Ys X: Proud Nordics similar games & best alternatives

Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_1.avif
Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_2.avif
Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_3.avif
Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_4.avif
Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_5.avif
Ys X: Proud Nordics - ys-x-proud-nordics_6.avif

Ys X: Proud Nordics

Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5 • 2025

Should you play it?

Embark on a new adventure with pride in your heart! The action RPG Ys X:Nordics returns to Steam® with a massive upgrade—introducing new story content, new adventure areas, and a host of new features in Ys X: Proud Nordics!

What works
  • Fast and engaging dual-character combat system
  • Rich exploration with varied mana traversal abilities
  • Strong character relationships and narrative immersion
  • Extensive content including new areas, bosses, and ng+ modes
  • Solid soundtrack and voice acting
Things to keep in mind
  • Initial technical issues and optimization problems
  • Repetitive enemy designs and some tedious exploration segments
  • Controversial business model with expensive re-release
  • Graphical fidelity considered outdated by some
  • Some players find certain mechanics (e.g., mana grab) frustrating

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II

  • Dying Light: The Beast

  • Toukiden 2

  • Minecraft Dungeons

  • Cat Quest III

  • Ys X: Nordics

  • Perennial Order

  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

  • The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria™
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Ys X: Nordics

  • Perennial Order

  • Scott Pilgrim EX
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Fantasy

    FINAL FANTASY IX
  • Competence

    BloodRayne 2 (Legacy)
  • Cooperation

    Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee

From the same developer

From the same developer, ranked by motivational fit.

  • Ys X: Nordics

  • Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

  • Sora no Kiseki the 1st

  • Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

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).

Ys X: Proud Nordics: Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Intimacy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Value, 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

    3

    "Players control two characters with unique abilities and can switch between them or move them together, allowing some freedom in puzzle solving and movement."

    Capsule for My Memory of Us My Memory of Us

    "Players control two main characters with ability to switch and choose skills, plus exploration with various Mana actions allowing freedom in traversal and puzzle solving."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "Combat involves skillful combos, timing, and use of abilities; boss fights require strategy and mastery."

    Capsule for BloodRayne 2 (Legacy) BloodRayne 2 (Legacy)

    "Combat involves skillful timing of dodges, perfect guards, and combo management; boss fights require pattern reading and strategic use of skills."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -2

    "Focus is primarily on solo or local co-op play without ranked modes or leaderboards; players set personal goals and achievements."

    Capsule for HUNTDOWN HUNTDOWN

    "Focus is primarily on single-player or co-op play without ranked modes or leaderboards; challenge comes from personal skill and progression rather than competition."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    3

    "Players report engaging gameplay that encourages continued play despite difficulty; NG+ mode adds replayability."

    Capsule for DarkMaus DarkMaus

    "Includes NG+ with Infinity mode and high skill caps encouraging repeated play; some players report addictive combat and exploration loops."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    4

    "Gameplay centers on cooperation between two characters and commanding allies to achieve goals, emphasizing teamwork elements."

    Capsule for Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee

    "Core gameplay centers on cooperative dual-character combat and synergy between Adol and Karja; teamwork mechanics and reviving downed partner reinforce cooperation."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    3

    "Players discover and use various abilities and upgrades; some customization in character builds and exploration paths."

    Capsule for Astalon: Tears of the Earth Astalon: Tears of the Earth

    "Players customize skill loadouts, use Mana abilities creatively for exploration and combat, and can modify character builds via Mana seed system."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -3

    "Interactions emphasize cooperation and mutual support; no evidence of dominance or power imposition over others."

    Capsule for Zombie Kill of the Week - Reborn Zombie Kill of the Week - Reborn

    "Interactions emphasize partnership and mutual support rather than dominance; no evidence of power imposition or toxic behavior."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players immerse in a fantasy world with extensive exploration and story, providing distraction from real life."

    Capsule for King's Bounty: Warriors of the North King's Bounty: Warriors of the North

    "Players engage in a fantasy adventure with immersive story and exploration, providing distraction and stress relief from real life."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation."

    Capsule for Metaphor: ReFantazio Metaphor: ReFantazio

    "Players express intrinsic motivation and enjoyment; criticisms focus on business practices rather than obligation to play."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Players experiment with movement mechanics and tricks; exploration encourages trying new paths."

    Capsule for Sword of the Sea Sword of the Sea

    "Players experiment with different skill combinations, Mana actions, and character builds; exploration encourages trying new traversal methods."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    4

    "Game encourages discovering new islands, secrets, dungeons, and resources; exploration is a core activity."

