- #1 Eldest Souls
97% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,378 reviews2021
Dev: Fallen Flag StudioPub: United Label
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.
Why similar: Souls-like 40.5%, Boss Rush 23.3% ★, Difficult 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Action 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging, pixel-art boss-rush game that emphasizes souls-like combat mechanics.
- #2 Furi
96% matchVery Positive90% of 14,023 reviews2016
Dev: The Game Bakers
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.
Why similar: Boss Rush 47.5% ★, Difficult 22.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Top-Down 5.9%, Action 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A pure boss-rush experience that mirrors the high-stakes, pattern-heavy combat of Titan Souls.
- #3 Hyper Light Drifter
96% matchVery Positive93% of 19,122 reviews2016
Dev: Heart Machine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Why similar: Difficult 23.3%, Souls-like 19.9%, Pixel Graphics 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Adventure 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features the same blend of high-precision combat, atmospheric pixel art, and challenging boss encounters.
- #4 Death's Door
95% matchVery Positive93% of 22,030 reviews2021
Dev: Acid NervePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.
Why similar: Souls-like 83.2%, Action 5.4%, Adventure 5.2%, Action-Adventure 4%, Indie 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the atmospheric, boss-focused exploration and souls-like combat in a tight, polished package.
- #5 Nine Sols
94% matchVery Positive94% of 45,033 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Why similar: Souls-like 56%, Difficult 26.7%, Action 3.6%, 2D 3.2%, Adventure 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A high-difficulty 2D action game with a heavy focus on parry-based boss combat and precise movement.
- #6 Blasphemous
94% matchVery Positive90% of 66,776 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.
Why similar: Souls-like 55.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Difficult 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 6%, 2D 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, souls-like metroidvania with brutal boss fights and a distinct pixel-art aesthetic.
- #7 Katana ZERO
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 76,003 reviews2019
Dev: AskiisoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.4%, Pixel Graphics 29.1%, Difficult 23.9%, Action 6.4%, Indie 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the one-hit-kill, high-speed precision gameplay that makes every encounter feel like a puzzle.
- #8 Hollow Knight
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 558,466 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 41.6 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: Souls-like 47.6%, Difficult 23%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, 2D 2.8%, Indie 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive 2D souls-like experience with exceptional boss design and challenging exploration.
- #9 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
92% matchVery Positive81% of 5,578 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 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 67.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Difficult 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%, Action 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines souls-like mechanics with metroidvania exploration and intense, skill-testing boss battles.
- #10 Salt and Sanctuary
90% matchVery Positive89% of 21,853 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 77.9%, Difficult 15.6%, 2D 2%, Action 1.7%, Indie 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: A faithful 2D translation of the souls-like formula with deep combat and challenging boss encounters.
- #11 SINNER: Sacrifice for Redemption
91% matchMixed65% of 1,039 reviews2018
Dev: DARK STARPub: Neon Doctrine
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption is a boss battler action-RPG. Face eight abhorrent bosses, the first seven each based on one of the sins. Before each epic clash, you must sacrifice a stat and level down to enter combat. Each fight will be tougher than the last as you wage war against sin itself.
Why similar: Souls-like 60.7%, Difficult 28.2%, Action-Adventure 3.1%, Action 2.8%, Fantasy 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: A boss-rush action RPG where you must sacrifice your own stats to challenge increasingly difficult bosses.
- #12 The Messenger
89% matchVery Positive93% of 13,167 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 28%, Pixel Graphics 24.9%, Difficult 19.7%, Retro 6.8%, 2D 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A precision-focused action game that captures the retro feel and challenging boss design of classic titles.
- #13 Jotun: Valhalla Edition
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 8,557 reviews2015
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Jotun is a hand-drawn action-exploration game set in Norse mythology. In Jotun, you play Thora, a Viking warrior who died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the Gods to enter Valhalla. Impress the Gods!
