- #1 The Light of the Darkness: Renascence
97% matchNo user reviews
Dev: QUARTOMUNDO
Windows
Fly, fight, and evolve in a seamless 2.5D world. Absorb enemies to craft builds, unlock spells, and harness Mystic Natures. Equip and manage memories in your Mind Inventory to reshape both your powers and the way the story unfolds.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.4%, Souls-like 15.3%, Difficult 9.9%, Lore-Rich 9.7%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%
- #2 Deepening Fire
96% matchMostly Positive72% of 633 reviews2023
Dev: VeryBigDogPub: Merlion Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle
Why similar: Metroidvania 20%, Souls-like 19.8%, Difficult 11.8%, Lore-Rich 10.9%, Action RPG 9.6%
- #3 GRIME
96% matchVery Positive85% of 6,541 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.9%, Souls-like 20.4%, Dark Fantasy 11%, Difficult 10.2%, Action RPG 8.8%
- #4 THE DARK DWELLERS
95% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2022
Dev: COLNELIUS
Windows
In this dank pit of rot and undeath, take control of The Mortali, the newest member of ragtag-group THE DARK DWELLERS. Fight and crawl your way through this subterranean land, collect unique weapons, learn devastating Blood Magic spells and attempt to end The Maddening Curse.
Why similar: Souls-like 22.2%, Metroidvania 21.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.7%, Difficult 12%, Action RPG 7.4%
- #5 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
94% matchVery Positive81% of 5,518 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.8 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 36.8%, Metroidvania 24.5%, Dark Fantasy 11.2%, Difficult 5.9%, Action RPG 5.5%
- #6 Salt and Sanctuary
94% matchVery Positive89% of 21,605 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Why similar: Souls-like 40.2%, Metroidvania 21.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Difficult 9.2%, Platformer 4%
- #7 Steel Flood
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Egobounds
Windows
Explore a fallen utopia in this action-packed adventure platformer. Harness the weather to find new paths. Fight the untamed machines and seek ways to get their fragile parts for crafting. Become the savior of humanity or its doom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Souls-like 24.6%, Difficult 12%, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Platformer 8.2%
- #8 Solateria
91% matchVery Positive84% of 523 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Souls-like 24.6%, Difficult 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, Platformer 6.1%
- #9 The Song of Awakening
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Noeski LLC
Windows · Mac
The Song of Awakening is a 2D action-platformer where you play as a bard with the power to create magic through music. Explore a world once ruled by the Lyramancers, wielders of music-magic, who were extinguished by a mad king. Defeat the malevolent god of silence and restore harmony to the world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Souls-like 22.9%, Action RPG 16.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.6%, Combat 6.3%
- #10 Vesuvius
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Snow Day Games
Windows · Mac
Explore the frozen depths of Vesuvius, a 2D action platformer. Set within the sprawling volcano, journey through fantastical alternate realities, battle corrupted mythical beasts, and survive a world steeped in ash and fable.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, Souls-like 27.9%, Difficult 14.4%, Platformer 7.6%, Dark Fantasy 6.1%
- #11 Lost Wish: In the desperate world
90% matchMostly Positive79% of 29 reviews2022
Dev: Innocent Soul
Windows
Lost Wish: In the desperate world is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. Play as a young girl, explore different locations, defeat monsters, and find out what secrets this cruel world is hiding from you. Wonderful pixel art, a sad story, epic bosses and much more is waiting for you in the Lost Wish...
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Souls-like 24.4%, Difficult 13.2%, Dark Fantasy 9.9%, Platformer 8.2%
- #12 Karma Exorcist
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: CyclosPub: Infini Fun
Windows
The underworld lies in ruins, ravaged by evil karma. In this unknown and perilous realm of the dead, you must fight against demonic forces, collect mystical artifacts, face the Yama Kings and the Ghost Emperors, sever the Karma, and reforge the path of reincarnation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Souls-like 18.7%, Difficult 15.2%, Lore-Rich 7.7%, Platformer 6.5%
- #13 Blasphemous 2
89% matchVery Positive90% of 18,296 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.1%, Souls-like 18.9%, Difficult 15.9%, Lore-Rich 9%, Action RPG 7.8%
- #14 Being and Becoming
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: IchthysPub: CRITICAL REFLEX
Windows
Being & Becoming is an atmospheric metroidvania, set in a dying kingdom held together only by the collective dream of thousands of would-be martyrs. Fate itself is against you as The Word’s prophecy unfolds. Rewrite your place within The Word or become a scripted part of this horrible revelation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.1%, Souls-like 23.3%, Action RPG 11.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%, Side Scroller 8.3%
- #15 WarriOrb: Prologue
88% matchVery Positive88% of 400 reviews2019
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
WarriOrb: Prologue is a free standalone demo for the action platformer WarriOrb, where you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one... Are you ready to do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.7%, Souls-like 22.3%, Difficult 12%, Dark Fantasy 11.4%, Side Scroller 8.9%
- #16 Curvature
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Pawel Lossew
Windows · Linux
The Xerran Dominion is one step from becoming unstoppable. Your machines won’t survive - but you will. Control the environment and use their tech to your advantage. In this brutal sci-fi action RPG, the world is your weapon - and you are the trigger.
