The best 60 of 198 games
An interconnected world that opens up with every new ability: games where you backtrack, find shortcuts and suspect a secret behind every wall.
Currently: nothing changed, the theme ranking
Mark games you enjoyed with “+ Select” and we’ll find what fits.
#1
Overwhelmingly positive · 96 % positive
Hollow Knight
Where to buy
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#2
Very positive · 89 % positive
Hollow Knight: Silksong
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#3
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
#4
Very positive · 93 % positive
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
#5
Very positive · 90 % positive
Axiom Verge
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
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Sci-fi setting
Lavish presentation
Strong character progression
Puzzles and brain teasers
Puzzles and brain teasers
Fantasy setting
Sneaking and hiding
Dark, serious atmosphere
Distinctive, stylised art style
Sci-fi setting
Challenging difficulty
A hand-drawn Metroidvania in a ruined insect kingdom full of secrets.
A hand-drawn Metroidvania in a ruined insect kingdom full of secrets.
Hollow Knight
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Challenging difficulty
The sequel to Hollow Knight: faster, more acrobatic and even more demanding.
The sequel to Hollow Knight: faster, more acrobatic and even more demanding.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Strong soundtrack
The genre-defining Metroidvania sends the vampire Alucard through a sprawling gothic castle packed with secrets, loot and RPG leveling. Gorgeous sprite work and a legendary soundtrack complete the package, and the inverted castle remains one of gaming's most famous twists.
3 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The genre-defining Metroidvania sends the vampire Alucard through a sprawling gothic castle packed with secrets, loot and RPG leveling. Gorgeous sprite work and a legendary soundtrack complete the package, and the inverted castle remains one of gaming's most famous twists.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Build variety
The spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night sends you as Miriam through a sprawling gothic demon castle packed with secrets. Absorbing shards from defeated enemies unlocks hundreds of abilities, while weapons and crafting let you shape your own build.
4 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
The spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night sends you as Miriam through a sprawling gothic demon castle packed with secrets. Absorbing shards from defeated enemies unlocks hundreds of abilities, while weapons and crafting let you shape your own build.
Sci-fi setting
A retro-styled Metroidvania in which a scientist wakes up in a strange biomechanical world. It thrives on a labyrinthine map, offbeat weapons and abilities, and the thrill of uncovering secrets.
A retro-styled Metroidvania in which a scientist wakes up in a strange biomechanical world. It thrives on a labyrinthine map, offbeat weapons and abilities, and the thrill of uncovering secrets.
Axiom Verge
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
A souls-inspired lightsaber adventure following a Padawan on the run after Order 66, combining precise parry-based combat and Force powers with interconnected, Metroidvania-style planets full of shortcuts and puzzles.
6 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
A souls-inspired lightsaber adventure following a Padawan on the run after Order 66, combining precise parry-based combat and Force powers with interconnected, Metroidvania-style planets full of shortcuts and puzzles.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Lavish presentation
As Jesse Faden you explore the shifting headquarters of a secret paranormal agency, fighting an otherworldly invasion with telekinesis and a shape-shifting service weapon. Spectacular destructible combat meets a surreal, bureaucratic New Weird mystery.
7 Control
As Jesse Faden you explore the shifting headquarters of a secret paranormal agency, fighting an otherworldly invasion with telekinesis and a shape-shifting service weapon. Spectacular destructible combat meets a surreal, bureaucratic New Weird mystery.
Control
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Strong character progression
A 2D Soulslike wrapped in Metroidvania design: stamina-driven combat, punishing bosses and a huge skill tree in a grim, interconnected world. Its hand-drawn look and rewarding exploration set it apart.
A 2D Soulslike wrapped in Metroidvania design: stamina-driven combat, punishing bosses and a huge skill tree in a grim, interconnected world. Its hand-drawn look and rewarding exploration set it apart.
Salt and Sanctuary
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Puzzles and brain teasers
A dense, interconnected pixel-art labyrinth packed with secrets, where a handful of tools unlock clever puzzles. Its cute look hides an eerie atmosphere, and the deepest mysteries reward real puzzle-solving and curiosity.
A dense, interconnected pixel-art labyrinth packed with secrets, where a handful of tools unlock clever puzzles. Its cute look hides an eerie atmosphere, and the deepest mysteries reward real puzzle-solving and curiosity.
Animal Well
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Puzzles and brain teasers
A serene pixel-art platformer where rotating a flat-looking world reveals hidden paths through a third dimension. Beneath its calm surface lie cryptic ciphers and deep secrets that reward obsessive puzzle-solving.
