27 Melee games like Pummel Paladins 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 47 games similar to Pummel Paladins down to the 27 that fit the “Melee” category. Dark Messiah of Might & Magic, ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 and Super Smash Bros. Brawl top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Pummel Paladins.

iRank96/ 100

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GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

The best melee games like Pummel Paladins

27 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Pummel Paladins. Each one has been evaluated across 15 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.

#1Dark Messiah of Might & MagicClosest on genre

iRank68

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerMeleeMagicRangedFantasy

RAWG👍 61%· 22IGDB77· 4

Year 2008Dev Ubisoft · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn Xbox

✓ Same family of 2D fighting games: fighting mechanics, melee combat and combat magic

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, stealth mechanics and single-player focus, while skipping punishing difficulty

(Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) Dark Messiah of Might and Magic™: Elements, powered by an enhanced version of the award-winning Source™ Engine, lets gamers experience brutal sword & sorcery combat, highly detailed and interactive environments in the dark fantasy world of Might and Magic.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and game mode.

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

Genre100Combat84Setting48Game mode31Visuals0

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Xbox

#2ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3Closest overall match

iRank82

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerPvPOfflineMeleeMagicCompetitive

Steam👍 92%· 7.5KRAWG👍 75%· 213IGDB77· 17OC78· 29

Year 2011Dev CapcomPlaytime ~2hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are 2D fighting games — sharing fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with single-player focus and visual 2d, while skipping punishing difficulty

Marvel and Capcom join forces to deliver the most frenetic 3 vs. 3 tag battles ever with Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. This release comes fully loaded, including all previous DLC, and the Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals.

It predates Pummel Paladins by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode93Combat73Tone50Visuals0

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Steam Xbox PS

#3Super Smash Bros. Brawl

iRank91

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

OfflineMultiplayerMeleeRangedSolo

IGDB91· 4

Year 2008Dev Sora · Nintendo

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, melee combat and ranged combat

≠ Its own twist: precision platforming, single-player focus and co op, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals.

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

Genre100Combat67Game mode59Visuals0

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#4Mortal Kombat 4

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerMeleeRangedFree to PlaySolo

Year 1997Dev Midway GamesOn PC

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, melee combat and ranged combat

≠ Where it differs: brings single-player focus, co op and visual 2d, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and game mode.

It predates Pummel Paladins by 23 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat67Game mode26Visuals0

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

PvPMeleeRangedHardcoreCompetitiveTop-Down

Steam👍 91%· 70

Year 2018Dev Artii GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with punishing difficulty, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, single-player focus and visual 2d, while skipping fighting mechanics

TimeTekker is a pure arcade shoot em' up where your actions control the speed of time! Utilize bullet deflection, ninja stars, and slow motion powers to outlast an infinite onslaught of bug creatures! Compete online against the world in a constant free for all score-fest!

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: game mode.

Genre100Tone76Combat72Visuals58Game mode43

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Steam

#6GigaBashClosest on game mode

iRank86

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

OfflineMultiplayerPvPMeleeCasualCompetitive

Steam👍 94%· 2.0KOC71· 21

Year 2022Dev Passion Republic GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, vibe casual and competitive edge

≠ Stands apart with battle royale tension, shooter and single-player focus, while skipping punishing difficulty

For centuries, human technology and culture ruled the surface, yet the deeper secrets of the Earth lay hidden from our eyes. Until one day, the discovery of a new form of energy called forth the ancient terrors unknown to mankind. Thus began the rise of monsters around the world.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: combat.

Genre100Game mode95Tone81Combat33

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerOfflinePvPMeleeHardcoreFantasyPixel Art

Steam👍 96%· 80

Year 2019Dev Haunted TiePlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, punishing difficulty and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, setting scifi and single-player focus, while skipping competitive edge

Play as a karate master starfish, a space slug, or a prince sausage firin’ some... BIG LAZEEEERS! Choose one of the 8+ heroes, each with unique skills and try to win the Domiverse Tournament ™. You will dive into a wacky world where each hit kills.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: combat and setting.

