What is the best game similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?

The closest game to Metroid: Samus Returns is Metroid: Zero Mission, scoring 96/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Metroid: Samus Returns?

The three closest games to Metroid: Samus Returns are: 1. Metroid: Zero Mission (96/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Metroid Dread (97/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Iconoclasts (97/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Metroid: Samus Returns's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 42 candidates across 7 dimensions.

Is Metroid Dread similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?

Yes, very much so — Metroid Dread scores 97/100 similarity to Metroid: Samus Returns. They share 7 attributes, including adventure storytelling and Metroidvania exploration. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Adventure games are similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?

The best Adventure games similar to Metroid: Samus Returns are Metroid: Zero Mission, Metroid Dread, Iconoclasts and SteamWorld Dig 2. All share the Adventure genre alongside other key Metroid: Samus Returns attributes like adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming.

How is similarity to Metroid: Samus Returns calculated?

We compare Metroid: Samus Returns against every game in our catalog using 7 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Metroid: Samus Returns experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

42 Games like Metroid: Samus Returns that you should try

Games like Metroid: Samus Returns · Find similar →

More about this game →

Few titles capture what makes Metroid: Samus Returns unique: adventure storytelling, setting scifi and single-player focus. After measuring 7 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 42 most faithful alternatives. Metroid: Zero Mission, Metroid Dread and Iconoclasts top the ranking, with Metroid: Zero Mission at number one (96/100).

iRank85/ 100

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GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

Top games similar to Metroid: Samus Returns

42 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Metroid: Samus Returns. Each one has been evaluated across 7 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.

#1Metroid: Zero Mission

iRank95

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DOpen World

IGDB95· 2

Year 2004Dev Nintendo R&D1 · Nintendo

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

≠ Its own twist: shooter, open world exploration and loot and gear systems

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DHardcore

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, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

Steam👍 86%· 4.9KIGDB85· 8OC84· 57

Year 2018Dev Joakim Sandberg · Bifrost EntertainmentOn PS4 · Linux · PC

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

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

Steam👍 95%· 8.9KRAWG👍 86%· 433MC88IGDB89· 11OC88· 84

Year 2017Dev Image & FormPlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe casual and melee combat

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

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, punishing difficulty and melee combat

Details →

Steam GOG Nintendo

#6Berry

iRank99

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloExploration2DMeleeCozy

Steam👍 99%· 145

Year 2021Dev Leuns · DegicaPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Web

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, strong narrative focus and melee combat, while skipping setting scifi

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

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 puzzle design, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DTactical

IGDB85· 4

Year 2009Dev ChAIR Entertainment Group · Microsoft Game StudiosOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

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

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, shooter and combat tactical

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

IGDB85· 2

Year 2002Dev Nintendo R&D1 · Nintendo

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

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter, melee combat and loot and gear systems

Details →

Nintendo

#10Gateways

iRank81

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2D

Steam👍 90%· 250MC72IGDB70· 1

Year 2012Dev Smudged Cat GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

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

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design

Details →

Steam GOG

#11qomp

iRank96

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloExploration2DMeleeHardcore

Steam👍 96%· 531

Year 2021Dev Stuffed Wombat · AtariPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Linux

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

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam GOG

#12Axiom Verge

iRank87

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

Steam👍 90%· 6.5KIGDB84· 15OC85· 90

Year 2015Dev Thomas Happ GamesOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings strong narrative focus, melee combat and setting cyberpunk

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloExploration2DMeleeHardcore

Steam👍 91%· 15KIGDB91· 6OC89· 71

Year 2022Dev Cellar Door GamesOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, roguelike runs and punishing difficulty, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#14Waking Mars

iRank76

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloSci-FiExploration2DMelee

Steam👍 89%· 1.2KRAWG👍 55%· 66MC79

Year 2012Dev Tiger Style · Tiger Style GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Android

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

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, strong narrative focus and melee combat

Details →

Steam GOG

#15SHEEPO

iRank90

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloExploration2DMeleeCasual

Steam👍 97%· 578OC75· 13

Year 2020Dev Kyle Thompson · TBAPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

Complete list of Metroid: Samus Returns alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Metroid: Samus Returns, 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.

SteamWorld Dig

Adventure · Metroidvania

Carrion

Adventure · Metroidvania

The Fall

Adventure · Metroidvania

Owlboy

Adventure · Metroidvania

The Swapper

Adventure · Metroidvania

Reventure

Adventure · Metroidvania

The Messenger

Adventure · Metroidvania

A Castle Full of Cats

Adventure · Metroidvania

Little Kitty, Big City

Adventure · Metroidvania

STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™

Adventure · Metroidvania

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Adventure · Metroidvania

Yoku's Island Express

Adventure · Metroidvania

1000 Amps

Adventure · Metroidvania

The Gunk

Adventure · Metroidvania

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

Adventure · Metroidvania

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

Adventure · Metroidvania

Toki Tori 2+

Adventure · Metroidvania

Metroid

Adventure · Metroidvania

Raider Kid and the Ruby Chest

Adventure · Metroidvania

Aquaria

Adventure · Metroidvania

Bad Bots

Adventure · Metroidvania

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit

Adventure · Metroidvania

AM2R: Return of Samus

Adventure · Metroidvania

Saira

Adventure · Metroidvania

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Adventure · Metroidvania

Wario Land 3

Adventure · Metroidvania

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

Adventure · Metroidvania

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Games with a sci-fi setting like Metroid: Samus Returns

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?: The closest game to Metroid: Samus Returns is Metroid: Zero Mission, scoring 96/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Metroid: Samus Returns?: The three closest games to Metroid: Samus Returns are: 1. Metroid: Zero Mission (96/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Metroid Dread (97/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Iconoclasts (97/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Metroid: Samus Returns's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 42 candidates across 7 dimensions.
Is Metroid Dread similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?: Yes, very much so — Metroid Dread scores 97/100 similarity to Metroid: Samus Returns. They share 7 attributes, including adventure storytelling and Metroidvania exploration. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Adventure games are similar to Metroid: Samus Returns?: The best Adventure games similar to Metroid: Samus Returns are Metroid: Zero Mission, Metroid Dread, Iconoclasts and SteamWorld Dig 2. All share the Adventure genre alongside other key Metroid: Samus Returns attributes like adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and precision platforming.
How is similarity to Metroid: Samus Returns calculated?: We compare Metroid: Samus Returns against every game in our catalog using 7 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Metroid: Samus Returns experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.