- #1 Kharon's Crypt - Even Death May Die
97% 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 65.2% ★, Souls-like 28.6%, 2D 4.4%, Singleplayer 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly captures the villain-protagonist experience within a dark, 2D dungeon-crawling setting.
- #2 Demonheart
96% matchVery Positive91% of 756 reviews2017
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.9 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 51.8% ★, Romance 11.7%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Visual Novel 9.4%, Dark 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative-focused experience that places you in the role of a villainous female protagonist navigating complex relationships.
- #3 SIGNALIS
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 32,665 reviews2022
Dev: rose-enginePub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A classic survival horror experience set in a dystopian future where humanity has uncovered a dark secret. Unravel a cosmic mystery, escape terrifying creatures, and scavenge an off-world government facility as Elster, a technician Replika searching for her lost dreams.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 43.6%, Dark 29.5%, Atmospheric 21.9%, Singleplayer 5%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the atmospheric, gothic, and emotional weight of the seed game while featuring a strong female protagonist.
- #4 Thy Creature
96% matchVery Positive82% of 142 reviews2022
Dev: Growing Seeds
Windows
A dark fantasy story adventure to face the long-forgotten 「memories」!
Why similar: Gothic 39.5% ★, Emotional 16.4%, Dark 12.7%, Choices Matter 9.2%, Visual Novel 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game excels at building an unusual, emotional bond within a dark, puzzle-filled gothic world.
- #5 Moonscars
94% matchVery Positive83% of 1,466 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.8 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 50.1%, Pixel Graphics 15.3%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, 2D 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features a striking gothic pixel-art style and a dark, emotional journey centered on a female protagonist.
- #6 Penny Larceny: Gig Economy Supervillain
94% matchVery Positive97% of 121 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 60% ★, Visual Novel 11.2%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Romance 8.6%, Choices Matter 6%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique, narrative-driven take on the villain-protagonist trope with a focus on character choices.
- #7 Blasphemous
93% matchVery Positive90% of 63,499 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 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 49.1%, Gothic 26.8% ★, Pixel Graphics 15.9%, 2D 6.4%, Singleplayer 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential gothic experience with deep atmosphere and dark, pixel-perfect world-building.
- #8 Hunt the Night
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 502 reviews2023
Dev: Moonlight GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 43.3% ★, Souls-like 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Female Protagonist 7.3%, 2D 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a dark, gothic aesthetic with fast-paced action and a rich, lore-heavy world.
- #9 LISA: The Painful
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 15,017 reviews2014
Dev: Dingaling ProductionsPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 29.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The miserable journey of a broken man...
Why similar: Dark 27.7%, Choices Matter 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 18.4%, Atmospheric 15.5%, 2D 10%
Why You'll Like It: An incredibly dark and emotional narrative-driven game that explores the complexities of morality in a broken world.
- #10 Postmortem: One Must Die (Extended Cut)
92% matchMostly Negative40% of 187 reviews2013
Dev: Unbound Creations
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Narrative-adventure playing an Agent of Death who must take ONE life that could change the fate of a conflict-torn Nation
Why similar: Choices Matter 21.3%, Female Protagonist 20.1%, Dark 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Atmospheric 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A short, impactful narrative game that forces players to make difficult moral decisions as a powerful entity.
- #11 The last door
91% match6 user reviews38% of 8 reviews2022
Dev: AlekseyPub: AlekseyN
Windows
You control a combat robot. Your task is to go through the maze, destroy all the enemy robots and get to the finish line. The passages to the other rooms of the maze are littered with stones. You need to use bombs to free the passages.
Why similar: Atmospheric 55.8%, Colorful 44.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game masterfully utilizes pixel graphics to create a haunting, atmospheric, and story-rich gothic experience.
- #12 The Final Boss
89% matchVery Positive92% of 72 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 80.8% ★, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, 2D 4.8%, Casual 4.1%, Singleplayer 2.1%
Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the seed game's premise of playing as the final boss in a 2D action format.
- #13 Dark Devotion
89% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,457 reviews2019
Dev: Hibernian WorkshopPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.1 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 53.8%, Female Protagonist 20.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, 2D 6.7%, Singleplayer 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: A grim, atmospheric souls-like that features a female protagonist and a heavy focus on dark, religious themes.
- #14 The Cat Lady
88% matchVery Positive94% of 6,142 reviews2013
Dev: Harvester GamesPub: Screen 7
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The Cat Lady follows Susan Ashworth, a lonely 40-year old on the verge of suicide. She has no family, no friends and no hope for a better future. One day she discovers that five strangers will come along and change everything...