10 Fez
A serene pixel-art platformer where rotating a flat-looking world reveals hidden paths through a third dimension. Beneath its calm surface lie cryptic ciphers and deep secrets that reward obsessive puzzle-solving.
Fez
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
11 Castlevania: Belmont's Curse
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
Sneaking and hiding
As Batman, you fight through Arkham Asylum after the Joker seizes it, mixing rhythmic freeflow brawling with predatory stealth from the shadows. The dark, interconnected asylum is packed with Riddler secrets and nightmarish Scarecrow sequences.
As Batman, you fight through Arkham Asylum after the Joker seizes it, mixing rhythmic freeflow brawling with predatory stealth from the shadows. The dark, interconnected asylum is packed with Riddler secrets and nightmarish Scarecrow sequences.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A brutal Metroidvania in gorgeous pixel art that twists Spanish Catholic iconography into a nightmarish world of guilt and penance. Tight parries, gory executions and plenty of hidden secrets define the Penitent One's journey.
13 Blasphemous
A brutal Metroidvania in gorgeous pixel art that twists Spanish Catholic iconography into a nightmarish world of guilt and penance. Tight parries, gory executions and plenty of hidden secrets define the Penitent One's journey.
Distinctive, stylised art style
As steam-powered robot Rusty, you dig ever deeper beneath a Wild West town, hauling ore back to sell and upgrading your tools. Its addictive loop of digging, upgrading and uncovering secrets makes this compact metroidvania a delight.
As steam-powered robot Rusty, you dig ever deeper beneath a Wild West town, hauling ore back to sell and upgrading your tools. Its addictive loop of digging, upgrading and uncovering secrets makes this compact metroidvania a delight.
Sci-fi setting
A gorgeous painterly 2.5D metroidvania where you guide the little robot Mio through a vast decaying spaceship, unlocking grapple, glide and climbing abilities and fighting rogue machines in agile aerial combat. A modifier slot system lets you tune your build, while losing currency on death keeps the tension up.
A gorgeous painterly 2.5D metroidvania where you guide the little robot Mio through a vast decaying spaceship, unlocking grapple, glide and climbing abilities and fighting rogue machines in agile aerial combat. A modifier slot system lets you tune your build, while losing currency on death keeps the tension up.
Dense, handcrafted world
A Metroidvania where you play a steambot digging through the earth, uncovering treasure and secrets while upgrading your gear. Digging, platforming and puzzles mesh smoothly, making exploration highly compelling.
A Metroidvania where you play a steambot digging through the earth, uncovering treasure and secrets while upgrading your gear. Digging, platforming and puzzles mesh smoothly, making exploration highly compelling.
Pixel art
You play a shapeless alien creature breaking out of a research facility and hunting humans in a reverse horror twist. Its Metroidvania structure, fluid tentacle movement and unlockable abilities make growing and devouring everything in your path the core thrill.
17 Carrion
You play a shapeless alien creature breaking out of a research facility and hunting humans in a reverse horror twist. Its Metroidvania structure, fluid tentacle movement and unlockable abilities make growing and devouring everything in your path the core thrill.
Pixel art
A ninja platformer that begins as an 8-bit romp and, through time travel, opens up into a 16-bit Metroidvania full of deadpan humor. Precise sword fighting and the satisfying cloudstep mid-air jump make movement a joy.
A ninja platformer that begins as an 8-bit romp and, through time travel, opens up into a 16-bit Metroidvania full of deadpan humor. Precise sword fighting and the satisfying cloudstep mid-air jump make movement a joy.
Lots of humour
A funny Metroidvania set in a Mexican-folklore-inspired world, mixing agile platforming with punchy brawler combos and a switch between the living and dead worlds. The whole story can also be played in local co-op.
19 Guacamelee!
A funny Metroidvania set in a Mexican-folklore-inspired world, mixing agile platforming with punchy brawler combos and a switch between the living and dead worlds. The whole story can also be played in local co-op.
Guacamelee!
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
A metroidvania with a large, interconnected world where new abilities and a drone unlock secrets and shortcuts. It continues the Axiom Verge universe but works fine without playing the original first.
A metroidvania with a large, interconnected world where new abilities and a drone unlock secrets and shortcuts. It continues the Axiom Verge universe but works fine without playing the original first.
Axiom Verge 2
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
A 2.5D soulslike metroidvania set in a grim, hand-painted fantasy world being consumed by Entropy. It stands out with deep class and skill trees, crafting through recruited merchants, and punishing boss fights.
