Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Exanima (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Exanima 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: Darkest Dungeon, which both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult.
- Exanima is tagged Physics, RPG, Dark Fantasy, Dungeon Crawler, Medieval, Difficult, Adventure, Isometric 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.
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
Darkest Dungeon
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Dark Fantasy, Dungeon Crawler and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2016).
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes against unimaginable horrors, stress, disease, and the ever-encroaching dark. Can you keep your heroes together when all hope is lost?
Darkest Dungeon at a glance Released 2016 Studio Red Hook Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 161,942 Price $3.74 Dark FantasyDungeon CrawlerRogue-likeRPGDifficultIndieHorror
- 2
Salt and Sanctuary
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Salt and Sanctuary at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ska Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 21,874 Price $17.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyDifficultRPGIndieHorror
- 3
Path of Exile 2
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Souls-like and Dark Fantasy.
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading.
Path of Exile 2 at a glance Released 2024 Studio Grinding Gear Games Player sentiment 75% positive of 224,979 Price $29.99 RPGSouls-likeDark FantasyIsometricDungeon CrawlerCharacter CustomizationEarly AccessHorror
- 4
Remnant: From the Ashes
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Difficult; released around the same time (2019).
The world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you must set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies to try to carve a foothold, rebuild, and retake what was lost.
Remnant: From the Ashes at a glance Released 2019 Studio Gunfire Games Player sentiment 84% positive of 57,316 Price $39.99 Souls-likeRPGDifficultDark FantasyHorror
- 5
Thymesia
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Dark Fantasy.
Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.
Thymesia at a glance Released 2022 Studio OverBorder Studio Player sentiment 82% positive of 10,077 Price $7.99 Souls-likeDifficultDark FantasyRPGMedievalHorror
- 6
Jump King
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Difficult, Indie and Medieval; 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 DifficultIndieMedievalSouls-likeHorror
- 7
Hades II
Why it matched: both atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Rogue-like, RPG and Action Roguelike.
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
Hades II at a glance Released 2025 Studio Supergiant Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 122,855 Price $29.99 Rogue-likeRPGAction RoguelikeDungeon CrawlerIsometricIndieSouls-likeEarly Access
- 8
DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG; released around the same time (2015).
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.
DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin at a glance Released 2015 Studio FromSoftware, Inc. Player sentiment 84% positive of 131,673 Price $39.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyRPGDifficultCharacter CustomizationMedieval
- 9
Stoneshard
Why it matched: both fantasy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Rogue-like and Dungeon Crawler.
Stoneshard is a hardcore turn-based RPG about the harsh life of a medieval mercenary: travel with your own caravan, descend into procedurally generated dungeons, learn new skills, survive hunger and injuries - and remember, every mistake can mean death and loss of progress.
Stoneshard at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ink Stains Games Player sentiment 75% positive of 35,515 Price $24.99 RPGRogue-likeDungeon CrawlerDark FantasyIndieDifficultMedievalEarly Access
- 10
Dead Cells
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Action Roguelike, Rogue-like and Souls-like; released around the same time (2018).
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.
Dead Cells at a glance Released 2018 Studio Motion Twin Player sentiment 97% positive of 183,007 Price $24.99 Action RoguelikeRogue-likeSouls-likeDifficultDark FantasyIndie
- 11
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
Why it matched: both fantasy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Isometric, RPG and Indie.
Carve your path in this Hack’n’Slash free from class boundaries. Purify a world shattered by corruption, and uncover the grim secrets and forgotten horrors lurking in the shadows of this forsaken land as you rise in Power. Your Inner aspect beckons—will you answer?
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem at a glance Released 2020 Studio WOLCEN Studio Player sentiment 56% positive of 67,957 Price $19.99 IsometricRPGIndieDark FantasyCharacter CustomizationDungeon CrawlerMedievalDifficult
- 12
Blasphemous
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy 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 Souls-likeDark FantasyIndieDifficultHorrorNudity
- 13
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including RPG, Dark Fantasy and Difficult; released around the same time (2018).
