Games Like XEL

Take control of the seasons and use them to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and discover the beautiful world of Valdi in this award-winning indie adventure.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 34.4% ★, Action RPG 17.6%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Action-Adventure 10.9%, Third Person 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This 3D action-adventure features a female protagonist and environmental puzzle-solving mechanics that feel very similar to XEL.

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Action RPG 41.2%, Female Protagonist 21%, RPG 10.6%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Action-Adventure 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: While top-down, this action-RPG features deep puzzle-solving and a sci-fi narrative that captures the same sense of discovery and character-driven adventure.

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

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.6%, Action-Adventure 18.9%, Exploration 11.5%, Third Person 11.1%, Fantasy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality 3D action-adventure with a female lead that emphasizes exploration and satisfying combat in a lush, colorful world.

Immortals Fenyx Rising brings grand mythological adventure to life. Play as Fenyx on a quest to save the Greek gods.

Why similar: Action RPG 21%, Action-Adventure 13.6%, Third Person 11.3%, Female Protagonist 10.9%, RPG 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a massive 3D world filled with intricate dungeon puzzles and action-oriented combat that mirrors the Zelda-like structure of XEL.

Relicta is a first-person physics-based puzzle game where you need to creatively combine magnetism and gravity to unravel the secrets of Chandra Base.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.1%, Action-Adventure 18.2%, Sci-fi 17.8%, Exploration 13.4%, Colorful 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle game set in a sci-fi environment that challenges players to manipulate gravity and magnetism to progress.

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

Why similar: Exploration 24.2%, Action 14.1%, Action RPG 13.7%, Action-Adventure 13.1%, Atmospheric 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A wordless 3D adventure focused on environmental manipulation and exploration within a mysterious, decaying world.

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

Why similar: Action-Adventure 27.2%, Exploration 20.2%, Third Person 16.1%, Fantasy 10.7%, Atmospheric 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines 3D platforming with challenging combat and exploration, perfect for those who enjoyed the movement and dungeon aspects of XEL.

Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.3%, Sci-fi 19.6%, Exploration 17.4%, Atmospheric 11.5%, RPG 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric 3D exploration game that emphasizes discovery and a unique visual style, perfect for players who enjoyed the exploration in XEL.

Explore a world full of adventure in this action RPG that tells the story of Mya, a powerful alchemist who travels across the dangerous lands of mythical Isur trying to recall the lost memories of her past.

Why similar: Action RPG 19.3%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Action-Adventure 12.6%, Combat 10.5%, Third Person 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This action-adventure game features a unique crafting system and puzzle-solving elements set within a vast, explorable world.

"WELCOME TO THE PIONEER PROGRAM! As the newest recruit of Kindred Aerospace - The 4th best interstellar space exploration company - Your job is to determine if the planet ARY-26 planet is fit for humans. You may be short on equipment and experience, but you'll figure it out. Good luck!

Why similar: Action-Adventure 32.1%, Exploration 25.9%, Colorful 15.5%, Action 11.8%, Sci-fi 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, sci-fi exploration game that encourages players to uncover the mysteries of an alien world through gadgets and platforming.

This atmospheric, Metroidvania hacking adventure lets you take control of a semi-sapient program struggling against deletion. In the sprawling 3D world of a Mainframe, Recompile features intense combat, tight 3D platforming, super-powered abilities and an environmental logic-based hacking mechanic.

Why similar: Sci-fi 24.4%, Third Person 19.2%, Exploration 19.1%, Combat 15.6%, Atmospheric 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi exploration game that blends 3D platforming with hacking mechanics, capturing the futuristic aesthetic of XEL.

A next-generation action experience where the elements obey you, the terrain bends to your will, and every victory is entirely your own.

Why similar: Action RPG 20%, Action-Adventure 13.1%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Exploration 9.2%, Third Person 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure game that features physics-based combat and exploration, allowing for creative interactions with the environment.

Embark on a journey full of danger in this action RPG, inspired by Greek and Roman mythologies. Explore the breathtaking city of Aphes and forge your way through legions of unique foes and mythical bosses to discover the truth behind the city’s curse.

Why similar: Action RPG 23.1%, Female Protagonist 19%, Action-Adventure 13.9%, Exploration 10.4%, Third Person 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG featuring a female protagonist and 3D exploration that focuses on uncovering the lore of a mysterious, ancient city.

Cris Tales is a gorgeous, indie love letter to classic JRPGs with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future -- all on one screen as you play!

Why similar: Time Travel 29.2% ★, Time Manipulation 26.7% ★, Female Protagonist 14.5%, RPG 7.5%, Fantasy 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: An RPG that utilizes time-manipulation mechanics as a central feature for both combat and puzzle-solving.

Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas combines captivating storytelling, breathtaking 3D visuals and exciting gameplay into one epic action-adventure experience. In the game you explore the islands of Uncharted Seas, a world filled with many dangers, puzzles and secrets.

Why similar: Action RPG 24.1%, Action-Adventure 16.8%, RPG 15%, Exploration 9.7%, Fantasy 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic Zelda-like adventure that focuses on dungeon crawling and exploration in a bright, 3D world.

Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…

Why similar: Action RPG 33%, Female Protagonist 20.8%, RPG 12.1%, Story Rich 9.8%, Atmospheric 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich action-RPG with a vibrant, detailed world that captures the sense of adventure and character growth found in XEL.

A Story-Rich RPG/Action-Adventure Game, made by one person over the course of three years. Step into the shoes of the young Elf Rynna, and explore the Sacred Lands. Venture into dangerous dungeons, explore caves and solve puzzles and become the champion of the Goddess Illeria.

Why similar: Action RPG 25%, Female Protagonist 17%, Action-Adventure 16.3%, RPG 9.1%, Fantasy 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure game that focuses on dungeon exploration and combat, mirroring the core loop of XEL.

Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 24.2%, Third Person 22%, Colorful 19.9%, Story Rich 19.4%, Action 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer with creative puzzle-solving and a strong narrative that matches the charm and character-driven focus of XEL.

Take on the role of Nora Harwood, member of Everreach’s Security Division, on a mission to secure the colonization process of Eden and investigate mysterious incidents! Everreach: Project Eden is a fast-paced, story-driven action-RPG set on the visually stunning Planet Eden.

Why similar: RPG 20.8%, Sci-fi 20.7%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Action 10.8%, Action RPG 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-RPG with a female protagonist that focuses on exploration and combat on a mysterious alien planet.

YesterMorrow is a single-player time travelling 2D platformer, mixing action sequences with puzzle elements. Follow the engaging story of Yui, who travels back into the past to save her family and the remnants of a world now trapped in Never-ending Night.

Why similar: Time Travel 42.3% ★, Action 17.9%, Female Protagonist 16.8%, Indie 7.9%, Story Rich 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A time-travel adventure that uses temporal mechanics to solve puzzles and navigate the world.

Dive into the immersive world of Retrace the Light, a captivating 2.5D action-adventure game centered around the "Spatial Retracing" feature. Assume the role of an Enforcer working for a super AI in a futuristic world, exploring the depths of human consciousness and healing their emotional wounds.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 35.1% ★, Action RPG 18.2%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Exploration 9.6%, Third Person 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D exploration game that focuses on movement and discovery within a mysterious, atmospheric setting.

Grow your own worlds and nurture a deep natural connection with everything they hold. See your actions change the world for better! Bring the Evertree back to life in this breathtaking world-crafting sandbox, with life management and adventure elements.

Why similar: Third Person 23.6%, Exploration 23.6%, Colorful 19.3%, Fantasy 15.1%, Atmospheric 13.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving in a vibrant, colorful world that feels very welcoming.

From the creators of the award-winning Hyper Light Drifter comes the high-speed and gravity-bending world of Solar Ash.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 20.5%, Exploration 12.9%, Third Person 11.7%, Sci-fi 11.3%, Colorful 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action game focused on fluid movement and exploration across surreal, colorful environments.

Embark on an epic adventure in Under the Island! A 2D action-adventure steeped in ‘90s charm, step into the shoes of Nia, and battle fierce monsters, solve clever puzzles, and explore a world alive with mystery as you race to save your new home before it’s too late.

Why similar: Action RPG 33.4%, Female Protagonist 24.6%, Exploration 14.7%, RPG 13.3%, Fantasy 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG that emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving in a charming, top-down 3D world.

Immerse yourself in the world of Decay Of Logos and unravel its mysteries. Explore old dungeons, battle unforgiving foes and journey through a vibrant interconnected fantasy realm with your mystical elk companion.

Why similar: Action RPG 20.8%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Combat 10.3%, Exploration 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D action-adventure game that focuses on exploration and lore-rich storytelling with a female protagonist.

Lost, alone and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten cybercity and find their way home.

Why similar: Exploration 22.5%, Sci-fi 21.4%, Third Person 20.1%, Atmospheric 16.7%, Colorful 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi adventure that prioritizes exploration and environmental puzzles in a highly detailed, atmospheric world.

Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, War – the first Horseman of the Apocalypse – stands accused of breaking the sacred law by inciting a war between Heaven and Hell.

Why similar: Third Person 28.6%, Action 21.7%, RPG 19.4%, Fantasy 12.7%, Action RPG 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D action-adventure title that excels at dungeon design and puzzle-solving, providing a similar gameplay loop to XEL.

