Metroidvania games are a love letter to exploration, challenge, and discovery. With their interconnected worlds, gradual power-ups, and deeply immersive gameplay, these titles strike the perfect balance between action and adventure. The name itself blends two titans of the genre: Metroid and Castlevania.
This list includes the 14 best Metroidvania games, featuring classics, hidden gems, and innovative newcomers. From pixel-perfect platformers to modern interpretations of the genre, here’s a detailed look at the games that define the Metroidvania legacy.
Hollow Knight
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Price: Around $15
When it comes to Metroidvania greatness, Hollow Knight is an undisputed masterpiece. Set in the hauntingly beautiful kingdom of Hallownest, this game combines tight platforming, challenging combat, and an expansive world filled with secrets.
You play as the titular Knight, a mysterious figure exploring a crumbling insect civilization. Armed with a nail (yes, a nail), you’ll battle grotesque creatures, solve puzzles, and unlock abilities that transform how you traverse the environment. The hand-drawn art style is stunning, and the atmospheric soundtrack adds emotional weight to every moment.
While the game’s difficulty can be punishing, its responsive controls and fair mechanics make every challenge feel rewarding. For fans of exploration, epic boss fights, and lore-rich worlds, Hollow Knight is a must-play.
Another Metroid 2 Remake (AM2R)
Platforms: PC (fan-made)
Price: Free
A passion project by Metroid fans, Another Metroid 2 Remake reimagines the classic Metroid II: Return of Samus. Featuring modern graphics, smoother controls, and enhanced gameplay, it’s a true love letter to the series.
The game follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she exterminates Metroids on planet SR388. The remake improves on the original with fluid animations, expanded areas, and a greater sense of exploration. It feels like a blend of Super Metroid and Metroid: Zero Mission, with all the polish of an official release.
Though Nintendo officially shut down its distribution, AM2R remains a celebrated example of fan dedication. It’s perfect for those who crave classic Metroidvania gameplay with a modern touch.
Toy Odyssey: The Lost and Found
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Price: Around $15
Toy Odyssey takes the Metroidvania formula and infuses it with nostalgia. You play as Brand, a brave toy soldier defending a child’s bedroom from an army of corrupted toys. With procedurally generated levels and roguelike elements, the game adds a fresh twist to the genre.
The gameplay focuses on exploration, upgrades, and resource management as you fortify your base and unravel the story behind the corrupted toys. The mix of action and platforming is smooth, and the hand-drawn art style gives the game a charming aesthetic.
While the randomized levels may lack the intricacy of traditional Metroidvania maps, Toy Odyssey compensates with replayability and creativity. It’s a unique spin on the genre that’s worth your time.
Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls
Platforms: Mobile, PC (via Netflix Games)
Price: Free with subscription
Grimoire of Souls is a mobile-exclusive entry in the Castlevania series, now available via Netflix Games. Featuring fan-favorite characters like Alucard, Simon Belmont, and Maria Renard, the game delivers classic Metroidvania gameplay with modern enhancements.
The grimoire mechanics allow you to switch between characters, each with unique abilities, creating a dynamic combat system. The progression is satisfying, though the game’s mobile roots mean a slightly simplified design compared to traditional Castlevania titles.
While it may lack the depth of Symphony of the Night, Grimoire of Souls offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the series and a solid entry point for newcomers.
Axiom Verge
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U
Price: $20
Created by a single developer, Axiom Verge is a love letter to the original Metroid while forging its own identity. You play as Trace, a scientist who awakens in a mysterious alien world after a lab accident. As you explore the labyrinthine environment, you’ll uncover bizarre technologies, grotesque enemies, and a story filled with unexpected twists.
What sets Axiom Verge apart is its unique arsenal of weapons and tools. From a glitch gun that manipulates the environment to a remote drone that explores hard-to-reach areas, every item adds depth to both combat and exploration. The retro 16-bit aesthetic is paired with modern design sensibilities, creating a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
While some players may find the story’s abstract nature confusing, the gameplay more than makes up for it. The eerie atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and intricate level design make Axiom Verge a standout title for fans of classic and modern Metroidvanias alike.
