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Souls-like 17.1%, Difficult 15.1%, Platformer 7.4%, Hand-drawn 6.8%
- #16 Anokye
86% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: Mills Media
Windows
Anokye is a 2D action–adventure platformer where you play as a destined hero fighting to unite the Ashanti people. Battle through villages, forests, and mystical peaks inspired by Ghanaian art and folklore in a journey to restore light to a kingdom in darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, Souls-like 22.6%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 7.2%, Hand-drawn 4.9%
- #17 DREIFRAME
86% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: MrDrone
Windows
Dive into the decaying machine world of DREIFRAME, a pixel-art metroidvania packed with challenge. As a Frame, a sword-wielding robot, fight brutal enemies, exploit their weaknesses, unlock powerful but risky abilities, and uncover the land’s story through exploration and combat.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Souls-like 24%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 9.7%, Exploration 4.4%
- #18 Foregone
85% matchVery Positive82% of 1,396 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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 23.4%, Souls-like 19.2%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Difficult 11.2%, Platformer 10.4%
- #19 Misspell
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Bones Keeper Studio
Windows
Misspell is a 2D atmospheric Metroidvania about magic and mysteries of the past. Uncover the secrets of an island risen from the ashes of a catastrophe and master a magical living vine that changes the way you fight and explore. Every step tells a story — every enemy echoes the mistakes of the past.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.4%, Souls-like 13.4%, Platformer 10.3%, Hand-drawn 9.2%, Dark Fantasy 6.5%
- #20 Hollow Knight
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 542,706 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 28.5%, Souls-like 20.8%, Difficult 12.3%, Platformer 8.7%, Exploration 4.7%
- #21 GRIME
83% matchVery Positive85% of 6,541 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 21.3%, Souls-like 20.3%, Difficult 11%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Platformer 8%
- #22 ARO: Tales In The Dome
82% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: 60K Interactive Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
"ARO: Tales in the Dome" is a 2D hand-drawn action-adventure game. Play as Aro and explore an elemental world sealed beneath the dome. As the journey unfolds, uncover the hidden conspiracy and face the truth about the world, the dome, and yourself.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.2%, Souls-like 21%, Side Scroller 15%, Difficult 11.9%, Exploration 6.8%
- #23 Last Vanguard
81% matchVery Positive85% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: Cool Tapir Studios
Windows
Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.3%, Souls-like 19.9%, Side Scroller 15%, Difficult 11.3%, Platformer 7.8%
- #24 SHADE Protocol
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Little Legendary
Windows · Linux
SHADE Protocol is a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where music, code, and combat collide. Swap between DAWN and SHADE forms to unleash devastating abilities, wield Instruments as weapons, and rewrite reality itself in a world on the brink of annihilation by the SHADE Protocol.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.3%, Souls-like 23.5%, Difficult 13%, Platformer 9.8%, Side Scroller 6.6%
- #25 The Light of the Darkness: Renascence
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: QUARTOMUNDO
Windows
Fly, fight, and evolve in a seamless 2.5D world. Absorb enemies to craft builds, unlock spells, and harness Mystic Natures. Equip and manage memories in your Mind Inventory to reshape both your powers and the way the story unfolds.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Souls-like 17.1%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Difficult 12%, Platformer 8%
- #26 DEVIATOR
79% matchMixed68% of 994 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.4%, Souls-like 23.5%, Platformer 9.1%, Side Scroller 8%, Hand-drawn 8%
- #27 Mask of Soul
78% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2026
Dev: XION ENTERTAINMENTPub: XIONPLUS
Windows
Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.9%, Souls-like 24%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 6.5%
- #28 Lamp Chronicle
80% matchMixed67% of 81 reviews2021
Dev: Pixellica Corp.
Windows
Lamp Chronicle is a 2D platformer game that tells the story of a little hero who travels to save a kingdom in crisis. Defeat enemies against beautiful backgrounds and enjoy exciting battles with bosses.