Epistory immerses you in an atmospheric action/adventure game where you play a girl riding a giant fox who fights an insectile corruption from an origami world. As you progress and explore this world, the story literally unfolds and the mysteries of the magic power of the words are revealed.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 24.8%, Exploration 15.4%, Colorful 13%, RPG 11.2%, Story Rich 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique narrative-driven exploration game that features a beautiful, paper-craft world.

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

Why similar: Action-Adventure 29.7%, Third Person 22.5%, Exploration 16.1%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Story Rich 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D exploration game that focuses on puzzle-solving and navigating a unique, oversized world.

Travel through time and help Mai and her Grandfather uncover the mysteries of the world after the Last Great War. Explore the connections between ancient eras and dystopian futures in an adventure that blends thrilling combat with precision platforming.

Why similar: Time Travel 36.6% ★, Time Manipulation 30.2% ★, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Action-Adventure 5%, Action 3.9%

Dragon Loop is a metroidvania combining time travel and branching map design. Explore the large open world in a five day loop, opening up new worldlines. Explore a 2D, hand-drawn world, engage in fast-paced battles, and retrieve memories to shape the future.

Why similar: Time Travel 33.2% ★, Time Manipulation 27.9% ★, Action RPG 11.7%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action-Adventure 8.5%

Turn back the clock and fight to repair Time itself in this cinematic action platformer with fast sword combat and time-based powers. You are the Warden of Time, Ouro Kronii - be proud and fight hard!

Why similar: Time Manipulation 40.6% ★, Time Travel 28.7% ★, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Action-Adventure 4.5%, Action 4.1%

Seed of Life is an epic adventure game about the persistence of life. You're Cora, the last known survivor of Lumia, a dying planet. Your only hope to save your homeworld is to activate the Seed of Life and rekindle the sun once again. Will you be the light that conquers the darkness?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 18.4%, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Third Person 12.3%, Colorful 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D puzzle-platformer set in a sci-fi world that emphasizes exploration and environmental interaction.

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 29.8% ★, Time Travel 26.6% ★, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Exploration 6.8%

Experience a sci-fi action-adventure RPG on the Moon in the year 30XX! Join Bella in a story of science, truth, justice, and trust, as she travels the silver globe to find a way to save humanity from Comet Coda! It's time to unleash your Lux!

Why similar: Action RPG 21.4%, Female Protagonist 19.5%, Sci-fi 15.1%, RPG 10.6%, Action-Adventure 10%

Fading Echo is a fast-paced elemental action-adventure RPG where creativity fuels combat. Manipulate water, trigger chain reactions, and shift through surreal worlds as One, a young Legend on a mission to save a dying desertscape from the grip of the Paradox corruption.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 17.7%, Action-Adventure 15.9%, Combat 13.5%, Third Person 12.9%, Exploration 11.1%

Discover the magic and lore of the Alps in this acclaimed Action Adventure. Forge relationships with locals to help you solve puzzles, battle monsters and uncover secrets of the legendary Dungeons of Hinterberg!

Why similar: Action RPG 23%, Female Protagonist 18%, Action-Adventure 14.4%, Exploration 11.7%, RPG 8.1%

Perceive the future in this time-loop metroidvania.

Why similar: Time Travel 35.2% ★, Time Manipulation 26.5% ★, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Action-Adventure 8%, Exploration 6.7%

FRACTALS OF DESTINY features new gameplay called Hybrid RPG, great visuals and epic story delivered by superhero female protagonist with unique combat style while exploring beautiful planets.

Why similar: Action RPG 31.3%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, RPG 7.7%, Third Person 7.4%

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: Action RPG 34.1%, Female Protagonist 27%, RPG 10.5%, Exploration 8.3%, Action 7.3%

Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 20.5%, Action-Adventure 19.6%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Exploration 13.8%, Colorful 9.4%

The Hyper‑Dungeon awaits! Explore an evershifting labyrinth where classic dungeon‑crawling meets exhilarating action. Challenge yourself in turn-based combat with a real‑time, arcade‑inspired twist and befriend an eccentric cast of dungeon dwellers on the quest for the legendary Sacred Groowl!

Why similar: Action RPG 22.1%, Female Protagonist 16%, Exploration 11.9%, RPG 11.3%, Fantasy 10.1%

Rebel Transmute is a challenging 2D action-platformer epic with heart! Explore the twisting caverns of an alien planet, augment your play-style to fit your strengths, battle deadly bosses, and uncover a dark truth as Moon Mikono searches for her long lost mother.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 20%, Sci-fi 19.4%, Combat 13.9%, Exploration 13.1%, Action-Adventure 12.4%

Embark on a perilous journey to rescue your brother and prevent a looming war. Harness the power of devastating magical abilities to conquer enemies, traverse treacherous landscapes, and unveil the hidden history of Aema.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 24.9%, Action-Adventure 22.8%, Third Person 16.7%, Fantasy 8.6%, Atmospheric 8.1%

The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.

