Styx: Shards of Darkness similar games & best alternatives

Styx: Shards of Darkness

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One • 2017

Should you play it?

Styx returns in a new stealth adventure! Explore and master huge open environments, sneak past or assassinate new enemies and bosses, and experiment with the new array of lethal abilities and weapons in our goblin assassin's arsenal.

What works
  • Challenging and rewarding stealth gameplay
  • Large, vertical, and varied level design
  • Humorous and charismatic protagonist
  • Cooperative multiplayer mode
  • Skill trees and crafting add depth
Things to keep in mind
  • Some ai and animation bugs
  • Repetition of levels in second half
  • Combat is weak and frustrating
  • Story is weaker and ends abruptly
  • Climbing and jumping controls can be imprecise

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Songbringer

  • Len's Island

  • Signs of Life

  • Planet Centauri

  • Atlas Fallen: Reign Of Sand

  • Sonic Mania

  • Crea

  • Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition

  • RuneScape: Dragonwilds
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Songbringer

  • Rum & Gun

  • The Baconing
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Autonomy

    RuneScape: Dragonwilds
  • Escapism

    Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1
  • Exploration

    BOOMEROAD

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

Styx: Shards of Darkness: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Intimacy, Violence, Leadership.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, build, fight, and choose progression paths with skill trees and crafting."

    Capsule for RuneScape: Dragonwilds RuneScape: Dragonwilds

    "Players have multiple paths and approaches to objectives, skill trees allow different playstyles, crafting adds freedom."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    3

    "Stealth gameplay with puzzles and skillful navigation; not highly difficult but requires attention and strategy."

    Capsule for Republique Republique

    "Challenging stealth gameplay requiring timing, planning, and skillful execution, with some frustration due to controls and AI."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -3

    "Focus is on personal stealth performance and self-set goals like medals; no ranked or leaderboard competition."

    Capsule for Aragami Aragami

    "Focus is on personal stealth performance and self-set challenges rather than competing against others."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    3

    "Players engage in replaying levels for better times and collectibles, showing habitual play and attachment."

    Capsule for Ninja Pizza Girl Ninja Pizza Girl

    "Players engage in replaying levels for achievements, collectibles, and skill points, showing attachment and habitual play."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    3

    "Includes cooperative multiplayer mode for up to two players, encouraging teamwork."

    Capsule for Alien Breed: Impact Alien Breed: Impact

    "Includes cooperative mode where players work together using clone mechanics to complete missions."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    3

    "Players can craft items, customize characters, and develop unique builds."

    Capsule for SanctuaryRPG: Black Edition SanctuaryRPG: Black Edition

    "Players can craft items, customize equipment, and choose different skill builds and approaches."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -4

    "Gameplay emphasizes stealth and equal interaction rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

    Capsule for Wildfire Wildfire

    "Gameplay emphasizes stealth and equal challenge rather than exerting control over others or power dynamics."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as a suspenseful, immersive experience to escape reality and enjoy thrilling stealth gameplay."

    Capsule for Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1 Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1

    "Players use the game as a challenging fantasy stealth experience with humor and immersion, escaping real life."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and appreciation for stealth gameplay."

    Capsule for Thief II: The Metal Age Thief II: The Metal Age

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment of stealth gameplay and Styx's character."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Procedural levels and varied obstacles encourage trying new strategies and routes."

    Capsule for Gum Ball Run Gum Ball Run

    "Encouraged to try different routes, skills, and crafting options to solve levels and challenges."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    4

    "Open levels with collectibles and multiple paths encourage discovery and curiosity."

    Capsule for BOOMEROAD BOOMEROAD

    "Large, vertical, multi-path levels with hidden collectibles and side objectives encourage discovery."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    3

    "Players can customize weapons and character outfits, expressing individuality through cosmetic choices."

    Capsule for Wuppo: Definitive Edition Wuppo: Definitive Edition

    "Players can customize Styx's costumes and weapons, expressing different playstyles and aesthetics."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "Set in a fantasy world with goblins, ogres, and magical elements, providing imaginative fiction."

    Capsule for Gnomoria Gnomoria

    "Set in a dark fantasy world with goblins, elves, dwarves, and supernatural elements."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    1

    "Some community and multiplayer interaction, but mostly individual play."

    Capsule for Planet Centauri Planet Centauri

    "Some community interaction and cooperative play, but mostly single player focused."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    4

    "Skill trees and progression reward learning and mastery of stealth mechanics."

    Capsule for Styx: Master of Shadows Styx: Master of Shadows

    "Skill trees and progression systems encourage learning and personal development in stealth tactics."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    Capsule for War Thunder War Thunder

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention and precise control; not a casual or background game."

    Capsule for Lorn's Lure Lorn's Lure

    "Requires focused attention and precise control; not a casual or background game."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -4

    "Limited social interaction; mostly surface-level multiplayer or solo play."

    Capsule for Constructor Constructor

    "Limited social interaction beyond cooperative gameplay; mostly individual experience."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -3

    "Co-op play emphasizes shared participation rather than leadership or authority roles"

    Capsule for Guns, Gore & Cannoli Guns, Gore & Cannoli

    "Co-op play involves shared roles rather than clear leadership or authority."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Players accumulate skill points, equipment upgrades, and unlock new abilities throughout the game."

    Capsule for ONE PIECE World Seeker ONE PIECE World Seeker

    "Players accumulate skill points, crafting materials, and unlock upgrades through gameplay."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    1

    "Some players find humor and flow, but game also has challenging and frustrating moments causing tension."

    Capsule for Cubicle Quest Cubicle Quest

    "Some players find humor and flow, but the game also induces tension and frustration."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    2

    "Atmospheric music and visuals provide moderate sensory stimulation fitting the spy theme."

    Capsule for Phantom Doctrine Phantom Doctrine

    "Visuals and sound design provide atmospheric and sensory stimulation fitting the stealth genre."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -3

    "Focus on personal achievement rather than social recognition or popularity."

    Capsule for Wildfire Wildfire

    "Focus on personal achievement and gameplay rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    1

    "Story is present but not deeply immersive; gameplay and emergent narrative are stronger draws."

    Capsule for State of Decay: YOSE State of Decay: YOSE

    "Story is present and engaging but considered weaker and less immersive than the first game."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    4

    "Requires planning, timing, and problem solving to navigate levels and avoid detection."

    Capsule for Styx: Master of Shadows Styx: Master of Shadows

    "Requires planning, timing, and problem solving to navigate levels and avoid detection."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Tension from stealth mechanics and risk of detection provide suspense and excitement."

    Capsule for Phantom Doctrine Phantom Doctrine

    "Tension from stealth mechanics and risk of detection creates suspense and excitement."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    3

    "Generally considered good value for price, especially on sale, with replayability."

    Capsule for Pile Up! Pile Up!

    "Generally considered good value especially when purchased on sale with replayability."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    -3

    "Combat is possible but discouraged; focus is on stealth and non-lethal approaches."

    Capsule for Thief Thief

    "Stealth and avoidance are encouraged over combat; killing is possible but discouraged."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    3

    "Players must avoid detection and failure, managing resources and stealth to survive hostile environments."

    Capsule for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell® Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®

    "Players must avoid detection and death, managing resources and stealth to survive threats."

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Last update: 01/06/2026