Games like Cave Story+ on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Cave Story+ are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
La-Mulana
LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.
Axiom Verge
Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.
You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
The Mummy Demastered
A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Environmental Station Alpha
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Out There Somewhere
You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.
Horace
"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!
Exit the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
One Dog Story
One Dog Story is an engaging pixel adventure game with RPG elements, gameplay that’ll get you hooked for hours, and well-developed characters. You wake up in an underground laboratory, free again after a horrific accident. Prepare to explore this expansive game world and its many secrets and mysteries.
BUTCHER
BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.
Wings of Vi
Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.
Cyber Shadow
The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.
Death's Gambit: Afterlife
Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.
Iconoclasts
Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.
Owlboy
Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.
Freedom Planet
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
The Messenger
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!Most played games like Cave Story+ on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Cave Story+ that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Terraria
Similarity 60% Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available! Terraria is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed and published by Re-Logic. Released on May 16th 2011 has received 1,394,254 reviews of which 1,359,264 were positive and 34,990 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Cave Story+, thanks to its 49,797 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
1,359,264
34,990
49,797
players
2. Hollow Knight
Similarity 73% Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 406,532 reviews of which 394,495 were positive and 12,037 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 14,440 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Cave Story+ based on player count.
9.6
394,495
12,037
14,440
players
3. Dead Cells
Similarity 68% 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 is a adventure, action roguelike and pixel graphics game developed and published by Motion Twin. Released on August 06th 2018 has received 166,220 reviews of which 161,389 were positive and 4,831 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 3,983 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Cave Story+ based on player count.
9.6
161,389
4,831
3,983
players
4. Rain World
Similarity 70% You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,460 reviews of which 38,104 were positive and 2,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 2,993 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.2
38,104
2,356
2,993
players
5. BlazBlue Entropy Effect
Similarity 59% Enjoy action-packed flashy combat with incredibly satisfying combos and responsive controls! Numerous characters, each with completely unique playstyles and loads of unlockable moves & upgrades! This action roguelike sets the bar for fluid fast-paced action. BlazBlue Entropy Effect is a action roguelike, action-adventure and 2d game developed and published by 91Act. Released on February 14th 2024 has received 29,162 reviews of which 27,702 were positive and 1,460 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 2,918 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.3
27,702
1,460
2,918
players
6. Celeste
Similarity 77% 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 is a precision platformer, difficult and pixel graphics game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on January 25th 2018 has received 117,917 reviews of which 114,924 were positive and 2,993 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,319 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.6
114,924
2,993
2,319
players
7. Skul: The Hero Slayer
Similarity 68% Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages. Skul: The Hero Slayer is a indie, action and action roguelike game developed by SOUTHPAW GAMES and published by NEOWIZ. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 54,353 reviews of which 50,712 were positive and 3,641 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,723 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.2
50,712
3,641
1,723
players
8. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Similarity 73% Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,371 reviews of which 130,741 were positive and 4,630 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,400 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.5
130,741
4,630
1,400
players
9. Nine Sols
Similarity 60% Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm. Nine Sols is a metroidvania, souls-like and difficult game developed and published by RedCandleGames. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 26,064 reviews of which 24,857 were positive and 1,207 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 977 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
9.3
24,857
1,207
977
players
10. Blasphemous
Similarity 72% 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 is a metroidvania, pixel graphics and souls-like game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 50,243 reviews of which 45,250 were positive and 4,993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Cave Story+.
8.9
45,250
4,993
898
players
Best deals on games like Cave Story+ on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Cave Story+ available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Cave Story+.
1. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Similarity 62% Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, exploration and metroidvania game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
8.6
1,023
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Yoku's Island Express
Similarity 60% Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure! Yoku's Island Express is a pinball, metroidvania and adventure game developed by Villa Gorilla and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on May 29th 2018 has received 4,774 reviews of which 4,589 were positive and 185 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Cave Story+.
9.3
4,589
185
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
3. SteamWorld Dig 2
Similarity 65% SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a adventure, metroidvania and indie game developed and published by Image & Form Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 7,470 reviews of which 7,132 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Cave Story+.
