Games Like The Waste Land

The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 73.4%, Action 15.2%, Indie 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same dark, retro-inspired metroidvania aesthetic and challenging exploration found in The Waste Land.

Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.7%, Adventure 19.4%, Indie 14.5%, Action 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly replicates the feel of classic 16-bit action-adventure games with its non-linear world and upgrade-based progression.

Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom!

Why similar: Metroidvania 68.1%, Adventure 12.1%, Action 12.1%, Indie 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a masterclass in retro pixel-art design and non-linear exploration that feels like a spiritual successor to classic 8-bit adventures.

Make your way through more than 600 rooms, and unravel the secrets of your past by finding the five elemental orbs. Cathedral features a vast world, meant for exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.9%, Action 14.3%, Adventure 13.4%, Indie 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired metroidvania that focuses on tight platforming and challenging combat in a vast, interconnected world.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 73.4%, Adventure 10.3%, Action 8.6%, Indie 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-styled metroidvania that emphasizes deep exploration and difficult boss encounters.

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 82.6%, Adventure 17.4%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, pixel-art metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and discovery within a charmingly bleak machine world.

Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.8%, Adventure 14%, Action 13.9%, Indie 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique movement mechanics and challenging platforming that elevate the traditional metroidvania formula.

Elliot Quest is an adventure/RPG where players explore the mysterious Urele island in search of an ancient demon. With 5 dungeons to conquer, 16 bosses to defeat, and countless treasures to discover and hidden areas. Well-balanced gameplay easy to pick up but challenging to master.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.7%, Adventure 15.8%, Action 15.4%, Indie 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features a strong retro aesthetic and a sprawling map that rewards players for thorough exploration and experimentation.

Take on the role of skilled hunter, Sam, in Faeland, an adventure RPG set in a beautiful world inspired by 8-bit classics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 67.9%, Adventure 18.4%, Indie 13.8%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art adventure that blends RPG elements with metroidvania exploration in a beautifully crafted world.

Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Action 27.6%, Adventure 15.4%, Indie 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic action-adventure metroidvania that leans into the retro tropes of the genre with its pixel-art style.

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.7%, Adventure 15%, Action 14.6%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled metroidvania that focuses on exploration and uncovering the secrets of a mysterious, decaying world.

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 72.3%, Adventure 15.3%, Action 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like metroidvania with a dark, pixelated aesthetic that emphasizes difficult combat and exploration.

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 48.2%, Adventure 19%, Action 18.9%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy metroidvania that maintains a dark, moody tone throughout its challenging combat encounters.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 74.3%, Adventure 13.9%, Indie 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the essence of 8-bit platformers with its focus on puzzle-solving and exploration through a retro-styled lens.

Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 73.5%, Action 14.8%, Adventure 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D platformer that emphasizes elemental combat and fluid movement within a metroidvania structure.

Metamorfose S is a 2D action-adventure game with RPG elements.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Action 21.2%, Adventure 20.4%, Indie 17.3%

Why You'll Like It: An indie metroidvania that focuses on exploration and action within a 2D side-scrolling framework.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 84.7%, Action 15.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric, and challenging 2D action game that shares the somber tone and tight combat of The Waste Land.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 66%, Action 12%, Indie 11.2%, Adventure 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, punchy, and retro-styled metroidvania that delivers a satisfying exploration experience in a short runtime.

Uncover the secrets of the sinking metropolis in this action RPG. Clash beam sabers, or be a gunslinger. Make alliances or go it alone. Your actions have consequences - those whom learn the nature of this world will be able to shape it as they see fit.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63%, Action 21.2%, Indie 15.9%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like metroidvania that prioritizes atmosphere and environmental storytelling over linear progression.

Explore a kingdom overrun by evil magic as you fight foes with your own magical bow in this retro inspired action-adventure platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.3%, Action 13.3%, Adventure 13.1%, Indie 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art metroidvania that focuses on 2D action and exploration within a retro-inspired setting.

Journey to another planet and discover its secrets in order to bring your loved one back to life. Experience an adventure, inspired by old school classics like Another World, Heart of Darkness and Flashback.

Why similar: Adventure 42.7%, Action 32.2%, Indie 25.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art adventure that combines platforming and puzzle-solving with a narrative-driven experience.

Test your limits against a brutal and mysterious world as Parvus, a curious warrior with a heavy burden. Raise your spear and cast ancient spells as you battle hostile creatures and towering bosses in procedurally-generated 2D landscapes. Answer the call. Break the cycle. Change your destiny.

