Games Like Zapling Bygone

CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.8%, Horror 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Action 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: You play as an amorphous creature consuming enemies to evolve, perfectly mirroring the body-horror and assimilation themes of Zapling Bygone.

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 31.5%, Souls-like 24.9%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Platformer 8.1%, Action-Adventure 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It features a core mechanic of absorbing enemies to gain their traits, which is the defining gameplay loop of Zapling Bygone.

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 40%, Souls-like 24.2%, Platformer 8.4%, Exploration 5.7%, Side Scroller 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title defines the atmospheric, challenging, and lore-rich exploration that fans of Zapling Bygone will find deeply immersive.

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 43.3%, Souls-like 28.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Side Scroller 5.9%, Platformer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its dark, gothic atmosphere and souls-like combat provide a similarly punishing yet rewarding experience in a decaying world.

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 55.5%, Souls-like 31.9%, Atmospheric 6%, 2D 3.4%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a unique ability-stealing mechanic where you collect the spirits of fallen foes to expand your combat repertoire.

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Sci-fi 10.1%, 2D Platformer 8.3%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It captures a haunting, sci-fi atmosphere with deep exploration and challenging combat that feels very similar to Zapling Bygone.

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 56.4%, Platformer 8.2%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%, Side Scroller 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic of the genre that excels in sci-fi world-building and rewarding players with unique, game-changing abilities.

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 48.7%, Metroidvania 30.4%, Side Scroller 5.3%, Platformer 5%, 2D 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential 2D souls-like that captures the dark, oppressive tone and challenging boss encounters found in Zapling Bygone.

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 49.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Platformer 11.4%, Horror 5.5%, Atmospheric 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: The game leans heavily into eldritch horror themes and chaotic, nonlinear exploration within a hostile, shifting world.

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 66%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Platformer 6.1%, Exploration 4.1%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: The extensive ability-collecting system through enemy drops provides the same sense of progression and character customization.

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 42.5%, Metroidvania 33.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%, Side Scroller 4.7%, Platformer 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This souls-like metroidvania offers a dark, narrative-driven experience with challenging combat and deep character builds.

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.1%, 2D Platformer 14.1%, Exploration 8.8%, Platformer 8.4%, Horror 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, lore-rich metroidvania that focuses on exploration and combat within a surreal, cosmic environment.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.3%, Souls-like 28.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Horror 6.5%, Side Scroller 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It combines gothic horror aesthetics with precise, souls-like combat mechanics that feel right at home for fans of dark metroidvanias.

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: Metroidvania 36.9%, Souls-like 27.2%, Platformer 8.7%, Sci-fi 7.3%, Atmospheric 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi metroidvania offers a challenging, parry-focused combat system set in a beautifully atmospheric and mysterious 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 28.9%, Souls-like 21.1%, Side Scroller 12.7%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Exploration 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes difficult combat and exploration in a dark, pixel-art world.

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 28.4%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Nonlinear 11.4%, 2D Platformer 8.9%, Open World 7%

Why You'll Like It: This charming yet atmospheric metroidvania features a post-apocalyptic machine world that rewards careful exploration.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.2%, Platformer 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Exploration 3.9%, Sci-fi 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, sci-fi metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and discovery in a lonely, atmospheric space station.

BIOMORPH is a dark metroidvania game where you become the creatures that you kill! Solve ingenious puzzles and navigate a stunning hand-drawn world. Meet quirky characters, rebuild a city, and uncover the secrets of a sprawling, fallen civilization… and of your own mysterious origins.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.8%, Nonlinear 17.2%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Platformer 9.5%, Action-Adventure 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: You can transform into the enemies you defeat, directly echoing the identity-stealing mechanics of the seed game.

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 35.8%, Platformer 16.1%, 2D Platformer 14%, Action-Adventure 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The game offers a unique, physics-based movement system set in a desolate, atmospheric world that rewards mastery.

MindSeize is a 2D Metroidvania game set in a Sci-Fi-universe. Transfer your mind to a robot and rescue your beloved one!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.5%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Aliens 8.9%, Action 7.7%, Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-platformer that focuses on upgrading your mechanical suit to overcome challenging obstacles and bosses.

Genopanic is a pixel-art, Metroidvania-inspired adventure-platformer. Explore corridors of the space station, teeming with secrets and dangers, and engage in boss fights. Solve puzzles and uncover hidden mysteries in the dark atmosphere of a sci-fi research complex. Discover the truth with each step

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.2%, Side Scroller 16.4%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Platformer 7.8%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi metroidvania features a dark, atmospheric setting and a focus on exploration that aligns well with the seed game.

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 75.6%, Action 8.8%, Platformer 6.1%, 2D 5.2%, Pixel Graphics 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends Lovecraftian horror with souls-like combat, creating a tense and challenging experience.

Teamwork matters most in this seamless, fantastical metroidvania within a living, breathing world. Realize each character's true potential to take down an invading force of overwhelmingly powerful parasites.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.1%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Exploration 7.9%, Nonlinear 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, sci-fi metroidvania that prioritizes exploration and unique, atmospheric world-building.

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 45.7%, Side Scroller 12%, Horror 8.1%, 2D Platformer 7.7%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a mysterious, nonlinear world with an emphasis on atmospheric exploration and discovery.

Angel's Gear is a challenging horror-flavored Metroidvania set in a world tainted by a mechanical disease.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Souls-like 18.5%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Nonlinear 10.4%, 2D Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It combines survival-horror elements with souls-like mechanics in a side-scrolling format.

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Souls-like 22.7%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Platformer 7.8%, Action-Adventure 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its high difficulty and vast, interconnected world, it provides a rigorous test for any metroidvania fan.

Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.4%, Psychological 17.3%, Platformer 9.4%, Exploration 8.3%, 2D Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on difficult platforming and exploration within a dark, eldritch-themed environment.

Dive into the strange town of Rainybrook, taken over by the “Vile” in this 2.5D metroidvania! Fight your way through treacherous terrains and defeat formidable bosses to absorb their powers! Will you save the town and find your missing friend Ella — or will you give in to the monster you've become?

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.2%, Side Scroller 14.7%, 2D Platformer 10%, Horror 8.8%, Open World 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy metroidvania that features a dark, evolving world and unique exploration mechanics.

In this Insanely Twisted, 2-D action-adventure game, explore unique environments and battle bizarre creatures.

Why similar: Metroidvania 65%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Exploration 9.1%, Adventure 5.4%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a unique, alien aesthetic and exploration-based gameplay that feels distinct and atmospheric.

Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Souls-like 23.9%, 2D Platformer 11.4%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A souls-like metroidvania that emphasizes parry-based combat and challenging boss encounters.

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.8%, Nonlinear 13.1%, Horror 9.8%, Exploration 9.6%, Platformer 7.8%

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34%, Side Scroller 11%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Nonlinear 8%, Platformer 7.8%

A fast-paced 2D handcrafted metroidvania with strange sci-fi environments. Something is roaming the halls, watching your every move.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Side Scroller 11.8%, 2D Platformer 10.9%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Exploration 7.3%

Fearmonium is a psychedelic metroidvania where suspense intertwines with humour. Beginning the game as an unpleasant memory, you must progress and become a true phobia by breaking through all boundaries to uncover the most hidden corners of Max's mind.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.4%, Psychological 18.9%, Action-Adventure 11.1%, Open World 6.8%, Atmospheric 6.7%

EX VITRO is a dark sci-fi 2D platformer where you delve into the ruins of a military research facility and discover the horrors within. Whether machine, creature, or something else entirely, you’ll face the violent legacy of the last survivors of humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.4%, Nonlinear 15.9%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Horror 9%, Exploration 7.9%

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 29.5%, Souls-like 20.1%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Platformer 9%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

Seek out new weapons and equipment to delve deeper into the dangerous world of Cypher-X72! Be warned, you aren't the only one seeking the forbidden technology known as Zexion! It will take cunning and valor to succeed in this action-packed sci-fi adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.9%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Aliens 11.4%, Nonlinear 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.3%

Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.2%, Side Scroller 21.9%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Platformer 8%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

You are the Entangled One, a malformed entity. Traverse the flesh wastes under the eye of an eternal eclipse. Delve deep into the planet's guts. Uncover a fleshy ecosystem. Engage in deliberate, challenging combat, using your whiplike arms and collectible sub attacks to augment your combat style!

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.2%, Horror 15.6%, 2D Platformer 15.2%, Platformer 11.6%, Atmospheric 10.1%

Astronite is a 1bit metroidvania that combines action, exploration, puzzles and platforms. Recover the planet where you and yours lived before it was invaded by strange creatures.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20%, Souls-like 14.4%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Nonlinear 12.1%, 2D Platformer 7.3%

Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 21.7%, Side Scroller 12.4%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Platformer 7.4%

VELASTER is a gruesome 3D side-scrolling action combat game set in the Middle-earth called Malum. You will find yourself growing in battles against various monsters and bosses. Take revenge that remains in your fading memories.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Souls-like 22.7%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Horror 8%, Platformer 7.7%

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 45.6%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Platformer 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Action-Adventure 5.6%

Alien Scumbags is a sci-fi action platformer with a big slice of horror and a stack of pop culture references. You'll run, hide and kill across several levels, collect items from capsule machines and unlock characters.

Why similar: Side Scroller 20.5%, Aliens 15.2%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Horror 12.7%, Sci-fi 11.4%

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 34%, Side Scroller 16.6%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 9.4%

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 43.7%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Platformer 9%, Exploration 6.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%

Play as Captain Grisham, and uncover the secrets of Planet 4-514 in this thrilling prequel to Side Scape!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.2%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Aliens 11.2%, Exploration 7.5%, Side Scroller 7.2%

UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.6%, Souls-like 38.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Action 3.9%, Adventure 3.3%

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 53.9%, Souls-like 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Action-Adventure 9.2%, Action 3.8%

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 34.2%, Side Scroller 17.4%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 7.7%, Platformer 7.7%

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Souls-like 26.8%, Horror 9.6%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Platformer 7.3%

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Souls-like 18%, Platformer 8.4%, Exploration 8.1%, 2D Platformer 7.4%

Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Souls-like 24.7%, Side Scroller 9.6%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22%, Souls-like 16.8%, Nonlinear 13.5%, Side Scroller 12.2%, 2D Platformer 8.4%

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Side Scroller 39.2%, Platformer 18%, Exploration 17.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, 2D 6.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.6%, Souls-like 26.6%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Platformer 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%

Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.3%, 2D Platformer 24.5%, Action-Adventure 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Platformer 7.1%

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 39.5%, Nonlinear 24.4%, Exploration 9.2%, Platformer 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%

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 34%, Souls-like 23.1%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Exploration 7.6%, Platformer 7.5%

Katanaut is a fast-paced, Metroidvania-inspired action roguelite blending fluid combat and cosmic horror. Slash, dodge, and wield powerful abilities as you battle through a station sprawling with twisted, once-human horrors. Adapt, survive, and descend into the shadows to uncover dark secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Souls-like 28.9%, Platformer 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%, Atmospheric 5.9%