Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Rivals of Aether (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Rivals of Aether 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: BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, which shares 10 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
- Rivals of Aether is tagged Fighting, 2D Fighter, Multiplayer, Pixel Graphics, Indie, Local Multiplayer, Competitive, Platformer 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.
- 3 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
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger at a glance Released 2008 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 86% positive of 3,234 Price $9.99 Fighting2D FighterArcadeGreat Soundtrack2DLocal MultiplayerBeat 'em upController
- 2
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Fighting, Arcade and Competitive; released around the same time (2014).
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Ultra Street Fighter IV at a glance Released 2014 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 91% positive of 16,995 Price $29.99 FightingArcadeCompetitive2D FighterLocal MultiplayerControllerGreat Soundtrack2D
- 3
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and Controller; released around the same time (2013).
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition enhances the bold new franchise to the fighting game genre from NetherRealm Studios. Featuring six new playable characters, over 30 new skins, and 60 new S.T.A.R. Labs missions, this edition packs a punch.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 20,131 Price $19.99 FightingLocal MultiplayerController2D FighterArcadeBeat 'em upCompetitive2D
- 4
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Arcade, Beat 'em up and 2D Fighter; released around the same time (2021).
Relive the Capcom classics! Get 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and game logo wallpapers free with your download!
Capcom Arcade Stadium at a glance Released 2021 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 55% positive of 4,765 Price Free ArcadeBeat 'em up2D Fighter2DRetroLocal Multiplayer4 Player LocalPixel Graphics
- 5
Super Crate Box
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Indie, Platformer and Pixel Graphics.
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 Graphics2DArcadeRetroGameMakerController
- 6
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Retro, 2D and Arcade.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis Classics comes to a new generation, now updated with even more features: online multiplayer, achievements, mirror mode, rewind, save states, VR and more! Over 50 classic games in one great package. Get into the classics!
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics at a glance Released 2010 Studio D3T Limited Player sentiment 79% positive of 12,207 Price Not listed Retro2DArcadePixel GraphicsPlatformerBeat 'em upGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer
- 7
SpeedRunners
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Local Multiplayer, Indie and Competitive; released around the same time (2016).
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play.
SpeedRunners at a glance Released 2016 Studio DoubleDutch Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 37,163 Price $14.99 Local MultiplayerIndieCompetitivePlatformer2D4 Player LocalControllerArcade
- 8
Stick Fight: The Game
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and 2D Fighter; released around the same time (2017).
Stick Fight is a physics-based couch/online fighting game where you battle it out as the iconic stick figures from the golden age of the internet.
Stick Fight: The Game at a glance Released 2017 Studio Landfall West Player sentiment 93% positive of 125,325 Price $1.99 FightingLocal Multiplayer2D Fighter4 Player Local2DIndieControllerGreat Soundtrack
- 9
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Beat 'em up, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2020).
Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.
Streets of Rage 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Dotemu Player sentiment 92% positive of 19,668 Price $24.99 Beat 'em upIndie2DFightingArcadeLocal MultiplayerGreat SoundtrackRetro
- 10
Tekken 7
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, Competitive and Arcade; released around the same time (2015).
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals.
Tekken 7 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bandai Namco Entertainment Player sentiment 84% positive of 95,338 Price $39.99 FightingCompetitiveArcadeLocal MultiplayerControllerGreat SoundtrackBeat 'em up2D Fighter
- 11
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Discover the lost treasures of Ukampa in South America as Aban Hawkins searches for his estranged father, world-famous archeaologist, Jim Hawkins. Aban Hawkins races into the frozen tundra of the antarctic, undiscovered temple ruins and the vast caverns of South America in search of his father and the legendary treasure rumored to lie...
1001 Spikes at a glance Released 2016 Studio Nicalis Player sentiment 83% positive of 770 Price $14.99 PlatformerIndie2DPixel GraphicsLocal MultiplayerRetroGreat Soundtrack4 Player Local
- 12
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
Marvel and Capcom join forces to deliver the most frenetic 3 vs 3 tag battles ever with Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. This release comes fully loaded, including all previous DLC, Marvel VS. Capcom : Official Complete Works.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 at a glance Released 2011 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,845 Price $24.99 Fighting2D FighterArcadeCompetitiveGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerController2D
- 13
Killer Instinct
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Great Soundtrack.
The legendary fighting franchise is back with over-the-top action, a wild cast of combatants, rocking reactive music, and C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERS!!! Choose your ultimate combatants each with fluid animations, unique combat tactics, and enthralling special attacks.
