- #1 CARRION
97% matchVery Positive94% of 36,063 reviews2020
Dev: Phobia Game StudioPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 78%
CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 82.8% ★, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, 2D 3.6%, Atmospheric 2%, Singleplayer 1.5%
Why You'll Like It: Play as a terrifying creature acting as the villain terrorizing its captors in a 2D pixel environment.
- #2 Kharon's Crypt - Even Death May Die
96% matchVery Positive95% of 108 reviews2022
Dev: Hebi LeePub: Andromeda Project
Windows
Metroidvania dungeon crawler about Death & Grief full of puzzles, secrets & challenges. Inspired by old GameBoy Color games with Retro Pixel Art Aesthetics but with challenging boss fights & Lore-Rich
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 61.8% ★, Souls-like 32.6%, 2D 4%, Singleplayer 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: A dark dungeon-crawling souls-like where you play as an imprisoned spirit seeking vengeance.
- #3 Skul: The Hero Slayer
96% matchVery Positive93% of 57,659 reviews2021
Dev: SOUTHPAW GAMESPub: NEOWIZ
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Villain Protagonist 51.3% ★, Pixel Graphics 20.7%, Souls-like 11.7%, 2D 8.8%, Fantasy 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: Flip the script on traditional hero tropes by playing as a tiny monster fighting back against waves of adventurers.
- #4 Iratus: Lord of the Dead
95% matchVery Positive86% of 8,273 reviews2020
Dev: UnfrozenPub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms!
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 70.4% ★, Gothic 15.9% ★, Dark 8.2%, Fantasy 3.5%, 2D 2%
Why You'll Like It: Embody a dark necromancer villain who commands minions to crush invading heroes in a grim fantasy setting.
- #5 Blasphemous
94% matchVery Positive90% of 67,491 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.
Why similar: Souls-like 54.5%, Gothic 24.3% ★, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, 2D 5.5%, Singleplayer 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: A brutal gothic pixel-art souls-like metroidvania with heavy dark atmospheric themes.
- #6 Dark Devotion
94% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,509 reviews2019
Dev: Hibernian WorkshopPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.
Why similar: Souls-like 58.3%, Female Protagonist 19%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, 2D 5.8%, Singleplayer 1.5%
Why You'll Like It: A grim, pixel-art 2D souls-like steeped in a dark, gothic religious atmosphere.
- #7 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
93% matchVery Positive94% of 45,986 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.
Why similar: Souls-like 49.2%, Female Protagonist 23.9%, Dark 10.3%, Atmospheric 8.5%, 2D 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy 2D action RPG featuring a haunting atmosphere and souls-like elements.
- #8 The Last Faith
91% matchVery Positive85% of 5,695 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.
Why similar: Souls-like 41.9%, Gothic 37% ★, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Dark 4.9%, 2D 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic pixel-art souls-like featuring ruthless combat and a dark, atmospheric world.
- #9 Demonheart
92% matchVery Positive90% of 760 reviews2017
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Discover the secrets of the witches and demons in this dark fantasy romance game, featuring a female protagonist whose personality is completely up to the player thanks to extensive dialog choices.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 51% ★, Romance 12.3%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Visual Novel 9.8%, Dark 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A dark narrative RPG featuring a female protagonist and strong villainous choices.
- #10 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
91% matchMixed68% of 714 reviews2022
Dev: Actual NerdsPub: Mastiff
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 56%
As the final creation of the Goddess, Juxtia, journey through the ruins of two divine kingdoms, overrun by the Tarnishing. Challenging combat, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a sinister narrative work in unison to make The Tarnishing of Juxtia an unforgettable 2D dark fantasy action RPG.
Why similar: Souls-like 47.2%, Dark 13.2%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Atmospheric 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy action RPG with intense souls-like combat and gothic aesthetics.
- #11 DOOMBLADE
90% matchMostly Positive79% of 381 reviews2023
Dev: Muro StudiosPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.
Why similar: Souls-like 43.2%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Atmospheric 8.7%, Colorful 7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D metroidvania with dark aesthetic choices and intense side-scrolling action.
- #12 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 18,875 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?
Why similar: Souls-like 50.9%, Female Protagonist 25%, 2D 8.9%, Fantasy 6.5%, Atmospheric 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric continuation of the haunting 2D souls-like action formula.
