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 20.6%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Platformer 10.2%, Dark Fantasy 9.5%, Hack and Slash 9.1%

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

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 27.1%, Platformer 25.2%, Colorful 13.3%, Story Rich 11.7%, Adventure 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same blend of dark, emotional storytelling and whimsical platforming 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 31.9%, Platformer 18.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Atmospheric 7.6%, Exploration 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game features similar atmospheric 2D platforming with a focus on navigating dangerous, surreal worlds.

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 17.6%, Emotional 16.8%, Platformer 12.7%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, Dark 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on emotional, nightmare-fueled puzzle-platforming with a small, vulnerable protagonist.

The best-selling Trine series returns to the magic of 2.5D! Join three iconic heroes as they set off on a quest through fantastical fairytale landscapes to save the world from the Nightmare Prince’s shadows.

Why similar: 2.5D 33.4%, Platformer 21.3%, Action-Adventure 19.3%, Stylized 10.3%, Atmospheric 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the dark fairy-tale aesthetic and puzzle-platforming gameplay found in the seed game.

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: Platformer 21.6%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Dark 15.2%, Action-Adventure 14.9%, Hand-drawn 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: Matches the dark, twisted fairy-tale aesthetic and puzzle-adventure gameplay perfectly.

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 27.7%, Platformer 13.4%, Hack and Slash 12.5%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Dark 8%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, cute metroidvania that mirrors the fairy-tale exploration style and action-adventure focus.

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 25.7%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Platformer 11.5%, Action-Adventure 11.1%, Stylized 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines cute, stylized visuals with exploration and action-adventure mechanics in a fantasy setting.

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 22.1%, 2.5D 15.4%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Platformer 9.8%, Dark Fantasy 8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar 2.5D perspective and colorful, atmospheric exploration in a dark world.

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 31.8%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Platformer 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%, Exploration 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania that shares the exploration-heavy focus and stylized character design.

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 44.5%, 2D Platformer 18.4%, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Adventure 8.2%, Dark Fantasy 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a challenging metroidvania experience with a surreal, dark aesthetic and tight controls.

Overcome emotional struggles across a touching narrative filled with twists and surprises. Embark on a dream-like journey, with breathtaking artistic direction and the enthralling voice of Hannah Murray (Game of Thrones, Skins).

Why similar: Platformer 48.1%, Atmospheric 22.3%, Dark 10%, Adventure 9.8%, Story Rich 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a young girl navigating a surreal, nightmare-like world through clever puzzle-platforming.

💀🧩🕹️ 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 27.8%, Platformer 20%, Dark 17%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Exploration 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Explores similar themes of childhood fears and nightmare-inspired puzzles in a dark, atmospheric setting.

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%, Hack and Slash 10.9%, Platformer 10.7%, 2D Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality metroidvania with fluid combat and exploration that feels like a natural progression from the seed game.

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 24.2%, Hack and Slash 12.1%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 10.9%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, exploration-driven metroidvania with a unique, vibrant visual style.

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 29.8%, Exploration 18.2%, Adventure 17.5%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, Story Rich 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, whimsical fairy-tale world that emphasizes action-adventure and unique combat mechanics.

Weave your own story in this dark fairy tale. In the mysterious ancient ruins, you will adventure with Tania to reveal her origins and fate. Is there any chance of survival in the darkest and desperate place?

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Hack and Slash 12.5%, Platformer 12.3%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A strong action-adventure metroidvania with a heavy focus on combat and exploration.

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%, Emotional 19.4%, Dark 17.1%, Action-Adventure 15.8%, Stylized 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging platformer that leans heavily into the nightmare theme and precision-based 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 27.2%, Platformer 14.1%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Hand-drawn 9.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, hand-drawn platformer with souls-like elements that fits the aesthetic of the seed game.

Pumpkin Jack is a Spooky Scary 3D platformer in which you embody Jack, the Mythical Pumpkin Lord! Dive into an Epic Adventure through otherworldly landscapes and help the Evil annihilate the Good!

Why similar: Colorful 23.7%, Adventure 22.2%, Platformer 19.8%, Action-Adventure 15.3%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A spooky, colorful 3D platformer that captures the 'dark but cute' vibe of the seed game.

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 16.4%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Hand-drawn 11.6%, Adventure 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological, dark adventure that complements the narrative tone and themes of the seed game.

Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Action-Adventure 18%, 2.5D 17.5%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Story Rich 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a brave animal protagonist in a dark, challenging world that requires careful combat and exploration.

A story-driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat. Untangle the past as Kena, a young Spirit Guide in search of the sacred Mountain Shrine. Help free the spirits trapped in a forgotten village with the help of the Rot, her adorable (yet powerful) spirit companions.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 36.8%, Exploration 21.8%, Adventure 16%, Atmospheric 14%, Story Rich 9%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful action-adventure game with a focus on rescuing spirits and exploring a corrupted world.

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 40.2%, 2D Platformer 18.6%, Hack and Slash 18.5%, Dark 8%, Colorful 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG platformer that shares the dark, supernatural themes and combat-focused gameplay.

