Another summer games news cycle has come and gone with no mention of Hollow Knight: Silksong. I am done holding on to hope; I officially dropped the game from my Fantasy Gaming League team.
Hollow Knight (2017) was Team Cherry’s debut title, stunning audiences by combining hand-drawn art with fresh, exciting aerial combat, all fueled by a haunting, beautiful story and world. But it’s been years since its sequel was first announced. In the void, developers have tried their hand at creating their own Metroidvania dream projects.
Metroidvania is a portmanteau of the names of two game series: Metroid and Castlevania. Metroidvania games are usually defined by nonlinear exploration in a platformer world. Hollow Knight took inspiration from the games that came before it, and recent releases have taken their own spin on what Team Cherry added to the genre.
Hollow Knight was the first Metroidvania I played. I loved it so much that I ranked all 105 Hollow Knight characters (lol), and I’ve been getting antsy waiting for its sequel. So, I asked the other writers on the site—what Metroidvanias should hungry players try while they wait, perhaps forever, for Hollow Knight: Silksong? They gave some great answers, and I’m excited to learn more. One thing’s for sure—many of these games have really dramatic titles, and I’m here for it.
– Amanda Tien, Editor
13 of the Best Metroidvanias of All Time
In alphabetical order:
- Blasphemous 2
- Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
- Castlevania Dominus Collection
- Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
- Iconoclasts
- Metroid Dread
- Nine Sols
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- 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 Metroidvanias 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 One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is an adorable Metroidvania that combines a rich Japanese mythology-themed world with tight platforming and combat mechanics. Debut developers Squid Shock Studios successfully released Bō earlier this year, 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 makes 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 PS1 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
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 is set to receive a sequel. In my Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist Review early access review, I found the new game just as endearing and gripping as its forebear. So, there you have it—one excellent Metroidvania, and one soon-to-be-excellent follow-up, both playable and in totally real form. (Silksong would never.)
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MRSP: $24.99
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.
- 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
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 One, Xbox Series X/S, 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 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 One, Xbox Series X/S, 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 One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
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 One, Xbox Series X/S, 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 Metroidvanias, 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!