- #13 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
89% matchVery Positive81% of 5,603 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.
Why similar: Souls-like 77.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, 2D 5%, Atmospheric 2.7%, Fantasy 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D pixel-art souls-like set in a dark, atmospheric fantasy realm.
- #14 Slain: Back from Hell
89% matchMostly Positive72% of 2,421 reviews2016
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Gothic 56.2% ★, Pixel Graphics 17.8%, Souls-like 15.9%, 2D 8.1%, Singleplayer 2.1%
Why You'll Like It: Heavy metal-infused gothic pixel-art action with souls-like combat pacing.
- #15 Hunt the Night
88% matchMostly Positive78% of 519 reviews2023
Dev: Moonlight GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-RPG that blends fast, skillful combat with dark fantasy lore. Play as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, and traverse the ruined world of Medhram on a mission to save humanity from a deadly cycle of annihilation.
Why similar: Gothic 40.3% ★, Souls-like 35.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, 2D 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy gothic action game with pixel-graphics and relentless souls-like challenges.
- #16 Salt and Sanctuary
87% matchVery Positive89% of 21,932 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.7 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 84.3%, Dark 6.2%, 2D 5.1%, Atmospheric 3.7%, Singleplayer 0.8%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential 2D souls-like blending dark fantasy and atmospheric exploration.
- #17 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
86% matchVery Positive93% of 11,963 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.
Why similar: Souls-like 38.1%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, 2D Platformer 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Fantasy 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A moody, pixel-art 2D action game with a female protagonist and dark atmospheric undertones.
- #18 Elypse
85% matchMostly Positive74% of 405 reviews2023
Dev: Hot Chili GamesPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Embark upon a tragic tale and discover the ravaged world of Elypse! Fight your destiny in an arduous 2D adventure, story rich platformer, in a mesmerising and mysterious world.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.3%, 2D Platformer 27.5%, Dark 16.9%, Atmospheric 13.5%, 2D 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric 2D platformer with punishing mechanics and haunting visual design.
- #19 Penny Larceny: Gig Economy Supervillain
84% matchVery Positive97% of 123 reviews2023
Dev: Fiction Factory Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A comic book adventure of freelance supervillainy, petting cats, and/or destroying capitalism in which your choices determine success in a series of daring heists and capers.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 59.1% ★, Visual Novel 11.7%, Female Protagonist 11%, Romance 9.1%, Choices Matter 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven indie game focusing on a villain protagonist navigating a quirky dark world.
- #20 Moonscars
83% matchVery Positive83% of 1,528 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
Why similar: Souls-like 54.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.5%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, 2D 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, painterly 2D souls-like metroidvania featuring a grim female protagonist fighting through despair.
- #21 Minoria
84% matchVery Positive81% of 2,659 reviews2019
Dev: BombservicePub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Souls-like 39.2%, Female Protagonist 25.5%, Gothic 16.9% ★, Dark 6.6%, 2D 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy 2D action platformer with souls-like elements and a strong female lead.
- #22 Vigil: The Longest Night
82% matchVery Positive86% of 3,655 reviews2020
Dev: Glass Heart Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.
Why similar: Souls-like 51.3%, Female Protagonist 19.9%, Choices Matter 15.4%, Fantasy 7.9%, 2D 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D action platformer with precise souls-like combat and a Lovecraftian gothic world.
- #23 Cult of the Lamb
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 130,055 reviews2022
Dev: Massive MonsterPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 13.6 hrsMean: 25.7 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.
Why similar: Fantasy 36.5%, 2D 24.4%, Colorful 23%, Singleplayer 16.1%
Why You'll Like It: Play as a dark cult leader managing followers in a gothic-adjacent indie setting.
- #24 Inscryption
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 148,820 reviews2021
Dev: Daniel Mullins GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Why similar: Psychological 47.6%, Dark 34.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, 2D 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric indie card-based game dripping with psychological dread and villainous undertones.
- #25 GRIME
81% matchVery Positive85% of 6,798 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.
Why similar: Souls-like 66.9%, Dark 18.4%, Atmospheric 11.4%, Singleplayer 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal atmospheric action-adventure game with souls-like progression and dark body horror.
- #26 Tails of Iron
80% matchVery Positive88% of 15,173 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!