Why similar: Difficult 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.2%, Boss Rush 13% ★, Adventure 10.3%, Souls-like 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn adventure focused on massive, challenging boss battles against Norse mythological figures.
- #14 Celeste
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 146,121 reviews2018
Dev: Maddy Makes Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 26.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Why similar: Difficult 37.5%, Great Soundtrack 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 20.4%, Indie 4.1%, 2D 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: While a platformer, it shares the 'die-and-retry' philosophy and high-precision requirement of Titan Souls.
- #15 TUNIC
86% matchVery Positive91% of 18,422 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.
Why similar: Souls-like 57%, Difficult 24.5%, Top-Down 4.8%, Action-Adventure 3.2%, Puzzle 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a deep, souls-like sense of discovery and challenging combat that rewards player observation.
- #16 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
87% matchVery Positive93% of 11,895 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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: Souls-like 51.1%, Difficult 24.4%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Action 3.4%, 2D 3%
Why You'll Like It: A short, challenging souls-like metroidvania with beautiful pixel art and demanding boss fights.
- #17 Dead Cells
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 182,870 reviews2018
Dev: Motion Twin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 41.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.
Why similar: Souls-like 54.1%, Pixel Graphics 15.2%, Difficult 13.7%, Adventure 4.4%, Action 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides fast-paced, high-stakes combat that requires mastery of mechanics to overcome difficult bosses.
- #18 Downwell
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,612 reviews2015
Dev: MoppinPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.
Why similar: Difficult 40.6%, Pixel Graphics 28.3%, Great Soundtrack 7%, Action 5.9%, Indie 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity, precision-based game where every movement and action carries significant risk.
- #19 Souldiers
84% matchMixed69% of 3,112 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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: Souls-like 29%, Difficult 28.8%, Pixel Graphics 25.6%, Action 5.2%, Action-Adventure 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: A demanding metroidvania that features complex boss fights and a classic pixel-art style.
- #20 Bleak Sword DX
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 698 reviews2023
Dev: more8bitPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Discover and destroy increasingly horrifying creatures across an oppressive lofi world, wielding fierce weaponry and powerful magic in this pocket-sized action adventure.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 44.2%, Action 11.4%, Action-Adventure 10.7%, 2D 10.3%, Fantasy 10%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, diorama-style action game that focuses entirely on tight, boss-focused combat encounters.
- #21 Skul: The Hero Slayer
82% matchVery Positive93% of 57,546 reviews2021
Dev: SOUTHPAW GAMESPub: NEOWIZ
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 30.1%, Difficult 23.1%, Souls-like 16.1%, Action 9.4%, Indie 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy roguelike that features fast combat and challenging boss encounters.
- #22 Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
84% matchVery Positive81% of 1,267 reviews2018
Dev: Long Hat HousePub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 46%
In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 25.4%, Difficult 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.8%, Action 14.4%, Indie 13.1%
Why You'll Like It: A unique, challenging platformer that requires quick reflexes and precision movement to survive.
- #23 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 16,893 reviews2014
Dev: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30%, Pixel Graphics 25.6%, Difficult 18.6%, Retro 6.2%, 2D 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features classic, tight controls and memorable boss encounters within a polished retro aesthetic.
- #24 GRIME
81% matchVery Positive85% of 6,733 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Souls-like 59%, Difficult 25.9%, Action 3.1%, Adventure 3%, Action-Adventure 3%
Why You'll Like It: A unique souls-like that rewards precise timing and parrying during its challenging boss encounters.
- #25 Infinitevania
76% matchVery Positive93% of 252 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.
Why similar: Souls-like 45.2%, Difficult 19.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Action 3.7%
- #26 The Last Hero: Journey to the Unknown
79% matchMostly Positive74% of 50 reviews2023
Dev: Titan Art Games
Windows
In a world dominated by evil, only one hero against many enemies, explore, conquer, and don't give up if you get lost! Help our hero in this platform game in the fight against the forces of evil.
