Games Like The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare

When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear heads to the far side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.

Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Platformer 10.4%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%, Hack and Slash 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is the full-length version of the seed game, expanding on the dark fairy-tale narrative and combat mechanics.

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 32.5%, Platformer 19%, Dark Fantasy 10%, Atmospheric 7.4%, Exploration 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game masterfully blends dark, atmospheric environments with intricate portal-based platforming mechanics.

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 61.7%, Dark Fantasy 17.2%, Dark 8.4%, Atmospheric 6.5%, Hand-drawn 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the melancholic, dark-fantasy atmosphere and metroidvania exploration found in the seed game.

Explore a vast, interconnected dream world full of secrets and collectibles in this metroidvania adventure inspired by classic 2D platformers. Reclaim your lost memories to save Slumberland from the mysterious Oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Platformer 10.5%, Action-Adventure 8.8%, Hand-drawn 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It leans heavily into the dream and nightmare aesthetic, utilizing creative platforming mechanics within a surreal landscape.

Help little Peet hack-and-slash his way through a beautifully haunting coma. A hand-drawn action-adventure through a dreamy world filled with fleshy monsters, insane grown-ups, and sad children looking for their mommies.

Why similar: Emotional 26.6%, Platformer 25.9%, Colorful 13.2%, Story Rich 11.7%, Adventure 10%

Why You'll Like It: It features a hauntingly beautiful story about childhood fears and emotional trauma presented through a 2D platforming lens.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.3%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Platformer 12.5%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%, Exploration 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This metroidvania features a cute protagonist in a decaying world, emphasizing exploration and atmospheric storytelling.

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 46.8%, Platformer 17%, Exploration 6.8%, Dark Fantasy 6.3%, Atmospheric 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive metroidvania experience that matches the seed game's dark, hand-drawn aesthetic and challenging exploration.

Take on the role of Six, a lone child lost in a massive metal vessel known as the Maw, surrounded by dangerous, distorted versions of adults. You’ll need to do your best to escape in one piece or your fate will be worse than you ever dared dream.

Why similar: Dark 23.1%, Platformer 18.9%, 2.5D 18.5%, Atmospheric 15.9%, Adventure 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly captures the 'nightmare' theme and the feeling of being small in a dangerous, distorted world.

Dive into the strange town of Rainybrook, taken over by the “Vile” in this 2.5D metroidvania! Fight your way through treacherous terrains and defeat formidable bosses to absorb their powers! Will you save the town and find your missing friend Ella — or will you give in to the monster you've become?

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.5%, 2.5D 15.2%, 2D Platformer 10.4%, Platformer 10%, Dark 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This 2.5D metroidvania offers a dark, colorful world filled with exploration and narrative-driven encounters.

Explore the stylish world of Wonderland with Usada and Kotora as they search for a mysterious girl named Alice! A Metroidvania action game with a rich, exhilarating battle system all wrapped up in cuteness!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, Platformer 13.6%, Hack and Slash 12.5%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, Dark 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines cute, stylized character designs with fast-paced metroidvania action and exploration.

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: Metroidvania 24.7%, Hack and Slash 12.1%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 11.1%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a fast-paced, combat-heavy metroidvania experience with a distinct, dark visual style.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.5%, Platformer 21.8%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Cute 7.5%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: The game offers fluid, high-quality platforming and a vibrant, emotional world that mirrors the exploration focus of the seed game.

Experience the altered memories of a dying man, reliving his entire life as a little boy while lying on his deathbed. Explore the profound depths of his subconscious as you assist Griffin to shed the remains of his miserable life before his impending demise.

Why similar: 2.5D 17.5%, Emotional 16.4%, Platformer 13.1%, Action-Adventure 9.6%, Dark 9%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the emotional journey of a child navigating a surreal world, mirroring the seed game's narrative themes.

Embark on an enchanting adventure in this breathtaking 2D Metroidvania game inspired by the rich folklore of Indonesia. Control Kimo and Wispy as they seek to recover the Shards of Light. Manipulate terrain to solve puzzles, befriend the natives of Lumina, and take abilities from powerful titans.✨

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.1%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Platformer 11.8%, Action-Adventure 11.2%, Stylized 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a cute, hand-drawn aesthetic and exploration-focused gameplay that feels very similar to the seed game.