Why similar: Action RPG 27%, Female Protagonist 24.9%, Action-Adventure 14.3%, Exploration 13.5%, RPG 9%

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a fantasy adventure game where a sword–wielding Guardian and an arcane Monk must learn to work together to defeat the Void corrupting their home. Explore ruined temples, solve environmental puzzles, rescue spirits, and defeat giant Void monsters!

Why similar: Action RPG 20.7%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Exploration 9.9%, Third Person 9.5%

Ageless is a story driven puzzle platformer where you must alter the age of animals and plant life around you to progress. Play as Kiara, a young girl who braves through heartache and loss as she journeys across a mysterious world to discovers its secrets and herself.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 44.8% ★, Female Protagonist 28.8%, RPG 8.3%, Story Rich 8%, Action 4.9%

Explore alternate dimensions, fight interdimensional criminals, and solve crimes in this thrilling action platformer!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 34.2%, Action 32%, Colorful 19.6%, Indie 11.2%, Singleplayer 3%

Omensight is an Action Murder Mystery game. In order to prevent the apocalypse, you are fated to repeat the last day of the world until it can be saved. Investigate clues, fight enemies, and solve the murder of the Godless-Priestess.

Why similar: Time Travel 48.5% ★, Action RPG 11.4%, RPG 8.9%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Fantasy 7.6%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Action RPG 36.7%, Female Protagonist 22.7%, Action-Adventure 19.4%, RPG 11.6%, Action 5.6%

Ascend to a heavenly realm as the treasure hunter Angelique. Weave together fast, fluid combos as you unlock a deep movement system. Battle surreal foes and uncover secrets in the expansive world of Angel Essence, a retro-inspired 3D platformer.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 33.7%, Exploration 22.8%, Combat 13.9%, Fantasy 11.7%, Atmospheric 8.8%

Explore uncharted islands, engage in fast-paced action combat, and experience the high seas adventures of unlikely allies Adol and Karja in Ys X: Nordics!

Why similar: Action RPG 22.7%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Action-Adventure 12.8%, Exploration 10.2%, Third Person 9.4%

Sparklite is an action-adventure set in a whimsical & ever-changing land. Battle foes using an arsenal of gadgets, guns, & gear. Gear up for adventure in the dangerous corners of the procedurally generated world, take down titans of the mining industry, & harness the power of Sparklite!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.1%, RPG 25.3%, Fantasy 15.8%, Action 13.2%, Story Rich 9.6%

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: Action RPG 40.9%, RPG 18.4%, Exploration 15.3%, Action 10%, Atmospheric 5.1%

Ocean’s Heart is an epic top-down action RPG in which you explore a beautiful archipelago as a young woman named Tilia. Take on contracts to fight monsters, descend deep into ancient dungeons, defeat menacing foes, and unravel the mystery of Ocean’s Heart. All done in beautiful, bright pixel art.

Why similar: Action RPG 27.2%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Action-Adventure 15.9%, Exploration 11.1%, RPG 8.2%

Sequel to the critically acclaimed action adventure. Experience a gorgeous new third person 3D view and embark on an epic journey that unfolds the mysteries of what happened 1000 years ago.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 17.6%, Third Person 11.8%, RPG 10.8%, Exploration 10.6%, Colorful 10.4%

Iron Danger is a tactical combat puzzler with a unique time manipulation mechanic. A never before seen combination that blends the tactical depth of turn-based games with the exciting action of real-time games.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 43.2% ★, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Action-Adventure 14.2%, RPG 7.2%, Fantasy 6.4%

Strayed Lights is a colourful action-adventure featuring epic boss fights and a unique parry-based combat system. Shift between colours to repel attacks and strike back. Explore a dreamlike world as you restore your light that was torn by shadows.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 23%, Third Person 18.6%, Colorful 13.6%, Fantasy 11.5%, Atmospheric 10.5%

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stop time? Ascend to ZERO is a time-bending action-roguelike where you can use your unique ability to freeze time and fight your way to the top.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 29.9% ★, Time Travel 28% ★, Action RPG 14.3%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.9%

Explore an archeological site long lost to the ages. Use your time-reversing equipment to reveal the past and discover the secrets amidst the frozen wasteland.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 33.1% ★, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Third Person 12.2%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Exploration 8.8%