Why similar: Souls-like 67.4%, Fantasy 10.1%, 2D 9.9%, Atmospheric 9.4%, Singleplayer 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A gritty 2D action RPG with brutal souls-like combat and a deeply atmospheric medieval presentation.
- #27 Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
82% matchMostly Positive73% of 1,517 reviews2020
Dev: Still RunningPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a Horrorpunk Action RPG filled with Lovecraftian horrors and Cronenbergian gore, making it the most gruesome take on the isometric Souls-like genre yet!
Why similar: Souls-like 66.5%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Fantasy 4.8%, Atmospheric 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: A horrorpunk isometric souls-like filled with grim atmosphere and dark pixel aesthetics.
- #28 Aeterna Noctis
81% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,162 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 12.3 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: Souls-like 73.9%, Atmospheric 13.1%, 2D 9.3%, Singleplayer 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D metroidvania with dark fantasy motifs and punishing precision platforming.
- #29 The Last Winter Knight
76% matchVery Positive99% of 81 reviews2026
Dev: ENDYSIS
Windows · Mac · Linux
Haunt a suit of armour. Explore an abandoned castle. Recover your memories... and bring the ghosts of the past to rest in this melancholy visual novel about love, family and regret.
Why similar: Gothic 36.6% ★, Romance 13.7%, Visual Novel 11.5%, Emotional 10%, Choices Matter 7%
- #30 Vindilis
76% matchVery Positive94% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: François Mauxion
Windows
Fight tremendous bosses and discover the secrets of Vindilis! A short, epic 2D action platformer that will put you against powerful enemies in a hand-drawn universe. A short-form souls like game about vengeance and creation.
Why similar: Souls-like 53.2%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Atmospheric 6.8%, 2D 5.1%
- #31 Beholgar
78% matchMostly Positive74% of 395 reviews2022
Dev: Serkan Bakar
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 16.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Beholgar is a classically styled metroidvania action adventure. Explore caverns, ancient woods, and deadly castles; battle creatures and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 34.6%, Pixel Graphics 23.2%, Dark 15.5%, 2D 12.9%, Fantasy 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic 2D pixel-art metroidvania with dark atmospheric exploration and souls-like combat.
- #32 Hero King Quest: Peacemaker Prologue
78% matchVery Positive89% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Sounding Stone / 老奉毊
Windows
A short "classic" JRPG. Play the role of the Dark Lord's sister, slay the Hero King, and take the first step in conquering humankind.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 60% ★, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Visual Novel 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Fantasy 4.7%
- #33 Rituals in the Dark
77% matchVery Positive86% of 205 reviews2019
Dev: ebi-hime
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A lesbian / yuri romance story with mild horror elements set in the rainy English seaside town of Scarborough. Our heroine, Aspen, meets the mysterious, beautiful Althea in the dead of night, but who is Althea really...?
Why similar: Gothic 28.4% ★, Romance 15.7%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Emotional 8.9%
- #34 Sigh of the Abyss
74% matchVery Positive96% of 193 reviews2024
Dev: Rascal Devworks
Windows
Embrace the monster within in this dark fantasy visual novel with inclusive romances. Befriend charming allies, defy bitter rivals, fall in love. Your choices will save or condemn mortals, shaping the fate of a city as beautiful as it is cruel.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 19.3%, Romance 16.1%, Choices Matter 15.9%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Dark 14.9%
- #35 The Final Boss
77% matchVery Positive92% of 73 reviews2019
Dev: CarloC
Windows
Play as big boss of a final level. Heroes will come to kill you and you have to resist.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 81.1% ★, Pixel Graphics 8%, 2D 4.6%, Casual 4.3%, Singleplayer 2%
- #36 Her Last Piece
73% matchVery Positive96% of 133 reviews2024
Dev: SpiceMerchantsPub: SpiceMerchantsGames
Windows
A choice-based dark gothic romance Visual Novel... Trapped alone in her castle, can you survive a dark yandere queen's schemes? Or will you fall for her charms? Remember... She lies.
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.5%, 2D 16.4%, Romance 15.9%, Colorful 12.2%, Casual 5.3%
- #37 Sigh of the Abyss: Shadow Bonds
75% matchVery Positive93% of 105 reviews2022
Dev: Rascal Devworks
Windows
Embrace the monster within to free yourself from a curse in this dark fantasy visual novel, a standalone introduction to the characters and setting of Sigh of the Abyss.