The Weird Dream is a 2D Metroidvania game set in the ruins of Alpha City. Control a mysterious rabbit, confront mutated inhabitants, level up your skills, and unravel the truth behind Alpha City's destruction.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45%, 2D Platformer 18.2%, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Adventure 8.2%, Dark Fantasy 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a challenging metroidvania experience with a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere and unique character designs.

Creepy quest with the atmosphere of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Go through a dangerous adventure filled with puzzles and challenges! Perhaps it is you who will be able to solve all the secrets of forest and save the peaceful creatures?

Why similar: 2D Platformer 21.5%, Platformer 20.2%, Dark 14.8%, Action-Adventure 14.7%, Hand-drawn 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: This puzzle-platformer captures the dark fairy-tale vibe through its eerie art style and narrative focus.

Marko: Beyond Brave is an action-packed Metroidvania adventure. Wander through lush forests and crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through challenging foes and mighty bosses inspired by Slavic myths and legends.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.3%, Hack and Slash 10.9%, Platformer 10.9%, 2D Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This metroidvania emphasizes fluid combat and exploration within a stylized, folklore-inspired world.

💀🧩🕹️ Beyond The Darkness is a horror adventure game with puzzles where you help little girl Milly battle nightmares in the darkness to find her missing family. You will find yourself in bizarre worlds of memories, distorted by fears, and your only weapon will be the light of a small lamp...

Why similar: 2.5D 23.7%, Platformer 17.7%, Dark 14.4%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Stylized 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the horror of childhood fears and uses light-based mechanics to navigate a dark, atmospheric world.

Through the Nightmares is a challenge-driven platformer for anyone who’s ever had a restless night. Run, jump, and change your size to overcome the nightmare’s traps. Face Morpheus. Rescue children from an endless dream.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 25.4%, Emotional 19.2%, Dark 17%, Action-Adventure 16.1%, Stylized 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a challenging precision-platformer that directly tackles the theme of conquering nightmares.

A little boy falls asleep to a horrible nightmare. Can you make him happy again?

Why similar: Dark 26.9%, Cute 19.4%, Stylized 13.2%, Colorful 11.5%, Atmospheric 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the psychedelic and dark nature of nightmares through a unique, atmospheric puzzle-adventure experience.

Little Nightmares II is the second game in a series that has thrilled and captivated millions of players worldwide since 2017. Now it’s your turn to try to survive this critically acclaimed entry in the most charming horror series ever made.

Why similar: Dark 22.2%, 2.5D 16.2%, Platformer 13.1%, Adventure 12%, Action-Adventure 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: It expands on the original's nightmare-themed platforming with more complex puzzles and a deeper, unsettling narrative.

Play the odds in Lost in Random™, a gothic-fairy-tale-inspired action-adventure where every citizen’s fate is determined by a roll of the dice.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 29.7%, Exploration 18.2%, Adventure 17.2%, Dark Fantasy 14.2%, Story Rich 11%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at portraying a dark, twisted fairy-tale world with unique action-adventure mechanics.

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: Metroidvania 27.6%, Platformer 14.3%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Hand-drawn 8.9%, Dark Fantasy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It features a cute, hand-drawn art style combined with souls-like platforming challenges.

Escape the dark by navigating through nightmares made reality. Follow the light and find your way home as you are hounded by your worst fears.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 36.3%, Platformer 30.6%, Dark 17.7%, Adventure 13.2%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling platformer uses a dark, dreamlike aesthetic to tell a story about facing one's fears.

Deep within the realm of sleep, Sybil finds herself pulled to a distorted castle. Grow strong, and unlock new abilities to build up a deep movement system, fight enemies, find secrets, and free the weary soul of Castle Sansa, in this retro-inspired 3D Platformer Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.1%, Platformer 19.3%, Exploration 11%, Stylized 9%, Adventure 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a 3D platformer that captures a dreamlike, surreal atmosphere with an emphasis on fluid movement and exploration.

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 29.9%, 2.5D 15.6%, Platformer 13.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.3%, Action-Adventure 9%

Why You'll Like It: This metroidvania offers a surreal, dark world with challenging combat that rewards exploration.

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.4%, Platformer 14.9%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Action-Adventure 6.9%, Cute 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game pairs a cute, charming art style with satisfying metroidvania exploration and combat.

