10 Hardcore games like Celeste that you should try

Of everything here, this is the nearest thing to Celeste — the two agree on genre, combat and game mode. The common ground extends to 2D presentation and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting: a sci-fi setting.

If Celeste worked for you because of punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus, the same is here. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and 2D presentation. They part company on visuals: this one brings deep simulation.

It shares the essentials of what Celeste does: punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on 2D presentation. The distance is in setting — its own ground is a sci-fi setting.

What brings it close to Celeste is punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus, and the two track each other on genre, combat and game mode. Both also lean on pixel art. The distance is in setting — its own ground is a sci-fi setting.

It shares the essentials of what Celeste does: punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. To that it adds exploration and discovery. They part company on visuals: this one brings a third-person camera.

Its point of contact with Celeste is strong narrative focus, fantasy world and single-player focus. The common ground extends to 2D presentation. Where they diverge is visuals.

It comes from the same genre as Celeste and shares strong narrative focus, fantasy world and single-player focus. To that it adds 2D presentation. They part company on visuals and tone: this one brings a casual, approachable feel.

Shelved next to Celeste for good reason: punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. To that it adds 2D presentation. They part company on tone and visuals: this one brings dark, oppressive atmosphere.

It comes from the same genre as Celeste and shares punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. The common ground extends to 2D presentation. Where they diverge is visuals and tone.

It meets Celeste on punishing difficulty and single-player focus. The distance is in tone — its own ground is a casual, approachable feel.