Why similar: Souls-like 46.6%, Difficult 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Retro 3.7%, Adventure 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art souls-like that focuses on difficult combat and boss-centric gameplay.
- #27 ABYSSAL BLADE
77% matchVery Positive97% of 101 reviews2025
Dev: Vifer Games
Windows · Mac
ABYSSAL BLADE is a pixel-art boss rush inspired by MMO raid mechanics. With only 1 HP, take up your blade and challenge the five stages of grief.
Why similar: Boss Rush 33.3% ★, Souls-like 32.7%, Difficult 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Top-Down 3.7%
- #28 Void Memory
81% matchMixed67% of 234 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Souls-like 53.6%, Difficult 21.7%, Adventure 7.1%, Action 7%, Indie 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D souls-like that focuses on challenging combat and boss encounters in a bleak, atmospheric world.
- #29 Wizard of Legend
78% matchVery Positive91% of 21,044 reviews2018
Dev: Contingent99
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Wizard of Legend is a no-nonsense, action-packed take on wizardry that emphasizes precise movements and smart comboing of spells in a rogue-like dungeon crawler that features over a hundred unique spells and relics!
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 40.4%, Difficult 35.1%, Action 8%, Adventure 6.6%, Indie 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, boss-focused dungeon crawler that demands high skill and quick reaction times.
- #30 Boss Rush: Mythology
79% matchMostly Positive78% of 134 reviews2020
Dev: Alexey Suslin
Windows
Boss Rush: Mythology - This is an action game in which you have to fight various creatures and gods from Greek, Scandinavian, Slavic and Egyptian mythologies.
Why similar: Souls-like 39.5%, Boss Rush 38.3% ★, Difficult 14.4%, Action 2.5%, Indie 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A direct boss-rush experience that leans into the same structure and difficulty found in Titan Souls.
- #31 DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED
76% matchVery Positive92% of 154,463 reviews2018
Dev: QLOCPub: FromSoftware, Inc.
Windows
Median: 31.8 hrsMean: 57.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.
Why similar: Souls-like 65.1%, Difficult 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Action 2.5%, Fantasy 1.9%
- #32 Oblitus
80% matchMixed52% of 135 reviews2015
Dev: Connor Ullmann
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Souls-like 69.4%, Adventure 11.9%, Action 10.2%, Indie 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action game that emphasizes boss fights and minimalist storytelling.
- #33 Environmental Station Alpha
78% matchVery Positive83% of 1,654 reviews2015
Dev: Arvi TeikariPub: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 32.7%, Difficult 24.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Adventure 6.7%, Action 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with a focus on exploration and difficult, pattern-based boss fights.
- #34 Tails of Iron
75% matchVery Positive88% of 15,003 reviews2021
Dev: Odd Bug StudioPub: United Label
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 58.3%, Difficult 21.5%, Adventure 4.1%, 2D 3.6%, Action-Adventure 3.2%
- #35 Aegis Defenders
77% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,831 reviews2018
Dev: GUTS DepartmentPub: Balor Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Take on wild beasts, ruthless soldiers, and ancient gods in this 2D Action-Platformer inspired by Tower-Defense combat.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 48.5%, Action 11.9%, Adventure 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Indie 9.3%
- #36 Gurei
71% matchVery Positive85% of 281 reviews2026
Dev: Lobo Sagaz studioPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
An unforgiving game with precise combat. Fight challenging bosses in any order, acquire their unique powers, and succeed on your own terms.
Why similar: Boss Rush 37.2% ★, Souls-like 29.6%, Difficult 17.6%, Action 4.2%, Indie 3.1%
- #37 Little Nightmares
73% matchVery Positive95% of 116,515 reviews2017
Dev: Tarsier StudiosPub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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: Great Soundtrack 37.7%, Adventure 18.3%, Atmospheric 14.8%, Indie 8.7%, Singleplayer 8.6%
- #38 Moonlighter
74% matchVery Positive81% of 23,893 reviews2018
Dev: Digital SunPub: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Moonlighter is an Action RPG with rogue-lite elements that demonstrates two sides of the coin – revealing everyday routines of Will, an adventurous shopkeeper that secretly dreams of becoming a hero.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 47.5%, Top-Down 15.4%, Adventure 10.2%, Action 8.2%, Fantasy 7.4%
- #39 Obsurity
75% matchMostly Positive73% of 284 reviews2020
Dev: Game Dynasty
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Discover all the secrets of two completely different worlds.
