2015PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified93 % positive
A gorgeous hand-painted Metroidvania platformer with tight, demanding movement, tense escape sequences and a heartfelt tale of loss and hope. Its sweeping orchestral score makes the forest of Nibel unforgettable.
2015PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified93 % positive
Very positive, 51,240 reviews on Steam
Strong soundtrack
Emotional impact
Lavish presentation
A gorgeous hand-painted Metroidvania platformer with tight, demanding movement, tense escape sequences and a heartfelt tale of loss and hope. Its sweeping orchestral score makes the forest of Nibel unforgettable.
Samus Aran's 2D return pairs fluid, fast movement and precise melee counters with classic Metroidvania exploration. Tense escapes from the near-invincible E.M.M.I. robots and demanding boss fights keep the pressure high.
Samus Aran's 2D return pairs fluid, fast movement and precise melee counters with classic Metroidvania exploration. Tense escapes from the near-invincible E.M.M.I. robots and demanding boss fights keep the pressure high.
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.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable39.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 29,820 reviews on Steam
Build variety
Strong character progression
Fantasy setting
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.
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.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 5,883 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Pixel art
Lots to discover
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 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.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 20,179 reviews on Steam
Strong character progression
Dark, serious atmosphere
Melee combat with weapons or fists
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.
Stranded on the alien world Viewros, Samus explores ancient ruins in first person, scanning her surroundings and using new psychic powers to open up blocked paths. It is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure that blends shooting, exploration and environmental puzzles.
Stranded on the alien world Viewros, Samus explores ancient ruins in first person, scanning her surroundings and using new psychic powers to open up blocked paths. It is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure that blends shooting, exploration and environmental puzzles.
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.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.50 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 23,051 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Pixel art
Lots to discover
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.
You explore an interconnected alien planet from first person as Samus Aran, where the Morph Ball and Grapple Beam let you reach hidden areas. Backtracking through a tightly woven world becomes rewarding as new powers open old paths.
You explore an interconnected alien planet from first person as Samus Aran, where the Morph Ball and Grapple Beam let you reach hidden areas. Backtracking through a tightly woven world becomes rewarding as new powers open old paths.
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.
2012PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 11,747 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Pixel art
Cosy, great for unwinding
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.
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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable29.99 €77 % positive
Mostly positive, 9,057 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Dread and tension
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.
2009PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch19.99 €96 % positive
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.
2009PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch19.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 22,483 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
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.
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.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 55,677 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Pixel art
Melee combat with weapons or fists
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.
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.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 6,533 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
Jumping and platforming
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.
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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 4,810 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Lavish presentation
Distinctive, stylised art style
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 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.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 5,754 reviews on Steam
Dense, handcrafted world
Strong soundtrack
Jumping and platforming
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.
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.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €94 % positive
Very positive, 33,869 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Sci-fi setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
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.
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.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €92 % positive
Very positive, 10,803 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Pixel art
Strong soundtrack
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 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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified16.79 €79 % positive
Mostly positive, 807 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Lots to discover
Dense, handcrafted world
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 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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €75 % positive
Mostly positive, 3,102 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Boss fights as highlights
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.
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.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 7,265 reviews on Steam
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Boss fights as highlights
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.
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.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 10,573 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Boss fights as highlights
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.
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €82 % positive
Very positive, 2,981 reviews on Steam
Emotional impact
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lavish presentation
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.
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.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified20.49 €91 % positive
Very positive, 2,731 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
Action-packed real-time combat
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.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−66 %44.99 € 15.29 € 9 days left91 % positive
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.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−66 %44.99 € 15.29 € 9 days left91 % positive
Very positive, 17,463 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Pixel art
Boss fights as highlights
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−85 %9.99 € 1.49 € 4 days left75 % positive
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−85 %9.99 € 1.49 € 4 days left75 % positive
Mostly positive, 788 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Distinctive, stylised art style
Action-packed real-time combat
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.
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.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €79 % positive
Mostly positive, 7,066 reviews on Steam
Strong character progression
Fantasy setting
Lavish presentation
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.
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.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 157,452 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Pixel art
Fast pace
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.
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.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified28.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 41,210 reviews on Steam
Boss fights as highlights
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Melee combat with weapons or fists
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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−20 %14.25 € 11.40 € 6 days left97 % positive
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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−20 %14.25 € 11.40 € 6 days left97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 4,496 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Jumping and platforming
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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−60 %24.99 € 9.99 € 8 days left93 % positive
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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−60 %24.99 € 9.99 € 8 days left93 % positive
Very positive, 43,554 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Fantasy setting
Strong soundtrack
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.
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €54 % positive
Mixed, 279 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Melee combat with weapons or fists
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 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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.99 €71 % positive
Mostly positive, 332 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Jumping and platforming
Action-packed real-time combat
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.
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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.50 €92 % positive
Very positive, 1,016 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Boss fights as highlights
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.
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.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable26.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 4,755 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Pixel art
Melee combat with weapons or fists
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.
2019PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified7.79 €94 % positive
A compact black-and-white pixel Metroidvania where a cat pilots a mech through an alien underworld, hopping out to squeeze through tight tunnels and water sections. Funny, short and built around clear upgrades and boss fights.
2019PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified7.79 €94 % positive
Very positive, 4,410 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Sci-fi setting
Boss fights as highlights
A compact black-and-white pixel Metroidvania where a cat pilots a mech through an alien underworld, hopping out to squeeze through tight tunnels and water sections. Funny, short and built around clear upgrades and boss fights.
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.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €92 % positive
Very positive, 15,913 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Pixel art
Strong character progression
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.
