20 Best Metroidvanias In 2025
Metroidvania titles have undergone significant transformations since their inception. These exploration-driven adventures blend platforming prowess with combat mastery. They reward curious players who love finding secret passages and unlocking fresh abilities. The genre continues to evolve with inventive mechanics and artistic visions.
This curated collection showcases 20 exceptional Metroidvanias available today. Each entry brings something special to the table. You’ll discover familiar classics alongside hidden treasures. We’ve shuffled the rankings to spotlight variety across the genre.
Whether you crave challenging boss encounters or prefer story-rich journeys, this list has you covered. Let’s dive into these remarkable games.
Top 20 Metroidvanias In 2025
Nine Sols
RedCandleGames surprised everyone with this parry-focused masterpiece that seamlessly blends Sekiro’s deflection mechanics into a 2D Metroidvania format. You control a determined fox navigating vibrant Taopunk landscapes where combat demands precise timing and rewards skillful counters. Eastern mythology profoundly influences every aspect of the design, from the atmospheric environments to the intricate boss encounters. The game tests your reflexes through intense duels while platforming sections provide breathing room between battles. If you’re looking for games that reward mastery and patience, similar to the challenge found in cooperative adventure board games, this parry-based combat system will keep you engaged for hours. Upgrades deepen the experience through layered customization options that allow you to tailor your playstyle to overcome each unique challenge.
- Exceptional parry-based combat system that rewards precision and timing
- Stunning Taopunk aesthetic with vibrant, culturally rich environments
- Steep learning curve initially that may deter casual players
- Demanding difficulty might frustrate those seeking a more relaxed experience
Animal Well
Billy Basso crafted something truly enigmatic with this puzzle-centric Metroidvania that hides countless secrets beneath its charming surface. Adorable creatures inhabit darkly atmospheric 8-bit environments where every screen contains interactive elements waiting to be discovered. The game constantly subverts expectations with inventive mechanics that reveal themselves gradually, rewarding patient exploration. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, another layer reveals itself, keeping you engaged and curious. Exploration feels genuinely rewarding without hand-holding, respecting your intelligence while maintaining a mysterious allure throughout. This title demonstrates that sometimes the greatest adventures come from unraveling mysteries at your own pace, making every discovery feel earned and meaningful.
- Unfathomable depth and secrets that reward thorough exploration
- Innovative puzzle mechanics that constantly surprise and engage
- Deliberately cryptic design may leave some players feeling lost
- Not combat-focused, which might disappoint action-oriented players
Hollow Knight
Team Cherry’s magnum opus remains unmatched in establishing modern standards for the genre. This bug-filled adventure takes you through Hallownest, a sprawling underground kingdom with interconnected passages and hidden chambers that reward thorough exploration. Combat feels responsive and satisfying, with the charm system letting you customize your approach significantly to match your preferred playstyle. The hand-drawn artwork captures haunting beauty perfectly, while Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack transports you completely into this melancholic world. Boss variety keeps challenges fresh throughout the extensive journey, and despite the massive scope, nothing feels unnecessary or padded. This Metroidvania influenced countless titles that followed its release and remains a benchmark for the genre. The game’s deep lore and environmental storytelling create an experience that stays with you long after completion.
- Masterful world design with intricate interconnected environments
- Perfect combat mechanics paired with gorgeous hand-drawn art and outstanding musical score
- Can feel overwhelming initially due to the vast, interconnected world
- Some bosses are extremely challenging and may require multiple attempts
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Moon Studios perfected everything from the original with this breathtaking sequel that delivers impossibly smooth platforming. The visuals will absolutely mesmerize you with their painterly beauty and vibrant colors, while wordless storytelling conveys powerful emotions effectively throughout the journey. Character designs radiate charm and personality, bringing the mystical world to life in every frame. Movement feels precise yet floaty when needed, creating a platforming experience that’s both challenging and graceful. Combat received significant improvements over its predecessor with more variety and strategic depth, while difficulty spikes got smoothed out considerably for a more balanced experience. Audio design complements the stunning visuals beautifully, creating an overall experience that’s sublime from start to finish. This represents 2D gaming at its finest and showcases what’s possible when art and gameplay merge seamlessly.