Killer Instinct at a glance Released 1994 Studio Rare Ltd. Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,682 Price Free Fighting2D FighterGreat SoundtrackArcadeCompetitiveLocal MultiplayerControllerBeat 'em up
- 14
One Finger Death Punch
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including 2D Fighter, Indie and Beat 'em up; released around the same time (2014).
Experience cinematic kung-fu battles in the fastest, most intense brawler the indie world has ever seen! With the unique 1:1 response system of One Finger Death Punch, players will feel the immediate feedback of every bone-crunching hit. Pay tribute to the masters using five classic kung-fu styles mixed with additional weapons.
One Finger Death Punch at a glance Released 2014 Studio Silver Dollar Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 16,338 Price $4.99 2D FighterIndieBeat 'em upFighting2DArcadeGreat Soundtrack
- 15
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 7 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 SoundtrackIndie2DArcade
- 16
Street Fighter X Tekken
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
The long awaited dream match-up between the two titans of fighting is here!
Street Fighter X Tekken at a glance Released 2012 Studio Dimps Player sentiment 55% positive of 2,431 Price Not listed Fighting2D FighterArcadeLocal MultiplayerControllerBeat 'em up2D4 Player Local
- 17
ROUNDS
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and 2D Fighter; released around the same time (2021).
Rounds is a 1v1 rogue-lite shooter where each round gets more intense. The losing player of each round unlocks clever upgrades to create a better build to counter their opponent.
ROUNDS at a glance Released 2021 Studio Landfall Player sentiment 95% positive of 44,331 Price $2.99 FightingLocal Multiplayer2D FighterIndie2DPlatformerArcade
- 18
DRAGON BALL FighterZ
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Local Multiplayer; released around the same time (2018).
DRAGON BALL FighterZ is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters.
DRAGON BALL FighterZ at a glance Released 2018 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 90% positive of 76,719 Price $59.99 Fighting2D FighterLocal MultiplayerCompetitiveControllerArcadeBeat 'em up
- 19
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Arcade, Retro and 2D; 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 ArcadeRetro2DGreat SoundtrackPlatformerPixel GraphicsLocal Multiplayer
- 20
MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2021).
This is the latest addition to the series of 2D fighting games based on TYPE-MOON's visual novel, Tsukihime. The curtain rises once more on dramatic battles played out with familiar characters from Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon.
MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA at a glance Released 2021 Studio FRENCH-BREAD Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,574 Price $49.99 Fighting2D FighterPixel GraphicsArcadeCompetitiveController2D
- 21
Injustice 2
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and 2D Fighter; released around the same time (2017).
Build and power up the ultimate version of your favourite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2. This is your Legend. Your Journey. Your Injustice.
Injustice 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 24,516 Price $49.99 FightingLocal Multiplayer2D FighterArcadeControllerCompetitiveBeat 'em up
- 22
Puyo PuyoTetris
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Competitive, Local Multiplayer and Arcade; released around the same time (2018).
Two puzzle game juggernauts collide as global phenomenon Tetris® and SEGA’s famous Puyo Puyo™ combine in a super mash-up of ferocious competition, adorable looks, and addictive puzzle fun!
Puyo PuyoTetris at a glance Released 2018 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 85% positive of 5,571 Price $19.99 CompetitiveLocal MultiplayerArcadeGreat Soundtrack2D4 Player LocalFighting
- 23
SOULCALIBUR VI
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and Arcade; released around the same time (2018).
Bring more than your fists to the fight! Featuring all-new battle mechanics and characters, SOULCALIBUR VI marks a new era of the historic franchise. Welcome back to the stage of history!
SOULCALIBUR VI at a glance Released 2018 Studio BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc. Player sentiment 83% positive of 14,352 Price $59.99 FightingLocal MultiplayerArcadeCompetitiveGreat SoundtrackBeat 'em up2D Fighter
- 24
Punch Club
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Beat 'em up and Fighting; released around the same time (2016).
Train hard, fight crocodiles and find love. Earn your place in the Punch Club ranks, and discover who brutally murdered your father, in this choose your own adventure boxing management tycoon.
Punch Club at a glance Released 2016 Studio Lazy Bear Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 15,767 Price $9.99 Pixel GraphicsBeat 'em upFighting2D FighterArcade2DRetro
Common questions
What game is most like Rivals of Aether?
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, on the evidence we have. It shares 10 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade. 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 Rivals of Aether" 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 Rivals of Aether. 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.