If you’ve ever wandered through a sprawling map, unlocked a double jump hours in, then backtracked to explore that one spot you couldn’t reach before, you already get the magic of a good Metroidvania.
This genre, inspired by the exploration and progression systems of classics like Metroid and Castlevania, has come a long way. What started with a few side-scrolling legends has exploded into a beloved space for deep world-building, satisfying upgrades, and clever level design that rewards curiosity.
Top 25 Best Metroidvania Games You Can Play Now
This list ranks what I believe are the best Metroidvania games of all time. Some are genre-defining landmarks, while others are hidden gems or modern masterpieces that brought fresh ideas to the formula. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan looking to revisit the greats, there’s something here worth diving into.
25. Iconoclasts (2017)
I honestly didn’t expect this one to hit me in the feels, but it does, especially in the last act. At first, Iconoclasts feels like a generic cartoon, but the more I played, the deeper it got. The puzzles are clever, the mechanics are tight, and it’s got one of the most emotionally layered stories I’ve seen in a pixel-art game.
24. Afterimage (2023)
Massive world. Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals. Afterimage feels like a dreamscape that’s trying to kill you at every turn. It starts gently but quickly asks for precision. Boss fights get intense, and the traversal becomes satisfying once I’m deep into the upgrades.
23. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight (2016)
It’s the kind of game you can knock out in a weekend, then find yourself thinking about it days later. Short but sharp. The pixel art is clean, the music has that melancholic edge, and the dodge-heavy combat keeps me on my toes. It doesn’t waste your time, tight design, great mood, and an unforgettable final stretch.
22. Infernax (2022)
Imagine a brutal NES game that evolved and became smarter. Infernax is all meat: heavy melee combat, actual choices that affect the world, and a splash of gore for good measure. You’ll screw up. You’ll laugh. You’ll keep going.
21. Blasphemous + Blasphemous 2 Bundle (2023)
It’s not just the grotesque religious art or the punishing boss fights; it’s how the game commits to its lore. Blasphemous is heavier than most games on this list, both in vibe and gameplay. The sequel smooths the rough edges and adds fluidity without losing that grim charm.
20. Islets (2022)
Islets feel warm and sincere. It’s not trying to be flashy, it’s just good at being good. The controls are tight, the characters are charming, and the world slowly clicks together like puzzle pieces. A perfect palate cleanser in between heavier titles.
19. Death’s Gambit: Afterlife (2021)
This one had a rough start, but Afterlife fixes nearly everything. It leans into Soulslike ideas, timed blocks, and sand tamina, but wraps it in a strange, poetic world full of lore. It’s moody, a bit janky at times, but worth pushing through.
18. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (2018)
This is pure, polished fun. It’s not just a Metroidvania, it’s also an old-school platformer wearing new clothes. Every form you unlock changes how you explore, and the game keeps surprising you with new tricks deep into the campaign.
17. Supraland (2019)
You’re a tiny guy in a sandbox world, and everything around you is one big physics toy. It’s more puzzle-heavy than combat-driven, but once your brain clicks with how Supraland thinks, it’s hard to stop. Feels like Portal and Zelda combined into one.
16. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019)
It’s the modern Symphony of the Night. You’ve got the gothic castle, the over-the-top powers, the weird enemies, and tons of secrets. It’s a little bloated, sure, but if you ever loved classic Igavania, this is your fix.
15. ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist (2024)
This one hits the same notes as Ender Lilies but tightens everything. The combat is fluid, the world has that lonely-but-beautiful vibe, and it doesn’t waste time. It rewards careful exploration and gives you tools that feel earned.
14. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (2014)
Shantae ditches her transformations for pirate gear, and honestly? It works. The game is tighter, more focused, and the dungeons feel handcrafted. It’s fun, funny, and full of charm without losing depth.
13. Axiom Verge (2015)
If Metroid were remixed by a gamer high on caffeine, you’d get Axiom Verge. Weapons are wild, glitches become tools, and the story dives into sci-fi madness. It can feel cold and clinical, but that’s part of the appeal.
12. Cave Story Plus (2017)
This one helped revive the genre. Tight shooting, a mysterious world, and some truly emotional turns depending on how deep you explore. It’s a classic for a reason, and the multiple endings give it serious replay value.
11. Dust: An Elysian Tail (2012)
Gorgeous visuals and surprisingly deep combat, all made by (mostly) one guy. It feels fast and fluid from the jump, and the RPG-lite upgrades add depth. Bonus points for the voice acting and anime-inspired story.
10. The Messenger (2018)
Starts as a linear ninja platformer, then flips into a time-hopping Metroidvania. The twist is genius. The dialogue is hilarious. The controls are buttery smooth. If you’re into movement-based games, this is a must.
9. Animal Well (2024)
No combat. Just you, the puzzles, and whatever’s watching you in the dark. Animal Well rewards curiosity like few games do. It’s small, dense, and incredibly satisfying once you start connecting the dots.
8. Guacamelee! 2 (2018)
It’s loud, colorful, and hilarious, but also one of the most technically demanding games on this list. Combat is a combo-heavy dance, and the movement tech makes platforming a blast. It respects your skill while never taking itself too seriously.
7. Dead Cells (2018)
More action than exploration, but the loop is addictive. Every run teaches you something, and the controls are sharp as hell. Pair that with the evolving map system, and it earns its spot here even if it’s a roguelite at heart.
6. SteamWorld Dig 2 (2017)
You’re digging down, upgrading your gear, uncovering secrets, and it never gets old. The pacing is near perfect; every 10 minutes, you’re stronger, smarter, and deeper underground. One of the cleanest Metroidvania loops out there.
5. The Swapper (2013)
Creepy. Atmospheric. Mind-bending. The clone-swapping mechanic isn’t just clever, it ties directly into the story. It’s more puzzle than platformer, but the way it all wraps together leaves a lasting impression.
4. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (2024)
Surprisingly tight platforming, slick combat, and that Ubisoft shine. The time powers keep traversal fresh, and the semi-open world makes you feel like you’re carving your path. Not just a reboot, it’s a statement.
3. Metroid Dread (2021)
Samus is at her most agile. Dread is fast, focused, and filled with tension. The E.M.M.I. chases get your heart racing, and the boss fights are peak Nintendo polish. It doesn’t hold your hand, and that’s why it rules.
2. Ori: The Collection (2021)
Two games, both gorgeous and emotionally loaded. The movement is like ballet, and the combat in Will of the Wisps is a huge leap forward. If you want a Metroidvania that feels like a playable animated film, this is it.
1. Hollow Knight (2017)
Still undefeated. Every area feels handcrafted, every boss a test of skill, and the lore is rich without being forced. It’s tough but fair, mysterious without being cryptic. The game that launched a thousand clones, and none have matched it yet.
Metroidvanias aren’t just about maps and mechanics; they’re about the thrill of discovery. Every one of these games invites you into a world that unfolds with each new ability, hidden path, and hard-earned shortcut. Whether it’s the haunting quiet of Hollow Knight or the slick precision of Metroid Dread, they all reward your curiosity and persistence. If even one game on this list pulls you into that addictive loop of exploring, unlocking, and mastering, then mission accomplished.
That’s all for our Best Metroidvania Games tier list. While you’re here, check out our Tier List category for more rankings and breakdowns like this one.