9.2
7,132
338
-93%
21.29€
1.49€
4. TowerFall Ascension
Similarity 62% TowerFall Ascension is the definitive version of the hit archery combat game. Inspired by classics from the golden age of couch multiplayer, it's a 4-player local party game centering around hilarious, intense versus matches. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, but hard to master and combat is fierce. TowerFall Ascension is a local multiplayer, indie and 2d fighter game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on March 11th 2014 has received 3,398 reviews of which 3,225 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
9.1
3,225
173
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. ScourgeBringer
Similarity 76% ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity. ScourgeBringer is a indie, action and adventure game developed by Flying Oak Games and E-Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on October 21st 2020 has received 2,946 reviews of which 2,573 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
8.4
2,573
373
-93%
16.29€
1.14€
6. Blazing Chrome
Similarity 64% In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,752 reviews of which 1,537 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
8.4
1,537
215
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
7. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Similarity 78% Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed and published by WayForward. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 2,814 reviews of which 2,616 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
8.9
2,616
198
-91%
20.78€
1.87€
8. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Similarity 69% Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity! Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a metroidvania, rpg and female protagonist game developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 39,238 reviews of which 36,771 were positive and 2,467 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
9.2
36,771
2,467
-90%
41.30€
4.13€
9. Slime-san: Superslime Edition
Similarity 66% Slime-san was minding his own business when suddenly… A giant worm appeared and gobbled him up! Deep within the worm’s belly, Slime-san has to face a decision: Be digested by the incoming wall of stomach acid... Or jump, slide and slime his way through the worm and back out its mouth! Slime-san: Superslime Edition is a platformer, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed by Fabraz and published by Headup. Released on April 07th 2017 has received 314 reviews of which 267 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
7.9
267
47
-90%
14.99€
1.49€
10. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Similarity 62% A legend returns in stunning new detail with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Fire up your power bracelet and relive a platforming classic alongside new modes, levels and features! Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is a precision platformer, 2d platformer and difficult game developed by Merge Games and Jankenteam and published by Merge Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 791 reviews of which 624 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Cave Story+.
7.5
624
167
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
Free games like Cave Story+ on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Cave Story+ you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Cave Story+.
1. Outcore: Desktop Adventure
Similarity 60% All you wanted was a nice game. But now you find yourself opening Windows apps like Paint & Notepad to solve puzzles, and searching for files on your computers that you didn't put there... Who is she? Why did she appear on your desktop? Let's dive into her memories and find out. Outcore: Desktop Adventure is a adventure, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by Doctor Shinobi. Released on September 26th 2022 has received 14,818 reviews of which 14,422 were positive and 396 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
9.5
14,422
396
51
players
2. You Have to Win the Game
Similarity 86% You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,668 reviews of which 5,267 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
9.0
5,267
401
5
players
3. Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
Similarity 59% Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s). Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt is a indie, female protagonist and free to play game developed by Ludosity and Remar Games and published by Ludosity. Released on January 01st 2016 has received 2,862 reviews of which 2,799 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
9.3
2,799
63
4
players
4. Janosik
Similarity 66% Challenging retro pixel graphics action-platformer. Become a legendary rogue Janosik and explore the big mountain castle level full of secrets. Available for FREE! Janosik is a action, adventure and casual game developed by Onix Games and published by Retrovibe. Released on September 25th 2020 has received 625 reviews of which 585 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.7
585
40
3
players
5. Super Crate Box
Similarity 64% 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 is a free to play, indie and platformer game developed and published by Vlambeer. Released on August 29th 2012 has received 6,483 reviews of which 5,767 were positive and 716 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.6
5,767
716
2
players
6. Pink Hour
Similarity 60% Help a pink-clad office lady find a missing document so the boss doesn't get angry in this free spin-off minigame to Kero Blaster. Pink Hour is a free to play, indie and pixel graphics game developed by Studio Pixel and published by PLAYISM. Released on October 28th 2015 has received 998 reviews of which 927 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.8
927
71
1
players
7. The Desolate Hope
Similarity 66% On a distant edge of an unknown planet, an abandoned structure sits in silence. Constructed by an unmanned research vessel sent from Earth, the Lun Infinus station was designed to run simulations for a five year period, exploring possibilities of human colonization in the case that Earth became uninhabitable. The Desolate Hope is a rpg, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on May 05th 2014 has received 1,616 reviews of which 1,486 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.7
1,486
130
1
players
8. Super Blue Boy Planet
Similarity 65% SBBP is a 2D platformer with pixel graphics. Blue boy’s girlfriend is kidnapped by aliens so he goes through 21 levels to save her and he also fight bosses along the way. Super Blue Boy Planet is a free to play, pixel graphics and indie game developed and published by NanningsGames. Released on December 16th 2016 has received 2,701 reviews of which 2,460 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.7
2,460
241
1
players
9. Pink Heaven
Similarity 64% A certain office lady is back!! Pink Heaven is a free to play, indie and action game developed by Studio Pixel and published by PLAYISM. Released on November 03rd 2015 has received 744 reviews of which 667 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
8.4
667
77
1
players
10. Geometry May. I swear it's a nice free game
Similarity 63% I swear it's a nice runner game Geometry May. I swear it's a nice free game is a free to play and runner game developed and published by PixelGreeds. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 620 reviews of which 498 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Cave Story+.
7.6
498
122
1
players