For music game enthusiasts, the absence of Guitar Hero in the gaming landscape is a void that’s hard to ignore. The thrill of shredding iconic rock anthems on a plastic guitar controller was an unforgettable experience for many. Fortunately, the rhythm game genre is alive and kicking, offering a diverse range of titles that capture the same addictive gameplay and musical immersion, and even branch out into exciting new directions. If you’re searching for Games Like Guitar Hero to reignite your passion for rhythm gaming, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s amazing to think about how some of the most defining PlayStation games are already celebrating their 15th anniversary. Time really does fly!
Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or have broader musical tastes, there’s a rhythm game out there to satisfy your craving. These games similar to Guitar Hero offer engaging gameplay, a wide variety of music genres, and innovative mechanics that will keep you hooked for hours. Let’s dive into some of the best alternatives that can fill the Guitar Hero-shaped hole in your gaming library.
1. Osu!: A Free-to-Play Rhythm Game Gem
Dive into a Vast Library of User-Created Content
- Platform(s): Windows, Linux, Android, Windows Phone, macOS, iOS
- Released: September 16, 2007
- Developer(s): Dean Herbert
- Genre(s): Rhythm Game
If you’re looking for games like Guitar Hero that are also free-to-play and offer an almost endless supply of content, Osu! is a fantastic choice. This game has been a staple in the rhythm game community for years, boasting a massive library of user-created “beatmaps” covering a vast spectrum of music genres, including popular hits from the last two decades.
While Osu! might not replicate the guitar controller experience of Guitar Hero, it offers a different kind of rhythmic challenge. Players use their mouse, stylus, or touchscreen to click, slide, and spin in time with the music. It’s a test of coordination and timing that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master, making it a compelling alternative for rhythm game aficionados. Its accessibility and the sheer volume of available songs make Osu! a must-try for anyone exploring games similar to Guitar Hero.
2. Clone Hero: Guitar Hero Reborn with Unlimited Songs
The Ultimate Customizable Guitar Rhythm Experience
- Platform(s): Windows, Android, Linux, macOS
- Released: March 1, 2017
- Developer(s): Srylain Inc., CH Team
- Genre(s): Musical Game
For players who specifically miss the guitar gameplay of Guitar Hero, Clone Hero is the answer. This fan-made game is a love letter to the Guitar Hero series, replicating the core gameplay mechanics almost perfectly. What sets Clone Hero apart and makes it one of the best games like Guitar Hero is its open-source nature and extensive custom song support.
Players can import song charts from various online communities like Chorus Encore and Custom Songs Central, granting access to a virtually limitless library of songs. Whether you want to revisit classic rock anthems, explore different genres, or even play meme songs for a laugh, Clone Hero has you covered. If you own Guitar Hero controllers, you can even plug them in and relive the glory days. Clone Hero is the ultimate customizable and expansive game like Guitar Hero for dedicated fans.
3. Fuser: Unleash Your Inner DJ
Mix and Mashup Tracks in a Virtual Music Festival
- Platform(s): Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Released: November 10, 2020
- Developer(s): Harmonix
- Genre(s): Rhythm
From the creators of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, Harmonix brings you Fuser, a rhythm game that puts you in the shoes of a DJ at a massive music festival. While it diverges from the guitar-centric gameplay of Guitar Hero, Fuser retains the core rhythmic elements and offers a unique and creative musical experience.
In Fuser, you don’t just play along to songs; you actively create music by mixing and layering vocals, beats, melodies, and instruments from a diverse library of tracks spanning pop, EDM, rock, and more. The game emphasizes timing and rhythm as you seamlessly blend different musical elements to create your own unique mixes. With its focus on DJing and music creation, Fuser offers a fresh and innovative take on rhythm gaming, making it a standout among games similar to Guitar Hero in its musical focus and Harmonix pedigree.
4. Rhythm Doctor: Healing Hearts with Rhythm
Indie Rhythm Gameplay with a Medical Twist
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: February 26, 2021
- Developer(s): 7th Beat Games
- Genre(s): Rhythm
Rhythm Doctor takes the rhythm game concept in a wonderfully quirky and unique direction. Developed by 7th Beat Games, this indie title casts you as a doctor who treats patients by rhythmically pressing a button in time with their heartbeats. It’s a game that playfully suggests that music can indeed heal.
While not directly comparable to Guitar Hero in terms of gameplay style, Rhythm Doctor shares the core element of precise timing and rhythmic input. The game’s difficulty ramps up as you progress, introducing polyrhythms and complex time signatures, challenging your rhythmic skills in unexpected ways. If you’re seeking games like Guitar Hero that offer a unique and charming indie experience with a strong rhythmic foundation, Rhythm Doctor is a fantastic choice.