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.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 13,853 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Action-packed real-time combat
Fantasy setting
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.
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.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €84 % positive
Very positive, 1,004 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Pixel art
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.
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.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified20.49 €86 % positive
Very positive, 2,843 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong soundtrack
Action-packed real-time combat
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.
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.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 1,442 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Fantasy setting
Lavish presentation
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 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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified15.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 6,731 reviews on Steam
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Action-packed real-time combat
Lavish presentation
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.
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.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 10,465 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Pixel art
Tactical depth
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.
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.
2011PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable12.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 5,399 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Pixel art
Strong character progression
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.
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.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable16.49 €72 % positive
Mostly positive, 558 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Runs that play out differently every time
Strong character progression
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.
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.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 1,248 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Boss fights as highlights
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.
2016PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.49 €95 % positive
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.
2016PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.49 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 10,778 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
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.
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.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 1,535 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Fantasy setting
Strong soundtrack
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.
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.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 1,045 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Sci-fi setting
Shooting and gunplay
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 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.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable28.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 2,461 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong soundtrack
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.
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.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable16.79 €92 % positive
Very positive, 7,217 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Pixel art
Action-packed real-time combat
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−45 %24.99 € 13.74 € 8 days left95 % positive
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−45 %24.99 € 13.74 € 8 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 17,405 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lavish presentation
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.
A classic-style survival horror set in a small American town, mixing scarce resources, puzzles and interconnected exploration into a grim mystery about redemption.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 5,581 reviews on Steam
Dread and tension
Dark, serious atmosphere
Resources and survival
A classic-style survival horror set in a small American town, mixing scarce resources, puzzles and interconnected exploration into a grim mystery about redemption.
2010PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €96 % positive
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.
2010PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 6,715 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong soundtrack
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
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.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch−60 %19.50 € 7.80 € 13 days left95 % positive
A charming hand-painted metroidvania where you play a little mouse named Iko exploring floating islands and piecing a shattered world back together. The tone is warm and gentle, with quirky characters and moderate boss fights.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch−60 %19.50 € 7.80 € 13 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 1,920 reviews on Steam
Cosy, great for unwinding
Distinctive, stylised art style
Fantasy setting
A charming hand-painted metroidvania where you play a little mouse named Iko exploring floating islands and piecing a shattered world back together. The tone is warm and gentle, with quirky characters and moderate boss fights.
A metroidvania where Dandara doesn't walk but leaps instantly from surface to surface, turning gravity and space into a puzzle of movement. Surreal pixel-art worlds reward exploration and demand precise leaping through tricky traversal and combat.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 862 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Jumping and platforming
Distinctive, stylised art style
A metroidvania where Dandara doesn't walk but leaps instantly from surface to surface, turning gravity and space into a puzzle of movement. Surreal pixel-art worlds reward exploration and demand precise leaping through tricky traversal and combat.
A hand-painted Metroidvania with fast, combo-heavy combat, where the amnesiac warrior Dust explores a storybook world alongside his talking sword and companion Fidget. Big combos against crowds of enemies and a charming story drive the experience.
2012PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 14,288 reviews on Steam
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Fantasy setting
Distinctive, stylised art style
A hand-painted Metroidvania with fast, combo-heavy combat, where the amnesiac warrior Dust explores a storybook world alongside his talking sword and companion Fidget. Big combos against crowds of enemies and a charming story drive the experience.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−40 %19.50 € 11.70 € 2 days left97 % positive
A charming metroidvania where you play Pluto, a dead cat stuck as the afterlife's janitor, meeting ghosts, fighting beasts and exploring a sprawling map. Humor and a warm look define the experience.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−40 %19.50 € 11.70 € 2 days left97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 3,040 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
A charming metroidvania where you play Pluto, a dead cat stuck as the afterlife's janitor, meeting ghosts, fighting beasts and exploring a sprawling map. Humor and a warm look define the experience.
Metroidvanias on Nintendo Switch cover a wide range, from tough 2D platformers to first-person exploration. The appeal is the same everywhere: a connected map that slowly opens as you gain abilities, so a door you couldn't pass an hour ago becomes a reason to turn back. Because the Switch is a handheld as well as a home console, these games suit short sessions, since you can stop after a single area or a boss attempt.
The first thing to check is difficulty. Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong are both tagged Difficult and reward patient, careful exploration. Salt and Sanctuary is also tagged Difficult and adds a dark fantasy Soulslike take with an action RPG structure. If you want something more emotional and visually gentle, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps are hand-drawn or beautiful platformers with a strong emotional focus.
Next, consider perspective and tone. Metroid Dread is a Switch-only 2D sci-fi game built around exploration and parrying, while Metroid Prime Remastered and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond play in first person with a shooter feel. For puzzle-minded players, Animal Well mixes pixel art, secrets and atmosphere, and Fez is tagged Relaxing, which makes it a calmer pick than most of this list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best metroidvania on Nintendo Switch for beginners?
Ori and the Blind Forest is a good starting point, as it is a hand-drawn platformer with an emotional, atmospheric feel rather than a Difficult tag. Fez is another gentle option, tagged Relaxing and built around puzzles and exploration.
Are there Nintendo Switch exclusive metroidvanias?
On this list, Metroid Dread, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Metroid Prime Remastered are listed only for Nintendo Switch. Dread is a 2D sci-fi platformer, while the two Prime games are first-person.
Which Switch metroidvanias are the hardest?
Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Salt and Sanctuary all carry the Difficult tag. Salt and Sanctuary also has Soulslike elements, so expect a tough, deliberate pace.
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