21 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
A 2.5D soulslike metroidvania set in a grim, hand-painted fantasy world being consumed by Entropy. It stands out with deep class and skill trees, crafting through recruited merchants, and punishing boss fights.
Jumping and platforming
A fast, polished 2D Metroidvania platformer starring the warrior Sargon in a mythical Persian world. Acrobatic parry-driven combat, time-manipulating powers and clever platforming challenges make for a fluid, stylish adventure.
22 Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
A fast, polished 2D Metroidvania platformer starring the warrior Sargon in a mythical Persian world. Acrobatic parry-driven combat, time-manipulating powers and clever platforming challenges make for a fluid, stylish adventure.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
A compact 2D pixel-art Metroidvania platformer where you play the priestess Kaho, fighting through a decaying kingdom with quick melee combos, dodge rolls and tough boss duels. It focuses on tight combat and a gloomy mood rather than heavy character building.
23 Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
A compact 2D pixel-art Metroidvania platformer where you play the priestess Kaho, fighting through a decaying kingdom with quick melee combos, dodge rolls and tough boss duels. It focuses on tight combat and a gloomy mood rather than heavy character building.
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
A sci-fi Soulslike where you fight through a decaying industrial complex in an exoskeleton. Its hook is targeting and severing specific limbs to loot the exact gear and upgrades you want.
24 The Surge
A sci-fi Soulslike where you fight through a decaying industrial complex in an exoskeleton. Its hook is targeting and severing specific limbs to loot the exact gear and upgrades you want.
Emotional impact
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where you play an artist wielding a paintbrush, fighting and platforming through a vivid yet crumbling inner world shaped by her mental struggles. Exploration and an emotional undertone are at the heart of it.
25 Constance
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where you play an artist wielding a paintbrush, fighting and platforming through a vivid yet crumbling inner world shaped by her mental struggles. Exploration and an emotional undertone are at the heart of it.
Constance
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Lots of humour
A vibrant luchador Metroidvania that blends fast brawler combat with precise platforming and a constant stream of jokes and meme references. Mexican folklore meets multiverse hopping, and it can be played in co-op.
A vibrant luchador Metroidvania that blends fast brawler combat with precise platforming and a constant stream of jokes and meme references. Mexican folklore meets multiverse hopping, and it can be played in co-op.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A grim pixel-art Metroidvania where the Penitent One wields three distinct weapons through a world steeped in religious horror. Precise duels, tough bosses and plenty of secrets make exploring rewarding.
A grim pixel-art Metroidvania where the Penitent One wields three distinct weapons through a world steeped in religious horror. Precise duels, tough bosses and plenty of secrets make exploring rewarding.
Lavish presentation
A fast, hand-drawn Metroidvania with combat inspired by platform fighters. As Luca and her uncooperative demon counterpart Rehm, you explore a ruined, flooded city full of interconnected paths.
28 Possessor(s)
A fast, hand-drawn Metroidvania with combat inspired by platform fighters. As Luca and her uncooperative demon counterpart Rehm, you explore a ruined, flooded city full of interconnected paths.
Fantasy setting
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where you explore the ruins of a fallen metropolis as Renee, fight towering bosses, and build up your skills and gear. Its RPG depth and large, interconnected map are the main draws.
29 Afterimage
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where you explore the ruins of a fallen metropolis as Renee, fight towering bosses, and build up your skills and gear. Its RPG depth and large, interconnected map are the main draws.
Runs that play out differently every time
A fast, fluid 2D roguelite with Metroidvania structure, where tight, punchy combat and a huge arsenal of weapons make every run feel different. Permanent unlocks and new routes give you a real sense of progress even as you die again and again.
30 Dead Cells
A fast, fluid 2D roguelite with Metroidvania structure, where tight, punchy combat and a huge arsenal of weapons make every run feel different. Permanent unlocks and new routes give you a real sense of progress even as you die again and again.
Boss fights as highlights
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania set in a Taoist-flavored sci-fi world, with combat built almost entirely around precise deflecting and counterattacks. Revenge, mythology and stylish boss fights drive the journey.
31 Nine Sols
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania set in a Taoist-flavored sci-fi world, with combat built almost entirely around precise deflecting and counterattacks. Revenge, mythology and stylish boss fights drive the journey.
Nine Sols
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
A dark fairy-tale metroidvania where you play a tiny bird with a matchstick, crossing a wretched kingdom to burn the wicked queen. Expect quirky characters, exploration and platforming action. The game is new and little known to me, so this rating relies mostly on the description.