Why similar: Romance 19.1%, Female Protagonist 18.1%, Emotional 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Choices Matter 13.7%
- #38 Demonheart: Hunters
75% matchVery Positive84% of 299 reviews2020
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Embrace or resist the demonic influence around you. Romance your companions in this RPG with an emphasis on conversation choices and character interactions.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 60.7% ★, Romance 13.9%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Choices Matter 6.1%, Fantasy 4.1%
- #39 My Adorable Ghost Story
72% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2026
Dev: Mado games
Windows · Mac
A cowardly ghost needs your help to find peace. Complete his final wishes, get closer to him, and unravel the mystery of his death as you search for your own freedom in this short, story-driven adventure.
Why similar: Supernatural 18.4%, Emotional 17.3%, Psychological 16.8%, Romance 14.8%, Female Protagonist 8.9%
- #40 Somber Echoes
73% matchVery Positive83% of 349 reviews2025
Dev: Rock Pocket GamesPub: Bonus Stage Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Armed with God-given powers, the revived tribune Adrestia is given a second chance to save the universe from her maniacal twin sister. Find secrets, acquire upgrades, and dominate mighty foes through sheer combat prowess as you explore and conquer the horrors of the forsaken vessel Atromitos.
Why similar: Souls-like 36.1%, Dark 15.3%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Fantasy 8.4%
- #41 The Mermaid of Zennor
74% matchVery Positive99% of 77 reviews2021
Dev: ebi-hime
Windows · Mac · Linux
A short, dark visual novel set in the UK about a young autistic girl's destructive obsession with her older brother.
Why similar: Emotional 17.1%, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Visual Novel 15.5%, Psychological 14.4%, Dark 14.1%
- #42 Beyond the Ice Palace 2
73% matchMixed67% of 132 reviews2025
Dev: STORYBIRD StudioPub: PQube
Windows
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: Female Protagonist 24.1%, 2D Platformer 21.8%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, 2D 9.7%
- #43 The Silent Kingdom
70% matchVery Positive100% of 328 reviews2025
Dev: Lucky Cat
Windows
An otome RPG adventure with a dark story and meaningful choices. Shape the fate of a princess who must corrupt her soul in order to save her kingdom.
Why similar: Romance 22.3%, Female Protagonist 21.5%, Choices Matter 18.1%, Emotional 17.7%, Visual Novel 13.4%
- #44 AshenForest
72% matchVery Positive96% of 200 reviews2020
Dev: GentleRaven GamesPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
AshenForest is a roguelite action RPG focused on boss-rush. To purify the ashen forest that is causing the plague, you must fight against all the monsters lurking in the forest.
Why similar: Dark 26.8%, Pixel Graphics 22.5%, Female Protagonist 22.2%, Atmospheric 14.4%, 2D 9.6%
- #45 Obnulenie
71% matchMixed63% of 72 reviews2025
Dev: Artsiom Tsiareshka
Windows
A dark retro-style Souls-like where defeating bosses brings more than victory — uncover hidden pleasures along the way. Fight deadly foes, explore a crumbling kingdom, and unlock explicit, animated NSFW scenes — all by choice.
Why similar: Souls-like 34.4%, Gothic 29.9% ★, Female Protagonist 10.9%, Dark 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%
- #46 Rubinite
67% matchVery Positive94% of 4,135 reviews2026
Dev: Cup Dog Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.
Why similar: Souls-like 53.7%, Female Protagonist 22.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, 2D 6.7%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #47 Drowning Song of the Stagnant Sea
69% matchPositive89% of 73 reviews2026
Dev: 空想の工房Pub: Waku Waku Games
Windows
A dark fairy tale set in the deep sea. The fated encounter between a sea monster and a human forever changes their lives in this visual novel. Contains platonic yuri.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.9%, 2D Platformer 30.6%, Atmospheric 12%, 2D 10.6%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #48 Sin and Love
70% matchMixed70% of 288 reviews2025
Dev: XingCaiStudio
Windows
"Sin and Love" is a dark narrative roguelike game with a background set in a fantastical version of the Tang Dynasty. You will play as a princess from the ‘Stone’ Kingdom, who has been poisoned and rises from the ashes.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 53.8%, 2D 32.7%, Singleplayer 13.5%
- #49 Our Bad Ending
68% matchVery Positive100% of 75 reviews2026
Dev: FEVER FICTION
Windows · Mac · Linux
A ritual. A festering, unrequited love. Sink into a humid and visceral Southeast Asian horror about the pursuit of a doomed lesbian love. Is a bad ending better than no ending at all?