Why similar: Psychological 23.7%, Female Protagonist 23.2%, Emotional 18.8%, Dark 17.4%, Atmospheric 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional and dark psychological horror game that prioritizes narrative depth and atmospheric storytelling.
- #15 Fran Bow
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 22,182 reviews2015
Dev: Killmonday Games AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Fran Bow is a creepy adventure game that tells the story of Fran, a young girl struggling with a mental disorder and an unfair destiny.
Why similar: Psychological 29.8%, Dark 24.4%, Female Protagonist 19.1%, Atmospheric 11.7%, Fantasy 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, surreal, and emotional point-and-click adventure that excels at atmospheric storytelling.
- #16 WORLD OF HORROR
84% matchVery Positive90% of 9,764 reviews2023
Dev: panstaszPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 45.9%, Atmospheric 27.2%, 2D 20.6%, Singleplayer 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic, cosmic-horror experience that uses a unique pixel-art style to create an oppressive atmosphere.
- #17 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
86% matchMixed68% of 681 reviews2022
Dev: Actual NerdsPub: Mastiff
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 57%
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 42.8%, Dark 14.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Atmospheric 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a dark, atmospheric 2D action experience with a focus on challenging combat and gothic world-building.
- #18 Arietta of Spirits
86% matchVery Positive86% of 694 reviews2021
Dev: Third Spirit Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Arietta of Spirits is a story-driven action-adventure game, with easy to approach game mechanics. Follow Arietta on her journey to unveil the mysteries of the Spirit Realm and immerse yourself in a story filled with emotion and surprising turns.
Why similar: Emotional 23.1%, Supernatural 23%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Atmospheric 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the emotional, character-driven storytelling and pixel-art charm found in the seed game.
- #19 Elypse
85% matchMostly Positive74% of 374 reviews2023
Dev: Hot Chili GamesPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 28.9%, 2D Platformer 24.9%, Dark 17.4%, Atmospheric 14.1%, 2D 11%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D platformer that uses a dark, atmospheric aesthetic to tell a compelling story of sacrifice and survival.
- #20 Sigh of the Abyss
84% matchVery Positive96% of 187 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 19.8%, Choices Matter 15.9%, Dark 15.5%, Romance 15.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%
Why You'll Like It: A dark-fantasy narrative game that explores complex relationships and choices for a female lead.
- #21 Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 33,269 reviews2020
Dev: Nikita KryukovPub: Nikita Igorevich Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 11%
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.
Why similar: Psychological 39.2%, Visual Novel 33.4%, Emotional 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Singleplayer 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: A short, experimental, and deeply emotional narrative experience that deals with dark psychological themes.
- #22 AshenForest
83% matchVery Positive95% of 197 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 26.6%, Pixel Graphics 22.5%, Female Protagonist 21.8%, Atmospheric 14.5%, 2D 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, pixel-art action game that emphasizes a grim atmosphere and challenging, story-driven progression.
- #23 One's Own Exile
81% matchVery Positive100% of 448 reviews2025
Dev: Updog Software
Windows
Follow Sybil in her pursuit for survival, having to sacrifice everything - her culture, her identity, her values - to achieve a single objective: escape from a place that is constantly trying to kill her. A short game about persecution and identity.
Why similar: Emotional 25.1%, Dark 18.2%, Visual Novel 14%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Choices Matter 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, story-rich adventure that centers on emotional discovery and multiple narrative endings.
- #24 Little Misfortune
81% matchVery Positive92% of 13,710 reviews2019
Dev: Killmonday Games AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Led by her new friend, Mr. Voice, Misfortune ventures into the woods, where mysteries are unraveled and a little bad luck unfolds.
Why similar: Choices Matter 29.1%, Female Protagonist 27.7%, Dark 19.1%, Atmospheric 10%, 2D 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, story-rich adventure that balances whimsical art with heavy, emotional narrative beats.
- #25 Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York
82% matchMostly Positive74% of 3,084 reviews2019
Dev: Draw DistancePub: Dear Villagers
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a narrative experience set in the rich universe of Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition. It presents the struggle for power between two vampiric factions - the Camarilla and the Anarchs - bathed in the night lights of the Big Apple.
Why similar: Visual Novel 50%, Dark 26.3%, Atmospheric 16.5%, Choices Matter 5.4%, Singleplayer 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy gothic experience that explores the dark politics and personal struggles of the undead.