Why similar: Souls-like 45.8%, Difficult 21.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Top-Down 5.1%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%
- #40 Nuclear Throne
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 19,764 reviews2015
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 24.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?
Why similar: Difficult 41.5%, Pixel Graphics 23.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.8%, Action 4.9%, Indie 4.8%
- #41 Bittersweet Birthday
70% matchVery Positive95% of 58 reviews2025
Dev: World Eater GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Bittersweet Birthday is a boss fight-only action adventure where every encounter is a unique and emotional showdown. Explore a colorful world full of endearing characters, uncover your memories, and battle your way through challenges that push skill, timing, and determination to their limits.
Why similar: Souls-like 35.2%, Boss Rush 34.9% ★, Difficult 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Top-Down 3.9%
- #42 Archvale
72% matchVery Positive89% of 2,392 reviews2021
Dev: idoz & phopsPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Take up your weapon in this RPG bullet-hell world and embark on a journey to right wrongs from long ago. Only you can defeat the evil forces of the Undying guardians and reunite the world with the fabled Archvale.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 32.4%, Souls-like 16.1%, Difficult 14.2%, Action 10.6%, Adventure 10.1%
- #43 Himno
73% matchVery Positive91% of 5,822 reviews2019
Dev: David Moralejo SánchezPub: GrabTheGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Himno is a peaceful, 2D platformer game with an infinite number of beautiful procedurally generated maps. Take a breath, and relax.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 45.7%, Adventure 11%, 2D 9.9%, Action 9.9%, Fantasy 8.9%
- #44 Despotism 3k
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,839 reviews2018
Dev: Konfa Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Humanity is enslaved by an AI… which is awesome, because we’re on the right side of the conflict. Exploit puny humans to extract power and build your own empire!
Why similar: Difficult 48.2%, Pixel Graphics 26.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Indie 6.1%, 2D 5.8%
- #45 Hollow Knight: Silksong
65% matchVery Positive89% of 419,906 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.2 hrsMean: 46.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.
Why similar: Souls-like 46.1%, Difficult 24.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, 2D 2.7%, Indie 2.7%
- #46 Blasphemous 2
68% matchVery Positive91% of 21,144 reviews2023
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Souls-like 45.5%, Difficult 33.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Fantasy 3.4%, Adventure 3%
- #47 Shell of a King
67% matchVery Positive100% of 64 reviews2026
Dev: Rosune
Windows
Test your strength in Shell of a King! A precision bullet-hell adventure that will push your dodging skills to the limit. Challenge tough bosses, uncover secrets, and explore a world left to ruin in this top-down RPG.
Why similar: Souls-like 55.1%, Difficult 26.1%, Top-Down 5.2%, Action 3.9%, Indie 3.5%
- #48 Chronos: Before the Ashes
72% matchMixed64% of 886 reviews2020
Dev: Gunfire GamesPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Chronos: Before the Ashes is an atmospheric RPG that chronicles a hero’s lifelong quest to save their homeland from a great evil.
Why similar: Souls-like 79.1%, Action 7%, Adventure 5.5%, Action-Adventure 4.5%, Atmospheric 2.3%
- #49 Void Sols
67% matchVery Positive96% of 372 reviews2024
Dev: Finite Reflection StudiosPub: Modern Wolf
Windows · Mac
Abstract ruins. Hostile shapes. No escape but forward... Death isn’t the end as you know it. Here, it’s how you grow! Each defeat teaches you more as you rise again to defeat foes with stolen blades and bows. Pushing through a broken world warped by cruelty and shadows. Welcome. This is Void Sols.
