Top Aquaria Alternatives: Explore New Underwater Worlds

Aquaria is a beloved 2D sidescrolling action-adventure game renowned for its deep exploration, intricate puzzle-solving, and non-linear gameplay, all set within a beautifully crafted underwater world. Players guide Naija, a unique aquatic being, using song-based interactions to navigate, solve puzzles, and transform. While Aquaria offers a truly unique experience, many gamers are looking for similar titles that capture that same sense of discovery, atmospheric depth, and engaging mechanics. If you've plumbed the depths of Aquaria and are ready for new adventures, you're in the right place. We've compiled a list of the best Aquaria alternative games that offer comparable gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating narratives.

Best Aquaria Alternatives

Whether you're seeking more immersive exploration, challenging platforming, or a rich narrative, these games provide excellent alternatives for fans of Aquaria's unique charm.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a critically acclaimed 2D action-adventure game with a strong emphasis on atmospheric exploration and challenging combat, much like Aquaria's focus on discovery. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam, it offers a vast, ruined world of insects and heroes to delve into. Its deep lore and intricate world design make it a compelling Aquaria alternative for those who love non-linear progression and uncovering secrets.

Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning action-platformer that tells an emotional story, similar to Aquaria's narrated journey. Available on Commercial platforms including Windows and Xbox, it features challenging platforming and exploration within a dying forest. Fans of Aquaria's beautiful art style and engaging narrative will find Ori to be a fantastic alternative.

Sealed Bite

Sealed Bite is a Metroidvania-style platformer that brings a unique twist with a ticking clock mechanic, reminiscent of Aquaria's exploration-focused 2D gameplay. It is Free and Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This 2D game offers a race against time to find crystal shards, making it an intriguing option for players who enjoy platforming with an added layer of urgency.

Bloodstained

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a gothic horror action side-scrolling RPG that will appeal to fans of Aquaria's exploration and character progression. Available commercially on Windows, Steam, GOG.com, Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation, PlayStation Network, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, it features 2D game mechanics, single-player focus, and an expansive demon-infested castle to explore. Its rich lore and engaging combat make it a strong Aquaria alternative.

Castlevania The Lecarde Chronicles

Castlevania The Lecarde Chronicles is a fan-made game that captures the essence of classic Castlevania, offering a similar 2D exploration and action experience found in Aquaria. It is Free Personal software for Windows, making it an accessible option for those seeking a retro-inspired gaming experience with a focus on exploration and combat.

Chasm

Chasm is a procedurally-generated adventure platformer where you explore the depths below a remote mountain town. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, and Steam, Chasm offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre with its unique world generation, providing endless replayability for fans of Aquaria's exploration and discovery.

REDO!

REDO! is a lonely and evocative 2D game about exploring the unknown in a dystopian world overrun by biomachines, offering a sense of isolation and discovery similar to Aquaria's underwater journey. Available commercially on Windows and Steam, it provides a unique atmosphere and a focus on exploration that will appeal to fans of Aquaria's world-building.

INMOST

INMOST is an atmospheric, story-driven puzzle platformer with impressively animated pixel art. Available commercially on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, it offers a single-player 2D game experience with a strong narrative and puzzle elements, making it a compelling Aquaria alternative for those who appreciate a rich story and challenging brain teasers.

Each of these games offers a unique take on the 2D action-adventure and Metroidvania genres, providing a fantastic Aquaria alternative for various preferences. Whether you prioritize deep exploration, engaging combat, captivating narratives, or distinct art styles, there's an option here to dive into. Explore these titles and find your next favorite adventure!