3 Games Like Grand Chase Classic That Are Still Worth Playing

By: Alex David Du Updated: Gaming 131 3 0
collage of arcade style action games similar to Grand Chase showing side scrolling combat bursts of damage numbers and anime fighters

If you grew up like me, smashing keys in Grand Chase at some random internet café, then you already know. It wasn’t just a game. It was the game. I was around 10 years old, staying up all night in internet cafés, barely tall enough to reach the keyboard, living off instant noodles and soda while grinding dungeons until sunrise.

It had everything. Side-scrolling combat, anime-style characters, that satisfying grind, and the chaos of PvP where every match felt personal. If you're looking for something new that brings back that same energy, here are 3 games that come real close. And they’re still worth playing in 2025.

3 Games Like Grand Chase

Elsword

Elsword gameplay screenshot showing a character in blue energy shield using skills in a side scrolling dungeon

If Grand Chase had a modern upgrade, it would be this. Elsword is from KOG Studios, the same devs behind Grand Chase, and the gameplay has that same flashy, side-scrolling energy.

What it’s like:

  • 2.5D side-scrolling action RPG

  • Fast-paced combat with combos and skill chains

  • Big anime-style cast, each with multiple class paths

  • Co-op dungeons, PvP arenas, events, and raids

What’s different:

  • 3D environments and smoother animations

  • Deeper class system with more skill trees

  • Heavier on story cutscenes and modern MMO elements

Best for: Players who loved switching characters, pulling off flashy skills, and grinding dungeons with friends.

Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla style arena fight with cartoon fighters trading big attacks in front of a lava temple background

Not an RPG, but it brings back that Grand Chase arena chaos. Brawlhalla is a platform fighter where quick reflexes, movement, and timing matter more than gear.

If you are new, learn how to gravity cancel to win more early matches.

What it’s like:

  • Skill-based PvP with fast, aerial combat

  • 1v1, free-for-all, and ranked matches

  • Huge roster with 60+ Legends

  • Tons of crossover characters and seasonal events

What’s different:

  • No dungeons, leveling, or gear

  • No co-op or progression systems like RPGs

Best for: Players who miss Grand Chase’s PvP mode and want quick, competitive matches without grinding.

Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online brawler combat inside a bar with a fighter using flashy punches next to a red dressed npc

This one feels the most like classic dungeon-grind Grand Chase. Dungeon Fighter Online is a 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up with retro pixel art and a massive class system. You can grab it from the official site or find it on Steam.

What it’s like:

  • Combo-heavy combat with skill chaining

  • Dozens of playable classes, each with branching paths

  • Co-op dungeon crawling and gear farming

  • Long-term character progression

What’s different:

  • Older-style pixel graphics

  • Slower updates in the global version

  • Some menus and systems can feel a bit dated

Best for: Players who loved running dungeons, hunting loot, and leveling through hours of gameplay.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at how these games stack up. If you’re not sure where to start, this should help you figure out which one fits your style.

Feature Elsword Brawlhalla Dungeon Fighter Online
Genre Side-scrolling Action RPG Platform Fighter Side-scrolling Beat 'Em Up RPG
Combat Style Combo-based, flashy skills Fast, skill-based PvP Classic arcade-style combos
PvE Dungeons Yes No Yes
PvP Mode Yes Yes Limited
Playable Characters 15+ characters with class paths 60+ Legends Dozens of class branches
Progression System Leveling, gear, class upgrades None Deep skill trees and gear
Graphics Style Anime 2.5D Cartoon 2D Retro pixel 2D
Platform PC PC, Console, Mobile PC (Steam)
Free to Play Yes Yes Yes
Best For Grand Chase fans who love PvE and combos PvP-focused players Dungeon grinders and loot hunters

Which One Should You Try First?

It really depends on what part of Grand Chase you miss the most.

If you loved unlocking new characters, grinding dungeons, and playing co-op with friends, then Elsword is the safest pick. It feels the most like Grand Chase overall and still has a lot to offer.

If you were all about PvP, with short matches, fast movement, and showing off your skills, then try Brawlhalla. It is not an RPG, but the fights get intense and the matches are nonstop. It gives that same arena energy in a different format.

And if you just want to grind, like really grind, then go for Dungeon Fighter Online. It has dungeons, gear progression, deep class trees, and a lot of content to explore. It feels a bit older but still delivers the goods.

You can try all three and see which one clicks. They are all free, so nothing to lose.

Personally, I have been playing Brawlhalla a lot. It is fast, simple to jump into, and super fun when you start landing combos. If you miss the thrill of Grand Chase PvP, this one really hits.

What About Grand Chase Classic Today?

I actually played Grand Chase Classic when it came back on Steam. It brought back a lot of memories, and for a while, it felt like I was ten years old again, grinding dungeons and chasing gear.

I even spent some money on it. But after a while, things changed. The shop got overwhelming, with too many items pushed too fast. It got expensive, and the servers started to feel empty.

I recently tried to log back in, but the game was going through maintenance. I checked the Steam community page, and honestly, it did not look good. Most of the posts were in Portuguese, which shows that a lot of the remaining players are still Brazilian. But almost every thread was about login problems, bugs, or other issues.

So yes, the game is technically still online. But it is not the Grand Chase I remember.

Wrapping It Up

If you are still thinking about Grand Chase all these years later, you are not alone. I still catch myself humming the background music or remembering those wild PvP matches. That game really stuck.

The Classic version may not feel the same anymore, but some of the spirit lives on in other games. Elsword, Brawlhalla, and Dungeon Fighter Online each bring back a part of what made it special. It might not be a perfect match, but it is enough to keep the fun going.

If you found another game that gives you that old Grand Chase feeling, let me know. I am always down to try something new.

About the author

Alex david du Selfie

Alex David Du

I’m Alex. I’m 28, born in Brazil, studied computer science, and writing is how I communicate best. I cover gaming, tech, simple ways to make money online, and other things I find interesting. I also love coding and building projects that bring ideas to life.

Languages
Portuguese, English
Work Mode
Freelancer - Remote
Country
Brazil
Email
hello@byalexdavid.com

Comments

No comments yet.

Please log in to leave a comment.

© 2025 byalexdavid.com All rights reserved.