The 19 Best Metroidvania Games

One of the reasons why we even have the Metroidvania sub-genre in the first place is thanks to this SNES classic and most certainly one of the greatest games ever made. Super Metroid exceeds everything that debuted in the original Metroid by upgrading all of the original's finest features. The strong 16-bit visuals, chilling atmosphere, and excellent gameplay loop make Super Metroid a revelation for first-timers and instantly replayable for 90s babies. With the introduction of an inventory screen, an automap, and the ability to fire in all directions, Super Metroid established the winning formula of the series as a whole.

Now let's pay respects to the other classic game that is responsible for the other half of the Metroidvania title. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night brings Dracula's son Alucard to the forefront for an amazing gothic action RPG that will forever be recognized as the best game in the series. Adventuring through each and every corner of Dracula's castle is an enriching experience on the first go-around and it's even more engrossing the second time you tackle it while it's upside down. Eliminating horror-themed enemies with Alucard's iconic array of weapons and spells hit back then and still hits in this current day and age. While you're at it, give yourself a nice history lesson through the rest of the series via the Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Castlevania Advance Collection.

Ori and the Blind Forest amazed everyone and put forth a strong precedent for the series as a whole. Then Ori and the Will of the Wisps raised the bar to an even higher degree as an undeniably amazing follow-up. The lovable main character known as Ori returned for another illuminating journey within a new region called Niwen that was full of new gorgeous stages to explore. And of course, that new locale came jam-packed with new beasts to conquer and more platforming challenges to test your mettle. The new addition of autosaving made this game's whole experience so much more tolerable, which makes Ori and the Will of the Wisps such a strong follow-up. Start with Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition if you're a true series completionist, by the way.

Marrying the concepts of Metroidvania and "roguelike" games is something a lot of developers do nowadays. One of the best examples of that successful blueprint is Dead Cells, which presents a mysterious warrior known as "The Prisoner" in an adventure full of procedurally-generated levels that bring forth quite a towering challenge to overcome. The combat here feels impactful and comes off like a 2D representation of the overall feel of Dark Souls, which is why Dead Cells is so revered by those who've managed to make an actual dent in it. Dying repeatedly can be deflating, but finally prevailing over the tough circumstances featured here feels so worthwhile in the end.

The miniature insectoid warrior simply named "The Knight" has become an integral part of the Metroidvania craze thanks to the game it's featured in, Hollow Knight. What will always stand out about this game is its momentous boss encounters, a high yet fair level of difficulty, and a signature animated art style that gives it so much character. "Soulsbourne" elements are implemented in a cool way where when players die, they eventually get a chance to recover their dropped currency by vanquishing vicious "Shade" opposers. Exploring each and every corner of this game's immersive world and slowly filling out the in-game map lends a great sense of discovery to Hollow Knight.

Some of you may have forgotten about this one, which is to be expected considering all the major Metroid games that have come out after it and slightly overshadowed it. We're going to jog your memory with this list entry - Metroid: Zero Mission is such a new and improved version of the very first game in the series. The graphics are on par with Super Metroid, plus the newly added weapons, items, areas, and mini-bosses do a lot to freshen up the entire experience and inject some noteworthy changes to Samus Aran's initial space mission. The Metroidvania goodness fans have become used to playing feels like a dream in this standout Nintendo remake.

Indie game developer Thomas Happ took all of his major influences, such as Metroid, Contra, Blaster Master, and Bionic Commando, and mixed them all in a bowl to create this wonderful concoction of a Metroidvania game. The final product turned out to be Axiom Verge, a sci-fi-centered side-scrolling shooter that follows the trippy adventures of a scientist named Trace. The game's "Secret Worlds" and the implementation of cool visual glitches play a huge part in the great explorative elements of this quirky side-scroller. Major props to the "Kilver" and the "Inertial Pulse" weapons for getting us out of plenty of tough situations in this one.

Samus Aran has the toughest job in the galaxy as a bounty hunter that's always given overwhelming tasks to complete. In Metroid Fusion, her life dramatically changes when she becomes infected by "X Parasites." With a new vaccine to free her of her debilitating status and a slick suit of armor called the "Fusion Suit" powering her, players take Samus through a new space station full of new alien dangers to wipe out. SA-X, which is the unrelenting X Parasite that mimics Samus' original "Power Suit," is the biggest threat in this game and will always be remembered for being one of the scariest antagonists in franchise history. The Metroidvania formula excels here, especially since climbing ladders and grabbing ledges make their welcome debut here as new navigation mechanics.

The original SteamWorld Dig set the right tone for a proper Metroidvania spinoff from the SteamWorld series. The sequel came through soon after and did everything better than expected. The cute ming digger bot named Dorothy got the spotlight shown on her as her mission centers on searching for the protagonist of the first game. Going deeper underground and accessing previously inaccessible areas with the assistance of pressure bombs, a hookshot, and a pneumatic arm that can punch right through rocks makes the act of traversing mines such a joy. And getting your hands on resources from your mining endeavors to sell them off on the surface for character upgrades are equally gratifying activities.