- Buttery smooth platforming with improved combat system
- Breathtaking visual presentation and emotionally resonant story
- Occasional performance hiccups on some platforms
- Some puzzles can confuse players without clear direction
Blasphemous 2
The Game Kitchen expanded its grotesque world impressively with this sequel that portrays a disturbing yet beautiful aesthetic throughout Cvstodia. The pixel art masterfully balances horror and beauty, creating environments that are simultaneously repulsive and captivating. You wield multiple weapons this time around, each with distinct movesets and strategic applications. Boss encounters demand strategy beyond simple pattern memorization, requiring you to adapt your approach and utilize the full combat toolkit. Light RPG elements significantly enhance replay value through character customization and build variety. Everything flows better than the original, with environments feeling more distinct and vibrant despite the dark setting. For those who appreciate dark fantasy similar to themes found in cooperative horror board games, this gothic Spanish setting remains delightfully macabre. Platforming received subtle improvements that make a considerable difference in the overall experience, while challenging difficulty rewards persistence beautifully.
- Enhanced weapon variety with beautiful, grotesque art style
- Improved gameplay flow with excellent RPG customization
- Very challenging difficulty that may not suit all players
- Dark themes and cryptic quest directions are not for everyone
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Adglobe and Live Wire refined their formula masterfully with this sequel that improves upon Ender Lilies in every aspect. You guide a young girl through decaying mechanical landscapes where beauty and decay intertwine in stunning fashion. Homunculi companions provide diverse combat abilities, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles and find combinations that suit your approach. Customization options let you tailor your character’s abilities and companions to create unique builds for various situations. Gorgeous 2D animations bring battles to life with fluid movements and impressive visual effects. The melancholic atmosphere permeates every moment, creating an emotionally resonant journey through a dying world. Boss fights require both reflexes and strategic thinking, testing your mastery of the companion system. Worldbuilding through environmental details works wonderfully, telling stories without words. Difficulty remains unforgiving but fair throughout, and the realm’s tragic beauty stays memorable long after completion.
- Highly customizable combat with gorgeous animation quality
- Engaging companion system with refined mechanics
- Relentlessly challenging gameplay that requires patience
- Somber tone throughout may not appeal to those seeking lighter fare
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry returns with Hornet’s adventure, presenting Pharloom as a realm of darker challenges than Hallownest. Combat feels faster and more aggressive now, reflecting Hornet’s nimble and offensive fighting style compared to the Knight’s measured approach. Hornet’s personality shines through dialogue and animations, giving this sequel a distinct character that sets it apart from the original. New mechanics complement the established formula perfectly, building on what worked while introducing fresh ideas that keep the experience exciting. Boss variety somehow exceeds the original, with each encounter feeling unique and memorable. Music continues Christopher Larkin’s exceptional work, enhancing the atmosphere with haunting melodies and energetic battle themes. Art maintains that distinctive inky style that made the original so visually striking, with new environments showcasing incredible attention to detail. The world feels deeply interconnected and purposeful, rewarding exploration and careful observation. Difficulty spikes higher but remains balanced, and six years of development show in every polished detail. This sequel justifies the lengthy wait with refinement and innovation.
- Refined combat mechanics with exceptional world design
- Hornet’s engaging personality and masterful audio design
- More divisive difficulty that’s higher than the original
- Less groundbreaking than the original with some frustrating sections
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft revitalized this dormant franchise successfully by reimagining Prince of Persia as a Metroidvania adventure. Time manipulation powers create unique opportunities for combat and puzzle-solving, adding a strategic layer to every encounter. Persian mythology inspires fantastical environments throughout, bringing ancient legends to life with vibrant colors and intricate architecture. Platforming challenges recall the series’ roots brilliantly, demanding precision and timing that fans of the original games will appreciate. Boss encounters feel appropriately epic in scale, providing memorable showdowns that test your mastery of all systems. While narrative delivery sometimes feels heavy-handed but serviceable, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Combat remains solid if somewhat conventional compared to other entries on this list, but it’s polished and responsive. The slow beginning eventually gives way to exciting exploration as you unlock new abilities and discover hidden areas. This represents a worthy resurrection of the franchise that honors its legacy while embracing modern design principles.
- Excellent platforming sections with creative time powers
- Faithful to series’ legacy with beautiful Persian aesthetics
- Slow initial pacing that takes time to build momentum
- Narrative occasionally clunky with standard combat mechanics
Guacamelee! 2
DrinkBox Studios perfected their colorful formula with this sequel where the Mexiverse becomes a vibrant explosion of colors everywhere you look. Humor balances the adventure perfectly throughout, never overshadowing the gameplay but always enhancing the experience with clever writing and visual gags. Four-player co-op transforms the experience significantly, making this one of the best multiplayer Metroidvanias available. Much like how cooperative board games for two players emphasize teamwork, the game combines fighting game mechanics with exploration in ways that encourage collaboration. Combat blends brawler-style moves with platforming challenges seamlessly, creating a unique gameplay flow. Quality-of-life improvements refine the original’s rough edges, making navigation and ability management more intuitive. Visuals received notable polish and enhancement, with even more detailed environments and character animations. Wrestling-themed abilities remain delightfully creative, offering both combat and traversal applications. Characters radiate warmth and personality through expressive animations and dialogue. Mexican folklore influences every design choice, from character designs to environmental storytelling. The sequel surpasses its predecessor comfortably while this franchise deserves more recognition.