Genre100Game mode95Visuals50Tone43Combat36Setting36

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Steam Nintendo

#8Nidhogg

iRank86

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

OfflineMultiplayerPvPMeleeCompetitivePixel Art

Steam👍 90%· 7.8KRAWG👍 87%· 361MC81IGDB84· 6OC81· 36

Year 2014Dev MesshofPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings sports simulation, single-player focus and visual 2d, while skipping punishing difficulty

###The experiment Experimental side-scrolling fighting game for two players developed and published by the Messhof studio. Players compete in fencing in the pixelated game world.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: combat and visuals.

Genre100Game mode94Tone51Visuals47Combat34

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerPvPOfflineMeleeCompetitiveFree to Play

Steam👍 87%· 5.6KIGDB71· 8OC77· 42

Year 2013Dev Iron Galaxy Studios · Microsoft StudiosOn PC · Xbox

✓ Both are 2D fighting games — sharing fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere, single-player focus and visual 2d, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and combat.

Genre100Game mode92Tone48Combat36Visuals0

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerOfflinePvPMeleeCompetitivePixel Art

Steam👍 96%· 38KRAWG👍 77%· 114

Year 2017Dev Dan FornacePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Nintendo

✓ Same family of 2D fighting games: fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Its own twist: precision platforming, single-player focus and co op, while skipping punishing difficulty

Rivals of Aether is a platform fighting game developed and published by Dan Fornace in 2014. The game takes heavy inspiration from the founder series of its genre, Super Smash Bros., and specifically its second entry, Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: combat.

Genre100Game mode83Tone56Visuals50Combat36

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerPvPOfflineMeleeCompetitiveFantasy

Steam👍 83%· 74KIGDB93· 8OC91· 185

Year 2023Dev CapcomOn Xbox · PS4 · Switch

✓ Same family of 2D fighting games: fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, deep RPG systems and action RPG combat, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and combat.

Released 3 years after Pummel Paladins.

Genre100Game mode93Tone55Setting47Combat35Visuals0

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerOfflinePvPMeleeCompetitiveFantasy

Steam👍 83%· 14KIGDB84· 14OC84· 135

Year 2018Dev Project Soul · Bandai Namco EntertainmentOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of 2D fighting games: fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Its own twist: single-player focus, skill tree progression and visual 2d, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and combat.

Genre100Game mode93Tone51Setting43Combat36Visuals0

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerOfflinePvPMeleeCompetitiveFantasy

Steam👍 88%· 114KIGDB80· 12OC83· 164

Year 2019Dev NetherRealm Studios · WB GamesOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and combat.

Genre100Game mode93Setting47Tone42Combat36Visuals0

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerPvPOfflineMeleeCompetitiveFantasy

Steam👍 72%· 46KIGDB84· 6OC84· 148

Year 2023Dev NetherRealm Studios · WB GamesOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Fits the 2D fighting games cluster, with fighting mechanics, competitive edge and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping punishing difficulty

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: visuals and combat.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Pummel Paladins.

Released 3 years after Pummel Paladins.

Genre100Game mode90Setting44Tone40Combat36Visuals0

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Steam Epic Xbox

#15Drunken Wrestlers 2

iRank71

GenreFightingSubgenre2D Fighter

MultiplayerPvPMeleeCasualCompetitiveFree to Play

Steam👍 87%· 19KRAWG👍 46%· 24

Dev Oleg SkuttePlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Same family of 2D fighting games: fighting mechanics, vibe casual and competitive edge

≠ Where it differs: brings sports simulation, deep simulation and skill tree progression, while skipping punishing difficulty

Drunken Wrestlers 2 is a funny multiplayer fighting game based on active ragdoll technology.

Where it drifts furthest from Pummel Paladins: combat.

Genre100Tone80Game mode74Combat35

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Steam

Complete list of melee games like Pummel Paladins

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Pummel Paladins, 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.