Why similar: Souls-like 54.7%, Difficult 26.6%, Top-Down 6.7%, Action 3.4%, Action-Adventure 3.2%
- #50 SLUDGE LIFE
69% matchVery Positive91% of 5,529 reviews2021
Dev: Terri VellmannPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 41%
SLUDGE LIFE is a first-person / open-world / vandalism-centric stroll through a polluted island full of cranky idiots and a vibe so thick you can taste it.
Why similar: Adventure 29.8%, Indie 24.6%, Action 23.5%, Atmospheric 22.1%
- #51 ITTA
70% matchVery Positive90% of 429 reviews2020
Dev: Glass RevolverPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Test your limits in ITTA, a bullet-hell, boss-rush style adventure. Armed with her father’s revolver and guided by a strange ghostly cat, a displaced girl must battle her way through impossible trials in search of answers… and peace.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 26%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Boss Rush 17.1% ★, Top-Down 10.7%, Action 7.5%
- #52 Brume
70% matchVery Positive82% of 165 reviews2019
Dev: Sokpop Collective
Windows · Mac
A challenging action-adventure game. Explore a foggy abandoned island, fight knights, slugs and ghosts, and make your way to an old corrupted keep.
Why similar: Souls-like 68.7%, Difficult 13.1%, Adventure 7.3%, Indie 6.2%, Atmospheric 2.8%
- #53 Crypt of the NecroDancer
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 26,473 reviews2015
Dev: Brace Yourself Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move to the music and deliver beatdowns to the beat! Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34%, Difficult 31.1%, Pixel Graphics 22%, Indie 3.8%, Action 2.1%
- #54 Rubinite
62% matchVery Positive94% of 3,387 reviews2026
Dev: Cup Dog Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.
Why similar: Boss Rush 34.2% ★, Souls-like 32.1%, Difficult 16%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Top-Down 3.2%
- #55 Perseus: Titan Slayer
68% matchMixed64% of 376 reviews2023
Dev: SicariusPub: G-DEVS.com
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Defeat the Titans as you battle your way into Tartarus to stop Chaos from conquering Olympus and destroying the world. In this rogue-like dungeon crawler adventure, you will play as Perseus, a demigod tasked with one mission; stop Chaos and the evil forces that surround him.
Why similar: Difficult 30.4%, Action 17.9%, Adventure 15.6%, Indie 13.7%, Action-Adventure 11.6%
- #56 ScourgeBringer
67% matchVery Positive86% of 3,268 reviews2020
Dev: Flying Oak GamesPub: Dear Villagers
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 28.2%, Difficult 21%, Action 12.7%, Adventure 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%
- #57 Immortal Planet
71% matchMixed62% of 393 reviews2017
Dev: teedoubleuGAMESPub: Crunching Koalas
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Immortal Planet is an action RPG with challenging combat that rewards patience and punishes recklessness. Explore the crumbling remains of a society of immortals trapped in endless cycles of rebirth. Fight your way to discover the planet's mystery and escape its curse.
Why similar: Souls-like 71.1%, Difficult 13.2%, Action 4.4%, Adventure 3.8%, Indie 3.3%
- #58 Will Glow the Wisp
68% matchVery Positive82% of 1,664 reviews2017
Dev: PartTimeIndie
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Navigate through psychadelic mazes to chill electornic beats. Imagine a mix between Super Meat Boy and Geometry Wars.
Why similar: Difficult 70.5%, Action 8.9%, 2D 8.1%, Retro 7.6%, Singleplayer 3.6%
- #59 DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin
67% matchVery Positive84% of 131,494 reviews2015
Dev: FromSoftware, Inc.Pub: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Windows
Median: 40.8 hrsMean: 82.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.
Why similar: Souls-like 70.3%, Difficult 22.3%, Action 2.2%, Atmospheric 1.6%, Adventure 1.6%