Why similar: Souls-like 26%, Metroidvania 22.3%, Difficult 13.2%, Action RPG 9.9%, Lore-Rich 9.5%
- #17 DREIFRAME
85% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: MrDrone
Windows
Dive into the decaying machine world of DREIFRAME, a pixel-art metroidvania packed with challenge. As a Frame, a sword-wielding robot, fight brutal enemies, exploit their weaknesses, unlock powerful but risky abilities, and uncover the land’s story through exploration and combat.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.5%, Souls-like 26.5%, Difficult 13.3%, Platformer 8.6%, Dark Fantasy 4.9%
- #18 Midpoint
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Frandy
Windows
Midpoint is a 2D Metroidvania with RPG elements. Destroy, dodge, and steal spiritual energy from your foes. Be possessed by spirits of light and darkness to gain unique upgrades, sacrifice certain traits to unlock greater power. Free the world before being consumed by darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.7%, Souls-like 24%, Dark Fantasy 11.7%, Action RPG 10%, Side Scroller 9.2%
- #19 Brizo
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: 朱展鹏Pub: 游龙翼道
Windows
DreamKiller is a 2D side-scrolling action game that combines strategy cards with intense combat. Control Irene as she navigates a world where dreams and reality merge, piecing together the shattered Dream Interpretation Codex. Use card-switching to unleash powerful skills in a Souls-like challenge.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.2%, Souls-like 22.3%, Lore-Rich 14.7%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Action RPG 10.8%
- #20 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 17,920 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.4 hrsMean: 18.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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: Metroidvania 39.4%, Souls-like 19.3%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Action RPG 10%, 2D 3.2%
- #21 Watcher Chronicles
84% matchVery Positive86% of 170 reviews2022
Dev: Third Sphere Game Studios
Windows · Mac
Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.
Why similar: Souls-like 24%, Metroidvania 24%, Action RPG 13%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Difficult 8.7%
- #22 Mask of Soul
81% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2026
Dev: XION ENTERTAINMENTPub: XIONPLUS
Windows
Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Souls-like 25.9%, Lore-Rich 14.4%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Platformer 8.5%
- #23 Winds Of Arcana: Ruination
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 130 reviews2025
Dev: Brewed GamesPub: 1312 Interactive
Windows
Discover the secrets of a sundered world as you help Aryn save his comrades in this story-rich, fully-voiced, 2.5D action-platformer. Fight terrible dangers and explore ancient mysteries as Aryn uncovers the forces that forge his destiny.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.6%, Souls-like 19.3%, Lore-Rich 12.5%, Difficult 11%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%
- #24 Void Memory
83% matchMixed67% of 231 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.9%, Souls-like 23.8%, Difficult 10.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%, Side Scroller 6.2%
- #25 Unworthy
82% matchVery Positive81% of 848 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Souls-like 32.7%, Dark Fantasy 13.4%, Difficult 10.1%, RPG 3.4%
- #26 Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona
80% matchMostly Positive79% of 296 reviews2024
Dev: 70`StrikePub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Linux
Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.8%, Souls-like 21.4%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Difficult 10.2%, Lore-Rich 10.1%
- #27 DEVIATOR
79% matchMixed68% of 994 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.5%, Souls-like 25.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.2%, Platformer 8%, Side Scroller 5.6%
- #28 A Handful of Dust
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: BVS Studios
Windows
Uncover a kingdom’s dark secrets in this 2D action-adventure Metroidvania. Explore a haunting world of ruins and shadow, master fluid, brutal combat, and unlock powerful abilities to overcome deadly enemies. Forge your path and choose your destiny in an ancient land balanced on the brink of ruin.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.3%, Souls-like 18.5%, Action RPG 13.6%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.2%
- #29 HunterX
78% matchVery Positive84% of 729 reviews2022
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 49%
HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.9%, Souls-like 24.8%, Action RPG 14%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.1%
- #30 Blasphemous
78% 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: Metroidvania 34%, Souls-like 25.9%, Dark Fantasy 12.9%, Difficult 7.8%, Lore-Rich 5.9%
- #31 Intertwined
77% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: VoidNode
Windows · Mac
A 2D metroidvania where your final boss is the character you didn’t choose. Play as Seren or Umbra—Master directional spear combat, explore a broken world, and uncover the truth behind your bond.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30%, Souls-like 25.4%, Difficult 15%, Platformer 7.6%, Action RPG 6.8%
- #32 Skelethrone: The Prey
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 444 reviews2024
Dev: 70`StrikePub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 1.5 hrs≥1hr: 30%
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.4%, Souls-like 22%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Difficult 10.4%, Side Scroller 9%
- #33 AWAKEN - Astral Blade
75% matchVery Positive83% of 1,186 reviews2024
Dev: Dark Pigeon GamesPub: ESDigital Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
AWAKEN - Astral Blade is a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania where you play as Tania, a bionic warrior fighting through a world twisted by Karpas energy. Master parries, upgrade your abilities, and survive relentless enemies and bosses. Is there any chance of survival in such a desperate place?
