8 Hardcore games like Braid that you should try

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We filtered the 43 games similar to Braid down to the 8 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Celeste, Will You Snail? and The Bridge top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Braid.

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GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

The best hardcore games like Braid

8 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Braid. Each one has been evaluated across 8 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Celeste

iRank92

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreNarrativeFantasy2D

Steam👍 97%· 141KRAWG👍 88%· 1.7KMC91IGDB91· 10OC92· 74

Year 2018Dev Matt Makes GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are puzzle-platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, melee combat and exploration and discovery

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreNarrative2DMelee

Steam👍 97%· 2.8KMC82

Year 2022Dev Jonas TyrollerPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, cozy, relaxing feel and melee combat, while skipping fantasy world

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeHardcoreFantasy2D

Steam👍 87%· 4.3KIGDB69· 5OC73· 17

Year 2013Dev Ty Taylor & Mario Castañeda · The Quantum Astrophysicists GuildOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual and dark, oppressive atmosphere

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreNarrativeMeleeCasual

Steam👍 80%· 3.3KIGDB72· 12OC74· 90

Year 2017Dev Sumo DigitalOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, vibe casual and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping fantasy world

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreNarrativeFantasy2D

Steam👍 95%· 4.9KRAWG👍 77%· 77MC81IGDB82· 7OC81· 45

Year 2014Dev GalaxyTrail · MarvelousPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, melee combat and setting scifi

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcore2DMelee

Steam👍 85%· 777RAWG👍 31%· 26MC72IGDB80· 2OC70· 10

Year 2014Dev Four Circle Interactive · MastertronicPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, puzzle design and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: melee combat, while skipping adventure storytelling

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Steam

#7No Time

iRank76

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreCasual

Steam👍 76%· 123

Year 2017Dev ErayTekPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, puzzle design and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual, while skipping adventure storytelling

Details →

Steam

#8Save the Ninja Clan

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcore2DMeleeDark

Steam👍 91%· 112IGDB74· 2

Year 2017Dev Sometimes YouPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat, while skipping strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

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