- #26 GRIS
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 94,608 reviews2018
Dev: Nomada StudioPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 43.3%, Atmospheric 33.5%, 2D 8.9%, Colorful 6.8%, Singleplayer 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, emotional journey that uses 2D art to convey a powerful, wordless narrative.
- #27 Inscryption
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 144,872 reviews2021
Dev: Daniel Mullins GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.2 hrsMean: 16.4 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 46.8%, Dark 35.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, 2D 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, meta-narrative experience that constantly shifts perspectives and challenges the player's role in the story.
- #28 Zero-Sum Heart
79% matchVery Positive95% of 237 reviews2024
Dev: Citreat Studio
Windows · Mac
"I" make a deal with the witch to give up my heart, in exchange for love— from everyone. ——————————————————————————Is it worth it if losing my heart means gaining *his*? In this short visual novel, make choices and answer the question: is love a zero-sum game?
Why similar: Supernatural 18.6%, Emotional 17.8%, Female Protagonist 16%, Romance 15.4%, Choices Matter 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy game that focuses on choices and emotional consequences for a female protagonist.
- #29 OMORI
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 86,619 reviews2020
Dev: OMOCAT, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 24.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 38.7%, Atmospheric 16.6%, 2D 11.9%, Colorful 11.9%, Emotional 11%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional and dark psychological RPG that uses a unique art style to explore trauma and memory.
- #30 Undertale
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 323,648 reviews2015
Dev: tobyfox
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
Why similar: Choices Matter 38.8%, Pixel Graphics 29%, Dark 14.5%, 2D 10.8%, Singleplayer 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: Famous for its subversion of hero tropes and the ability to form unusual bonds with enemies.
- #31 DOOMBLADE
77% matchVery Positive80% of 367 reviews2023
Dev: Muro StudiosPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 39.4%, Female Protagonist 19.9%, 2D Platformer 14.3%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Colorful 7.1%
- #32 Vindilis
75% matchVery Positive97% of 70 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 49.3%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, 2D Platformer 16.3%, Atmospheric 7.8%, 2D 6%
- #33 Hero King Quest: Peacemaker Prologue
77% matchVery Positive88% of 59 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 60.4% ★, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Visual Novel 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Fantasy 4.5%
- #34 Her Last Piece
74% matchVery Positive98% of 127 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 46.4%, 2D 18%, Romance 15.5%, Colorful 11.8%, Casual 5.3%
- #35 Rituals in the Dark
76% matchVery Positive86% of 198 reviews2019
Dev: ebi-hime
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 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 29.4% ★, Romance 14.7%, Female Protagonist 13%, Visual Novel 11.5%, Emotional 9.1%
- #36 Somber Echoes
73% matchVery Positive84% of 306 reviews2025
Dev: Rock Pocket GamesPub: Bonus Stage Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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 32.5%, Dark 16.7%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Atmospheric 9.1%
- #37 Demonheart: Hunters
76% matchVery Positive84% of 295 reviews2020
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 7.3 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 61.4% ★, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Romance 13.1%, Choices Matter 6.1%, Fantasy 3.9%
- #38 The Mermaid of Zennor
75% matchVery Positive99% of 75 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 17.6%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Dark 14.4%, Psychological 14.3%
- #39 Criminally Yours
73% matchVery Positive95% of 60 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 22.9%, Visual Novel 20.7%, Female Protagonist 20.6%, Choices Matter 16.1%, Emotional 8.2%
- #40 Sigh of the Abyss: Shadow Bonds
74% matchVery Positive93% of 103 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: Female Protagonist 18.6%, Romance 18.3%, Emotional 17%, Choices Matter 13.7%, Visual Novel 13.5%
- #41 Drowning Song of the Stagnant Sea
72% matchPositive86% of 50 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 43.3%, 2D Platformer 28.8%, Atmospheric 13.1%, 2D 11.7%, Singleplayer 3.1%
- #42 Beyond the Ice Palace 2
73% matchMixed68% of 124 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 24.8%, Visual Novel 20.4%, 2D Platformer 19.9%, Pixel Graphics 19.2%, 2D 10.4%
- #43 The Silent Kingdom
70% matchVery Positive100% of 309 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: Female Protagonist 21.9%, Romance 21.2%, Emotional 18.4%, Choices Matter 18.1%, Visual Novel 12.9%
- #44 A Hint of Purple
71% matchVery Positive95% of 121 reviews2023
Dev: Empty Exhibit
Windows
A short visual novel about queer love and art. Follow Maya, a once-celebrated painter now paralyzed, as she struggles to accept her new reality and its effects on her relationship. Argue with your Prefrontal Cortex, insult an art critic, befriend the elderly.