Why similar: Adventure 39.2%, Action 33.7%, Indie 27.1%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like platformer that features a dark, indie aesthetic and challenging boss-focused gameplay.

Stray Savior is a 2D action platformer packed full of lethal traps, precise jumps, and powerful bosses. Venture through the dystopian world with weapons and skills, to prove yourself and forge your own path.

Why similar: Action 41%, Adventure 39%, Indie 20%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure platformer that emphasizes exploration and 2D combat in a stylized world.

Xeodrifter is the story of an interstellar drifter traveling the stars on a simple mission of exploration. We join our nomad as he embarks on the investigation of a small cluster of four planets in the omega sector, after a collision with a rogue asteroid damaged his warp core.

Why similar: Metroidvania 66.3%, Action 12%, Adventure 11.1%, Indie 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A concise, retro-styled metroidvania that focuses on tight movement and exploration across multiple planets.

Face the Dark Forest of the Divine Comedy in this action platformer inspired by the Sommo Poeta’s masterpiece! Help Dante avoid pitfalls, spikes & specters using double jumps, magical attacks and dashes. Find the scrolls containing the triplets of the Canto exploring this gloomy, pixelart forest!

Why similar: Action 44.8%, Adventure 33.7%, Indie 21.5%

Why You'll Like It: A precision platformer that utilizes a retro aesthetic to deliver a challenging and focused gameplay experience.

The Rewinder 2 is an action adventure game inspired by eastern mythology. Explore cursed villages, dungeons. Unlock new skills and meet all sorts of ghosts and monsters.

Why similar: Adventure 62.5%, Action 22.4%, Indie 15.2%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure game that uses pixel-art to tell a mysterious, mythology-inspired tale.

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 66.3%, Adventure 17.5%, Action 16.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure metroidvania that features a distinct, hand-drawn art style and challenging platforming.

Rush to Adventure is a retro fantasy speedrunning adventure. Inspired by classic NES titles like Zelda, Mario and Castlevania. You awaken on the shore of a cursed island. Your only way off the island is to fight the monsters and lift the curse.

Why similar: Adventure 36.7%, Action 35.8%, Indie 27.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action-adventure game that focuses on classic exploration and combat mechanics.

Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.

Why similar: Action 59%, Adventure 41%

A Pixel art adventure inspired by the fascinating legends and myths of Venezuela. Enter a mysterious world where you will be the one to help this little Espanto solve the mystery of why all these creatures and lost souls are wandering the earth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 79.9%, Adventure 18.7%, Indie 1.3%

A unique platforming experience where the protagonist, story, and mechanics are constantly changing. Take control of legendary warriors, giant worms, greedy kings, and lazy demons, each with their own purpose.

Why similar: Adventure 60.9%, Action 39.1%

Unravel the mystery uncovered by a remote interplanetary mining operation. What did they find? What threat does it pose? And ultimately, what does it truly mean to be a hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.1%, Adventure 20.1%, Action 16.8%, Indie 15.1%

Why You'll Like It: An indie metroidvania that captures the retro feel of early 90s action-platformers.

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 72.5%, Action 11.6%, Adventure 10%, Indie 5.9%

Forgotten Land is a small adventure game in which you will play for the driver who had an accident. The protagonist finds himself in a large valley, which according to local legend was called the Forgotten Land.

Why similar: Adventure 37.6%, Action 36.6%, Indie 25.7%

Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure that focuses on exploration and atmosphere within a 2D side-scrolling world.

HAAK is a Metroidvania-Platformer. As the mysterious wanderer Haak, you embarked on an epic expedition across the vast cyber-wasteland to find your lost brother. Explore deserted cities and metro, refine your weapons and hack skills, and uncover the secrets behind metal and dust.

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.7%, Adventure 12.5%, Action 11.8%, Indie 10%

Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

Why similar: Metroidvania 75.6%, Action 13%, Adventure 11.4%

In this challenging, fast-paced roguelite, every death is a unique chance to rewrite fate, save Persia or die trying. Master fluid, acrobatic combat and parkour as you explore your kingdom to right your wrongs!

Why similar: Action 100%

A nostalgic metroidvania from the good old days back in 19XX. Take on the role of Sean, a young boy who ventures into the fictional city of Arostia to repay his father's debt. Rescue your 3 friends from imprisonment, defeat strong enemies, all while getting your debt paid in time!

