Games like Headlander · Find similar →
More about this game →We filtered the 43 games similar to Headlander down to the 22 that fit the “Sci-Fi” category. Metroid Fusion, The Fall and Metroid Dread top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Headlander.
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Within the “Sci-Fi” category, the closest game to Headlander is Metroid Fusion — scoring 87/100 on our similarity scale. The Fall and Metroid Dread follow close behind.
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Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Headlander. Each one has been evaluated across 9 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.
✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and shooter
≠ Where it differs: brings loot and gear systems, skill tree progression and visual pixel
It predates Headlander by 14 years, with what that implies technically.
✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and shooter
≠ Its own twist: open world exploration, loot and gear systems and skill tree progression, while skipping melee combat
It predates Headlander by 12 years, with what that implies technically.
✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus, while skipping shooter
✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design and strong narrative focus, while skipping shooter
###Best for mobile The game is an adventure-platformer, where the player takes control over the main character, traveling through the Martian caves. You will have to manage the thrust of the jetpack that the protagonist has. The game was released on the PC in 2012. Before this, it was repeatedly recognized as the best game for mobile devices. ###Key features The game is set in the future.
✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Its own twist: cozy, relaxing feel, punishing difficulty and visual pixel, while skipping shooter
Released 3 years after Headlander.
✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe casual and historical setting, while skipping shooter
In SteamWorld Dig 2, you step into the boots of Dorothy, a steambot once robbed of her dear friend – now driven by the hunger for answers. Buckle up, grab your gear, and get ready to dig into the highly anticipated sequel to the original SteamWorld Dig!
✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Where it differs: brings strong narrative focus, setting cyberpunk and visual pixel, while skipping shooter
✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping shooter
Owlboy is a pixel-art platformer game about an owl-humanoid boy called Otus. When his homeland was attacked by pirates, Otus starts an adventure to protect his home and reveal the secrets of his race. He makes new friends on the way. Each of them has special powers, useful during fights.
✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Stands apart with horror tension, puzzle design and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping shooter
Released 4 years after Headlander.
✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming
≠ Where it differs: brings ranged combat and visual pixel, while skipping shooter
As Sam McRae, last surviving member of the “Titan Hauler” crew, you must hack and blast your way through an onslaught of truly bad 'bots to find a way to prevent a potential planet-destroying catastrophe.
On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Headlander.
The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Headlander, 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.