5. Hi-Fi Rush: Action-Packed Rhythm Combat
Stylish Action Meets Killer Beats
- Platform(s): Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS5
- Released: January 25, 2023
- Developer(s): Tango Gameworks
- Genre(s): Action Rhythm
Hi-Fi Rush burst onto the scene as a surprise hit, seamlessly blending stylish third-person action combat with rhythm game mechanics. Developed by Tango Gameworks, known for horror games, Hi-Fi Rush is a vibrant and energetic departure, and a fantastic example of games like Guitar Hero that innovate within the rhythm genre.
In Hi-Fi Rush, everything, from combat to traversal, is synced to the beat of the music. To maximize your damage and performance, you need to attack, dodge, and parry in rhythm. The game features a killer soundtrack and a visually stunning art style, creating an incredibly engaging and addictive experience. If you’re looking for games similar to Guitar Hero that combine rhythm with fast-paced action and a unique aesthetic, Hi-Fi Rush is a must-play.
6. BPM: Bullets Per Minute: FPS Rhythm Mayhem
First-Person Shooting in Sync with the Beat
- Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch
- Released: September 15, 2020
- Developer(s): Playtonic Games, Just Add Water
- Genre(s): Rhythm FPS
BPM: Bullets Per Minute takes the concept of rhythm-based gameplay and applies it to the fast-paced world of first-person shooters. Initially met with skepticism, this genre-bending title proved to be a thrilling and unique experience, showcasing another exciting direction for games like Guitar Hero.
In BPM, every action, from shooting and reloading to dodging and dashing, must be performed in time with the beat of the music. This creates a high-intensity, adrenaline-pumping gameplay loop where rhythm is key to survival and success. With its heavy metal soundtrack and fast-paced action, BPM: Bullets Per Minute is a unique and challenging entry in the realm of games similar to Guitar Hero, especially for those who enjoy FPS games.
Rhythm co-op games are a blast to play with friends. Team up and work together towards a common goal in these titles.
7. Synth Riders: VR Rhythm Dancing
Immersive VR Rhythm Action
- Platform(s): Oculus Quest, PC, PS4, PS5
- Released: July 12, 2018
- Developer(s): Kluge Interactive
- Genre(s): VR Rhythm
Virtual Reality has opened up exciting new possibilities for rhythm games, and Synth Riders is a prime example of the genre’s flourishing presence in VR. This VR rhythm game encourages players to physically move and dance to the beat, offering a more active and immersive experience compared to traditional games like Guitar Hero.
In Synth Riders, you ride rails and hit notes with your hands, flowing through visually captivating environments synced to the music. The game boasts a diverse song list and encourages physical engagement, making it a fantastic workout and a fun rhythm game experience. For VR headset owners seeking games similar to Guitar Hero in their rhythmic engagement but with a more active and immersive twist, Synth Riders is a must-try.
8. Rock Band: Guitar Hero’s Worthy Rival
The Band Experience Evolved
- Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Released: October 6, 2015 (Rock Band 4)
- Developer(s): Harmonix
- Genre(s): Rhythm
No list of games like Guitar Hero would be complete without mentioning Rock Band, its main competitor during its heyday. Developed by Harmonix, the same studio behind some Guitar Hero titles, Rock Band took the instrument-based rhythm game formula and expanded upon it.
While Rock Band also features guitar gameplay similar to Guitar Hero, it distinguishes itself by incorporating drums and vocals, allowing players to form a virtual band and experience the full rock star fantasy. This band-centric approach offers a more collaborative and complete musical experience, making Rock Band a natural evolution of the games like Guitar Hero formula.
9. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory: Disney Rhythms
A Musical Journey Through the Kingdom Hearts Universe
- Platform(s): Xbox Series S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One X/S, Switch
- Released: November 13, 2020
- Developer(s): Square Enix, indieszero
- Genre(s): Rhythm Action
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory might seem like an unexpected entry on a list of games like Guitar Hero, given its Disney and JRPG roots. However, this rhythm action game leverages the iconic music of the Kingdom Hearts series to create a unique and engaging rhythmic experience.
Players journey through the Kingdom Hearts universe, battling enemies and traversing levels in time with the music. While it doesn’t involve instrument controllers, Melody of Memory requires precise timing and rhythmic button presses, similar to the core gameplay of games similar to Guitar Hero. For fans of Kingdom Hearts and rhythm games, this title offers a charming and musically rich experience.