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $4
Guacamelee! brings a vibrant, comedic flair to the Metroidvania genre. Set in a Mexican-inspired world, you play as Juan Aguacate, a humble farmer turned luchador hero. Tasked with saving El Presidente’s daughter from an evil skeleton, you’ll explore a world teeming with colorful characters, challenging platforming, and fast-paced combat.
The game’s standout feature is its fluid melee combat system, where combos and special moves feel as satisfying as they look. Abilities like the Rooster Uppercut and Goat Jump double as combat tools and traversal mechanics, adding layers of depth to the gameplay. The dimension-shifting mechanic, which lets you switch between the land of the living and the dead, also adds a clever twist to puzzles and exploration.
With its vibrant art style, catchy soundtrack, and tongue-in-cheek humor, Guacamelee! is as fun to watch as it is to play. While its challenge can be steep at times, the generous checkpoints and tight controls ensure frustration never outweighs the fun.
Blasphemous
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $25
For players who crave a dark, gothic take on the Metroidvania genre, Blasphemous delivers in spades. Set in the cursed land of Cvstodia, you play as The Penitent One, a lone warrior burdened with a mysterious mission to atone for the sins of the world. The game’s themes are heavily inspired by Spanish Catholicism, with striking imagery and haunting lore driving its narrative.
The gameplay is a brutal mix of exploration, combat, and platforming. Armed with the Mea Culpa, a sword that grows in power as you progress, you’ll face hordes of grotesque enemies and intricate boss battles. The interconnected map is filled with secrets, upgrades, and shortcuts that reward thorough exploration.
While the punishing difficulty may deter casual players, Blasphemous rewards perseverance with a deeply atmospheric experience. Its stunning pixel art, eerie soundtrack, and rich storytelling make it a must-play for fans of Dark Souls and Metroidvanias alike.
Dead Cells
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
Price: $25
Dead Cells merges the exploration of Metroidvanias with the procedural generation of roguelikes, creating a fresh and dynamic experience. You play as a sentient clump of cells inhabiting a corpse, journeying through ever-changing levels to uncover the secrets of a sprawling island.
The combat is fast, fluid, and highly customizable. With dozens of weapons, powers, and upgrades to discover, every run feels different. The game’s “roguevania” structure means you’ll face permadeath, but persistent upgrades ensure a sense of progress even after failure. This loop of experimentation and improvement is endlessly satisfying.
Dead Cells also shines in its visuals and design. Each biome is beautifully detailed, and the seamless transitions between areas create a sense of cohesion. The difficulty is challenging but fair, with every death feeling like a learning opportunity rather than a punishment. Whether you’re here for the action, exploration, or stunning art, Dead Cells is a modern classic.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $30
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the pinnacle of Metroidvania storytelling, delivering a breathtakingly emotional journey through a gorgeously rendered world. A sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, this game improves upon its predecessor in every way, offering refined gameplay, a deeper narrative, and even more jaw-dropping visuals.
You play as Ori, a spirit tasked with restoring balance to a fractured land. The game’s world is a sprawling, interconnected map filled with puzzles, secrets, and breathtaking vistas. The fluid platforming mechanics are complemented by a robust combat system, featuring a variety of abilities and weapons to unlock as you progress.
What truly sets Ori and the Will of the Wisps apart is its emotional resonance. The story tugs at your heartstrings, exploring themes of love, loss, and hope. Combined with the game’s stunning art style and ethereal soundtrack, it creates a truly unforgettable experience. It’s not just one of the best Metroidvanias—it’s one of the best games of its generation.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Price: $24.99
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a hauntingly beautiful Metroidvania that blends challenging combat, strategic gameplay, and a deeply emotional narrative. You play as Lily, a young priestess awakened in a ruined kingdom plagued by a supernatural rain that transforms the living into the undead. With the help of spirit knights, you’ll navigate a world drenched in melancholy and danger.
The game’s combat is unique: instead of fighting directly, Lily commands the spirits of fallen knights, each with their own combat styles. This allows for a customizable and strategic approach to encounters, with players able to mix and match abilities to suit their preferred playstyle. Coupled with stunning, hand-drawn visuals and a heart-wrenching soundtrack, every moment feels meticulously crafted.