32 Well Dweller
A dark fairy-tale metroidvania where you play a tiny bird with a matchstick, crossing a wretched kingdom to burn the wicked queen. Expect quirky characters, exploration and platforming action. The game is new and little known to me, so this rating relies mostly on the description.
Well Dweller
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A melancholic 2D Metroidvania where a young priestess frees fallen knights and uses their spirits as allies in combat. A hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and strong soundtrack carry the exploration of a ruined kingdom.
33 Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
A melancholic 2D Metroidvania where a young priestess frees fallen knights and uses their spirits as allies in combat. A hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and strong soundtrack carry the exploration of a ruined kingdom.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
A dark 2D Metroidvania spin-off in the PAC-MAN universe: as the Swordsman you explore an alien planet, devour enemies and grow into an apex predator. It blends fast sword combat with platforming and exploration.
A dark 2D Metroidvania spin-off in the PAC-MAN universe: as the Swordsman you explore an alien planet, devour enemies and grow into an apex predator. It blends fast sword combat with platforming and exploration.
Pixel art
A colorful pixel-art action platformer with metroidvania structure where a staff unlocks new combat techniques and ways through the world. As Mako you explore lands and stop the poisonous amber storms.
35 Akatori
A colorful pixel-art action platformer with metroidvania structure where a staff unlocks new combat techniques and ways through the world. As Mako you explore lands and stop the poisonous amber storms.
Akatori
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
You climb a sinister tower while swapping between three heroes with unique abilities to unlock areas and uncover secrets. This retro pixel-art Metroidvania challenges you with tough combat and clever backtracking.
36 Astalon: Tears of the Earth
You climb a sinister tower while swapping between three heroes with unique abilities to unlock areas and uncover secrets. This retro pixel-art Metroidvania challenges you with tough combat and clever backtracking.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A dark, gothic pixel-art Metroidvania that blends Soulslike combat with sprawling interconnected exploration and plenty of weapon and build options. You fight through a decaying world ravaged by plague and a corrupt religion as Eric.
A dark, gothic pixel-art Metroidvania that blends Soulslike combat with sprawling interconnected exploration and plenty of weapon and build options. You fight through a decaying world ravaged by plague and a corrupt religion as Eric.
Shooting and gunplay
A 2.5D Metroidvania where you explore a huge underground military complex, using new weapons and gadgets to unlock sealed-off areas. Its satisfying gunplay and blend of action and backtracking drive the appeal.
A 2.5D Metroidvania where you explore a huge underground military complex, using new weapons and gadgets to unlock sealed-off areas. Its satisfying gunplay and blend of action and backtracking drive the appeal.
Shadow Complex
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Runs that play out differently every time
A tough 2D platformer where every death passes the sword to an heir with random, often silly traits like colorblindness or gigantism, who then storms the shifting castle again. Gold you collect upgrades the family manor for good, so each generation gets a little stronger.
39 Rogue Legacy
A tough 2D platformer where every death passes the sword to an heir with random, often silly traits like colorblindness or gigantism, who then storms the shifting castle again. Gold you collect upgrades the family manor for good, so each generation gets a little stronger.
Rogue Legacy
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
A Metroidvania where you play maid Sakuya and stop time to get past enemies and hazards. Time manipulation and knife throwing make for fast, precise gameplay in a richly detailed pixel-art world from the Touhou universe.
A Metroidvania where you play maid Sakuya and stop time to get past enemies and hazards. Time manipulation and knife throwing make for fast, precise gameplay in a richly detailed pixel-art world from the Touhou universe.
Touhou Luna Nights
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
An atmospheric 2D Metroidvania set on the lonely moon Lorian V, where you awaken as a Deadsuit, explore eerie caverns, gain new abilities and uncover cosmic secrets. Fluid combat and a moody sci-fi setting define the adventure.
41 Ghost Song
An atmospheric 2D Metroidvania set on the lonely moon Lorian V, where you awaken as a Deadsuit, explore eerie caverns, gain new abilities and uncover cosmic secrets. Fluid combat and a moody sci-fi setting define the adventure.
Ghost Song
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Sci-fi setting
Cal Kestis returns with precise, parry-driven lightsaber combat across multiple stances and sprawling, interconnected planets packed with secrets and traversal challenges. A cinematic Star Wars tale about loss and perseverance under the Empire's shadow.
