Games Like Valdis Story: Abyssal City

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!

Why similar: Metroidvania 70.7%, RPG 6.3%, Platformer 5.7%, Great Soundtrack 4.8%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is the spiritual successor to the classic Igavania style, offering the same deep RPG systems and exploration found in Valdis Story.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.9%, Platformer 14.3%, RPG 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a similar focus on fast-paced, combo-driven combat and beautiful, hand-drawn aesthetics.

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.6%, Platformer 12.3%, RPG 6.7%, Action 3.7%, Beat 'em up 3%

Why You'll Like It: This game mirrors the fluid, anime-inspired combat and high-quality sprite work that made Valdis Story so visually compelling.

ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.

Why similar: Metroidvania 74%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%, Difficult 5.1%, Female Protagonist 3.1%, 2D 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game provides a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere paired with challenging, skill-based combat that rewards mastery.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 73%, Platformer 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Action 2.7%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is a quintessential metroidvania that excels in exploration and unique ability-based progression.

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 59.4%, Platformer 12.4%, Difficult 8.1%, Side Scroller 4.2%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers tight, responsive action and a dark fantasy aesthetic that feels very similar to the combat intensity of Valdis Story.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.9%, Platformer 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, Action 5%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines polished platforming with a strong narrative and creative boss encounters.

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: Metroidvania 64%, Platformer 9.1%, Difficult 8.3%, RPG 6.8%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title leans into the difficult, RPG-heavy side of the metroidvania genre with deep character builds and challenging boss fights.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.7%, Platformer 10.8%, Difficult 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: The game features incredibly fast-paced, stylish combat mechanics that emphasize precision and flair.

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 74.8%, Platformer 7.1%, Difficult 5.1%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%, 2D 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: It matches the high difficulty and dark, atmospheric world-building that fans of challenging action-platformers will appreciate.

Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.1%, Platformer 10.3%, Difficult 6.9%, RPG 5.4%, Side Scroller 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This massive metroidvania offers extensive RPG elements and a vibrant, anime-inspired world to explore.

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 70.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, RPG 4.7%, Platformer 2.9%, 2D 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: It continues the atmospheric, combat-focused legacy of its predecessor with refined mechanics and stunning art.

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 65.2%, Platformer 11.6%, Difficult 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Exploration 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is perfect for players who enjoy the difficult, exploration-heavy aspects of the genre and complex puzzle-solving.

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 82.2%, Difficult 7.3%, Action 4.7%, Platformer 2.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features distinct character classes and a challenging combat system that feels like a modern take on classic action-RPGs.

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.9%, RPG 8.3%, Action 5.9%, Female Protagonist 4.7%, Side Scroller 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses heavily on action-RPG combat and character progression with a distinct 2D art style.

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.2%, Platformer 11.9%, Difficult 6.1%, Action 4.1%, Side Scroller 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its appearance, it features surprisingly deep combat mechanics and a massive, interconnected world.

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.3%, Platformer 14.2%, Side Scroller 4.4%, Action RPG 3.9%, Action 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a beautiful, music-themed world with fluid combat and platforming challenges.

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 71.5%, Platformer 9.3%, RPG 6.5%, Action 3.8%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It blends procedural generation with tight metroidvania exploration for a highly replayable experience.

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 60.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Difficult 7%, 2D 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is a masterclass in world design and challenging combat that every fan of the genre should experience.

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 61.3%, Platformer 13.6%, Difficult 8.4%, Action 3.6%, Action RPG 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: The unique parry-based combat system provides a satisfyingly difficult experience for those who enjoy mastering mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 72.3%, Platformer 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Difficult 3.7%, Action 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes exploration and challenging boss fights in a retro-styled, highly rewarding world.

Usurper is a Metroidvania Action-RPG. With Eldritch horrors having been unleashed by the outer-worldly Citadel, your job is to rid London of its terrors. Use the new "Guard" system that rewards skillful play and accuracy, to uncover the massive structure and defeat the nightmares lurking within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 71.3%, RPG 10.3%, Action 6.8%, Platformer 5%, Indie 4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a unique blend of RPG mechanics and fast-paced action within a dark, Lovecraftian setting.

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50%, Platformer 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%, Difficult 6.6%, Action 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a more retro, linear action experience that focuses on character switching and tight platforming.

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.7%, Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 5.1%, Great Soundtrack 4%, Action 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: The game offers chaotic, large-scale combat encounters that test your reflexes and movement skills.

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 71.3%, Platformer 10.1%, Action 4.9%, Indie 3.7%, 2D 3%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, polished metroidvania that focuses on tight controls and creative boss encounters.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.5%, Platformer 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Action 3.4%, Indie 3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic of the genre, it offers a perfect balance of exploration, weapon progression, and platforming.

