“Metroidvania” is a portmanteau of the names of two game series: Metroid and Castlevania. Metroidvania games are usually defined by nonlinear exploration in a platforming-heavy world. The genre often features certain hallmarks, like making your way through an unknown map, backtracking through said map, leveling up skills, and taking on difficult boss fights.
I rallied the rest of the crew here to list the best metroidvania games out there, and they delivered with passion. Many of these metroidvanias have really dramatic titles, and I’m here for it.
– Amanda Tien, Editor
19 of the Best Metroidvania Games Ever Made
In alphabetical order:
- Blasphemous 2
- Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
- Castlevania Dominus Collection
- Dead Cells
- Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
- Gigasword
- Hollow Knight
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Iconoclasts
- Metroid Dread
- Metroid Prime Remastered
- Nine Sols
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Pseudoregalia
- Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
- Tales of Kenzera: Zau
- Touhou Luna Nights
- Yoku’s Island Express
Blasphemous 2
I play a lot of metroidvanias, and in my opinion, Blasphemous 2 is one of the best metroidvania games in recent memory. It blends challenging combat with a deeply atmospheric world inspired by Spanish Catholic iconography. Developed by The Game Kitchen in 2023, the game improves on its predecessor in every way with inventive settings, including an upside-down castle made of candle wax. The intense difficulty and stunning art design elevate the experience, while fans of the original will appreciate the callbacks. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran of the Penitent One’s journey, this is a must-play.
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is an adorable metroidvania game that combines a rich Japanese mythology-themed world with tight platforming and combat mechanics. Debut developers Squid Shock Studios successfully released Bō in July 2024, despite the sudden shutdown of its publisher, Humble Games.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus shines with its vibrant, hand-drawn art style and a story that feels deeply personal and touching. The aerial combat (which is clearly inspired by Hollow Knight) is an addictive loop, offering a good variety of special weapons that make each encounter feel fresh. It’s a heartfelt journey that both metroidvania fans and those new to the genre will appreciate.
– Donovan Harrell
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $19.99
Castlevania Dominus Collection
Okay, this entry is kind of cheating for two reasons: A) It’s a collection of Nintendo DS games, not a single game, and B) I haven’t actually played one of the games in the collection (Order of Ecclesia) at all just yet. That said, Konami was truly cooking during the DS era with Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin (my personal favorite game in the franchise), both games that mechanically rival PlayStation 1 classic Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, often viewed as the progenitor of the metroidvania genre.
While light on actual DS-exclusive functions, DoS and PoR are some of the most consistently engaging handheld titles of their time, with both main stories containing multiple endings and an arsenal of possible weapons and abilities so broad that every player’s experience feels slightly different. Add in gorgeous world design, nail-biting boss battles, and plenty of platforming challenges, and you have not just one of the best collections of Castlevania games out there, but a series of must-plays for any fans of the metroidvania genre.
- Platforms: PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $24.99
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a triumph of both the metroidvania and the roguelike genres. Players take on the role of a guy with a flame for a head called The Prisoner who is trying to fight his way out of a diseased island through procedurally generated levels, acquiring new skills and items through runs.
Dead Cells tackles the intricacies of the metroidvania map experience by drawing players to inaccessible areas and unlockable abilities: small goals to build to bigger achievements. It’s a genuinely clever way to bring new players in and make them feel like they are growing and improving… especially since this game is incredibly difficult, even from the get-go. Luckily, it’s endlessly replayable.
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- MRSP: $24.99
Gigasword
Gigasword was an easy choice for my personal Game of the Year in 2025 because it’s absolutely one of the best metroidvania games I’ve ever played. In a genre full of classic tropes and overused mechanics, Gigasword introduces multiple new tricks to keep things feeling fresh.
The schtick at the center of our hero Ezra’s journey is that the massive human-sized blade he wields can be plunged into the ground at any moment to allow for greater mobility. Of course, that isn’t the only reason to rid yourself of the weight of the titular gigasword. Almost every puzzle (and there are many) cleverly utilizes Ezra’s abilities to their maximum potential. Planning and carefully devising strategies around how to manipulate your sword are the best parts of the game, but challenging bosses, creative platforming, and creepy bad guys around every corner make this a treat to play from start to finish.