Why similar: Psychological 20.3%, Emotional 18.9%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Romance 14.7%, Visual Novel 12.5%
- #45 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
69% matchVery Positive94% of 44,489 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 18.1 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 44.3%, Female Protagonist 25.8%, Dark 11.3%, Atmospheric 9.4%, 2D 6%
- #46 Vigil: The Longest Night
71% matchVery Positive86% of 3,566 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 46.8%, Female Protagonist 22%, Choices Matter 16.6%, Fantasy 8.3%, 2D 6.4%
- #47 Dark Light
70% matchVery Positive94% of 54 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 29.6%, Female Protagonist 18%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%
- #48 Salome's Kiss
71% matchVery Positive88% of 126 reviews2022
Dev: ebi-hime
Windows · Mac · Linux
A dark lesbian / yuri gothic romance tale set in Victorian England, in which an anxious governess is aggressively pursued by her unruly, tempestuous pupil.
Why similar: Gothic 35.7% ★, Romance 12.5%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Emotional 10.8%, Visual Novel 10.1%
- #49 EvilQuest
72% matchVery Positive88% of 660 reviews2014
Dev: Chaosoft Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Why save the world when you can conquer it? In EvilQuest, take on the role of Galvis — a dark knight obsessed with ultimate power. Set out on a quest of revenge,destruction and conquest in this exciting retro Action RPG title.
Why similar: Villain Protagonist 93.7% ★, Pixel Graphics 6.3%
- #50 Sin and Love
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 287 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 52.8%, 2D 33.6%, Singleplayer 13.6%
- #51 BOSSGAME: The Final Boss Is My Heart
69% matchVery Positive99% of 91 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 35.1%, Romance 29.7%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Visual Novel 13%, Singleplayer 2.6%
- #52 The Sojourning Wise Woman's Final Quest
67% matchPositive100% of 50 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 39.9%, Visual Novel 33%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, 2D 10.3%, Singleplayer 2.2%
- #53 taking my Dark Knight Girlfriend to the corner store
67% matchVery Positive98% of 327 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 31.2%, Female Protagonist 26.4%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Fantasy 9.7%, Casual 5.9%
- #54 The Demon Queen's Dire Dilemma
67% matchVery Positive100% of 56 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 28.3%, Romance 13.8%, Fantasy 12.6%, 2D 12.5%, Colorful 11.6%
- #55 Toziuha Night: Order of the Alchemists
67% matchVery Positive83% of 143 reviews2025
Dev: Danny Garay
Windows · Linux
This is the story of Xandria, an iron alchemist. She seeks revenge regardless of the consequences. To achieve it, Xandria fights with a powerful whip and the power of chemical elements. Find out more about her in this modern metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Gothic 42.6% ★, Female Protagonist 18.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Fantasy 7.2%
- #56 Sentimental Death Loop
69% matchMixed65% of 185 reviews2023
Dev: qureate
Windows
Just as you begin to settle in for a fun day at your best friend's house, something changes in her and she kills you. And not just once—she ends your life time and time and time again.Your goal is to escape from this endless loop of despair.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 28%, Visual Novel 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, 2D Platformer 15.2%, Dark 11.8%
- #57 Darxanadon
68% matchMixed70% of 73 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 45.2%, Female Protagonist 19.6%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, 2D 6.7%
- #58 Who Is The Red Queen?
66% matchVery Positive95% of 173 reviews2022
Dev: 4nokiPub: Studio Élan
Windows · Mac · Linux
Alice, Alice, the Red Queen is missing. The queen has been dismembered and Alice must find all her pieces. A horror-fantasy yuri visual novel filled with death, love, and forgotten memories.
Why similar: Dark 22.1%, Romance 21.2%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Choices Matter 11.2%
- #59 The Excrawlers
66% matchVery Positive88% of 120 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 45.6%, Female Protagonist 20%, Pixel Graphics 13%, 2D 8.2%, Colorful 6.9%
- #60 The Mildew Children
64% matchVery Positive93% of 471 reviews2024
Dev: The Growing StonesPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel, The Mildew Children is a grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch named Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 19.6%, Emotional 16.5%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Choices Matter 14.4%, Dark 10.5%
