There’s something magical about getting lost in a sprawling map. Finding hidden passages. Gaining new abilities that open up entire sections of a world players thought they’d already seen.
That’s the heart of what makes the best Metroidvania games so addictive. These games don’t just hand over the keys to the kingdom; they make players earn every inch of progress.
Some folks spend hundreds of hours wandering through interconnected labyrinths, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Not all metroidvanias are created equal, though. Some blend quest with combat so perfectly it’s like they’ve cracked some secret code. The question is, which ones truly deserve a spot on that coveted list?
What is a Metroidvania Game
A metroidvania is a type of action game where players move through a massive, interconnected world. The name comes from two classic titles: Metroid and Castlevania.
Here’s the deal: these games lock off certain areas until players find specific upgrades or abilities. Maybe it’s a double jump that lets them reach higher platforms, or a dash move that breaks through barriers.
The map slowly opens up as they gain new powers, and backtracking becomes part of the fun. Players might pass a mysterious door early on, only to return hours later with the right tool to crack it open. It’s all about that “aha!” moment when everything clicks.
Best Metroidvania Games to Play
The genre has exploded over the years, giving players tons of options. Some lean heavily on combat, while others focus on puzzle-solving and atmosphere. Here are the standouts that have earned their place among the best metroidvanias.
1. Hollow Knight
This indie darling drops players into Hallownest, a hauntingly beautiful underground kingdom filled with bugs, secrets, and challenging boss fights. The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous, and the world feels alive despite being in ruins.
- Release year: 2017
- Developer: Team Cherry
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Challenging combat, stunning hand-drawn visuals, a massive interconnected world with hidden areas
- Difficulty level: Hard (especially boss battles)
- Best for: Players who enjoy tough combat and atmospheric storytelling
2. Metroid Dread
The latest entry in the series that started it all. Samus Aran returns in a fast-paced adventure that mixes classic metroidvania elements with modern polish. The E.M.M.I. robots add genuine tension, stalking players through certain zones and forcing them to think on their feet.
- Release year: 2021
- Developer: MercurySteam and Nintendo
- Platform availability: Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Intense chase sequences, fluid movement system, polished combat mechanics
- Difficulty level: Medium to Hard
- Best for: Fans of action-heavy gameplay and the Metroid series
3. Dead Cells
This one throws a roguelike twist into the mix. Each run through the sprawling castle feels different because of randomized levels and permanent death.
- Release year: 2018
- Developer: Motion Twin
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Standout features: Roguelike elements, fast-paced combat, high replay value, constant updates
- Difficulty level: Hard (but gets easier as players unlock upgrades
- Best for: Fans of challenging, replayable experiences
4. Axiom Verge
A love letter to the original Metroid. One developer created this entire game, and it shows incredible attention to detail. The sci-fi world feels mysterious and alien, with reality-bending weapons that change how players approach combat and puzzles.
- Release year: 2015
- Developer: Thomas Happ Games
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Retro aesthetic, unique reality-glitching mechanics, atmospheric sci-fi setting
- Difficulty level: Medium\
- Best for: Retro gaming fans and sci-fi enthusiasts
5. Nine Sols
A gorgeous blend of Taiwanese culture and fast-paced action. The hand-drawn animation brings every frame to life, and the deflection-based combat system demands precision timing. Players go through a dark story about fallen gods and redemption while slicing through enemies with katana strikes that feel incredibly satisfying.
- Release year: 2024
- Developer: Red Candle Games
- Platform availability: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
- Standout features: Taoist mythology-inspired world, deflection-based combat, stunning hand-drawn visuals
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Best for: Fans of Sekiro-style parry mechanics and rich cultural storytelling
6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
A modern take that breathes new life into the classic franchise. The time-manipulation powers create mind-bending puzzles, and the platforming feels buttery smooth.
- Release year: 2024
- Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Time-manipulation mechanics, innovative memory system, acrobatic combat
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Platforming enthusiasts and puzzle lovers
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The sequel takes everything the first game did right and cranks it up. The movement system feels even more refined, with new abilities that make traversal a joy. Boss fights add more action to the formula, and the emotional storytelling hits just as hard. It’s a masterclass in game design.
- Release year: 2020
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Platform availability: PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Enhanced combat system, even more stunning visuals, improved boss encounters
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Fans of the first game wanting more refined gameplay
8. Blasphemous 2
Dark, brutal, and dripping with Spanish Catholic imagery. The Penitent One returns with improved combat that feels weightier and more responsive. Multiple weapons significantly change the playstyle compared to the first game.
- Release year: 2023
- Developer: The Game Kitchen
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Dark religious aesthetic, multiple weapon types, pixel art gore, haunting soundtrack
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Best for: Souls-like fans and players who appreciate darker themes
9. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
A haunting tale set in a world ravaged by strange phenomena. Players lead a young girl through decaying lands, purifying corrupted spirits along the way. The combat blends magic and melee smoothly, while the melancholic atmosphere creates an unforgettable mood.