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 42.4%, Platformer 18.4%, Action-Adventure 11.8%, Hand-drawn 7.9%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a massive, challenging metroidvania experience with a focus on precision platforming and exploration.

Become a brave hero and embark to the dangerous journey though mysterious forbidden lands. Reveal secrets of the legendary past, find the last pieces of gone magic and gain courage to slay the terrible monster!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, 2.5D 16.1%, Platformer 12.9%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Action-Adventure 10.3%

An explosive mix of action and mystery, seasoned with black humor and a sinister atmosphere. Journey into Hell alongside a brave boy named Blizzy and defeat Evil itself. Save the world and become a hero. But at what cost?

Why similar: Dark 29.4%, Hand-drawn 21.8%, Emotional 15.2%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Adventure 10.3%

In Nightmare is a narrative-driven horror adventure game combining sneak action with diverse puzzles. It follows a young boy in search for the last hope of love who is working out his own salvation by navigating through his fear.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 22.8%, Exploration 19.8%, Colorful 15.7%, Adventure 13.8%, Atmospheric 12.4%

You return to your old apartment one last time, in search of a sickened raven. You must speak to him, and discover the cause behind the calamity that has spread across the world.

Why similar: 2.5D 21.2%, Dark 16.3%, Dark Fantasy 14.7%, Hand-drawn 11.6%, Adventure 11.2%

Lost in darkness, a boy drawn into a twisted dream, no way out. Vapor World: Over The Mind is a narrative-driven souls-like platformer focused on deflection combat. Descend into a shattered mind seeking lost memories. Face the dark, beautiful world born of sorrow and regret.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25%, 2.5D 16.4%, Platformer 10.8%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Dark 8.7%

Uros is a 2.5D metroidvania-style action platformer. Enter the nightmares, upgrade your skills, fight against creepy creatures and face the evil god of nightmares in your mission to restore stability to the dream world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Platformer 15.1%, 2.5D 14.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Exploration 6.1%

Explore, fight, and gather materials in an atmospheric, ruined kingdom inhabited by creepy-cute car creatures, in this short and unique exploration experience.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 18.7%, Action-Adventure 16.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.9%, Hack and Slash 15.6%, Dark 12.4%

You have been dispatched for a 911 call. From the moment you step inside the apartment, you realize something is really wrong with the place. You are gonna make Him the last dosage. He needs his medicine.

Why similar: Dark 34.5%, Dark Fantasy 27.9%, Adventure 20.7%, Story Rich 16.9%

Experience the creepy tension of a brothers Grimm fairy tale in this puzzle adventure game. Follow the young and brave Lars as he embarks on a dangerous journey to save his sisters mind from the clutches of a mysterious evil.

Why similar: Dark 27.5%, Hand-drawn 19.7%, Story Rich 13.3%, Atmospheric 13%, Adventure 12.1%

Control the strings of fate and embark on a grand adventure with Drev and Nieve. A magical, story-driven 2.5D puzzle-platformer where puppeteering mechanics and a whimsical, theater-inspired world intertwine.

Why similar: 2.5D 23.8%, Platformer 20.3%, Dark Fantasy 16.3%, Emotional 13.2%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Night Reverie: Prologue is the first act of a Puzzle/Adventure game in which a child must solve the mystery behind the distortion of his house. Explore puzzle-filled environments and discover strange creatures as you reach the truth behind of what looks like a bizarre nightmare.

Why similar: Exploration 21.2%, Emotional 18.9%, Cute 18.8%, Colorful 13.2%, Story Rich 11.2%

Prologue to Children of Silentown, a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a young girl growing up in a village deep into a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon in the village, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 15.4%, Cute 15.2%, Emotional 12.7%, Stylized 12.5%, Hand-drawn 12.2%

EN Little Reaper finds himself lost in grim otherworld. Help him find the way back through treacherous obstacles and threatening foes.Prepare to rely heavily on your reflexes to complete 30+ levels spanning through 6 locations, and beat 3 unique bosses. RU Маленький жнец потерялся в мрачной потустороннем мире.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Platformer 11.9%, Action-Adventure 9%, Emotional 7.8%

Creepy Tale is a mysterious adventure rich in riddles and eerie atmosphere. An autumn morning promised a quiet fishing trip, but events took Martin to "some other place." Find the way home, uncover loads of secrets, and save everyone that you can.