The next quality indie game that embraces Metroidvania sensibilities comes from D-Pad Studio. Owlboy is the name of its game and it looks, sounds, and feels like a long-lost SNES gem. With the air surfer known as Otus, players get to make their way through a majestic world contained within the clouds above. The pixelated art style will grab you and the engaging gameplay of Owlboy will certainly keep you. This game is strengthened by quality combat, compelling dungeon exploring, and uphill boss battles that make you feel like a king once you've overcome them.

It's not every day that you come across a platformer that throws in the extra wrinkle of pinball progression mechanics. Yoku's Island Express embodies that endearing amalgamation of gameplay styles and it's an extra charming rarity in the wide and wonderful world of indie gaming. Making your way through the jungle locales of this game means having to rely on pinball paddles, bumpers, tracks, and ramps to get the game's dung-beetle protagonist wherever it needs to go. The Metroidvania characteristics you're accustomed to and definitely here and accounted for, plus the pinball controls mix it up a bit to freshen up that fan-favorite approach to platformers.

Out of all the other Metroidvania games mentioned on this list, Blaspehmous is the most brutal and macabre selection we've mentioned here thus far. As the "Penitent One," you'll come through the gothic region of "Cvstodia" with your trusty sword "Mea Culpa" in hand. Blasphemous is such a standout hack 'n slasher that will appeal to gamers that love a whole lot of blood and gore. This game's grueling boss battles and jaw-dropping executions hit just right. Being able to customize your character build in any way you see fit also plays a huge part in maximizing Blaspehmous's replay value.

Capcom and Double Helix Games formed a perfect marriage of gameplay approaches to produce an amazing reboot for the greatest video game ninja of all time. Strider revisits the events of the original 1989 game and expands it into an exciting Metroidvania-like experience that looks & plays like an absolute dream. Strider Hiryu is a super mobile and deadly assassin that can quickly scale walls, slide through the environment, and hack 'n slash like a madman through his opponents with his signature cyber blade "Cypher." Grandmaster Meio has to get his comeuppance here and you're going to enjoy every minute of giving that to him here in this incredible Strider reimagining.

LUCHA! LUCHA! LUCHA! The colorful masks and high-flying antics of Lucha Libre wrestling are fully embodied in another one of the best Metroidvania games we've ever played, Guacamelee! This version of the game (which plays up the funny naming convention of Steet Fighter games from back in the day), offers the best version of a side-scrolling platformer that respects Mexican culture and presents it within the confines of a game all about wrestling demonic hordes. The tricky yet enjoyable platforming segments push you to carefully switch between the "Worlds of Living and Dead" and test the legacy skills of experienced fans of platformers.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Knight was revealed and marketed to fans of Castlevania as a spiritual successor to Konami's Dracula-hunting side-scrollers. Thank the heavens that it ended up being just as good as the games that inspired its creation in the first place. Former Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi applied all of his know-how here to produce an amazing Metroidvania filled with demon hunting, magical abilities, maze-like exploration, and secrets galore. Symphony of the Night worshippers who shockingly haven't tried this one out yet should do themselves a huge favor and save the human denizens of England as the all-powerful Miriam.

Metroid frontwoman Samus Aran has her work cut out for her once again here when unyielding "EMMI" robots make it their mission to destroy her. Set after the events of Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread sees Samus fighting her way through the many pathways that make up the entirety of planet "ZDR." This action-packed side-scroller is tense and is not for the weak of heart since you'll need to brave the terrifying dangers associated with killer robots and lethal alien creatures. The signature aspects of Metroidvania games, which consists of acquiring new weapons and tools that open up other parts of the map, still work as well as they did in past series entries within this latest Samus undertaking.

Iconoclasts is an awesome Metroidvania game that relies on pretty 16-bit visuals that are a hallmark of the sub-genre. As a plucky mechanic named Robin, you set out to take up your trusty wrench and bring the fight to the tyrannical religious authority referred to as the "One Concern." And you'll do just that by jumping into a beautifully animated pixelated world that's full of mind-bending puzzles and action-packed boss battles. Major kudos to indie developer Joakim Sandberg for providing the gaming world with this wonderful ode to the amazing platformers of the 16-bit era.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the direct inspiration for Chasm, which should make you confident of the overall quality of this underrated Metroidvania gem. Players step into the role of an aspiring knight who goes on his first mission as a member of the "Guildean Kingdom". This mission will take you to a mysterious mining town full of bereft of townspeople and now occupied by bloodthirsty creatures. You'll adventure through various catacombs and castles as you take on those creatures, unearth valuable treasures, and save the townspeople along the way.

The Kamizono siblings want to save their land & school from the dark influence of a demon-filled castle. And the only way they can accomplish that goal is by barging through its massive doors to wipe out the demonic infestation that inhabits it. Grim Guardians: Demon Purge lets you wield the powerful abilities of the sisterly duo (with one that's great at close-range attacks and the other that's better at long-range offense) and swap between them on the fly to tackle the varying battle situations at hand. As a cool nod to the classic days of Castlevania, you'll adore this one. And with that, we've reached the end of our list of the best Metroidvania games!