11 Hardcore games like NieR:Automata™ that you should try

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We filtered the 48 games similar to NieR:Automata™ down to the 11 that fit the “Hardcore” category. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139..., Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to NieR:Automata™.

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GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

The best hardcore games like NieR:Automata™

11 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to NieR:Automata™. Each one has been evaluated across 18 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.

#1NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeNarrativeHardcoreDarkOpen WorldSci-FiPost-ApocalypticAnimeFantasyExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 88%· 28KIGDB82· 12OC83· 135

Year 2021Dev Toylogic · Square EnixOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with shooter and combat magic, while skipping ranged combat

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#2Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeDarkNarrativeHardcoreOpen WorldFantasyExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 88%· 48KIGDB78· 21OC80· 104

Year 2013Dev CapcomOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: combat magic, historical setting and setting medieval, while skipping ranged combat

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

#3Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

iRank66

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreDarkNarrativeFantasyThird Person

Steam👍 50%· 29KIGDB84· 6OC81· 153

Year 2023Dev Team NINJA · Koei Tecmo GamesOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: fighting mechanics, historical setting and co op, while skipping open world exploration

Details →

Steam PS

#4Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

iRank78

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeDarkNarrativeHardcoreFantasyThird Person

Steam👍 84%· 4.4KIGDB72· 8OC72· 132

Year 2022Dev Team NINJA · Square EnixOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: multiplayer gameplay, co op and PvP competition, while skipping open world exploration

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeNarrativeHardcoreSci-FiAnime2D

Steam👍 93%· 18KIGDB81· 8OC84· 71

Year 2018Dev Radical Fish Games · WhisperGamesOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, shooter and setting cyberpunk, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreDarkAnimeFantasyPost-ApocalypticThird Person

Steam👍 83%· 61KIGDB73· 11OC75· 119

Year 2019Dev Shift · Bandai Namco EntertainmentOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings horror setting, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#7Monster Hunter: World

iRank86

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeOpen WorldFantasyExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 89%· 508KRAWG👍 75%· 1.6KMC89OC90· 189

Year 2018Dev CapcomPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: co op, multiplayer gameplay and skill tree progression, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnimeExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 93%· 3.6KRAWG👍 77%· 94MC76IGDB80· 10OC81· 64

Year 2006Dev DotEmu · XSEED GamesPlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: precision platforming and loot and gear systems, while skipping strong narrative focus

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 85%· 879

Year 2012Dev Lizsoft · Carpe FulgurPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, Metroidvania exploration and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam

#10Ys: The Oath in Felghana

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnimeExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 94%· 2.1KRAWG👍 83%· 57MC73IGDB83· 2

Year 2005Dev XSEED GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with combat magic, loot and gear systems and visual topdown, while skipping strong narrative focus

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreOpen WorldAnimeFantasySci-FiExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 81%· 18KIGDB81· 10OC79· 145

Year 2021Dev Bandai Namco Studios · Bandai Namco EntertainmentOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ If you enjoyed NieR:Automata™, expect deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, turn-based strategy and skill tree progression, while skipping strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

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