Cal Kestis returns with precise, parry-driven lightsaber combat across multiple stances and sprawling, interconnected planets packed with secrets and traversal challenges. A cinematic Star Wars tale about loss and perseverance under the Empire's shadow.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
A 2D Metroidvania in the vein of Symphony of the Night where you play a time traveler hopping between past and future to topple an empire. Smooth pixel-art action, plenty of exploration and a blend of fantasy and science fiction.
43 Timespinner
A 2D Metroidvania in the vein of Symphony of the Night where you play a time traveler hopping between past and future to topple an empire. Smooth pixel-art action, plenty of exploration and a blend of fantasy and science fiction.
Timespinner
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Distinctive, stylised art style
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where a tiny fox spirit uses a bō staff to bounce through a colorful world steeped in Japanese folklore. Its precise, staff-based movement is the heart of the exploration.
A hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania where a tiny fox spirit uses a bō staff to bounce through a colorful world steeped in Japanese folklore. Its precise, staff-based movement is the heart of the exploration.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
An underwater metroidvania where a girl pilots a submersible through the depths to find her missing father. Exploration and environmental puzzles take center stage, with fairly accessible combat.
An underwater metroidvania where a girl pilots a submersible through the depths to find her missing father. Exploration and environmental puzzles take center stage, with fairly accessible combat.
Song of the Deep
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
As voodoo warrior Mike LeRoi you travel between the living world and Deadside to hunt serial killers and avert an apocalypse. A grim, interconnected 3D adventure with Metroidvania-style exploration and a genuinely disturbing atmosphere.
46 Shadow Man
As voodoo warrior Mike LeRoi you travel between the living world and Deadside to hunt serial killers and avert an apocalypse. A grim, interconnected 3D adventure with Metroidvania-style exploration and a genuinely disturbing atmosphere.
Shadow Man
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A metroidvania where you play Rayton the rabbit, wielding a huge mechanical fist against a robot army in a diesel-punk city. Hard-hitting melee combat, upgrades and a winding interconnected map reward exploration.
47 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
A metroidvania where you play Rayton the rabbit, wielding a huge mechanical fist against a robot army in a diesel-punk city. Hard-hitting melee combat, upgrades and a winding interconnected map reward exploration.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Turn-based combat
Monster Sanctuary blends monster collecting and training with Metroidvania exploration in a 2D pixel-art world. Its turn-based 3-vs-3 battles reward smart team composition and skill trees, while monster abilities unlock hidden areas of the map.
Monster Sanctuary blends monster collecting and training with Metroidvania exploration in a 2D pixel-art world. Its turn-based 3-vs-3 battles reward smart team composition and skill trees, while monster abilities unlock hidden areas of the map.
Pixel art
A modern-day gamer is pulled into a fantasy castle and must fight his way through a sprawling pixel-art metroidvania with spells, gear and skill points. Its cheeky humor and constant nods to pop culture and RPG clichés give it a distinctive charm.
49 Unepic
A modern-day gamer is pulled into a fantasy castle and must fight his way through a sprawling pixel-art metroidvania with spells, gear and skill points. Its cheeky humor and constant nods to pop culture and RPG clichés give it a distinctive charm.
Unepic
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
A Metroidvania roguelite where a cursed hat lets you cast magic and possess enemies as you fight your way downward. Loot upgrades your village between runs, and up to four players can team up.
50 Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse
A Metroidvania roguelite where a cursed hat lets you cast magic and possess enemies as you fight your way downward. Loot upgrades your village between runs, and up to four players can team up.
Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A surreal, dark action metroidvania where you absorb foes with tendrils made of hands and wield their forms as molds. Its bizarre, art-obsessed world rewards deep exploration.
51 Grime II
A surreal, dark action metroidvania where you absorb foes with tendrils made of hands and wield their forms as molds. Its bizarre, art-obsessed world rewards deep exploration.
Grime II
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
A grim 2D Metroidvania with soulslike combat in which you play a warrior shaped from ash exploring a decaying, macabre world. Punishing boss fights and oppressive pixel-art atmosphere define the experience.
52 Moonscars
A grim 2D Metroidvania with soulslike combat in which you play a warrior shaped from ash exploring a decaying, macabre world. Punishing boss fights and oppressive pixel-art atmosphere define the experience.
Moonscars
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Pixel art
A fast-paced anime Metroidvania starring a bunny girl who mixes hammer combos, magic and bullet-hell boss fights. The colorful island is packed with secrets and upgrades to find.
53 Rabi-Ribi
A fast-paced anime Metroidvania starring a bunny girl who mixes hammer combos, magic and bullet-hell boss fights. The colorful island is packed with secrets and upgrades to find.
