Tales of Kenzera: Zau

21 Narrative games like Tales of Kenzera: Zau 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 40 games similar to Tales of Kenzera: Zau down to the 21 that fit the “Narrative” category. Dead Cells, Ori and the Blind Forest and qomp top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Tales of Kenzera: Zau.

iRank77/ 100

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GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

Tags

NarrativeHardcoreSolo

Year 2024Dev Surgent Studios

Stores

Steam ↗Epic ↗Xbox ↗PS ↗Nintendo ↗

Quick answer

Within the “Narrative” category, the closest game to Tales of Kenzera: Zau is Dead Cells — scoring 85/100 on our similarity scale. Ori and the Blind Forest and qomp follow close behind.

#1Dead Cells85 #2Ori and the Blind Forest81 #3qomp81 #4Carrion76 #5STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™91

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The best narrative games like Tales of Kenzera: Zau

21 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Tales of Kenzera: Zau. 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.

#1Dead CellsClosest on genre

85

Dead Cells

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreDarkNarrativeFantasyExploration2D

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 precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings roguelike runs, procedural generation and ranged combat, while skipping puzzle design

Dead Cells is a roguelike adventure title developed by Motion Twin. ###Story Not much story is present in the game, as only bits of any information are given out to the players. The game takes place at a remote island, where the players take place of the Prisoner.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Progression100Combat72Setting59

#2Ori and the Blind ForestClosest on combat

81

Ori and the Blind Forest

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeDarkHardcoreFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 94%· 60KIGDB88· 14OC90· 97

Year 2015Dev Moon Studios · Microsoft StudiosOn PC · Xbox · Switch

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, open world exploration and loot and gear systems, while skipping action RPG combat

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone82Progression59

81

qomp

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeDarkExploration2D

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: linear, story-driven structure and visual pixel, while skipping action RPG combat

You have been trapped between paddles for decades. Now it is time to take matters into your own hands and try to escape this endless torment. In qomp you use only a single button to defeat bosses, solve puzzles and overcome platforming challenges. At the end of your journey lies freedom. Or does it?

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Progression100Visuals56

76

Carrion

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeDarkNarrativeHardcoreExploration2D

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, horror setting and setting scifi, while skipping action RPG combat

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Progression100Visuals51

#5STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™Closest overall match

91

STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeFantasyExploration

Steam👍 88%· 172KRAWG👍 85%· 2.3KMC80IGDB83· 13OC82· 176

Year 2019Dev Respawn Entertainment · Electronic ArtsPlaytime ~8hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with fighting mechanics, open world exploration and setting scifi, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Cal Kestis—one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Order after the purge of Order 66—is now a Padawan on the run. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an action-adventure game set after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith™.

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: visuals and setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Tone93Setting28

Steam Epic Xbox

78

Ato

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeHardcoreFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 97%· 466

Year 2019Dev WolfWoot · Tiny Warrior GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC

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

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, open world exploration and visual pixel, while skipping action RPG combat

Ato is an Atmospheric Sword Dueling Game set in the Era of Feudal Japan. It tells a visually driven story about a father who has given up his past ways in order to live a life of peace with his wife and child. However this peace is soon disturbed as his child is taken from him...

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Tone92Visuals65

72

The Fall

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeDarkExploration2D

Steam👍 88%· 3.7KIGDB78· 2OC74· 38

Year 2014Dev Over The MoonOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: shooter, horror tension and setting scifi, while skipping action RPG combat

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Tone82

72

Reventure

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloNarrativeDarkExploration2D

Steam👍 95%· 9.8KRAWG👍 82%· 64MC84

Year 2019Dev PixelattoPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS · Nintendo

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

≠ Its own twist: open world exploration and visual pixel, while skipping action RPG combat

An adventure with 100 different endings You are a wannabe hero who is supposed to do hero-ish things but sometimes blows that off and does crazy stuff instead. Features: One hundred different endings Choose your path, every decision leads to a new ending. Will you find the real one?

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Tone84Visuals52

Steam GOG Nintendo

72

Teslagrad

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeExploration2D

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 cozy, relaxing feel and setting scifi, while skipping action RPG combat

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Tone78

#10Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

66

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeDarkFantasyExploration

Steam👍 74%· 1.9KRAWG👍 82%· 243MC91

Year 1999Dev Sony Interactive Entertainment · Square EnixPlaytime ~1hOn PC · PS · SEGA

✓ Fits the Metroidvanias cluster, with adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: horror tension, horror setting and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping precision platforming

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is a third-person action-adventure title developed by Crystal Dynamics. It is the direct continuation of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and is the second title in the series. ###Plot The game takes place 1500 years after the events of Blood Omen.

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: visuals and setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Tales of Kenzera: Zau.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 25 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Tone86Setting34

#11Metroid Dread

61

Metroid Dread

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloHardcoreNarrativeExploration2D

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 and setting scifi, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Tone89Setting0

72

Owlboy

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 84%· 6.1KRAWG👍 74%· 307MC88IGDB89· 13OC88· 98

Year 2016Dev D-Pad StudioPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

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

≠ Its own twist: cozy, relaxing feel, setting scifi and visual pixel, while skipping action RPG combat

Owlboy is a pixel-art platformer game about an owl-humanoid boy called Otus. When his homeland was attacked by pirates, Otus starts an adventure to protect his home and reveal the secrets of his race. He makes new friends on the way. Each of them has special powers, useful during fights.

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: tone and setting.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals52Tone45

68

Waking Mars

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeExploration2D

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 setting scifi, while skipping action RPG combat

###Best for mobile The game is an adventure-platformer, where the player takes control over the main character, traveling through the Martian caves. You will have to manage the thrust of the jetpack that the protagonist has. The game was released on the PC in 2012. Before this, it was repeatedly recognized as the best game for mobile devices. ###Key features The game is set in the future.

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Tone63

#14FEZ

68

FEZ

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloNarrativeFantasyExploration2D

Steam👍 93%· 16KRAWG👍 80%· 1.2KMC91IGDB86· 12OC88· 50

Year 2012Dev POLYTRON · Microsoft StudiosPlaytime ~2hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual, vibe relaxing and open world exploration, while skipping action RPG combat

FEZ is a 2D and 3D game at the same time. Even though it is a platformer game in which you solve puzzles in the dimension your looking at, you can manipulate with the world itself by rotating it all around.

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: tone.

It predates Tales of Kenzera: Zau by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Visuals60Setting54Tone40

68

Iconoclasts

GenreAdventureSubgenreMetroidvania

SoloMeleeNarrativeExploration2D

Steam👍 86%· 4.9KIGDB85· 8OC84· 57

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

✓ Same family of Metroidvanias: adventure storytelling, Metroidvania exploration and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, setting scifi and visual pixel, while skipping action RPG combat

Where it drifts furthest from Tales of Kenzera: Zau: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Tone57Visuals51

Complete list of narrative games like Tales of Kenzera: Zau

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Tales of Kenzera: Zau, 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.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Adventure · Metroidvania

The Swapper

The Swapper

Adventure · Metroidvania

Berry

Berry

Adventure · Metroidvania

Aquaria

Aquaria

Adventure · Metroidvania

SHEEPO

SHEEPO

Adventure · Metroidvania

Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge

Adventure · Metroidvania

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