Games like Aquaria

Action-adventure game with exploration, combat, and a cooking system. It features a vast underwater world and a compelling story.

88% positive from 1,527 · 2008 · 12% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · $9.99 · Lowest ever $1.99 (2016-06-15)

MetroidvaniaIndieExploration Female ProtagonistGreat SoundtrackUnderwater

Six games like Aquaria

Pronty

91% positive from 1,290 reviews202126% finish itDeck Verified

An underwater Metroidvania with unique javelin combat, exploring a polluted city and fighting mutated sea creatures. Players control a character and a weaponized robotic swordfish for combat and exploration.

What players likedPlayers praise Pronty as a unique underwater Metroidvania with excellent boss design, atmosphere, and a compelling story.

The catchCombat feels clunky and half baked, which sours the gorgeous underwater world.

Both are tagged Underwater, Metroidvania and Exploration.

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Beyond Blue

88% positive from 1,489 reviews202028% finish itDeck Verified

Narrative adventure game where players explore the ocean using advanced tech to study marine life. It offers a science-focused, evocative experience with documentary-style insights.

What players likedPlayers praise Beyond Blue as a perfect story-driven game with emotional depth and detailed marine life, especially for fans of the genre.

The catchGameplay is mostly scanning marine life, little else to do

Both are tagged Underwater, Exploration and Indie.

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Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

93% positive from 3,055 reviews2015Deck Verified

Action-platformer where Shantae uses pirate gear to explore islands, fight monsters, and solve puzzles. It features a humorous tone and Metroidvania-style progression.

What players likedPlayers praise its Metroidvania platforming, comparing it to Mario, for its fantastic game feel, level design, and engaging pirate gear mechanics.

The catchConstant backtracking through the same areas, with navigation that often leaves you lost.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Great Soundtrack and Female Protagonist.

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Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut

86% positive from 1,704 reviews20147% finish itDeck Verified

Action-platformer with transformation mechanics. Explore, fight bosses, and use belly-dancing to change forms.

What players likedPlayers praise its tight controls, great music, and top-notch animation, calling it a standard Metroidvania experience.

The catchThe map is nearly useless, leaving a lot of backtracking and aimless wandering.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Great Soundtrack and Female Protagonist.

Games like Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut →

Loddlenaut

98% positive from 2,967 reviews202312% finish itDeck Verified

Ocean cleanup adventure game. Explore, collect trash with a bubble gun, and raise creatures.

What players likedPlayers praise Loddlenaut as a cute, cozy, and relaxing cleaning sim, often compared to Powerwash Simulator or a simpler Subnautica.

The catchVery short and shallow for the price, with only a few hours of content.

Both are tagged Underwater and Indie.

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Megaquarium

95% positive from 2,447 reviews20189% finish itDeck Playable

Economic simulation game where players manage an aquarium. Build exhibits, care for diverse marine life, and manage staff and finances.

What players likedPlayers praise Megaquarium as a satisfying puzzle-management game, akin to Tycoon series, for its focus on aquatic life and realistic aquarium operations.

The catchA clunky, unintuitive interface makes managing a growing aquarium a constant fight.

Both are tagged Underwater and Indie.

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More like this: Metroidvania Female Protagonist Exploration

More about Aquaria

What players liked

Players praise Aquaria as a fondly remembered Metroidvania with an emphasis on exploration and crafting.

The catch

Swimming is slow and the huge map is mostly empty corridors, so travel drags.

Reviews: 88% positive from 1,527
Released: 2008
Finish it: 12% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $9.99 · Lowest ever $1.99 (2016-06-15)
Play: Single-player

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 88% positive, but with 1,527 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Aquaria on Steam

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