- Release year: 2025 (Full Release)
- Developer: Binary Haze Interactive / Adglobe / Live Wire
- Platform availability: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
- Standout features: Beautiful, melancholic art, spirit companion system, atmospheric storytelling
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Players who enjoyed Ender Lilies and emotional narratives
10. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Created by the godfather of Castlevania himself, Koji Igarashi. This spiritual successor delivers exactly what fans wanted: Gothic castles, RPG progression, and tons of abilities to collect. The shard system lets players customize their playstyle with hundreds of powers, making every playthrough feel unique.
- Release year: 2019
- Developer: ArtPlay
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Deep RPG systems, massive shard collection, Gothic aesthetic, crafting system
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Castlevania veterans and RPG fans
11. Blade Chimera
The game features weapon morphs that change forms mid-combat, keeping fights dynamic and engaging. Retro pixel art meets modern game design in a package that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
- Release year: 2024 (Delayed/Released)
- Developer: Team Ladybug and WSS Playground
- Platform availability: PC, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Transforming weapon mechanics, tight pixel art action, demon-hunting theme
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Action game enthusiasts who want concise, focused experiences
12. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
This 1997 masterpiece defined what metroidvania games could be, introducing RPG elements and a non-linear castle expedition. Alucard’s journey through Dracula’s castle remains infinitely replayable, with secrets hidden in every room. The inverted castle twist still blows minds decades later.
- Release year: 1997
- Developer: Konami
- Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile, PC (various ports)
- Standout features: Genre-defining design, RPG progression, iconic soundtrack, inverted castle mechanic
- Difficulty level: Easy to Medium
- Best for: Anyone wanting to experience where it all began
13. Animal Well
A mysterious puzzle box of a game. Players control a blob as it traverses an interconnected underground world filled with cryptic secrets and clever environmental puzzles.
- Release year: 2024
- Developer: Billy Basso (Published by Bigmode)
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Dense puzzle design, atmospheric pixel art, mystery-focused gameplay, minimal guidance
- Difficulty level: Medium (puzzle-dependent)
- Best for: Puzzle enthusiasts and players who love discovering secrets
14. Salt and Sanctuary
This grimdark adventure doesn’t pull punches, throwing players into a bleak world of salt and suffering. The stamina-based combat demands careful timing, and the variety of builds lets players tackle challenges their own way. Sanctuaries serve as checkpoints in an unforgiving travel.
- Release year: 2016
- Developer: Ska Studios
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Souls-like mechanics in 2D, deep build customization, co-op gameplay, dark atmosphere
- Difficulty level: Very Hard
- Best for: Souls fans craving 2D punishment
15. SteamWorld Dig 2
Mining meets metroidvania in the best possible way. Dorothy digs deeper into the earth, finding secrets and upgrades that completely change how she mines. The loop of digging, finding, upgrading, and digging deeper is ridiculously addictive. The steampunk robot style adds tons of charm.
- Release year: 2017
- Developer: Image & Form Games
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Unique digging mechanics, satisfying upgrade progression, charming art style
- Difficulty level: Easy to Medium
- Best for: Players wanting a more relaxed, satisfying gameplay loop
16. Aeterna Noctis
A punishing platformer that doesn’t mess around. The King of Darkness embarks on a grand quest through beautifully crafted environments that demand pixel-perfect precision. The difficulty spikes hard in certain sections, but the sense of accomplishment after conquering them is unmatched. Hand-drawn visuals make every area pop.
- Release year: 2021
- Developer: Aeternum Game Studios
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Challenging platforming sections, hand-drawn art, light/darkness mechanics
- Difficulty level: Very Hard
- Best for: Hardcore platforming fans seeking a real challenge
17. Monster Sanctuary
Pokémon meets Metroidvania in a surprisingly deep strategy game. Players collect monsters and battle using turn-based combat with actual depth and complexity. Each monster serves both as a party member and a tool for traversal, unlocking new areas.
- Release year: 2020
- Developer: Moi Rai Games
- Platform availability: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Standout features: Monster collecting mechanics, strategic turn-based combat, and team synergy focus
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Pokémon fans and strategy game lovers
18. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
The latest entry in the Momodora series delivers heartfelt storytelling wrapped in crisp, pixel-art action. Players lead a priestess through her final expedition in a world on the brink of collapse. The combat stays simple but satisfying, and the boss designs are creative and memorable. It’s a bittersweet farewell that sticks with players.
- Release year: 2024
- Developer: Bombservice
- Platform availability: PC, Nintendo Switch
- Standout features: Emotional narrative, polished pixel art combat, memorable boss encounters
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Best for: Fans of character-driven stories and accessible action
These Metroidvania games offer different flavors of the same core experience. Whether someone wants brutal difficulty or emotional storytelling, there’s something here that’ll enjoy.
The Bottom Line
The best Metroidvania games share one thing in common: they reward curiosity. From classic titles that shaped the genre to modern gems pushing boundaries, there’s no shortage of incredible worlds waiting to be found.
Each game brings its own flavor, whether that’s brutal combat, emotional storytelling, or mind-bending puzzles.
So, which one should players play first? That depends on what they’re craving. A hardcore challenge? Maybe something more relaxing? The beauty of this genre is that there’s truly something for everyone.
Time to pick a game, grab a controller, and get lost in an interconnected world. The quest is waiting, and those hidden secrets won’t find themselves.