10 Epic Alternatives to Castlevania: Harmony of Despair – What to Play Next!

If you’re a fan of the Castlevania series, then you’ve likely already experienced the thrilling adventure of Harmony of Despair. But if you’re looking for something a little different, here’s a list of 10 games like Castlevania: Harmony of Despair which provide similar experiences and storylines. From classic horror adventures to mysterious sidescrolling action, here’s a roundup of games that will make you fall in love with the Castlevania franchise all over again.

1. Dark Souls

Dark Souls is a third person action RPG developed by FromSoftware. The game takes place in a vast and dangerous world full of challenging enemies to battle, secrets to discover and incredible vistas to explore. While the game has a more serious tone than Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, it’s still a great choice for Castlevania fans. The game features a vast and interconnected world, a deep and rewarding combat system, and an incredible soundtrack. It also has some similarities to Harmony of Despair such as the focus on exploration, unique bosses and challenging gameplay.

2. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a sidescrolling exploration-based action-platformer developed by Inti Creates and ArtPlay. The game follows the story of Miriam, an orphan girl who is cursed with a powerful ability called the Alchemic Bond. As she explores a mysterious castle, she must battle demons and use her powerful ability in order to save herself and her world from destruction. The game shares many similarities with Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, including a gothic aesthetic, intense and rewarding combat, and interesting characters.

3. Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary is a sidescrolling action RPG developed by Ska Studios. The game takes place in a dark and mysterious world full of danger and supernatural horrors. Players will explore a variety of locations, battle dangerous enemies and bosses, and recruit allies to aid them in their quest. The game plays very similarly to Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, and features a similar style of exploration and combat. Fans of the Castlevania series should definitely give this game a try.

4. Guacamelee!

Guacamelee! is a sidescrolling action-adventure developed by DrinkBox Studios. The game follows the story of Juan, a luchador who must save his beloved from an evil charro skeleton by traveling across the land and battling a variety of enemies. The game is a mix of brawling, platforming and light puzzle solving, making it a fun and challenging experience. While it’s a bit more lighthearted than Harmony of Despair, fans of the series should still give this game a try.

5. Inside

Inside is a sidescrolling puzzle-platformer developed by Playdead. The game follows the story of a young boy as he travels through a dark and mysterious world littered with danger. Along the way, he must solve puzzles, avoid deadly traps and battle bizarre creatures in order to escape. While Inside doesn’t share the same gothic aesthetic as Harmony of Despair, it’s still an excellent choice for fans of the series. The game features beautiful visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and a unique and engaging story.

6. Shadow Complex Remastered

Shadow Complex Remastered is a sidescrolling action-adventure developed by Chair Entertainment. The game follows the story of a young man who finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy involving a mysterious military organization. As he explores the strange and dangerous world, he must battle enemies, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets. The game shares a lot of similarities with Harmony of Despair, including a Metroidvania style of exploration, action-packed combat, and rewarding secrets.

7. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a sidescrolling action-adventure developed by Team Cherry. The game follows the story of a mysterious bug-like creature as he explores a dark and mysterious world. Along the way, he must battle enemies, solve puzzles and uncover secrets in order to discover the truth of his world. The game shares a lot of similarities with Harmony of Despair, including its gothic aesthetic, challenging combat and rewarding exploration.

8. Blasphemous

Blasphemous is a sidescrolling action-platformer developed by The Game Kitchen. The game takes place in a dark and bleak world full of mysteries and horrors. Players will take on the role of a Penitent One, a cursed warrior who must battle demons, solve puzzles and uncover secrets in order to survive. The game shares many similarities with Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, such as its gothic setting, intense and rewarding combat, and interesting characters.

9. Yoku’s Island Express

Yoku’s Island Express is an exploration-based platformer developed by Villa Gorilla. The game follows the story of Yoku, a dung beetle who is tasked with delivering mail across the island of Mokumana. Along the way, he must explore the island, battle enemies, and solve puzzles. The game shares a lot of similarities with Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, including its exploration-focused gameplay and challenging bosses.

10. Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge is a sidescrolling action-adventure developed by Thomas Happ. The game follows the story of a scientist who finds himself in a strange and dangerous world full of bizarre creatures and mysterious technology. As he explores the world, he must battle enemies, solve puzzles and uncover secrets in order to survive. The game shares many similarities with Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, such as its dark and mysterious setting and intense combat.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of the Castlevania series and you’ve already experienced the thrills of Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, then these 10 games like Castlevania will provide you with similar experiences. From classic horror adventures to mysterious sidescrolling action, these games will offer you all the thrills and emotions of the Castlevania series, with their own unique twists and storylines. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, battle evil forces and uncover ancient secrets!