What makes Ender Lilies stand out is its pacing. Exploration is deeply rewarding, with hidden secrets and challenging bosses around every corner. Its difficulty is tough but fair, making it a perfect fit for those who enjoy thoughtful, atmospheric Metroidvanias that balance combat and storytelling seamlessly.
Salt and Sanctuary
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $17.99
For players who love their Metroidvanias with a hefty dose of Dark Souls-style brutality, Salt and Sanctuary is an absolute must-play. This grim, side-scrolling action RPG plunges you into a dark, foreboding world where death lurks around every corner. You’ll play as a shipwreck survivor exploring a cursed island filled with labyrinthine paths, monstrous foes, and cryptic lore.
The gameplay combines tight platforming with intense, skill-based combat. The upgradeable weaponry and deep skill trees allow for varied playstyles, whether you prefer brawling, ranged combat, or magic. The interconnected world design encourages exploration, with hidden shortcuts and secrets rewarding keen-eyed players.
Salt and Sanctuary excels in creating tension and atmosphere. Its minimalist storytelling lets players piece together the narrative, while its stark, gothic visuals drive home the sense of dread. While its difficulty curve may deter newcomers, veterans of challenging games will relish the rewarding sense of mastery it provides.
Greak: Memories of Azur
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Price: $19.99
Greak: Memories of Azur offers a refreshing take on the Metroidvania formula by letting you control three siblings—Greak, Adara, and Raydel—each with unique abilities. The story follows their journey to escape the war-torn land of Azur, using teamwork to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and battle enemies.
What sets Greak apart is its hand-drawn animation, which gives the game a storybook-like charm. Switching between the siblings in real-time adds an intriguing layer of strategy, as each character’s skills are vital for progressing through the game’s beautifully crafted world. From Greak’s agility to Adara’s magic and Raydel’s strength, you’ll need to balance their abilities effectively.
While some players might find the multi-character mechanics tricky to manage during high-pressure situations, the game’s heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals make it a standout entry in the genre. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a Metroidvania with a strong emotional core and a unique gameplay twist.
The Messenger
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $19.99
The Messenger starts as a straightforward 8-bit ninja action game and then evolves into a sprawling Metroidvania with time-travel mechanics. You play as a nameless ninja tasked with delivering a sacred scroll, only to find yourself caught in a journey that spans centuries and dimensions.
The time-travel mechanic is more than a narrative device—it’s a core gameplay feature. Switching between 8-bit and 16-bit eras isn’t just visually stunning; it also alters the environment, opening up new paths and challenges. The combat and platforming are razor-sharp, with responsive controls that make even the most difficult sequences feel fair.
What truly makes The Messenger shine is its humor and self-awareness. The dialogue is filled with witty banter and meta-jokes that poke fun at gaming tropes, adding a lighthearted charm to its challenging gameplay. For fans of retro aesthetics and modern game design, The Messenger is a must-play.
Timespinner
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Price: $19.99
Timespinner offers a nostalgic blend of Castlevania-inspired exploration and a time-bending twist. You play as Lunais, a timekeeper seeking revenge on those who destroyed her family. Armed with the ability to stop time, you’ll explore a richly detailed world split across two eras, uncovering secrets and piecing together the story of your lineage.
The game’s pixel art is breathtaking, capturing the look and feel of classic 16-bit games while adding modern polish. Combat revolves around equipping orbs, which can be customized to suit your style. Whether you prefer fast melee attacks or long-range magic, the game gives you plenty of options to experiment with.
Timespinner excels in balancing exploration, storytelling, and gameplay. The time manipulation mechanic adds depth to both combat and puzzle-solving, making it more than just a gimmick. While its runtime is shorter than other Metroidvanias, the compelling narrative and tight design make every moment count.
Final Thoughts
From the haunting depths of Hallownest in Hollow Knight to the whimsical lucha-laden adventure of Guacamelee!, these 14 Metroidvania games showcase the genre’s versatility and enduring appeal. Whether you’re in the mood for dark gothic worlds or vibrant, action-packed escapades, this list offers something for everyone.
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