Why similar: Souls-like 21.8%, Metroidvania 20.9%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Platformer 9.2%
- #29 The Guise
79% matchMixed69% of 61 reviews2020
Dev: Rasul MonoPub: GameNet
Windows
The Guise is a dark metroidvania fairy tale about a boy trapped in the body of a monster. Can he hold onto his humanity? It's up to you.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.3%, Souls-like 19.8%, Difficult 11.3%, Hand-drawn 8.1%, Platformer 8%
- #30 Dumbriel: Magnificent Adventure in Hell
77% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: MadMoa
Windows
Dumbriel is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure set in Hell. Play as a clumsy fallen angel in a twisted underworld. Slash, craft, and dodge through deadly arenas, weird monsters, and hellish traps. Die, upgrade, and dive back in.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, Souls-like 24%, Difficult 12.8%, Platformer 9.7%, Hand-drawn 7.1%
- #31 Deepening Fire
76% matchMostly Positive72% of 633 reviews2023
Dev: VeryBigDogPub: Merlion Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle
Why similar: Souls-like 20.6%, Metroidvania 20.3%, Difficult 13.2%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Platformer 8.1%
- #32 Crowsworn
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mongoose Rodeo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Explore a dark world inhabited by men and monsters in this action packed platformer. Lay waste to the monsters that stand in your way with a wide array of stylish combat maneuvers, as you attempt to unravel the truth behind the curse of Fearanndal.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Souls-like 21.1%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Platformer 9.1%, Hand-drawn 7%
- #33 Gedda Cake
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Flannel Bear Games
Windows · Mac
Gedda Cake is a metroidvania about Dragons and Cakes. Play as 6 characters with unique skills and playstyles, swap between them on the fly, battle dangerous foes and explore the vast sugar-coated lands of Sugria. Help them reclaim their invaded world and get The Cake!
Why similar: Metroidvania 24%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 13%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Platformer 9.3%
- #34 Void Memory
77% matchMixed67% of 231 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?
Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Souls-like 22.5%, Difficult 10.8%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Platformer 6%
- #35 Children of Birch
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: UvuikSmoniti
Windows
"Children of the Birch" is a dark fantasy metroidvania inspired by the mythology of various Slavic peoples and combining a sophisticated platformer with a depressing narrative.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.8%, Souls-like 24.2%, Difficult 12.7%, Platformer 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 5.2%
- #36 CRAVE
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Hang The Eyelids
Windows
Ceaseless hunger draws you yet a bit closer to the gates of Foghorn. Devour men and beasts alike to acquire a wide array of combat abilities. Through shadows and mold, track down the paling memories of this bygone kingdom, all in a classic hand-drawn action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.9%, Souls-like 17%, Difficult 13.5%, Surreal 7.9%, Platformer 7.3%
- #37 Blade of Mercy: Bloody Countess
74% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Pixel Beer Games
Windows
Blade of Mercy: Bloody Countess is a 2D action with metroidvania elements set in a 16th-century fantasy world, drawn with cozy pixels. Explore a mysterious realm, battle ruthless enemies, and uncover powerful weapons and abilities. And remember: beer is the best medicine in these grim times!
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Souls-like 19.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Platformer 7.5%
- #38 Benders of Moona
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lincoln Charlles BorgesPub: Tao Team
Windows
Discover the power of healing through the pursuit of mastery in the art of waterbending. Learn new skills, explore a living world full of riddles and mysteries that plague the peace between the material and spiritual world. A hand-drawn 2d platformer inspired by digital oil painting.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, Souls-like 20.3%, Difficult 11.5%, Platformer 11.2%, Exploration 6.4%
- #39 Colorless World
73% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2022
Dev: Bazzucco Entertainment
Windows
Immerse yourself in this strange Colorless World. Unleash new mechanics and defeat obstacles, monsters, and bosses. As you unravel a hidden story told between the lines that will shape your ultimate destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.3%, Souls-like 23.6%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Difficult 10%, Platformer 9.7%
- #40 Realm Of I
72% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: outergod
Windows
Realm Of I is a side-scrolling Metroidvania where you take the role of a prophet. Explore the ravaged landscapes—from abandoned settlements and caverns to vibrant lands and floating islands—uncovering information and newfound abilities and spells to conquer challenges and defeat foes.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Souls-like 21%, 2D Fighter 17.5%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Platformer 7.6%
- #41 Elysian Echoes
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Grinding Crow
Windows
Elysian Echoes is a traditional, hand crafted souls-like metroidvania with a twist. Take possession of your fallen enemies bodies and unveil your cosmic destiny as you untangle Gaia's turmoil. Adapt to the varied and difficult encounters; learn and use your enemies' moves against them or die trying.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24%, Souls-like 21.7%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Platformer 9.4%, Hand-drawn 9.2%
- #42 WarriOrb
73% matchMostly Positive80% of 177 reviews2020
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
Demons, giants, mutants, and a talking Ball with hybrid limbs?! In WarriOrb you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one. Will you do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Souls-like 21%, Metroidvania 21%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 8.4%
- #43 Midpoint
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Frandy
Windows