Rabi-Ribi
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Lots of humour
A humorous, colorful Metroidvania where half-genie hero Shantae uses her hair whip, dance magic and transformations to explore an interconnected island world and its dungeons.
54 Shantae and the Seven Sirens
A humorous, colorful Metroidvania where half-genie hero Shantae uses her hair whip, dance magic and transformations to explore an interconnected island world and its dungeons.
Pixel art
A retro reboot of the NES classic where you switch between a tank vehicle and on-foot sections in 2D levels. Boss fights, upgrades and metroidvania-style backtracking deliver old-school 8-bit action.
A retro reboot of the NES classic where you switch between a tank vehicle and on-foot sections in 2D levels. Boss fights, upgrades and metroidvania-style backtracking deliver old-school 8-bit action.
Blaster Master Zero
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
A colorful Metroidvania-style platform adventure where the hero transforms into different animals to solve puzzles and uncover hidden paths. It charmingly recalls the classic Wonder Boy games.
56 Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
A colorful Metroidvania-style platform adventure where the hero transforms into different animals to solve puzzles and uncover hidden paths. It charmingly recalls the classic Wonder Boy games.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Fantasy setting
A classic 2D Metroidvania set in the Lodoss War universe, where Deedlit explores a sprawling labyrinth using weapon swapping and elemental spirits. Detailed pixel art and fluid combat are the main draws.
57 Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
A classic 2D Metroidvania set in the Lodoss War universe, where Deedlit explores a sprawling labyrinth using weapon swapping and elemental spirits. Detailed pixel art and fluid combat are the main draws.
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
Where to buy
* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.
Dark, serious atmosphere
An atmospheric 2D Metroidvania set in a kingdom poisoned by toxic mist, where the Attuner Lilac fights and explores alongside homunculus allies. Following the Ender Lilies formula, it combines a melancholic tone, lovely hand-drawn visuals and fluid combat.
58 Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
An atmospheric 2D Metroidvania set in a kingdom poisoned by toxic mist, where the Attuner Lilac fights and explores alongside homunculus allies. Following the Ender Lilies formula, it combines a melancholic tone, lovely hand-drawn visuals and fluid combat.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Where to buy
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Dread and tension
A classic-style survival horror set in a small American town, mixing scarce resources, puzzles and interconnected exploration into a grim mystery about redemption.
59 Silver Pines
A classic-style survival horror set in a small American town, mixing scarce resources, puzzles and interconnected exploration into a grim mystery about redemption.
Pixel art
A tough retro platformer where you can't jump but instead flip gravity to switch between floor and ceiling. Brutally precise rooms, generous checkpoints and a pounding chiptune soundtrack make it a cult classic.
60 VVVVVV
A tough retro platformer where you can't jump but instead flip gravity to switch between floor and ceiling. Brutally precise rooms, generous checkpoints and a pounding chiptune soundtrack make it a cult classic.
VVVVVV
Where to buy
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Metroidvanias reward curiosity. You start with a handful of moves, hit a ledge or door you cannot get past, and come back later with the right ability. That loop of backtracking, shortcuts and hidden rooms is the appeal, and on this list it shows up in very different flavors, from 2D platformers to third-person action games.
The first thing to check is difficulty. Hollow Knight and Salt and Sanctuary are both tagged as difficult, and Salt and Sanctuary leans into soulslike combat. If you want a calmer pace, Fez is tagged relaxing and puts puzzles ahead of fighting, and Animal Well is built around puzzles and exploration. Also consider art style: Hollow Knight is hand-drawn, while Axiom Verge and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night use pixel art, with Axiom Verge going for a sci-fi setting and Symphony a dark fantasy castle.
If you prefer 3D, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order mixes parry-based combat with a story-driven structure, and Control sets its exploration in a mysterious, psychological sci-fi setting. For a classic-style action RPG with a gothic mood, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a good pick. All of these are available on PlayStation, so the choice comes down to the pace and style you enjoy.
Hollow Knight is a strong first pick thanks to its hand-drawn world and exploration focus, though it is tagged as difficult. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a good option if you want the genre's classic roots.
Fez is tagged relaxing and centers on puzzles and exploration. Animal Well also focuses on puzzles and exploration rather than difficult combat.
Yes. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Control both carry the metroidvania tag with 3D action, and Batman: Arkham Asylum also uses the tag with a stealth and exploration focus.
Give us a few favourite games and we’ll work out what really suits you. Not what everyone else is playing.
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