12 Hardcore games like La-Mulana that you should try

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We filtered the 42 games similar to La-Mulana down to the 12 that fit the “Hardcore” category. The Messenger, Ato and Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to La-Mulana.

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GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

The best hardcore games like La-Mulana

12 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to La-Mulana. 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.

#1The Messenger

iRank88

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExplorationPixel Art2D

Steam👍 93%· 13KRAWG👍 87%· 334MC84IGDB87· 8OC86· 81

Year 2018Dev Sabotage · Devolver DigitalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Nearly identical: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming.

≠ Missing: puzzle design.

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#2Ato

iRank97

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreOpen WorldFantasyExploration2DPixel Art

Steam👍 97%· 466

Year 2019Dev WolfWoot · Tiny Warrior GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics and strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam itch.io

#3Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

iRank83

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 85%· 2.6KIGDB82· 13OC79· 82

Year 2017Dev Lizardcube · DotEmuOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping puzzle design

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#4Ori and the Blind Forest

iRank92

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreOpen WorldFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 94%· 60KIGDB88· 14OC90· 97

Year 2015Dev Moon Studios · Microsoft StudiosOn PC · Xbox · Switch

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, dark, oppressive atmosphere and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping visual pixel

Details →

Steam Xbox

#5STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™

iRank84

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreOpen WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 88%· 172KRAWG👍 85%· 2.3KMC80IGDB83· 13OC82· 176

Year 2019Dev Respawn Entertainment · Electronic ArtsPlaytime ~8hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, deep RPG systems and fighting mechanics, while skipping visual 2d

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreOpen WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 97%· 18K

Year 2023Dev rittzlerPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, deep RPG systems and combat magic, while skipping puzzle design

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

Steam👍 84%· 2.5KIGDB79· 6OC79· 45

Year 2013Dev Rain Games · CIRCLE EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings strong narrative focus, cozy, relaxing feel and setting scifi, while skipping open world exploration

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 5.1KIGDB76· 5OC75· 47

Year 2019Dev doinksoft · Devolver DigitalOn PC · Xbox · Switch

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: cozy, relaxing feel and setting scifi, while skipping puzzle design

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloHardcoreExploration2DNarrative

IGDB84· 11OC87· 153

Year 2021Dev Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with shooter, strong narrative focus and setting scifi, while skipping puzzle design

Details →

Nintendo

#10Carrion

iRank85

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExplorationPixel Art2D

Steam👍 95%· 31KIGDB75· 9OC76· 118

Year 2020Dev Phobia Game Studio · Devolver DigitalOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with horror tension, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus, while skipping open world exploration

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#11VVVVVV

iRank85

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyExplorationPixel Art2D

Steam👍 96%· 10KRAWG👍 76%· 512MC81IGDB80· 4

Year 2010Dev NicalisPlaytime ~1hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with setting scifi, setting space and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping open world exploration

Details →

Steam GOG PS

#12Outland

iRank82

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

Steam👍 80%· 4.0KIGDB85· 4

Year 2011Dev Housemarque · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are Metroidvanias — sharing adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with shooter, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping puzzle design

Details →

Steam

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