- Gorgeous, vibrant art style with four-player co-op mode
- Excellent humor throughout with polished gameplay mechanics
- Combat can feel repetitive during extended play sessions
- Less challenging than some other entries in the genre
SteamWorld Dig 2
Image & Form innovated with destructible environments where Dorothy excavates her path through steampunk caverns. You literally create your own map while digging, making each playthrough unique based on your excavation choices. Underground discoveries fund equipment upgrades that open up new areas and strategies, creating a satisfying progression loop. The skill tree offers meaningful progression choices that significantly impact your playstyle and efficiency. Rusty’s disappearance drives the narrative forward, providing motivation beyond simple exploration. The atmosphere remains surprisingly upbeat and cozy despite being set underground, with charming visuals and lighthearted tone. The difficulty curve accommodates casual exploration perfectly, never feeling punishing while still offering challenge. The robot protagonist adds unique charm with personality-filled animations and interactions. This series continues experimenting with genres successfully, blending Metroidvania elements with mining mechanics. The digging mechanic never gets old thanks to constant new upgrades and environmental challenges that keep excavation interesting throughout the adventure.
- Unique excavation gameplay with cozy, accessible difficulty
- Excellent upgrade system and charming steampunk aesthetic
- Less combat-focused than traditional Metroidvanias
- Shorter runtime than some entries on this list
Axiom Verge
Thomas Happ created a loving homage to Metroid that captures classic sci-fi atmosphere while introducing modern sensibilities. This indie gem takes you through bizarre alien environments filled with mysteries that slowly unravel as you explore. You traverse otherworldly landscapes that feel genuinely alien, with strange geometry and unsettling biological structures. Weapon variety exceeds most modern shooters, offering creative tools that serve both combat and puzzle-solving purposes. Transformation abilities solve environmental puzzles creatively, opening up new areas in unexpected ways. Glitch mechanics offer unique problem-solving opportunities that tie into both gameplay and narrative. Retro aesthetics intentionally recall the 8-bit era while implementing quality-of-life improvements that modern players expect. Boss encounters test skill and weapon knowledge, requiring you to experiment with your arsenal. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and cryptic dialogue that rewards attention to detail. Modern sensibilities enhance rather than replace the classic formula, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Secrets reward thorough exploration consistently throughout the expansive interconnected world.
- Faithful Metroid tribute with creative glitch mechanics
- Excellent weapon variety and atmospheric alien world
- Deliberately retro visuals may not appeal to all players
- Can feel obtuse occasionally without clear direction
TEVI
CreSpirit and GemaYue blended genres expertly to create this bullet hell Metroidvania that demands exceptional reflexes. Anime aesthetics dominate character designs beautifully, with vibrant colors and expressive animations bringing the world to life. Boss fights unleash projectile storms constantly, creating screen-filling chaos that seems impossible at first. Eventually, patterns become readable with practice as you learn enemy behaviors and develop strategies. Hundreds of upgrades create diverse builds, allowing you to customize your approach dramatically. Major abilities unlock new traversal options that reshape how you navigate the world. The experience feels utterly ridiculous yet perfectly balanced, walking the fine line between challenging and overwhelming. Combat evolves from panic to mastery as you internalize patterns and optimize your build. Modern fans will appreciate the 2020s polish with smooth performance and responsive controls. This represents bullet hell Metroidvania at peak performance, combining two demanding genres into something greater than the sum of its parts.