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.3%, Souls-like 20.9%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Difficult 11.7%, Action RPG 11.3%
- #34 Children of Birch
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: UvuikSmoniti
Windows
"Children of the Birch" is a dark fantasy metroidvania inspired by the mythology of various Slavic peoples and combining a sophisticated platformer with a depressing narrative.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Souls-like 26.3%, Difficult 12.7%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%, Platformer 8.6%
- #35 Forlorn Outcast
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Griever Games
Windows
Confront fate in Forlorn Outcast, an immersive souls-like RPG. Stand your ground against the Drothar hordes, channel powerful spells, and discover the dark fantasy realm of Tilsa as you ascend from outcast to legend.
Why similar: Souls-like 27.5%, Dark Fantasy 15.5%, Difficult 14.1%, Lore-Rich 13.9%, Action RPG 12.5%
- #36 Crown Of Silence
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nyro Interactive
Windows
Crown Of Silence is a 2D Metroidvania adventure with Souls-like mechanics set in a gothic world. Forge your own combat style with diverse equipment, challenge ruthless bosses, and uncover the dark secrets of a silenced kingdom through environmental storytelling.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, Souls-like 19.7%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Action RPG 10.4%, Lore-Rich 9%
- #37 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
73% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,494 reviews2025
Dev: Primal Game StudioPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Souls-like 19.7%, Dark Fantasy 11.5%, Action RPG 11%, Difficult 10%
- #38 SAVAGE: The Shard of Gosen
76% matchMostly Positive78% of 79 reviews2019
Dev: Planet Tobor
Windows
A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Souls-like 23.9%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, Action RPG 10.3%, Difficult 10%
- #39 Hollow Knight
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 542,706 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Souls-like 24%, Difficult 13.1%, Platformer 8.1%, Dark Fantasy 6.6%
- #40 CowardCastle
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Amanari Studio
Windows
Forge your destiny in CowardCastle! Play as Frida, a young witch and her living hat, facing cursed creatures in a dark castle. Explore striking areas in search of a way out and fight your own way in this challenging retro 2D action game!
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.8%, Souls-like 18%, Dark Fantasy 14.6%, Platformer 10.4%, Difficult 9.5%
- #41 Tails of Iron
73% matchVery Positive88% of 14,555 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 8.9 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 27.4%, Action RPG 17.5%, Metroidvania 14.5%, Difficult 11.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.8%
- #42 HunterX: code name T
72% matchVery Positive87% of 157 reviews2023
Dev: ORANGE POPCORN
Windows
HunterX: code name T is an action adventure with fast and stylish combat. Perfect your own fighting style using various weapon actions and magic, and explore an ever-greater world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.7%, Souls-like 23%, Action RPG 14.8%, Platformer 8.5%, Side Scroller 8.2%
- #43 Anokye
71% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: Mills Media
Windows
Anokye is a 2D action–adventure platformer where you play as a destined hero fighting to unite the Ashanti people. Battle through villages, forests, and mystical peaks inspired by Ghanaian art and folklore in a journey to restore light to a kingdom in darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.7%, Souls-like 26.6%, Difficult 16.8%, Platformer 6.8%, 2D 3.3%
- #44 SHADE Protocol
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Little Legendary
Windows · Linux
SHADE Protocol is a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where music, code, and combat collide. Swap between DAWN and SHADE forms to unleash devastating abilities, wield Instruments as weapons, and rewrite reality itself in a world on the brink of annihilation by the SHADE Protocol.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Souls-like 26.9%, Difficult 13.8%, Platformer 9.1%, Side Scroller 4.8%
- #45 REVENGE CRYSTAL
71% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: SAMx003 Games
Windows
Awaken in a fallen knight’s body, kept alive by a mysterious living crystal. REVENGE CRYSTAL combines top-down Soulslike combat with exploration across a ruined world of interconnected paths and elemental magic. You are not the knight—you are the will driving him.