While there’s plenty to sink your teeth into in the actual moment-to-moment gameplay, Gigasword is just as worthy of a playthrough because of its development story. Created by solo developer, Jack Breen (a.k.a. Studio Hybrid), this years-long passion project is a true triumph in an industry dominated by AAA studios and iconic franchises. Props to Jack for his vision and dedication in making a masterpiece!
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
- MRSP: $14.99
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
I’ve been banging the drum about the Ender series for years now. (Not that Ender series, though I do love me some Ender’s Game.) Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights was released in 2021 to shockingly little fanfare, despite being one of the best Hollow Knight follow-ups you’ll find.
The game pays homage to Team Cherry’s masterpiece with its gloomy aesthetic, somber soundtrack, and challenging bosses. The combat system feels more like Pokémon or Ni no Kuni, tasking players with collecting various spirits that they can then call into battle.
Despite falling under the radar, Ender Lilies received an equally compelling sequel in 2025. In myEnder Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist early access review, I found the new game just as endearing and gripping as its forebear. So, there you have it: one excellent metroidvania game, and one excellent follow-up, both playable and in totally real form. (Silksong would never.)
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $24.99
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight was Team Cherry’s debut title in 2017, stunning audiences by combining hand-drawn art with fresh, exciting aerial combat, all fueled by a haunting, beautiful world.
Hollow Knight was the first metroidvania game I played. I resisted it for a long time because metroidvanias aren’t really my thing, but I was inspired by our “backlog” challenge in 2022, so I finally gave it a shot.
I honestly suffered a lot while playing this game, but I was still absolutely entranced by the delicate storytelling and challenging action. In the end, I loved it so much that I ranked all 105 Hollow Knight characters (lol). Hollow Knight is a modern classic — regardless of genre — and it’s easy to see why.
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $14.99
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Nothing hits quite like a well-honed sequel. From Batman: Arkham City to Mass Effect 2, second iterations are often associated with richer worlds, deeper mechanics, and greater design risks. Unfortunately, in today’s gaming landscape, sequels often signal the will of sheepish investors rather than the will of the developers.
Hollow Knight: Silksong doesn’t suffer that problem. Developed by the three-man team that is Team Cherry, Silksong doesn’t have to play to what’s trendy. There are no pencil-pushers, no earnings calls, no forecasts or predatory monetization models. Instead, there’s but one thing: a commitment to excellence on behalf of both the developers and the players.
For seven years, Team Cherry shined Hollow Knight: Silksong to a sheen. While players agonized over the wait, they apparently had a blast. And that shows in every facet of the experience. From the acrobatic moveset of new protagonist Hornet, to the vast and wondrous world of Pharloom, to the tough-but-fair bosses and sublime soundtrack, Silksong bursts at the seams with character, whimsy, and design integrity.
Its initial hours may frustrate some (it certainly did me). Push through, however, and you’ll uncover an experience that is among the very best that metroidvania games have to offer.
– David Silbert
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
- MRSP: $19.99
Iconoclasts
More linear than the traditional metroidvania, Iconoclasts tells an engrossing tale of religion, family, and the inevitability of fate. Set in a world where all power is derived from a finite resource called Ivory, our main character Robin sets out to usurp the ruling classes and free people from religious control. As simple as that sounds, Iconoclasts (2018, developed by Konjak) loves to play with expectations; purposes become muddied, villains become allies, and allies become the worst bastards in gaming. (Ahem. Sorry about that. I’m still not over this game’s plot twists.)
Iconoclasts retains the standard “unlocking and backtracking” hook of your traditional -vania, but with more focus on its narrative and characters. If you’re interested more in storytelling than checking objects off a map, Iconoclasts may be for you. Just don’t expect a happy ending.
