28 Hardcore games like Elsie that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 41 games similar to Elsie down to the 28 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Risk of Rain, Mega Man 11 and Super House of Dead Ninjas top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Elsie.

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GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

The best hardcore games like Elsie

28 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Elsie. Each one has been evaluated across 12 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.

#1Risk of RainClosest overall match

iRank87

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreProceduralSci-Fi2DPixel Art

Steam👍 93%· 30KIGDB85· 4OC77· 17

Year 2013Dev Hopoo Games · Chucklefish GamesOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, roguelike runs and shooter

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and survival mechanics, while skipping setting modern

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: game mode and setting.

It predates Elsie by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Tone100World100Visuals100Combat70Setting33

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Steam GOG Xbox

#2Mega Man 11Closest on combat

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-Fi2D

Steam👍 89%· 5.3KIGDB80· 12OC81· 115

Year 2018Dev Capcom Development Division 2 · CapcomOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, shooter and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings first-person shooting and setting anime, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals55Setting37

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Steam Xbox PS

#3Super House of Dead Ninjas

iRank81

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreProcedural2DPixel Art

Steam👍 96%· 1.7KRAWG👍 62%· 75MC79IGDB80· 1

Year 2013Dev Megadev · Adult Swim GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, roguelike runs and punishing difficulty.

≠ Missing: shooter.

Super House of Dead Ninjas is an action arcade game with roguelite elements. Race against a 30 second timer as you descend floor after foe-filled floor and attempt to unlock the secrets of this deadly tower! Play as the fearsome Crimson Ninja, wielding an arsenal of deadly ninja weapons and attacks.

It predates Elsie by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100World100Visuals100

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-Fi2DPixel Art

Steam👍 85%· 41IGDB85· 2

Year 1991Dev Sonic Team · SegaOn PlayStation 3 · PC · iOS

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting.

It predates Elsie by 33 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals100Setting33

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-Fi2DPixel Art

Steam👍 84%· 1.8KIGDB88· 7

Year 2008Dev Inti Creates · CapcomOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, shooter and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: first-person shooting, strong narrative focus and setting anime, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting.

It predates Elsie by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone87Setting35

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreProcedural2D

Steam👍 92%· 17KIGDB91· 10OC87· 25

Year 2012Dev BlitWorks · Microsoft StudiosOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, roguelike runs and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, fantasy world and co op, while skipping shooter

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting and game mode.

It predates Elsie by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Tone100World100Visuals55Game mode27

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-Fi2D

Steam👍 50%· 3.4KIGDB52· 20OC52· 92

Year 2016Dev Inti Creates · Deep SilverOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, shooter and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, setting anime and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: game mode and setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against mostly positive for Elsie.

It predates Elsie by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Tone89Visuals54Setting28Game mode23

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Steam PS

#8Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

iRank86

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-Fi2D

Steam👍 87%· 3.9KIGDB86· 16OC85· 170

Year 2020Dev Toys for Bob · ActivisionOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, multiplayer gameplay and visual third person, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Tone100Game mode85Visuals37Setting33

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 3.4KIGDB74· 3OC82· 29

Year 2017Dev Tyler GlaielOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone93Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloHardcore2DPixel ArtCasual

Steam👍 94%· 38KIGDB85· 4OC83· 25

Year 2010Dev Team Meat · BlitWorksOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual, while skipping roguelike runs

It predates Elsie by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone87

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Steam Epic Xbox

#11Pizza Tower

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DPixel Art

Steam👍 98%· 71KRAWG👍 79%· 58IGDB90· 1OC91· 10

Year 2023Dev Tour De PizzaPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping roguelike runs

Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer inspired by the Wario Land series, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: game mode.

Genre100Combat100Tone100Visuals100Game mode36

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 960IGDB89· 19OC89· 100

Year 2014Dev Yacht Club GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, co op and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting and game mode.

It predates Elsie by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Tone100Visuals100Game mode34Setting0

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Steam GOG

#13Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy

iRank82

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloHardcore2DNarrativeDark

Steam👍 82%· 81K

Year 2017Dev Bennett FoddyOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, deep simulation and survival mechanics, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: setting and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Tone59Visuals45Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreCasualFirst Person

Steam👍 94%· 18KIGDB74· 10OC74· 45

Year 2016Dev Landfall Games · tinyBuildOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, punishing difficulty and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual and visual first person, while skipping roguelike runs

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: visuals.

It predates Elsie by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone92Visuals0

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Steam GOG PS

#15SANABI

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSci-FiPixel Art2D

Steam👍 97%· 44KRAWG👍 89%· 34IGDB95· 2OC80· 6

Year 2023Dev SANABI · NEOWIZPlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, linear, story-driven structure and setting cyberpunk, while skipping roguelike runs

You, a legendary retired veteran, are called upon for one last operation: to ascend a mega-city ruled by a corrupt conglomerate. You were chosen for this mission because of your signature chain-hook prosthetic arm and the ability to maneuver and quickly defeat enemies.

Where it drifts furthest from Elsie: world and setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone71Setting26

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Steam itch.io

Complete list of hardcore games like Elsie

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Elsie, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.