Apotheon is a heroic action game set within the vibrant world of Ancient Greek Mythology. Ascend Mount Olympus, wrestle the divine powers from the Pantheon of Gods, and save mankind.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.4%, Platformer 13.8%, Action 5.7%, RPG 5.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique art style and mythology-based combat make for a distinct and memorable action-platformer.

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 73.7%, Platformer 9.3%, Action 6.4%, Difficult 4.2%, Indie 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the spirit of classic 8-bit exploration games with modern quality-of-life improvements.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 37.5%, Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Action 9.1%, 2D 6.3%, Difficult 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers incredible speed and momentum-based platforming that rewards players who master its movement systems.

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.1%, RPG 14.5%, Platformer 12.7%, Action 7.7%, Indie 5%

Why You'll Like It: It combines platforming exploration with a unique, timing-based combat system inspired by classic RPGs.

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 70.3%, Platformer 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.3%, Indie 3.4%, 2D 2.3%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.2%, Platformer 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%, Difficult 6.6%, Action 4.3%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 66.1%, Platformer 11.1%, Action 6.1%, Indie 3.8%, Difficult 2.9%

A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.4%, RPG 12.4%, Platformer 11%, Difficult 6.4%, Action 5.8%

Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.2%, Platformer 12.8%, RPG 10.6%, Action 4.6%, 2D 3.1%

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.9%, Platformer 11.8%, Difficult 7.6%, RPG 5.6%, Side Scroller 4.1%

Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.8%, Platformer 12.1%, Difficult 6.6%, RPG 4.5%, Action 3.6%

Cally's parents have been abducted, as her arch-enemy Herbert has taken control of the Caves to perform his evil experiments. Join Cally and her friends in this action-packed run and gun platformer, conquering insane bosses, exploring to find secrets, and levelling up EVERYTHING.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.3%, Platformer 14.9%, RPG 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Action 6.9%

This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Why similar: Metroidvania 69.8%, Platformer 11.8%, Exploration 3.2%, Action 3.1%, Female Protagonist 2.8%

Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.

Why similar: Metroidvania 71.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Exploration 3.3%, Indie 3.1%, Female Protagonist 3%

Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.2%, Platformer 14.8%, Difficult 7.2%, Action 5.6%, Side Scroller 4.5%

EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.4%, RPG 8.1%, Platformer 7.4%, Action 5.5%, Female Protagonist 3.2%

Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 69.2%, Platformer 15.5%, Action 5.2%, Female Protagonist 3.4%, 2D 3.3%

Yeomna is a Metrovania 2D action platform game. Take on the role of the Half-Demon exorcist Dongbaek, and complete the cases requested by Yeomna though combat and adventure in this dream-like, mysterious Underworld.

Why similar: Metroidvania 84%, Action 7.7%, 2D 3.8%, Indie 2%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Chronicles of Teddy : Harmony of Exidus is a 2D Adventure / Action game with a Pixel Art Retro finish. Help Tarant in a quest, in which you will have to fight, use your sense of direction and hearing to accomplish your mission.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.3%, Platformer 10.5%, RPG 7.4%, Action 5.1%, Female Protagonist 3.4%

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 63.2%, RPG 8%, Platformer 7.2%, Difficult 4.5%, Action 4%

A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.

Why similar: Metroidvania 76.2%, Platformer 6.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Action 6.8%, 2D 1.8%

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 66.3%, Platformer 12.9%, Side Scroller 4.6%, Action 4%, Action RPG 3.9%

A great unknown danger is approaching Roah's home planet. Follow Roah as she explores the world and encountering all of its different factions, uncovering the mystery of what is draining the planets lifeforce.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, RPG 10.9%, Platformer 10.7%, Action 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Action 7.6%, Indie 5.5%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%

Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Platformer 22.6%, Difficult 16.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Action 4.8%

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.7%, Platformer 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Action 5.7%, Indie 3.4%

Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.7%, Platformer 20.6%, Action 6.9%, Indie 4.6%, 2D 3.9%

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 49.6%, Platformer 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Difficult 7.3%, RPG 6%

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 69.1%, Action 5.8%, Difficult 5.8%, Platformer 4.7%, Female Protagonist 3.5%

Battle Princess Madelyn is a game that follows the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy. Join them as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard!

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.9%, Platformer 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Action 8%, Difficult 6.7%

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 61.2%, Platformer 11.7%, Difficult 7.6%, Side Scroller 4.4%, Action 3.6%

Metroidvania style action/platformer with tons of abilities, enemies and exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.6%, Platformer 15.3%, RPG 7.2%, Action 5.5%, 2D 3.4%

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 61.7%, Platformer 10.1%, RPG 6.8%, Action 4.9%, Action RPG 4.7%