– Gary Wilson
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $19.99
Metroid Dread
While not the most impactful game in the series, MercurySteam’s 2021 banger Metroid Dread delivers on everything you could possibly want from the genre: labyrinthine world architecture, thoroughly engaging combat and exploration, and challenging, larger-than-life boss fights. What separates Dread from the pack, however, are its incredible atmospheric detail and its stealth-focused sections.
Unlike solid-but-forgettable copycats like David’s favorite game of all time, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Metroid Dread actually understands that a metroidvania isn’t just a set of easily copied mechanics and concepts; it’s an opportunity to present a sense of atmospheric loneliness within oppressive yet tantalizing environments. Every step through Dread’s world teems with creepiness and danger, yet I never wanted to leave. Every Metroid game aims for these kinds of vibes, but none nails that particular aspect quite as well as Dread.
– Sam Martinelli
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $59.99
Metroid Prime Remastered
Terrific as the metroidvania genre may be, it’s also tragically well-trodden. The format — explore, get upgrade, backtrack, repeat — is all but a prerequisite. Combat is one-note, often limited by the genre’s insistence on a 2D perspective. Repetition is also inevitable, whether you’re using a trusty power for the umpteenth time or revisiting environments that are seared into memory. Add up the pains, and many metroidvanias enrapture players in hour one only to ensnare them by hour 20.
Then there’s Metroid Prime. Developed by Retro Studios, the 2002 GameCube title dared to reinvent the genre its forebears helped engineer. In doing so, it became a classic.
Metroid Prime eschews so many of the issues that plagued past (and future) metroidvania games. Its world is vibrant, with gorgeous biomes you cannot help but get lost in. Its pacing is immaculate, generously doling out new upgrades that delight and never detract. Combat similarly thrills, with an emphasis on twitch-heavy shooting and terrific bosses. But all of that pales in comparison to the game’s crowning achievement: bringing Samus Aran into the third dimension.
Nearly 25 years later, Metroid Prime still hasn’t been topped in the world of 3D metroidvanias — and I doubt it ever will. The original GameCube game is hard to come by, and good luck finding it for Nintendo Wii now that the digital version no longer exists. If you own a Nintendo Switch, though, you’re in luck: Greatness is just 40 bucks away in the 2023 remaster.
– David Silbert
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Metroid Prime Remastered), Nintendo Wii (Metroid Prime Trilogy), Nintendo GameCube (original)
- MRSP: $39.99 (Remastered)
Nine Sols
Nine Sols (2023) is a brutal metroidvania that stands out thanks to its unique dao-punk setting and sharp anime/manga-inspired art style. Developed by Red Candle Games, this is a dark, challenging adventure that grips you from the start. The combat shines with a satisfying parry-based system that rewards precision and timing, and the enemy variety ensures you’re always staying on your toes. With its deep world-building and compelling atmosphere, Nine Sols delivers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for a challenge.
– Donovan Harrell
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Let’s get this out of the way: Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) is the greatest metroidvania game since Hollow Knight. Case closed. End of discussion. C’est fini, mesdames et messieurs.
The long-awaited sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest, Will of the Wisps had plenty to live up to within its own lineage, let alone within a crowded genre. Ori and the Will of the Wisps introduced some crucial new elements, including a bustling hub world, revamped combat mechanics, new powers and upgrades, and some of the finest music composer Gareth Coker has put to paper. The result isn’t just a sublime sequel, but one of the finest metroidvanias ever concocted.
A disclaimer: Despite Ori’s charms, developer Moon Studios has been outed as anything but. In a 2022 GamesBeat report, the studio was labeled by those within as an “oppressive” workplace ruled by fear and discrimination. It’s a very dark stain on an otherwise picturesque franchise.
– David Silbert
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
A return to form for the long-running Ubisoft franchise, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown charmed us with its sprawling world and smart additions to the metroidvania formula. Notably, the game allows players to capture in-game screenshots of out-of-reach upgrades, streamlining the inevitable backtracking.
The Lost Crown’s combat is surprisingly rich, with a myriad of combos with which to juggle enemies, evade attacks, and unleash devastating counters. Time-bending powers delight, ranging from the standard (an air dash) to the sublime (an interdimensional portal). Each biome is impeccably designed, inviting players to get lost. A post-game update even added a barrage of platforming challenges to test your mastery.
