Single-player games like The Messenger
Below are 16 single-player Steam games similar to The Messenger, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like The Messenger page.
Ranked picks
- 1
Cyber Shadow
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.
- 2
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.
- 3
Katana ZERO
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
- 4
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with The Messenger.
The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
- 5
Timespinner
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.
- 6
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.
- 7
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with The Messenger.
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
- 8
Celeste
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
- 9
Rogue Legacy
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.
- 10
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
- 11
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with The Messenger.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis Classics comes to a new generation, now updated with even more features: online multiplayer, achievements, mirror mode, rewind, save states, VR and more! Over 50 classic games in one great package. Get into the classics!
- 12
Undertale
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie with The Messenger.
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
- 13
Metroidvania
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Explore a dark pixel-art metroidvania filled with fast-paced combat, challenging bosses, hidden secrets, and rewarding exploration as you unlock new paths through a mysterious world.
- 14
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with The Messenger.
Using Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance graphic expression, this is the definitive version of "NINJA GAIDEN 2," featuring additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions.
- 15
Nine Sols
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with The Messenger.
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
- 16
Sea of Stars
Single-player alternative to The Messenger — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie with The Messenger.
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.