9 Hardcore games like Rogue Legacy 2 that you should try

Games like Rogue Legacy 2 · Find similar →

We filtered the 36 games similar to Rogue Legacy 2 down to the 9 that fit the “Hardcore” category. The Messenger, Metroid Dread and Teslagrad top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Rogue Legacy 2.

iRank88/ 100

Did you find what you were looking for?

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

The best hardcore games like Rogue Legacy 2

9 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Rogue Legacy 2. Each one has been evaluated across 11 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

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

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

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

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

≠ Stands apart with visual pixel, while skipping deep RPG systems

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 deep RPG systems

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 puzzle design, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam GOG PS

#4Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

iRank83

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

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 and fantasy world, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

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, setting scifi and visual pixel, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam GOG Nintendo

#6Carrion

iRank85

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

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, puzzle design and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreProceduralExploration2D

Steam👍 97%· 180KRAWG👍 88%· 1.7KMC88IGDB90· 12OC89· 151

Year 2018Dev Plug In DigitalPlaytime ~10hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and roguelike runs

≠ Where it differs: brings action RPG combat, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#8VVVVVV

iRank85

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreExploration2D

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 puzzle design, setting scifi and fantasy world, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam GOG PS

#9Outland

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 deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam

Explore games similar to Rogue Legacy 2 by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Metroidvania Games Best Adventure Games