Why similar: Dark 24.7%, Hand-drawn 23.1%, Adventure 16.9%, Atmospheric 14%, Action-Adventure 13.9%

Play as a new reaper, completing quests, collecting spells, and gathering equipment to fight through hordes of enemies in this grim but whimsical 2D adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 40.9%, 2D Platformer 18.5%, Hack and Slash 18.5%, Dark 7.8%, Colorful 7.6%

Embark on a journey to The Smiling Islands, the realm of the Saviors, where an enigmatic guide beckons. The seasoned narrator has shared this story countless times, yet none have graced the miraculous land. Can you seize your narrative and ascend as a Savior?

Why similar: 2D Platformer 17.9%, Hack and Slash 14.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.8%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Platformer 10.7%

The Halloween spirit is missing! Play as Scary and help him save HallowTown. "Death or Treat" is a 2D action-roguelite and hack & slash, with handpainted environments and traditional animation. Explore all the worlds and defeat hordes of enemies using different weapons and skills.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 26.3%, Dark Fantasy 18.3%, Hand-drawn 14.4%, Colorful 12.1%, Dark 9.1%

Collect, run and be a pain in the porcelain

Why similar: Action-Adventure 32%, Exploration 29%, Adventure 20.5%, Story Rich 13.5%, Singleplayer 5.1%

The world is in danger! Someone opened a portal to the other world, from which an unknown evil escaped. You are a nameless warrior, and your task is to set off on a journey full of dangers to destroy the evil that breaks free. But will you succeed?

Why similar: 2D Platformer 33.2%, Stylized 17.5%, Hand-drawn 17.3%, Adventure 16.2%, Cute 15.8%

"DEADDAYLIGHT" is a side-scrolling platform action-adventure game.Developed independently by a single person. It tells the dark story of a protagonist who wakes up from a nightmare about the plague during a plague after the gods abandoned the earth, and then return to the Cathedral of Holy Light.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.5%, Beat 'em up 15.2%, Platformer 13.3%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Hack and Slash 12.8%

It is a 2D adventure game with cute characters.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 23.9%, Platformer 22.4%, Action-Adventure 17.8%, Hand-drawn 10.1%, Cute 8.8%

In My Bubble is a 3D action-adventure platformer featuring a child in a cute earflap hat on a quest to save the sheep of the dream world. Explore a world overtaken by darkness, rescue corrupted sheep, and restore the lost morning using the power of bubbles!

Why similar: Platformer 54.2%, Cute 26.3%, Colorful 10.7%, Adventure 6.6%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Journey through a distorted theatre held together by the fragile mind of a grieving puppet master. With only a needle and thread, traverse through this world and evade twisted and terrifying creations. Shatter the delusion and unravel the truth behind it all.

Why similar: Emotional 23.1%, Dark 16%, Action-Adventure 10.9%, Atmospheric 10.9%, Exploration 10.7%

Before The Night is a horror action adventure game based on a macabre twist to a fable. Survive in the tiny, cute animal village! Your animal friends will literally turn rabid at night! Uncover the secrets of the world where animals keep human pets. Join the cute pet human "Lisa" on her adventure!

Why similar: Action-Adventure 22.3%, Dark Fantasy 18.4%, Exploration 14.7%, Cute 13.4%, Dark 13.3%

Explore an oniric world and discover all its secrets during a dangerous and memorable quest.

Why similar: Platformer 45.2%, Exploration 26%, Adventure 25.3%, Singleplayer 3.6%

You are the prime suspect in the massacre of your squad during a clandestine rescue mission. An indie cinematic experience with an immersive psychological horror narrative and a retro visual style inspired by PS1-PS2 classics.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 31.9%, Action-Adventure 24.9%, Atmospheric 15.8%, Story Rich 14.7%, Adventure 12.6%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.3%, Platformer 13.4%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Exploration 9.2%

Find your way through a puzzle filled manor while barely dodging human-eating monsters. You wake up in a dark room with one objective: escape those sharpened teeth. However, you should not worry; you will meet friends along the way.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 27%, Dark 19.5%, Exploration 19%, Adventure 15.3%, Stylized 8.9%

Enter the realm of the Dream Slayers, a Fantasy-Themed Extraction RPG where you battle nightmares, survive raids, and escape with powerful loot... or lose it all.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 21.7%, Hack and Slash 20.8%, Stylized 18.8%, Colorful 15.2%, Adventure 12.4%