Why similar: Souls-like 30.9%, Metroidvania 28%, Action RPG 16.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.5%, RPG 2.7%
- #46 Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
69% matchVery Positive80% of 1,894 reviews2025
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.
Why similar: Souls-like 28%, Dark Fantasy 16.3%, Action RPG 16.2%, Difficult 15.4%, Combat 6.6%
- #47 3000th Duel
72% matchMostly Positive72% of 626 reviews2019
Dev: NEOPOPCORN Corp
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 50%
3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.7%, Souls-like 22.4%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Difficult 11.4%, Side Scroller 8.8%
- #48 Last Souls
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ruben Wihler
Windows · Mac
Last souls is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania soulslike game.The player controls a mysterious caped character and explores a labyrinthine, dark and cold world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Souls-like 24.6%, Difficult 12.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.6%, Platformer 8.1%
- #49 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
70% 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 25.3%, Metroidvania 19.6%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Lore-Rich 13%, Platformer 7%
- #50 Abysmal Gateway
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Rafael Antunes
Windows
Abysmal Gateway is an Open World Dark Fantasy action-RPG with fast-paced combat. Venture into the depths and the forsaken realms of the abyss. Will you emerge victorious, or be consumed by the darkness? This journey is not for the faint of heart!
Why similar: Souls-like 23%, Lore-Rich 16.7%, Dark Fantasy 15.4%, Action RPG 13.7%, Difficult 13.3%
- #51 Last Vanguard
68% matchVery Positive85% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: Cool Tapir Studios
Windows
Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Souls-like 22.9%, Difficult 12%, Action RPG 11.5%, Side Scroller 11.1%
- #52 Vapor World: Over The Mind
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: ALIVE Inc.
Windows · Linux
Lost in darkness, a boy drawn into a twisted dream, no way out. Vapor World is a narrative-driven souls-like platformer focused on deflection combat set in atmospheric world of dream. Descend within shattered mind seeking lost memories. Face dark, beautiful world born of anguish and regret.
Why similar: Souls-like 22.3%, Metroidvania 22%, Dark Fantasy 12.9%, Difficult 12.2%, Action RPG 10.2%
- #53 WarriOrb
70% matchMostly Positive80% of 177 reviews2020
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
Demons, giants, mutants, and a talking Ball with hybrid limbs?! In WarriOrb you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one. Will you do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.6%, Souls-like 23.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.7%, Difficult 11.6%, Side Scroller 9.5%
- #54 Unbound: Worlds Apart
68% matchVery Positive84% of 1,307 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.9%, Souls-like 13.6%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Difficult 10.9%, Platformer 10.5%
- #55 Shieldbound
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Bangers
Windows
Shieldbound is a metroidvania action-platformer. Explore a realm that revolves around a mysterious tower with many platforming challenges. Fight powerful enemies in 2D souls-like combat... all of that, using the unique abilities of a spirit-powered shield!
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Souls-like 24.9%, Difficult 13.4%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Platformer 8.3%
- #56 Nonu
67% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Karmic Bit
Windows
Nonu is a hand-drawn 2D souls-like where every action draws from two interlinked resources—one born from inner strength, the other granted by a higher power. Explore a dying world, uncover artifacts that enable distinct builds, and piece together the truth behind its vanished god.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Souls-like 22.4%, Difficult 11.9%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Side Scroller 7.9%
- #57 Custodian: Beginning of the End
69% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2021
Dev: Red-Pixel
Windows
Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!
Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 22.9%, Difficult 11.5%, Dark Fantasy 10.4%, Side Scroller 10.4%
- #58 The Witch Blade
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SergS WorkshopPub: Rokyte Publishing
Windows
An exciting classic adventure in the world of dark fantasy with honed game mechanics, memorable enemies, and retro aesthetics.
Why similar: Souls-like 27.2%, Metroidvania 25.7%, Dark Fantasy 15.8%, Action RPG 8.9%, Side Scroller 5.3%
- #59 Umbra Sepulcri
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dead Pixel Games
Windows
You are a necromancer. The souls of the dead are your weapon. Push the limits of your combat skills in this story-driven, action packed Metroidvania. Enter in a dark world, where the sun's rays no longer heat up and evil creatures roam free in the night.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.4%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 12.1%, Dark Fantasy 8.4%, Side Scroller 8.3%
- #60 Celestial Lumina
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Juan Centeno
Windows
Celestial Lumina is a 2D Pixel-Art Metroidvania where Light clashes with the corrupted Darkness threatening to overtake the world. Ascend from the depths as Evan, heir of a fallen underworld, to awaken the radiant abilities within you & uncover the truth behind a world stripped of dawn.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.5%, Souls-like 24.9%, Dark Fantasy 14%, Lore-Rich 12.7%, Platformer 6.8%