    Capsule for The Survivalists The Survivalists

    "Game features multiple islands, hidden secrets, puzzles, and new areas unlocked progressively; exploration is a key gameplay element."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    3

    "Players customize characters with various gear, weapons, and trinkets; ship upgrades add to personal expression."

    Capsule for Cat Quest III Cat Quest III

    "Character and ship customization through costumes and decorations; players personalize builds with Mana seeds and equipment."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic, mythical creatures, and imaginative storytelling."

    Capsule for FINAL FANTASY IX FINAL FANTASY IX

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic (Mana), mythical creatures, and heroic adventure; story and characters are fictional and imaginative."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    3

    "Players feel part of a community through shared story, squad interactions, and multiplayer co-op."

    Capsule for Mass Effect™: Andromeda Deluxe Edition Mass Effect™: Andromeda Deluxe Edition

    "Players feel part of a community through shared story and character bonds; some social interaction in co-op and community discussions."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    4

    "Players develop skills, learn combat tactics, and improve characters through progression systems."

    Capsule for Expeditions: Rome Expeditions: Rome

    "Players develop skills in combat mechanics, learn boss patterns, and improve character builds; progression systems encourage learning."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity; some reports of long sessions and addictive play."

    Capsule for Territory: Farming and Warfare Territory: Farming and Warfare

    "Game is a sedentary experience with no physical activity; some reports of long play sessions and potential unhealthy habits."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during combat and exploration; not suited for passive or background play."

    Capsule for 红石遗迹 - Red Obsidian Remnant 红石遗迹 - Red Obsidian Remnant

    "Requires continuous attention and active engagement in combat and exploration; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    3

    "Strong emotional connection to characters and story; players experience deep narrative bonds."

    Capsule for Angels of Death Angels of Death

    "Strong emotional connection between main characters; players appreciate character relationships and narrative bonds."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -2

    "No clear leadership roles; gameplay is mostly individual or cooperative without formal leadership."

    Capsule for RoboSquare RoboSquare

    "No explicit leadership roles; gameplay focuses on cooperative equal partnership rather than directing others."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, unlock ships, and improve abilities through gameplay."

    Capsule for Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

    "Players accumulate items, upgrades, skill enhancements, and ship improvements; clear sense of advancement through gameplay."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    2

    "Combat is fast-paced but balanced; some players find it satisfying and flow-inducing, though others note occasional tension."

    Capsule for Reignbreaker Reignbreaker

    "Combat is fast-paced but balanced; some players find flow and catharsis, though others note occasional frustration with bugs or repetition."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Visual and auditory effects provide sensory stimulation; combat feedback is impactful but not overly flashy."

    Capsule for Grim Dawn Grim Dawn

    "Visual and auditory feedback is engaging with flashy combat effects and strong soundtrack; some criticism of graphical fidelity but overall sensory stimulation positive."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -2

    "No strong emphasis on social recognition or leaderboards; focus is on personal achievement."

    Capsule for RAM: Random Access Mayhem RAM: Random Access Mayhem

    "No emphasis on social recognition or ranking; focus is on personal achievement and story progression."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    4

    "Narrative is a major focus with character development, plot twists, and emotional engagement."

    Capsule for Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters

    "Narrative is a key component with character development, overarching plot, and emotional engagement; story praised despite some criticism of pacing."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Combat and progression require tactical thinking, skill combos, and planning builds."

    Capsule for Afterimage Afterimage

    "Combat and progression require planning skill builds, managing resources, and timing defensive and offensive moves; puzzle elements add problem solving."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Combat includes tense boss battles and risk of failure, providing moments of suspense and excitement."

    Capsule for Tales of Spark Tales of Spark

    "Combat includes tense moments with boss fights and risk-reward mechanics like perfect guard and timing; some players enjoy suspense and excitement."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

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    "Many players feel the game is overpriced for its content and replayability; better value on sale."

    Capsule for Age of Steel: Recharge Age of Steel: Recharge

    "Mixed opinions on value; new players find it worthwhile, but existing owners criticize pricing and business model for re-selling content."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat involves defeating enemies and bosses with magic and weapons; violence is stylized and fantasy-based."

    Capsule for Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven

    "Combat involves defeating enemies with weapons and magic; violence is stylized and part of fantasy action gameplay."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    2

    "Players manage health and resources during combat to avoid death; survival elements present but not extreme."

    Capsule for Stellar Blade™ Stellar Blade™

    "Players manage health and resources to avoid death; combat includes threat avoidance and strategic defense but not extreme survival mechanics."

Last update: 12/07/2026