Midpoint is a 2D Metroidvania with RPG elements. Destroy, dodge, and steal spiritual energy from your foes. Be possessed by spirits of light and darkness to gain unique upgrades, sacrifice certain traits to unlock greater power. Free the world before being consumed by darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Souls-like 23.6%, Side Scroller 14%, Platformer 9.7%, Dark Fantasy 7.3%
- #44 Aeterna Noctis
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,022 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 22.8%, Souls-like 20.1%, Difficult 12.2%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Platformer 8.4%
- #45 Umbra Sepulcri
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dead Pixel Games
Windows
You are a necromancer. The souls of the dead are your weapon. Push the limits of your combat skills in this story-driven, action packed Metroidvania. Enter in a dark world, where the sun's rays no longer heat up and evil creatures roam free in the night.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.5%, Souls-like 21%, Difficult 11.9%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Hand-drawn 7.7%
- #46 Cliff Kingdom
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Most likely no reason for hysteria
Windows · Mac
The lighthouse has gone dark! You awake as Mothboy, last in a long line of lightkeepers summoned when something goes wrong. In this action packed adventure you climb, fight and explore the depths of Cliff Kingdom searching for the lost light.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.5%, Souls-like 25.6%, Hand-drawn 10.4%, Platformer 9.2%, Exploration 8.2%
- #47 Rune Fencer Illyia
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Nootbox Games
Windows
Traverse a massive, ruined and beautiful world in this intense, atmospheric action platformer. Steal enemy abilities and fight them back with their own runic magic and deadly swordplay, as you attempt to find your lost twin sister in the sunken kingdom of Ithos.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.8%, Souls-like 19%, Side Scroller 13%, Difficult 9.3%, Platformer 8.6%
- #48 GLIGHT
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ATOMIC BREATH
Windows
Welcome to the world of Glight, a dark fantasy side-scroller adventure by ATOMIC BREATH. On a daunting journey to recover something long lost, give form to your powers of light and darkness in a fast-flowing, super-tight platformer full of hidden shortcuts and devious secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Difficult 14.8%, Platformer 10.1%, Dark Fantasy 9.2%
- #49 Volkolak: The Will of Gods
67% matchVery Positive92% of 240 reviews2025
Dev: Volk TeamPub: Progamefactoryllc
Windows
Volkolak: The Will of Gods is an epic 2D soulsvania in a dark Slavic fantasy setting, with hand-drawn animation. Explore an enchanted world full of secrets and enemies. Your choices will lead to several endings: become a bogatyr, a werewolf, or join the darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Souls-like 22.7%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Platformer 8.8%, Action-Adventure 6.5%
- #50 Night Breaker
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: 10 DEAD Pixels
Windows
Venture into an unusual, alien world full of danger and mysteries in this sci-fi Metroidvania. Grab your gear and face the challenge of sustaining a once-thriving space colony. Can you bring this place back to life? Are you ready to uncover all the secrets lurking in the darkness?
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Difficult 13.9%, Platformer 9.2%, Exploration 7.8%
- #51 Nine Sols
66% matchVery Positive94% of 41,041 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 24.7%, Souls-like 21.9%, Difficult 12.9%, Platformer 8.5%, Hand-drawn 8.4%
- #52 Custodian: Beginning of the End
69% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2021
Dev: Red-Pixel
Windows
Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.6%, Souls-like 21.3%, Side Scroller 15%, Difficult 11.6%, Platformer 7.9%
- #53 The Patagonians
69% match2 user reviews33% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: RDV Indie Games
Windows
The Patagonians is a 2D horror adventure game. You have a minimum of weapons and a maximum of dangers at your disposal. Help the main character pass the tests prepared for him in order to save the missing child.
Why similar: Detective 18.3%, Difficult 16.5%, Souls-like 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Action-Adventure 9.1%
- #54 PlayBound
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Studio Sploot
Windows
PlayBound tells the story of Kelvin, a boy whose parents have become fatally boring. Strap on your velcro light-up kicks and equip your POG slammers, because it's time to save the world from certain lameness!
Why similar: Metroidvania 18.7%, Souls-like 15.3%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Difficult 10%, Hand-drawn 8%
- #55 Intertwined
67% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: VoidNode
Windows · Mac
A 2D metroidvania where your final boss is the character you didn’t choose. Play as Seren or Umbra—Master directional spear combat, explore a broken world, and uncover the truth behind your bond.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Souls-like 24.7%, Difficult 15.8%, Platformer 9.2%, Exploration 6.4%
- #56 Salt and Sanctuary
68% matchVery Positive89% of 21,605 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Souls-like 42.8%, Metroidvania 22.1%, Difficult 10.6%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%, Platformer 5.3%
- #57 The Lost Key
67% matchMixed69% of 29 reviews2024
Dev: AmmashDev
Windows
You are the last hope, be ready to resist the enemy and eliminate injustice and tyranny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Souls-like 20.7%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Platformer 10.4%, Action-Adventure 8.1%
- #58 3000th Duel
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 626 reviews2019
Dev: NEOPOPCORN Corp
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 50%
3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.8%, Souls-like 21.2%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 8.2%
- #59 Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dormidin StudioPub: Selecta Play
Windows
A classic hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania action game, it's time for revenge! Use your Beastmaster skills to unleash your inner beast, fight with your heart-devouring sword and end the threat to Arborea, you decide the ending.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Difficult 14.3%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Platformer 9.3%, Hand-drawn 9%