5 Best Metroidvania Games That Will Keep You Hooked

In the vast realm of video games, a subgenre known as Metroidvania has captivated players with its captivating blend of exploration, action, and puzzle-solving. These immersive games take their name from two iconic franchises: Metroid, a seminal side-scrolling masterpiece, and Castlevania, a gothic horror series known for its labyrinthine levels and formidable bosses. Metroidvanias inherit the best qualities of both worlds, offering intricate and interconnected environments brimming with secrets, challenges, and a tantalizing sense of progression.

Unlike traditional linear games, Metroidvanias empower players with the freedom to chart their own exploratory path. The world unfolds gradually as players acquire new abilities and upgrades, unlocking previously inaccessible areas and revealing hidden treasures. This organic gameplay fosters a sense of discovery and accomplishment, as players piece together the fragmented narrative and uncover the mysteries that lie within each sprawling world. The intricate web of interconnected levels seamlessly intertwines, encouraging exploration and strategic navigation.

Metroidvanias also excel in their combat mechanics, which offer a delicate balance between skill and timing. Players engage in exhilarating battles against formidable foes, learning their patterns and exploiting their weaknesses to emerge victorious. The variety of enemies and boss encounters ensures that every combat scenario presents a unique challenge, testing the player’s reflexes and adaptability. The fusion of exploration and combat in Metroidvanias creates a captivating and rewarding experience that keeps players engaged from beginning to end.

The Evolution of Metroidvania

### Origins: Metroid and Castlevania

The term “Metroidvania” is a portmanteau of the titles Metroid (1986) and Castlevania (1986), two pioneering games that laid the foundation for the genre. Metroid introduced the concept of interconnected environments, hidden secrets, and a focus on exploration. Castlevania, on the other hand, brought combat-heavy gameplay, platforming elements, and a gothic aesthetic. These elements combined to create a unique gameplay experience that emphasized exploration, discovery, and skill-based progression.

By blending elements from both games, Metroidvania emerged as a distinct genre in the 1990s with titles like Super Metroid (1994) and Symphony of the Night (1997). These games refined the formula, introducing new mechanics, larger worlds, and more complex puzzles. The Metroidvania genre has since evolved significantly, incorporating elements from other genres such as action-RPGs and roguelikes, while also expanding into different settings and themes.

Game	Year
Metroid	1986
Castlevania	1986
Super Metroid	1994
Symphony of the Night	1997

The Best Metroidvania Games of All Time

3. Hollow Knight

Out of all the games on this list, Hollow Knight is probably the one that most thoroughly encapsulates the ideals of Metroidvania as a genre. In Hollow Knight, you play as a nameless knight who traverses the enigmatic and sprawling kingdom of Hallownest, fighting enemies, uncovering secrets, and unlocking new abilities. The game’s world is incredibly detailed and atmospheric, with a rich history and lore that is waiting to be discovered. The combat is challenging but fair, with a variety of weapons and abilities to choose from. And the game’s soundtrack is one of the best in gaming, with haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that perfectly complement the game’s world.

What really sets Hollow Knight apart from other Metroidvanias, however, is its focus on exploration and discovery. The game’s world is absolutely massive, with dozens of areas to explore and hundreds of secrets to find. You can easily spend hours just wandering around Hallownest, uncovering new pathways and finding hidden treasures. And the game’s world is so well-designed that it’s easy to get lost in it, in a good way. You’ll constantly be discovering new things, and you’ll never really feel like you’ve seen everything the game has to offer.

Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of Metroidvania design. It’s a game that is both challenging and rewarding, with a world that is both beautiful and haunting. If you’re a fan of Metroidvanias, or if you’re just looking for a great game to play, then Hollow Knight is an absolute must-play.

Key Features

Feature
Stunning hand-drawn art
Vast and interconnected world
Challenging and rewarding combat
Haunting and atmospheric soundtrack
Rich lore and history

How to Design a Metroidvania

1. Define Your Setting and Core Gameplay

Create a distinct world and gameplay foundation, establishing the player’s abilities, goals, and the challenges they face.

2. Craft an Interconnected World Map

Design a seamless map that encourages exploration and allows for backtracking. Hide secrets, connect different areas, and provide clear visual cues to guide players.

3. Integrate Ability-Gating Mechanics

Introduce new abilities that unlock access to previously inaccessible areas and obstacles. This progression system creates a sense of achievement and keeps players engaged.

4. Design Challenging and Diverse Bosses

Create unique boss encounters that test players’ skills and abilities. Vary their attack patterns, abilities, and weaknesses to provide a satisfying challenge.

5. Create a Rich and Immersive Atmosphere

Establish a strong atmosphere through environmental storytelling, character development, and sound design. Introduce environmental hazards, ambient sounds, and non-player characters to enhance the player’s immersion and emotional engagement. Consider the following aspects to create a memorable atmosphere:

Aspect	Details
Environmental Storytelling	Convey the world’s history, secrets, and events through environmental cues and visual details.
Character Development	Create relatable and memorable characters that drive the narrative and interact with the player.
Sound Design	Immerse players in the world with ambient sounds, music, and sound effects that enhance the atmosphere.
Environmental Hazards	Introduce environmental hazards that create challenges, add variety, and encourage exploration.
Non-Player Characters	Populate the world with NPCs that provide information, offer quests, or create social interactions.

The Best Metroidvania Games for Beginners

Metroidvania games are a popular subgenre of action-adventure games that combine elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. They are typically set in large, interconnected worlds that players must navigate using a variety of abilities and items. Metroidvania games have been around for decades, and there are many great options to choose from. Here are a few of the best Metroidvania games for beginners.

Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge is a beautiful and atmospheric Metroidvania game with a deep and engaging story. The game features a unique art style that is inspired by classic 16-bit games, and the soundtrack is also excellent. Axiom Verge is a great choice for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn, but it also offers a lot of depth and challenge for experienced players.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a critically acclaimed Metroidvania game that is known for its beautiful art, challenging combat, and expansive world. The game features a cast of memorable characters, and the story is full of twists and turns. Hollow Knight is a bit more difficult than some of the other Metroidvania games on this list, but it is still a great choice for beginners who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is a gorgeous Metroidvania game with a heartwarming story and stunning visuals. The game features a unique art style that is inspired by Studio Ghibli films, and the soundtrack is also excellent. Ori and the Blind Forest is a great choice for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn, but it also offers a lot of replay value for experienced players.

Super Metroid

Super Metroid is a classic Metroidvania game that is still considered one of the best in the genre. The game features a large and interconnected world, challenging combat, and a memorable story. Super Metroid is a great choice for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn, but it also offers a lot of depth and challenge for experienced players.

Symphony of the Night

Symphony of the Night is another classic Metroidvania game that is known for its beautiful art, challenging combat, and expansive world. The game features a cast of memorable characters, and the story is full of twists and turns. Symphony of the Night is a bit more difficult than some of the other Metroidvania games on this list, but it is still a great choice for beginners who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Undertale

Undertale is a unique and innovative Metroidvania game that combines elements of RPGs and bullet hell shooters. The game features a cast of memorable characters, and the story is full of humor and heart. Undertale is a great choice for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn, but it also offers a lot of depth and challenge for experienced players.

Axiom Verge 2

Axiom Verge 2 is an impressive Metroidvania game that takes the beloved 16-bit aesthetics of its predecessor and elevates them to the next level. With a sprawling, interconnected world, challenging bosses, and a gripping narrative, Axiom Verge 2 is a must-play for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread is the latest installment in the Metroid franchise, and it’s a perfect introduction to the series for newcomers. The game features a vast, labyrinthine world to explore, with plenty of secrets and challenges to discover. The combat is fluid and fast-paced, with a focus on melee attacks and a variety of power-ups to collect.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a stunning and emotional Metroidvania that builds on the strengths of its predecessor. The game features beautiful visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and a gripping story. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, with a variety of abilities to master and a diverse range of enemies to face.

The Best Metroidvania Games for Hardcore Gamers

### 9. Hollow Knight: Silksong (2023)

Hollow Knight’s highly anticipated sequel is set to expand the original’s world and include a new cast of characters. Players will take control of Hornet, a nimble and deadly warrior, as she embarks on a journey to confront an ancient evil. With its stunning visuals, challenging combat, and intricate level design, Hollow Knight: Silksong promises to be a must-play for metroidvania enthusiasts.

### Features:
* Massive, interconnected world
* Fast-paced and fluid movement
* Challenging and rewarding boss battles
* Gorgeous pixel art visuals
* Deep and engrossing story

### Release Date:
* February 14, 2023

Name	Developer	Release Year
Hollow Knight: Silksong	Team Cherry	2023

The Best Metroidvania Games for Nintendo Switch

1. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is an exceptional Metroidvania that captivates with its intricate world, challenging combat, and enchanting atmosphere. Featuring a vast interconnected map, Metroidvania veterans will delight in exploring its hidden paths and unlocking its secrets.

2. Super Metroid

The classic Super Metroid remains a pinnacle of the genre. With its expansive world, fluid controls, and iconic power-ups, it set the standard for future Metroidvania games. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate players.

3. Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning Metroidvania that features a touching story, captivating platforming, and enchanting music. Its fluid movement and vibrant world make it a joy to play.

4. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment offers a unique twist on the genre, starring Shovel Knight’s rival, Specter Knight. Its focused level design and challenging boss fights make for an exhilarating experience.

5. Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts is an indie Metroidvania that showcases impressive pixel art and an engaging narrative. Its combat system combines fast-paced platforming with puzzle-solving, creating a unique and rewarding experience.

6. Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is a colorful and comical Metroidvania that infuses platforming with Mexican folklore. Its intuitive combat and co-op mode add to its charm.

7. Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge is a retro-inspired Metroidvania that evokes the classics while introducing innovative elements. Its mysterious world and challenging gameplay create an immersive and rewarding experience.

8. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Featuring a sprawling castle, diverse enemies, and a deep crafting system, it delivers a satisfying Metroidvania experience.

9. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a pixel-art Metroidvania that offers a haunting world, challenging combat, and a gripping storyline. Its minimalistic yet effective gameplay creates a captivating experience.

10. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the breathtaking sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. With its expanded world, stunning visuals, and enchanting soundtrack, it elevates the Metroidvania genre to new heights. Its intricate world, challenging encounters, and emotional storytelling make it a masterpiece.

The Best Metroidvania

Metroidvania is a subgenre of action-adventure video games that combines elements of the Metroid and Castlevania series. These games typically feature a large, interconnected world that the player can explore at their own pace. Metroidvanias often require the player to backtrack to previously visited areas in order to progress, and they typically feature a variety of puzzles and platforming challenges. Some of the best Metroidvanias include:

Super Metroid
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Hollow Knight
Ori and the Blind Forest
Axiom Verge

These games are all critically acclaimed and offer a unique and challenging experience. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you should definitely check out one of these Metroidvanias.