Catch hundreds of tinykin and use their unique powers to bring Milo back to his home planet and back to normal size!

Why similar: Action-Adventure 21.8%, Platformer 21.4%, Cute 15.4%, Exploration 11.6%, Atmospheric 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, exploration-heavy platformer that captures a similar sense of wonder and scale.

A Hat in Time is a cute-as-heck 3D platformer featuring a little girl who stitches hats for wicked powers! Freely explore giant worlds and recover Time Pieces to travel to new heights!

Why similar: Cute 33.6%, Platformer 29.9%, Exploration 12%, Colorful 11.7%, Adventure 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, colorful platformer that shares the whimsical adventure spirit and creative level design.

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 23.6%, 2.5D 18.5%, Platformer 18.3%, Atmospheric 16.3%, Adventure 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive game for navigating a dark, nightmarish world as a small, vulnerable protagonist.

Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Hack and Slash 15.3%, Platformer 14%, Action-Adventure 10.9%, Exploration 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends 3D platforming with metroidvania-style exploration and dark, mysterious themes.

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 24.4%, 2.5D 16.5%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Platformer 12.8%, Action-Adventure 10.3%

Transform the world of Hob! A new action-adventure from Runic Games, the award-winning studio behind Torchlight I and II. It's your chance. Make it home.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.6%, Platformer 20.6%, Adventure 11.9%, Exploration 11%, Hack and Slash 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A wordless action-adventure game focused on environmental storytelling and intricate world exploration.

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

Why similar: Dark 27.1%, Cute 19.3%, Stylized 13.6%, Atmospheric 11.6%, Colorful 11.4%

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 23.1%, Exploration 19.7%, Colorful 15.7%, Adventure 13.4%, Atmospheric 12.5%

Lost in the kingdom of the white beast, will you find your way out? The Perfect Pencil is a story-driven action platformer that throws you into the innermost depths of the human mind. Navigate surreal worlds punctuated by bizzare personalities, tense boss battles and secrets. She’s waiting for you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.6%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Dark 10.6%, Emotional 9.5%, Action-Adventure 9.3%

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 31.7%, 2.5D 14.8%, Platformer 14.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Exploration 6.2%

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 18.1%, Dark Fantasy 16.3%, Action-Adventure 15.9%, Hack and Slash 15.5%, Dark 12.6%

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 24%, Platformer 19.6%, Dark Fantasy 16.6%, Emotional 13.4%, Atmospheric 8.8%

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: Hand-drawn 27.7%, Story Rich 21.2%, Atmospheric 16.8%, Adventure 16.2%, Dark 15.6%

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 36.4%, Platformer 30.1%, Dark 18.1%, Adventure 13%, Singleplayer 2.3%

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 21.1%, Emotional 19.2%, Cute 18.7%, Colorful 13.2%, Story Rich 11.2%

"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 24.3%, Beat 'em up 15.2%, Platformer 13.2%, 2D Platformer 13%, Hack and Slash 12.9%

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 28.7%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Platformer 11.7%, Action-Adventure 8.9%, Emotional 8%

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%, Dark Fantasy 18.6%, Hand-drawn 14.4%, Colorful 12.1%, Dark 9.2%

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 34.8%, Dark Fantasy 28.3%, Adventure 20.1%, Story Rich 16.9%

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 17.7%, Hack and Slash 14.4%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Action-Adventure 12.4%, Platformer 10.5%

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 23.3%, Dark 16.1%, Stylized 11%, Atmospheric 10.9%, Action-Adventure 10.7%

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 53.4%, Cute 26.7%, Colorful 11%, Adventure 6.5%, Singleplayer 2.3%

It is a 2D adventure game with cute characters.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 23.9%, Platformer 22%, Action-Adventure 17.8%, Hand-drawn 10.3%, Cute 9%

Collect, run and be a pain in the porcelain

Why similar: Action-Adventure 31.8%, Exploration 29.5%, Adventure 20.1%, Story Rich 13.6%, Singleplayer 5%

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 15.5%, Cute 15%, Stylized 12.8%, Emotional 12.8%, Hand-drawn 12.1%

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 32.9%, Stylized 18.2%, Hand-drawn 17.4%, Cute 15.8%, Adventure 15.8%

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 21.9%, Dark Fantasy 18.7%, Exploration 14.8%, Cute 13.5%, Dark 13.4%

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 32.5%, Action-Adventure 24.5%, Atmospheric 16%, Story Rich 14.7%, Adventure 12.3%

A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Action-Adventure 10.4%

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

Why similar: Platformer 44.6%, Exploration 26.6%, Adventure 25.1%, Singleplayer 3.7%

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%, Platformer 13.3%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Exploration 9.4%

Make impactful decisions in moral dilemma situations, which will change the course of your journey through this atmospheric, hand-drawn metroidvania. Explore the hazardous paths of the Realm of Aestik and fight its corrupted inhabitants as you unravel its deep-rooted mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.2%, 2D Platformer 18.1%, Platformer 10.4%, Dark Fantasy 9%, Cute 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 21.9%, Hack and Slash 20.4%, Stylized 19.4%, Colorful 15.1%, Adventure 12%