Unfortunately, a French report revealed that Ubisoft has disbanded the team behind the game due to missed sales targets. I am crushed. The Lost Crown was done dirty; meanwhile, hackneyed slop like Sam Martinelli’s Metroid Dread continues to plague the genre. Will we ever have justice in our industry?
– David Silbert
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
Pseudoregalia
In a world where AAAs now push upward of $80, there’s no better feeling than finding a great indie game on the cheap. Pseudoregalia, a bite-sized metroidvania from solo developer rittzler, takes that concept and pushes it to the absolute limit, offering a shockingly high-quality experience for cheaper than a McDonald’s Value Meal.
Equal parts The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario, Pseudoregalia tasks players with exploring the labyrinthine Castle Sansa in search of locked doors, keys, and various secrets. As the anthropomorphic bunny Sybil, you’ll hop, dash, and wall run your way around several biomes, each with its own platforming powers to bestow upon our heroine. One upgrade lets you kick off of walls, while another lets you turn a downward thrust into a pogo jump.
Much like Super Mario Odyssey or fan-favorite indie A Hat in Time, there’s an absurdly high ceiling to the platforming, making movement just as much of a reward as the items you’ll acquire along the way. Add in a dreamy retro aesthetic, optional time trials, and an absolute banger of a soundtrack, and Pseudoregalia is an unforgettable journey well worth its modest price tag.
– David Silbert
- Platforms: PC (via Steam and itch.io)
- MSRP: $5.99
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
If you’re a fan of classic metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, then you’ll find Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (2021) to be a perfect fit. Developed by Team Ladybug and published by Playism, the game follows Deedlit, an elven warrior who can control elemental spirits of fire and wind to solve puzzles and take on enemies. The game’s design draws heavy inspiration from Symphony of the Night, with its deep arsenal of weapons and exploration-based gameplay. It also has some slick sprite animation reminiscent of various Castlevania games. While the story felt a little opaque to me, especially since it’s a prequel to the ’90s anime Record of Lodoss War, the action and level design are more than enough to hook fans of the genre.
– Donovan Harrell
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $19.99
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is one of the most emotionally gripping video games, much less metroidvanias, that I’ve ever played. It’s a full exploration of grief, and the process of grieving, through the lens of African culture.
This is a game that needs to be experienced. Beyond the story, the combat is deeper than an initial glance would tell you. The ability to switch masks mid-attack sets you up for multiple combos, and it just flat-out feels good.
And, of course, like all good metroidvania games, Tales of Kenzera: Zau promotes and rewards exploration. Every collectible feels good to go after, and the challenge areas feel like a true (not cheap) test of your skills and what you’ve learned throughout the game. This is a worthwhile entry in a genre full of them.
Editor’s note: Despite the critical success of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, the studio has hit financial troubles and the staff has been put on redundancy until they can secure funding for their next game.
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $19.99
Touhou Luna Nights
This 2019 release from Team Ladybug is a fast-paced metroidvania that throws you into a world full of bullet-dodging action. Playing as a chibi maid with time-controlling powers, you get to freeze, rewind, and manipulate time to obliterate enemies with an absurd amount of throwing knives.
Touhou Luna Nights’ tight level design and puzzles make full use of these mechanics, and the adorable, chaotic Touhou aesthetic adds to the fun. It’s challenging, rewarding, and addictive — great for anyone looking to wreak kawaii havoc in style.
– Donovan Harrell
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $17.99
Yoku’s Island Express
Very different from the traditional metroidvania, Yoku’s Island Express fuses what you know about the genre with brand-new ideas. Released in 2018, this debut title by Villa Gorilla invites players to be a dung beetle who is the newly arrived postmaster on an island. You’ll collect items and abilities to unlock new areas of the map, backtrack your way across, and find treasures completely inaccessible at first — you know, the traditional stuff.