A tactical game combining the turn-based combat of XCOM with story, exploration, stealth, and strategy. Take control of a team of Mutants navigating a post-human Earth. Created by a team including former HITMAN leads and the designer of PAYDAY.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden at a glance Released 2018 Studio The Bearded Ladies Player sentiment 90% positive of 20,534 Price $34.99 RPGDark FantasyDifficultHorror
- 14
Vampyr
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 4 player tags including RPG, Horror and Dark Fantasy; released around the same time (2018).
London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal.
Vampyr at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 77% positive of 25,168 Price $39.99 RPGHorrorDark FantasySouls-like
- 15
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Souls-like and Character Customization.
Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies.
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition at a glance Released 2021 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 87% positive of 50,508 Price $49.99 RPGSouls-likeCharacter CustomizationDifficultDark FantasyMedieval
- 16
Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Why it matched: both horror, fantasy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Indie and Rogue-like.
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms!
Iratus: Lord of the Dead at a glance Released 2020 Studio Unfrozen Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,251 Price $2.99 RPGIndieRogue-likeDark FantasyDifficultDungeon Crawler
- 17
She Will Punish Them
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Nudity, Souls-like and Dark Fantasy.
A sensual dark fantasy ARPG. Customize a stunning succubus with great body details, together with your companions fight intense combats with challenging bosses to get sexy outfits and powerful equipment, and between battles, chill and interact with your fellow maidens at the palace designed by you.
She Will Punish Them at a glance Released 2020 Studio L2 Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 18,150 Price $15.99 NuditySouls-likeDark FantasyEarly AccessDifficultIndie
- 18
No Rest for the Wicked
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Early Access, Souls-like and Character Customization.
From Moon Studios, the award-winning creators of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, comes No Rest for the Wicked, a unique, visceral Action RPG set in a hand-crafted world with Souls-like combat. Featuring co-op for up to four players.
No Rest for the Wicked at a glance Released 2024 Studio Moon Studios GmbH Player sentiment 80% positive of 81,102 Price $39.99 Early AccessSouls-likeCharacter CustomizationRPGIsometricDark Fantasy
- 19
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Why it matched: both horror, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Difficult, Simulation and Horror; released around the same time (2018).
A roguelite monster-management simulation inspired by the likes of the SCP Foundation, Cabin in the Woods, and Warehouse 13. Order your employees to perform work with the creatures and watch as it unfolds; harness greater energy, and expand the facility
Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation at a glance Released 2018 Studio ProjectMoon Player sentiment 94% positive of 56,811 Price $24.99 DifficultSimulationHorrorIndieRogue-like
- 20
Legend of Grimrock
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Dungeon Crawler, RPG and Indie; released around the same time (2012).
Use the Dungeon Editor to build entirely new adventures and challenges for other players to solve.
Legend of Grimrock at a glance Released 2012 Studio Almost Human Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 6,729 Price $2.99 Dungeon CrawlerRPGIndieDifficultCharacter Customization
- 21
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Nudity and Dark Fantasy; released around the same time (2012).
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 90,315 Price $19.99 RPGNudityDark FantasyDifficultMedieval
- 22
Hand of Fate
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Rogue-like, Action Roguelike and RPG; released around the same time (2015).
Deckbuilding comes to life in Hand of Fate! An infinitely replayable series of quests - earn new cards, build your deck, then try to defeat it! In a cabin at the end of the world, the game of life and death is played. Draw your cards, play your hand, and discover your fate.
Hand of Fate at a glance Released 2015 Studio Defiant Development Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,682 Price $19.99 Rogue-likeAction RoguelikeRPGIndieDifficult
- 23
Hades
Why it matched: both atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Action Roguelike, Indie and Rogue-like.
Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.
Hades at a glance Released 2020 Studio Supergiant Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 308,085 Price $24.99 Action RoguelikeIndieRogue-likeRPGDungeon CrawlerIsometricDifficult
- 24
Nioh: Complete Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Difficult; released around the same time (2017).
Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.
Nioh: Complete Edition at a glance Released 2017 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 79% positive of 38,915 Price $49.99 Souls-likeRPGDifficultDark FantasyNudity
Common questions
What game is most like Exanima?
Darkest Dungeon, on the evidence we have. It both horror, fantasy, atmospheric and 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 Exanima" 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 Exanima. 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.