Why similar: Metroidvania 67.8%, Adventure 14.3%, Action 11.2%, Indie 6.6%

A knight exiled from his kingdom must find the holy grail if he is to return.

Why similar: Action 57.1%, Indie 42.9%

Fallen Leaf is a retro side-scrolling adventure focused on tight, action-packed level design set in a whimsical world where almost anything goes!

Why similar: Action 53.3%, Indie 46.7%

We embody the spirit of The Dagda, king of the Celtic gods, with the objective of liberating his territory from the corruption of the goddess Morrigan in a 2D roguelike platformer full of intensity.

Why similar: Action 47.8%, Adventure 47.7%, Indie 4.5%

A 2D stealth Metroidvania with parkour platforming. Explore the majestic palace and ancient prisons of a kingdom under siege. Don the mantle of the legendary Sandfox as you venture into the ruins below, and discover the true threat from a sand-borne evil.

Why similar: Metroidvania 69.8%, Action 15.2%, Adventure 15%

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 76%, Adventure 16%, Indie 8%

"7th Domain" is a horizontal version action game derived from Roguelike Metroidvania combined with treasure grinding gameplay. You will play a child of destiny who repairs the world and finds the truth of the broken world. You will grow in battle and challenge the unknown and hidden forces.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.6%, Action 19.5%, Adventure 8.5%, Indie 7.3%

forma.8 is a unique take on the proven Metroidvania action-adventure formula, with a striking visual style and a huge world to explore.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.1%, Action 19.3%, Adventure 19.1%, Indie 15.5%

Ninjahtic is an action/adventure platformer with elements of puzzle-solving and stealth. While it's progression is linear, the open-ended nature of every level requires exploration of an abandoned civilization located atop floating islands.

Why similar: Action 37.5%, Adventure 35.3%, Indie 27.2%

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.6%, Adventure 22.9%, Action 18.3%, Indie 17.1%

The old world is gone, lost with the disappearance of the King. Reforge reality in this dark action RPG through skill-based combat, innovative open-world platforming and the testimonies of survivors… some more trustworthy than others. Are you ready, Wanderer?

Why similar: Action 37.2%, Adventure 36.7%, Indie 26.1%

Embark on a quest to recover the Three Rings of the Triskelion, as the last descendant of ancient Kung Fu warriors in Twilight Monk!. Experience a richly crafted Metroidvania, RPG, with intricately crafted dungeons, linked across a vast overworld spanning multiple continents.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.2%, Adventure 12.6%, Action 12.4%, Indie 10.8%

Explore the depths below a remote mountain town in this procedurally-generated Adventure Platformer. Taking inspiration from hack 'n slash dungeon crawlers and Metroidvania-style platformers, Chasm will immerse you in a fantasy world full of exciting treasure, deadly enemies, and abundant secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 70%, Adventure 10.9%, Action 10%, Indie 9.2%

Step into the greaves of King Arthur in this fantasy action roguelite and wield the Broken Excalibur in a quest to rescue the scattered citizens of Camelot, vanquish the calamitous Void Giant, and escape from the Astral Dimension once and for all.

Why similar: Action 51.6%, Adventure 48.4%

Beholgar is a classically styled metroidvania action adventure. Explore caverns, ancient woods, and deadly castles; battle creatures and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.9%, Action 17.3%, Adventure 16.7%, Indie 2%

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 80.2%, Action 12.2%, Adventure 7.6%

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.

Why similar: Metroidvania 78.3%, Action 21.7%

Treasure Adventure Game casts you in the role of a young boy who lands on an island that is a fragment of what was once a continent, destroyed in the war between a demon and a wizard.

Why similar: Metroidvania 72.2%, Action 12.9%, Adventure 10.3%, Indie 4.6%

个人独立开发的像素武侠风横版动作游戏，以电子游戏的形式为大家展示在南宋末年蒙古入侵中原、江湖没落、大侠绝迹的背景下，怀有侠义之心的剑客贯彻心中理念的故事。

Why similar: Metroidvania 68.5%, Action 16.3%, Adventure 15.2%

Explore the ruins of the human race and discover the thriving wildlife that blossomed after our extinction in this underwater action/adventure. Encounter monstrous creatures and let curiosity guide you through an inevitable voyage of extinction.

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.4%, Adventure 15.7%, Action 14.3%, Indie 11.5%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 76.2%, Adventure 10%, Indie 7.7%, Action 6.1%

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: Metroidvania 70%, Action 11.8%, Adventure 10%, Indie 8.2%