10. Dance Dance Revolution: The Dancing Game Legend
Step to the Beat and Get Moving
- Platform(s): PS1, Arcade
- Released: September 26, 1998
- Developer(s): Bemani
- Genre(s): Dance Rhythm
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a legendary rhythm game that has stood the test of time. While it doesn’t involve instruments like Guitar Hero, DDR shares the fundamental principle of rhythmic input, but with your feet instead of your hands.
Players step on arrow panels in time with the on-screen prompts, dancing to a wide variety of music genres, including rock. DDR is easy to learn but challenging to master, offering a physical and engaging rhythm game experience that’s enjoyed by generations. As a foundational rhythm game, DDR deserves recognition among games like Guitar Hero for its enduring appeal and rhythmic gameplay.
11. Beat Saber: Lightsaber Rhythm Slasher
Slice and Dice to the Beat in VR
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
- Released: May 21, 2019
- Developer(s): Beat Games
- Genre(s): VR Rhythm
Beat Saber is arguably the most popular VR rhythm game, and for good reason. It puts you in a virtual world wielding lightsabers, slashing blocks that fly towards you in time with the music. It’s a visually stunning and incredibly addictive experience that shares the core rhythmic appeal of games like Guitar Hero but in a uniquely VR context.
The game requires precise timing and skillful saber movements to slice blocks in the correct direction and rhythm. Beat Saber offers a full-body rhythm experience that’s both fun and physically engaging. For VR gamers seeking games similar to Guitar Hero with a futuristic and active twist, Beat Saber is essential.
12. Metal: Hellsinger: Heavy Metal Hell Shooter
Demonic FPS Rhythm Action with a Metal Soundtrack
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Released: September 15, 2022
- Developer(s): The Outsiders
- Genre(s): Rhythm FPS
For those who prefer their rhythm games with a heavy dose of metal and demonic action, Metal: Hellsinger is a perfect fit. This first-person shooter combines fast-paced FPS gameplay with rhythm mechanics, all set to an intense heavy metal soundtrack. It’s another excellent example of games like Guitar Hero pushing the boundaries of the rhythm genre.
In Metal: Hellsinger, you battle through Hell, slaying demons in time with the beat to maximize your damage and unleash devastating attacks. The game’s dark and brutal aesthetic, combined with its adrenaline-pumping rhythm gameplay, creates a unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re a metalhead looking for games similar to Guitar Hero with a hardcore edge, Metal: Hellsinger is a must-try.
PlayStation has introduced many iconic characters in the gaming world. Some of them have even starred in their own comic books!
13. PaRappa the Rapper: The OG Rap Rhythm Game
Old-School Rhythm with a Rap Flair
- Platform(s): PS1, PSP
- Released: September 26, 1997
- Developer(s): NanaOn-Sha
- Genre(s): Rhythm
PaRappa the Rapper is a classic rhythm game that paved the way for many titles in the genre, including games like Guitar Hero. With its unique flat, cartoonish art style and rap-focused music, PaRappa stands out as a truly original and influential rhythm game.
While simpler in its button inputs compared to some modern rhythm games, PaRappa the Rapper still demands precise timing and rhythmic accuracy. Its focus on rap music offers a different flavor compared to the rock-centric Guitar Hero, making it a worthwhile exploration for rhythm game history buffs and those seeking something different among games similar to Guitar Hero.
14. Crypt of the NecroDancer: Rhythm Roguelike Dungeon Crawl
Dungeon Crawling to the Beat
- Platform(s): Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android
- Released: April 23, 2015
- Developer(s): Brace Yourself Games
- Genre(s): Rhythm Roguelike
Crypt of the NecroDancer takes the rhythm game concept and surprisingly blends it with roguelike dungeon crawling. This unique combination creates a challenging and addictive experience that stands apart even among innovative games like Guitar Hero.
In Crypt of the NecroDancer, you navigate dungeons, battle monsters, and collect loot, all while moving and attacking in time with the music. The game features an original techno-infused soundtrack that perfectly complements its dungeon-crawling gameplay. For players seeking games similar to Guitar Hero that offer a unique genre fusion and a challenging rhythmic experience, Crypt of the NecroDancer is a must-play.
The Xbox Series X/S has a great selection of rhythm games for genre fans.
Keep the Beat Alive
While Guitar Hero might be absent from the current gaming generation, the spirit of rhythm gaming is thriving. These games like Guitar Hero showcase the diversity and innovation within the genre, offering a wealth of musical experiences for players of all tastes. Whether you’re looking for instrument-based gameplay, unique genre blends, or immersive VR rhythm action, there’s a game on this list to reignite your passion for rhythm and music. So, pick up your controller (or motion controllers, or dance mat!), crank up the volume, and get ready to rock (or dance, or DJ, or slash) to the beat!
