Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like 1001 Spikes (2026)
Every game below overlaps with 1001 Spikes on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Celeste, which both difficult.
- 1001 Spikes is tagged Precision Platformer, Platformer, Indie, Action, Difficult, Adventure, 2D, Pixel Graphics by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Celeste
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Precision Platformer, Difficult and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2018).
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 Precision PlatformerDifficultPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndiePlatformer2D Platformer2D
- 2
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Precision Platformer and Platformer; published by the same company.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsPrecision PlatformerPlatformerIndie2D PlatformerGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetro
- 3
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Precision Platformer, Platformer and Difficult.
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Super Meat Boy at a glance Released 2010 Studio Team Meat Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,100 Price $14.99 Precision PlatformerPlatformerDifficultIndie2D PlatformerPixel Graphics2DGreat Soundtrack
- 4
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Retro; released around the same time (2014).
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance Released 2014 Studio Yacht Club Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,898 Price $39.99 PlatformerPixel GraphicsRetroGreat SoundtrackIndie2DDifficultSide Scroller
- 5
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Side Scroller, Retro and Local Co-Op; released around the same time (2014).
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
METAL SLUG 3 at a glance Released 2014 Studio SNK CORPORATION Player sentiment 90% positive of 9,156 Price $7.99 Side ScrollerRetroLocal Co-Op2DGreat SoundtrackPlatformerPixel GraphicsDifficult
- 6
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Platformer; released around the same time (2019).
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2D PlatformerIndie2DDifficultRetro
- 7
Cuphead
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
Cuphead at a glance Released 2017 Studio Studio MDHR Player sentiment 96% positive of 220,388 Price $19.99 DifficultPlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DIndieRetroSide Scroller
- 8
Spelunky 2
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, 2D Platformer and Difficult; released around the same time (2020).
Spelunky 2 builds upon the unique, randomized challenges that made the original a roguelike classic, offering a huge adventure designed to satisfy players old and new. Meet the next generation of explorers as they find themselves on the Moon, searching for treasure and missing family.
Spelunky 2 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Mossmouth Player sentiment 93% positive of 21,915 Price $19.99 Platformer2D PlatformerDifficultIndie4 Player LocalLocal Co-Op2DSide Scroller
- 9
Rayman Legends
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Local Co-Op and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2013).
Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...
Rayman Legends at a glance Released 2013 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 90% positive of 12,323 Price $29.99 PlatformerLocal Co-OpGreat Soundtrack2D4 Player LocalLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerDifficult
- 10
Jump King
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Precision Platformer and Indie; released around the same time (2019).
Take up the challenge and face true high-stakes platforming in Jump King! Struggle upwards in search of the Smoking Hot Babe of legend, but explore with care; a single missed jump could lead to a long fall back down...
Jump King at a glance Released 2019 Studio Nexile Player sentiment 90% positive of 13,391 Price $12.99 DifficultPrecision PlatformerIndiePixel GraphicsPlatformer2DRetroSide Scroller
- 11
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D Platformer and Indie.
Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.
Pizza Tower at a glance Released 2023 Studio Tour De Pizza Player sentiment 98% positive of 72,574 Price $19.99 Great Soundtrack2D PlatformerIndiePlatformerPixel Graphics2DDifficultRetro
- 12
Rayman Origins
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Local Co-Op.
Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!
Rayman Origins at a glance Released 2011 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,195 Price $19.99 Platformer2DLocal Co-OpGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer4 Player LocalSide ScrollerDifficult
- 13
Cave Story
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Great Soundtrack; published by the same company.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerIndieGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroDifficult
- 14
PICO PARK
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Local Co-Op, Local Multiplayer and Platformer.
PICO PARK is a cooperative local/online multiplay action puzzle game for 2-8 players.
PICO PARK at a glance Released 2021 Studio TECOPARK Player sentiment 91% positive of 29,932 Price $4.99 Local Co-OpLocal MultiplayerPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsIndieDifficultRetro
- 15
Just Shapes & Beats
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Difficult and 2D; released around the same time (2018).
"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.
Just Shapes & Beats at a glance Released 2018 Studio Berzerk Studio Player sentiment 98% positive of 26,015 Price $11.99 Great SoundtrackDifficult2DIndieLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-Op4 Player Local
- 16
Touhou Luna Nights
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Side Scroller and Platformer; released around the same time (2019).
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Touhou Luna Nights at a glance Released 2019 Studio Team Ladybug Player sentiment 97% positive of 14,936 Price $17.99 DifficultSide ScrollerPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsIndieGreat Soundtrack
- 17
Nuclear Throne
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Difficult; released around the same time (2014).
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?
Nuclear Throne at a glance Released 2014 Studio Vlambeer Player sentiment 96% positive of 19,779 Price $11.99 Pixel GraphicsIndieDifficultGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DLocal Multiplayer
- 18
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Great Soundtrack and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2014).
Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move to the music and deliver beatdowns to the beat! Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!
Crypt of the NecroDancer at a glance Released 2014 Studio Brace Yourself Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 26,481 Price $14.99 DifficultGreat SoundtrackPixel GraphicsIndieLocal Co-Op2DRetro
- 19
Geometry Dash
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Great Soundtrack and Precision Platformer; released around the same time (2013).
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer!
Geometry Dash at a glance Released 2013 Studio RobTop Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 637,714 Price $4.99 DifficultGreat SoundtrackPrecision Platformer2DPlatformerIndieSide Scroller
- 20
Risk of Rain (2013)
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Platformer and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2013).
Risk of Rain is an action platformer with roguelike elements. With permanent death as a primary feature, players will have to play their best to get as far as possible. Fight on a mysterious planet with randomly spawning enemies and bosses, either alone or with 3 friends in online co-op.
Risk of Rain (2013) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Hopoo Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 29,833 Price $1.99 IndiePlatformerPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackDifficult2DLocal Co-Op
- 21
Turbo Pug
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
It's time to unleash your inner pug! Turbo Pug is a casual runner with difficult, random, procedurally generated levels. Enjoy random weather and try to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Unlock new costumes for your pug and new characters to play as. Please try not to squish your pug!
Turbo Pug at a glance Released 2015 Studio Space Cat Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 3,362 Price $1.99 IndiePixel Graphics2DDifficultSide ScrollerPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 22
Blasphemous
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Indie; released around the same time (2019).
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.
Blasphemous at a glance Released 2019 Studio The Game Kitchen Player sentiment 90% positive of 66,881 Price $24.99 Pixel Graphics2DIndieDifficultPlatformerGreat SoundtrackSide Scroller
- 23
ibb & obb
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Local Co-Op, Platformer and Indie; released around the same time (2014).
ibb & obb is a two player cooperative game set in a puzzle filled world where gravity goes both up and down. You can only succeed by working closely together. Find a friend for some true local co-op couch fun or match up online.
ibb & obb at a glance Released 2014 Studio Sparpweed Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,830 Price $11.99 Local Co-OpPlatformerIndie2DDifficultGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer
- 24
Super Crate Box
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Platformer and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2012).
Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.
Super Crate Box at a glance Released 2012 Studio Vlambeer Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,444 Price Free IndiePlatformerPixel Graphics2DDifficultRetroGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like 1001 Spikes?
Celeste, on the evidence we have. It both difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to 1001 Spikes" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with 1001 Spikes. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.