- Unique bullet hell combat with hundreds of upgrades
- Gorgeous character art and deep build customization
- Overwhelming initially with extremely challenging bosses
- Anime style is not universal in appeal
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
Bombservice perfected their pixel art formula with this entry where Koho priestess Momo journeys through demonic territories. Combat emphasizes combo chains and dodge-rolls, creating a rhythmic flow that rewards aggression and precise timing. Stunning pixel work defines every screen, with meticulous attention to detail in both character sprites and environmental art. The series began as freeware back in 2010, gradually evolving with each subsequent release improving upon predecessors. Moonlit Farewell represents the current pinnacle of the series, combining years of refinement into the most polished experience. Runtime remains reasonably compact without padding, respecting your time while delivering a complete adventure. Depth concentrates into focused gameplay loops that never overstay their welcome. Everything gets exactly the right amount of time to shine, from boss encounters to exploration segments. The game demonstrates that sometimes less is more when execution is this precise. This series deserves broader recognition for its consistent quality and artistic vision.
- Exquisite pixel art with excellent combat flow
- Perfect game loop pacing and dodge-roll focused gameplay
- Shorter runtime compared to other Metroidvanias
- Series continuity matters for full story appreciation
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Koji Igarashi successfully returned to his roots with this spiritual successor that the Castlevania assistant director crafted. Gothic camp permeates every monster design, embracing the dramatic aesthetic that made the Castlevania series beloved. Boss variety keeps encounters fresh throughout the extensive adventure, with each major enemy presenting unique challenges. Kickstarter funding enabled an ambitious scope that might not have been possible through traditional publishing. An 8-bit companion game exists separately for those who prefer retro aesthetics. Everything that worked in Symphony of the Night returns here, from exploration structure to progression systems. Modern conveniences enhance rather than dilute the formula, making it accessible while preserving depth. Similar to how cooperative RPG board games blend character progression with strategic gameplay, interesting monsters populate the castle thoroughly with creative designs. Equipment variety rivals classic entries, offering countless build possibilities. Genre veterans will feel right at home with familiar mechanics executed beautifully, while newcomers get an excellent introduction to Igavania design philosophy.
- True Castlevania successor with massive enemy variety
- Gothic aesthetic excellence and equipment depth
- Some technical issues at launch on certain platforms
- Less innovative mechanically compared to modern entries
Cave Story+
Daisuke Amaya labored alone on this masterpiece where the amnesiac robot soldier rescues intended targets in a touching narrative. The massive scope achieved by a solo developer remains astounding even years later, demonstrating incredible dedication. Backtracking stays minimal despite the enormous size, with smart world design keeping exploration fresh. The touching narrative drives exploration forward, providing emotional weight to your journey through floating islands. Room variety demonstrates incredible dedication with each area feeling distinct and purposeful. Puzzle diversity keeps challenges interesting without relying on frustrating trial-and-error. Originally released as freeware online, this passion project became beloved before the Plus version supported the creator financially. Old-school challenge never crosses into frustration thanks to fair design and responsive controls. This predates the modern Metroidvania boom, helping define what the genre could be. Its influence cannot be overstated, inspiring countless developers to pursue their own solo projects and pushing boundaries of what indie games could achieve.
- Touching story as an incredible solo achievement
- Perfect difficulty balance with massive scope
- Minimal fast travel can make backtracking tedious
- Dated visuals compared to modern releases
Touhou Luna Nights
Team Ladybug delivered another winner where time manipulation defines core gameplay mechanics. Freezing and slowing abilities solve environmental challenges while adding strategic depth to combat. Knowledge of the Touhou series isn’t required fortunately, making this accessible to newcomers unfamiliar with the source material. Pixel art animation flows incredibly smoothly with impressive attention to detail in character movements. Puzzle design extends beyond simple ability gates, requiring creative thinking and experimentation. The relatively short runtime stays focused throughout, never padding content unnecessarily. This team produces consistent Metroidvania excellence across their catalog, with BLADECHIMERA continuing their winning streak. Luna Nights deserves attention from genre enthusiasts who appreciate tight, polished experiences. Japanese-inspired aesthetics remain gorgeous throughout, from character designs to environmental art. The game proves that sometimes a focused, shorter experience can be more memorable than sprawling epics, delivering quality over quantity in every aspect.
- Smooth pixel animations with creative time mechanics
- Excellent puzzle design accessible to newcomers
- Shorter experience compared to other Metroidvanias
- Touhou references may confuse those unfamiliar with series
Laika: Aged Through Blood
Brainwashed Gang coined “motorvania” perfectly with this Western-inspired adventure starring a coyote mother. Motorcycle physics dominate traversal completely, requiring you to master momentum and balance. Mad Max aesthetics have a significant influence on world design, creating a harsh wasteland aesthetic. Slow-motion shooting recalls Max Payne brilliantly, letting you line up precise shots while airborne. The animation introduction hits emotionally hard, establishing stakes immediately. The soundtrack elevates already gripping atmosphere with haunting melodies and intense battle themes. Vengeance drives the narrative forward as you protect your family in a hostile world. Arcade fun balances emotional gut punches, creating tonal variety that keeps the experience engaging. Unique agility separates this from competitors who rely on standard platforming. The motorvania concept deserves more exploration as it opens up fresh gameplay possibilities. This demonstrates that innovation can come from unexpected combinations of mechanics.