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 26.1% ★, Supernatural 25.5%, Romance 15.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Female Protagonist 12.8%
- #50 Dark Light
69% matchVery Positive95% of 55 reviews2024
Dev: UsagygyPub: ZNT Productions
Windows
Mio is a young girl surrounded by death, and after an unexpected accident, she finds out where people go after they die. Maybe Heaven, or Hell...or an Underworld full of demons and mysteries.
Why similar: Psychological 29.5%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Choices Matter 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%
- #51 The Excrawlers
70% matchVery Positive88% of 134 reviews2023
Dev: Game Dynasty
Windows
Action-RPG slasher in which you have to get into the dark atmosphere of dungeons full of monsters and madness.
Why similar: Souls-like 50.3%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, 2D 7.1%, Colorful 6.8%
- #52 Darxanadon
71% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2022
Dev: Scumhead
Windows
Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.
Why similar: Souls-like 49.2%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, 2D Platformer 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, 2D 5.8%
- #53 Mina the Hollower
64% matchVery Positive88% of 8,694 reviews2026
Dev: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!
Why similar: Gothic 31.3% ★, Souls-like 22.7%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, 2D Platformer 10%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%
- #54 BOSSGAME: The Final Boss Is My Heart
68% matchVery Positive99% of 93 reviews2023
Dev: Lilycore Games
Windows · Mac
BOSSGAME: The Final Boss Is My Heart is a lesbian romance boss rush! Sophie and Anna are broke and trying to pay rent by hunting devils. Fight colorful bosses, flirt with your girlfriend, and uncover the mysteries of Mammon City in this lightning-fast action game!
Why similar: Female Protagonist 34.2%, Romance 31.1%, Pixel Graphics 18.7%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Singleplayer 2.4%
- #55 Moonlight Traveler
69% matchMixed53% of 62 reviews2025
Dev: Blueprint Core
Windows
This is an action game focused on combat, where a girl returns from the abyss to explore her own secrets and redemption, until the end of an eternal battle to see if she can break free from the shackles of fate.
Why similar: Souls-like 50.3%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Dark 8.7%, Fantasy 6.8%
- #56 Garden of Witches
64% matchVery Positive93% of 2,143 reviews2026
Dev: Team Tapas
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Garden of Witches is a cute roguelike action game full of danger. Help the protagonist, Sil, as she tries to round up her unruly fellow witches and save the Garden.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 36.8%, Fantasy 24.3%, Atmospheric 21.6%, 2D 11.4%, Singleplayer 5.9%
- #57 taking my Dark Knight Girlfriend to the corner store
65% matchVery Positive99% of 364 reviews2025
Dev: ForeverFuture Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A beautiful Dark Knightess from another world enlisted me in her quest to slay a rogue wizard, and now we're dating! But what if she finds out I have no idea who the Gray Wizard is?!
Why similar: Romance 32%, Female Protagonist 25.3%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Fantasy 9.8%, Casual 5.9%
- #58 The Sojourning Wise Woman's Final Quest
66% matchPositive97% of 58 reviews2026
Dev: Orscat
Windows
Play as a wise woman, help your neighbors, and they will help you in return. Fight alongside your closest friend to deal with the beasts threatening the village. Uncover the secrets of magic through your journey, and you might even have a chance to confront your inner demons.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 39.4%, Visual Novel 34.8%, Pixel Graphics 14%, 2D 9.7%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #59 The Demon Queen's Dire Dilemma
66% matchVery Positive99% of 74 reviews2026
Dev: ebi-hime
Windows · Mac · Linux
A cute and comedic yuri visual novel about a demon queen who just can't catch a break.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.9%, Romance 14.4%, Fantasy 12.7%, Colorful 11.9%, 2D 11.3%
- #60 Criminally Yours
66% matchVery Positive92% of 77 reviews2025
Dev: Meant to Bee Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A superhero-themed yandere romance visual novel. He's your coworker, your crush, and the villain you need to stop? Make choices to be with your supervillian ex, or move on to a new hot superhero.
Why similar: Romance 24%, Visual Novel 21.6%, Female Protagonist 19.4%, Choices Matter 16.2%, Emotional 7.7%
