26 Hardcore games like Symphonia 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 37 games similar to Symphonia down to the 26 that fit the “Hardcore” category. SANABI, Lugaru HD and Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Symphonia.

iRank84/ 100

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GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

The best hardcore games like Symphonia

26 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Symphonia. Each one has been evaluated across 10 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.

#1SANABIClosest overall match

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeNarrativeHardcore2D

Steam👍 97%· 44KRAWG👍 89%· 34IGDB95· 2OC80· 6

Year 2023Dev SANABI · NEOWIZPlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: linear, story-driven structure, setting cyberpunk and setting scifi, while skipping combat magic

You, a legendary retired veteran, are called upon for one last operation: to ascend a mega-city ruled by a corrupt conglomerate. You were chosen for this mission because of your signature chain-hook prosthetic arm and the ability to maneuver and quickly defeat enemies.

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Combat75Visuals55Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeStealth

Steam👍 79%· 587RAWG👍 33%· 42

Year 2010Dev Wolfire GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, fighting mechanics and action RPG combat, while skipping combat magic

Follow Turner, a rebel bunny rabbit with impressive combat skills in his quest to find those responsible for slaughtering his village. Uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving the corrupt leaders of the rabbit republic and the wolves of the nearby lands.

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

It predates Symphonia by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Combat50

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Steam itch.io

#3Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy

iRank82

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloHardcoreNarrative2DDark

Steam👍 82%· 81K

Year 2017Dev Bennett FoddyOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, deep simulation and survival mechanics, while skipping melee combat

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Tone78Visuals72Setting0

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Steam

#4Mega Man 9Closest on combat

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrative2D

Steam👍 84%· 1.8KIGDB88· 7

Year 2008Dev Inti Creates · CapcomOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: shooter, first-person shooting and setting scifi, while skipping adventure storytelling

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

It predates Symphonia by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Combat77Visuals70Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeFantasy2D

Steam👍 95%· 4.9KRAWG👍 77%· 77MC81IGDB82· 7OC81· 45

Year 2014Dev GalaxyTrail · MarvelousPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Symphonia, expect precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, cozy, relaxing feel and setting scifi, while skipping combat magic

Freedom Planet is a combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragon girl and her friends against an alien attack force.

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

It predates Symphonia by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Tone87Combat73Visuals67Genre50Setting23

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Steam GOG PS

#6Celeste

iRank92

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeFantasy2D

Steam👍 97%· 141KRAWG👍 88%· 1.7KMC91IGDB91· 10OC92· 74

Year 2018Dev Matt Makes GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with Symphonia: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, cozy, relaxing feel and exploration and discovery, while skipping combat magic

Celeste is a platformer about climbing a mountain, from the creators of TowerFall. Explore a sprawling mountain with over 500 levels bursting with secrets, across 8 unique areas. Unlock a hardcore Remix for each area, with completely new levels that will push your climbing skills to the limit.

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Game mode100Tone87Combat66Visuals56Genre50Setting41

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Steam Epic Xbox

#7Will You Snail?Closest on visuals

iRank92

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrative2D

Steam👍 97%· 2.8KMC82

Year 2022Dev Jonas TyrollerPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Symphonia, expect precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, puzzle design and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping combat magic

Dear humans, I wanted to let you know that I am better than you. You are all doomed and this game is a celebration of my superiority.Why should you play this? To entertain me. I made this game for for MY personal entertainment... Oh come on, don't worry... I'll totally make you feel like you stand a chance. Humans get frustrated so easily... pathetic.What is this game?

Game mode100Visuals100Tone80Combat71Genre50

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Steam PS Nintendo

#8Braid

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeHardcoreFantasy2D

Steam👍 93%· 9.9KIGDB87· 3

Year 2008Dev Number None Inc.On PlayStation 3 · Linux · PC

✓ Like Symphonia, it's known for precision platforming, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, while skipping melee combat

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

It predates Symphonia by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Tone100Visuals100Genre50Setting41

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeCasual

Steam👍 80%· 3.3KIGDB72· 12OC74· 90

Year 2017Dev Sumo DigitalOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Like Symphonia, it's known for precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, deep simulation and vibe casual, while skipping combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: visuals.

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

Game mode100Combat71Tone61Genre50Visuals0

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Steam Epic Xbox

#10Sonic the Hedgehog

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasy2D

Steam👍 85%· 41IGDB85· 2

Year 1991Dev Sonic Team · SegaOn PlayStation 3 · PC · iOS

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: setting scifi and visual pixel, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

It predates Symphonia by 33 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone81Combat72Visuals69Setting32

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Steam

#11Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

iRank86

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasy2D

Steam👍 87%· 3.9KIGDB86· 16OC85· 170

Year 2020Dev Toys for Bob · ActivisionOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Same family of precision platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: setting scifi, multiplayer gameplay and visual third person, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Genre100Tone86Game mode85Combat77Visuals53Setting32

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Steam PS Nintendo

#12Mega Man 11

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DSci-Fi

Steam👍 89%· 5.3KIGDB80· 12OC81· 115

Year 2018Dev Capcom Development Division 2 · CapcomOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the precision platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter, first-person shooting and setting scifi, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone84Combat77Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloHardcore2DCasualPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 38KIGDB85· 4OC83· 25

Year 2010Dev Team Meat · BlitWorksOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual and visual pixel, while skipping strong narrative focus

It predates Symphonia by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone77Visuals70

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DDark

Steam👍 94%· 3.4KIGDB74· 3OC82· 29

Year 2017Dev Tyler GlaielOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, post-apocalyptic world and visual pixel, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Tone82Visuals82Combat69Setting0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePrecision Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasy2D

Steam👍 94%· 960IGDB89· 19OC89· 100

Year 2014Dev Yacht Club GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Both are precision platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: co op, multiplayer gameplay and visual pixel, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from Symphonia: game mode and setting.

It predates Symphonia by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Tone80Combat77Visuals77Setting41Game mode33

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Steam GOG

Complete list of hardcore games like Symphonia

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Symphonia, 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.