- Unique motorcycle mechanics with emotional storytelling
- Excellent soundtrack and creative genre blend
- Motorcycle controls need adjustment and learning
- Western theme might not appeal to all players
Ultros
Hadoque created visual insanity with this cosmic uterus setting that defies easy description. Neon colors assault your retinas deliberately, creating a psychedelic experience unlike anything else. Bio-organic horror meets psychedelic dreamscapes in environments that feel genuinely alien. Black foreground creates striking contrast against vibrant backgrounds, making navigation distinctive. Combat delivers inventive pace consistently with unique mechanics tied to the surreal setting. Grotesque bosses match the surreal setting perfectly, each more bizarre than the last. Art direction competes for the genre’s best with its bold, uncompromising vision. The narrative embraces complete unhinged energy, refusing to explain everything explicitly. Core gameplay never falters despite weirdness, maintaining solid Metroidvania fundamentals beneath the wild presentation. Prismatic environments burn into memory with their vivid, dreamlike quality. This experience must be witnessed personally to be truly understood, as descriptions cannot capture the full impact. For those who appreciate experimental art, this pushes boundaries fearlessly.
- Unmatched art direction with inventive combat system
- Memorable boss designs and psychedelic atmosphere
- Extremely surreal presentation not for everyone aesthetically
- Narrative can confuse with its abstract storytelling
Iconoclasts
Joakim Sandberg crafted something special alone where Robin’s wrench solves most environmental puzzles. Boss fights showcase remarkable inventiveness with multi-phase encounters requiring different strategies. Darker narrative contrasts cheerful visuals, creating unexpected emotional moments. Multipurpose tools replace traditional ability unlocks, making progression feel more grounded. Inventory management drives puzzle solutions, encouraging experimentation with item combinations. The story receives more attention than typical Metroidvanias, with character development and plot twists. Much like exploring mysteries in cooperative dungeon crawler board games, combat takes a backseat to exploration and puzzle-solving here. Gorgeous sprite work demonstrates meticulous care with expressive character animations. Years of solo development show everywhere in the polished presentation and thoughtful design. The focus on tool usage feels refreshing compared to combat-heavy alternatives. This demonstrates that Metroidvanias can succeed without emphasizing combat, instead building identity around puzzles and narrative.
- Inventive boss encounters with creative tool mechanics
- Beautiful sprite art and strong narrative focus
- Less combat-focused than traditional entries
- Slower pacing may not suit all players
Yoku’s Island Express
Villa Gorilla attempted something audacious where this dung beetle postmaster uses pinball mechanics for traversal. Flippers integrate into traditional Metroidvania maps in ways that feel natural and creative. Building momentum replaces jumping entirely, requiring different spatial thinking. Studio Ghibli and Moomins inspired visuals create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The sunny island setting breaks genre conventions that typically favor darker tones. Getting pinball to work in this context represents a technical achievement that shouldn’t be understated. Atmospheric presentation recalls summer vacations with its bright colors and cheerful tone. Uniqueness carries the entire experience, as nothing else plays quite like this. This deserves recognition for pure innovation in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic. The genre needs more experimental entries like this that challenge assumptions about what Metroidvanias must include. This proves that conventions exist to be broken when developers have vision and execution.
- Completely unique pinball mechanics with gorgeous island setting
- Relaxing atmosphere and creative genre fusion
- Unusual controls initially require adjustment
- Less traditional combat and pinball won’t appeal to all
Final Thoughts on the Best Metroidvanias
These 20 Metroidvanias represent excellence across diverse styles. Combat-focused entries coexist with exploration-driven adventures. Some emphasize narrative while others prioritize mechanics. The genre continues evolving in unexpected directions.
Modern Metroidvanias experiment boldly with established formulas. Pinball mechanics, motorcycle physics, and bullet hell combat expand possibilities. Yet traditional entries still deliver satisfying experiences. Both innovation and refinement deserve celebration.
Whether you prefer challenging boss rushes or cozy exploration, this list offers a variety of options. Each title brings unique strengths to the table. The best Metroidvanias reward curiosity and persistence equally. These games prove the genre remains vibrant and essential.