Where Island Express diverges is in its gameplay since, well, it’s pinball. Sort of. It’s definitely pinball, but environmental pinball: Flippers are hidden in bushes, boards take up flowing screens, there’s platforming, but it’s pinball. It’s a little weird! It’s also exceptionally charming and fun, with a whimsical tone that never wavers. Great for families as well!
– Gary Wilson
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $19.99
What’s Your Favorite Metroidvania Game?
Let us know in the comments!
Update history:
October 2024: Original list publication.
December 2025: This list was originally published in October 2024 as “13 Metroidvanias While Waiting (Forever?!) For Hollow Knight: Silksong to Come Out.” The editor shared a story of how she liked Hollow Knight and wanted to try other games like it while waiting for Silksong. Now that Silksong really has released (still amazing!), we have since edited the piece to be a list of the best metroidvania games, including both Hollow Knight and its sequel.
February 2026: We added Dead Cells, Gigasword, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Pseudoregalia. We also edited our blurb for Hollow Knight: Silksong.
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Amanda Tien (she/her or they) loves video games where she can pet dogs, solve mysteries, punch bad guys, play as a cool lady, and/or have a good cry. She started writing with The Punished Backlog in 2020 and became an Editor in 2022. Amanda also does a lot of the site's graphic designs and podcast editing. Amanda's work has been published in Unwinnable Monthly, Poets.org, Salt Hill Journal, Aster(ix) Journal, and more. She holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of Pittsburgh. Learn more about her writing, visual art, graphic design, and marketing work at www.amandatien.com.
Anthony is a huge Zelda fan, and a bigger Eagles and AEW fan. He's been gaming for 28 years and has no intention of stopping. Ocarina of Time is his personal GOAT. When he's not playing games, you can catch him talking about sports and wrestling.
David is the founder of The Punished Backlog. He has a problem finishing games he starts.
Just beat: Yakuza 0, Sleeping Dogs.
Working on: Demon Tides, Ys VIII.
Can't wait for: GTA VI.
Follow David on Twitter at @David_Silbert to keep up to date with all things The Punished Backlog.
Donovan is a lifelong gamer with a love for fast-paced, single-player action games—especially Devil May Cry, Metroidvanias, indies, and action RPGs. He’s also an “advanced scrub” at fighting games and will play just about anything fun. Donovan is passionate about seeing more diverse characters and creators in the industry—or at least better hair options for Black people. With over a decade in journalism, he joined The Punished Backlog in 2023 to write more about what he loves. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @dono_harrell.
Gary is a jack-of-all-trades video game enthusiast based in Boston, MA. A semi-professional fighting game player, even less professional Apex Legends player, and even less professional adult, he spends most of his time poking at strange indie gems and reading about the need for more diverse voices in gaming criticism. He invites anyone to recommend anything he's missed in the gaming world via Twitter or BlueSky, where he can found under the username @grtnpwrfl. When he isn't spending his time playing games, Gary is an avid New England Patriots fan and frequent hiker.
Sam has been playing video games since his earliest years and has been writing about them since 2016. He’s a big fan of Nintendo games and complaining about The Last of Us Part II. You either agree wholeheartedly with his opinions or despise them. There is no in between.
A lifelong New Yorker, Sam views gaming as far more than a silly little pastime, and hopes though critical analysis and in-depth reviews to better understand the medium's artistic merit.
Twitter: @sam_martinelli.
Zack has been hooked on games ever since his older brother taught him where to find the secret warp whistles in Mario Bros. 3. He has never felt more joy than when Yoshi congratulated him on getting 120 stars in Mario 64 or more sadness than when he played Kingdom Hearts 3 after waiting 14 years for it. Zack mails a letter to Nintendo every day asking them to bring back Chibi Robo and will gladly tell you all about why it’s one of the greatest games of all time. He was hoping that writing for the site would help him get through his backlog, but it actually just made it worse now that he’s hearing about so many more great hidden gems. Oops…
5 Comments
I cannot respect a best metroidvania games without hollow knight
Read the title!
You mispelled monsieurs. 0/10 review.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messieurs
Got myself some of them! Thanks for the list!