Death’s Door is a fantastic indie gem that provides thoughtful exploration, a deep combat system, a mysterious story, and a satisfying gameplay loop. In Death’s Door, you play as a soul-reaping crow who must traverse multiple environments in order to harvest the souls of those ready to depart. This game is very much its own entity but manages to still be a love letter to classic action-adventure, exploration titles.
For players looking to find a similar experience to satiate that Death’s Door-like gameplay, there are a plentiful amount of titles to choose from. From classic Nintendo titles to more obscure games, the action-adventure genre provides a ton of variety both in style, story, and substance. The following games are sure to be up your alley if you enjoy Death’s Door.
10 The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Remake)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, specifically the Nintendo Switch remake, is a perfect game for fans of isometric action-adventure fun. This completely remade version of the original Link’s Awakening is full of Zelda charm, challenging puzzle gameplay, and exciting exploration.
The big pull for this game is the meticulously created dungeons where Link needs to solve tricky puzzles. Combat in this game is action-focused and you are given plenty of tools to keep in your arsenal depending on the baddie in front of you. Link’s Awakening is a classic Nintendo game and this remake deserves your time and attention.
9 Hades
Hades is easily one of the best isometric action-adventure titles that also happens to be a fantastic roguelike. The story in Hades is front and center with you playing as the prince of the underworld, trying to escape from his hellish home. There is a reason Hades is talked about so fondly, mostly down to the frenetic and thoughtful action combat and room-based exploration.
Hades is a pure indie gem with highly polished visuals and gameplay. Adding to this gameplay goodness is the plethora of upgrades and abilities that continue to evolve your playstyle. If you are looking for both style and substance then Hades shouldn’t be missed.
8 Victor Vran
Victor Vran is a dark, gothic, and moody action RPG starring the titular Victor Vran, a demon and vampire hunter who must roam the lands defeating its spooky denizens of the night. What sets Victor Vran apart from the competition is the diverse and exciting upgrades and gear that you can find during your exploration.
The sheer amount of weaponry and abilities in Victor Vran is staggering. As soon as you are comfortable with taking on the creepy crawlies in this world, a new gear set or ability will come along to mix up the gameplay. The narrative here is also steeped in dark fantasy goodness with plenty of dark humor as well.
7 Blue Fire
Blue Fire is a classic 3D action-adventure title that features plenty of combat, dungeons, puzzles, and even platforming sections. Taking place in the dying world of Penumbra, you are tasked with exploring every nook and cranny in order to progress forward. The pull of Blue Fire is the kinetic movement system that evolves with each new upgrade.
If you enjoy a darker take on the action-adventure genre then Blue Fire has a lot to love. Some of the platforming sections can be downright punishing. Overcoming a devious puzzle or defeating one of the game’s many bosses brings an immense feeling of satisfaction, especially because you can then unlock new abilities for your hero.
6 Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is a dark fantasy action RPG that features plenty of real-time combat scenarios, upgrades, and light exploration. In this title, you can also join up with other players for local or online co-op so you don’t have to venture alone into this D&D world that has been created.
One of the best parts of Dark Alliance is that you get to encounter legendary monsters and creatures from throughout the D&D universe. Fans of action-adventure games with RPG flourishes will most certainly enjoy diving into this game, especially with a friend or two in tow.
5 Path Of Exile
Taking place in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast, Path of Exile is a love letter to games such as Diablo and Baldur’s Gate. Path of Exile allows for players to create a highly customizable character who must get stronger, gain new abilities, weapons, and skills in order to exact revenge.
Interestingly, Path of Exile is a free-to-play game experience, so there is no reason to not give this game a try. The story here can be quite dark and harrowing, almost feeling like a horror game. While there isn’t much in the way of puzzle-solving, the combat and exploration will keep you moving forward.
4 Biomutant
If what you are after is a deep, explorable, and customizable open-world style action-adventure then look no further than Biomutant. Biotmutant lets you create an adorable yet deadly creature that must track down all sorts of enemies and giant bosses across its world.
This game features a unique apocalyptic setting that manages to blend high fantasy with futuristic machinations. Combat here is a nice mix of kung-fu, weapon-based attacks, and even some magic thrown in for good measure.
3 Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn might be one of the deepest dark fantasy-inspired adventure games, full stop. First and foremost, Grim Dawn is a challenging, isometric, story-based RPG with varied action combat. In the world of Grim Dawn, humanity is dying out and iron has now become more valuable than gold. Every narrative choice you make in this game will indeed have consequences down the line.
If you want satisfying action combat and a plethora of weapons and gear to choose from, then Grim Dawn will be there for you. This is a game that will continually reward your exploration and curiosity.
2 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a truly remarkable single-player-driven action-adventure game. Fallen Order takes place in a unique, standalone part of the Star War universe, spanning multiple galaxies. The story here is front and center, focusing on Cal Kestis, one of the last remaining Jedi’s. Cal lives in hiding but is tasked with restoring the Jedi order.
This third-person action-adventure features some of the most satisfying lightsaber combat in all of gaming. You are able to explore a Metroidvania-style world, finding upgrades and secrets, and customizing your lightsaber along the way. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a true gem of a game that begs to be experienced.
1 Code Vein
Possibly one of the more obscure entries on this list, Code Vein is an anime-inspired, action RPG in an apocalyptic and decaying world. Code Vein very much pays homage to the Soulsborne genre with tight, polished, and punishing combat, and a massive interconnected world to explore.
Battles here take place in real-time and demand a lot from the player. This is no hack and slash game, but instead requires players to use a huge variety of weapons to take on formidable foes. Exploration is critical in Cod Vein because each new upgrade, skill, or item you acquire will not only flesh out the dark story but will make you a bit stronger in the world.
NEXT: The Best Code Vein Builds, Ranked
