10 Best Metroidvania Games – 2025

In this article, we celebrate the 10 best Metroidvania games that have defined and redefined the genre. From timeless classics that laid the foundation to modern masterpieces that push boundaries, these titles exemplify the essence of Metroidvania. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to these adventures, this curated list promises to guide you through some of the most immersive and meticulously crafted games available today in on particular order.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a hauntingly beautiful dark fantasy Metroidvania that invites players into a world shrouded in mystery and melancholy. You play as Lily, a young girl protected by cursed knights, navigating a kingdom devastated by a dark catastrophe. The game masterfully blends 2D platforming with a unique combat system where Lily’s spectral companions engage in battles, offering a fresh take on the genre. Its evocative black-and-white aesthetic and a piano-driven soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere that resonates deeply with fans of titles like Hollow Knight. While its sequel, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, is currently in early access and shows promise, Ender Lilies remains the definitive experience in this series for now.

Let’s cut to the chase: Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) isn’t just a sequel—it’s a masterclass in Metroidvania design, standing tall alongside giants like Hollow Knight. Building upon the foundation laid by 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest, this installment introduces a vibrant hub world, refined combat mechanics, and a suite of new abilities that enrich the gameplay experience. Complemented by Gareth Coker’s mesmerizing soundtrack, which elevates every moment, Will of the Wisps doesn’t merely follow in its predecessor’s footsteps—it carves its own path, solidifying its place as one of the genre’s finest achievements.​

Ori and the Will of the Wisps: A Masterpiece in Metroidvania Gaming.

Axiom Verge may not dazzle with cutting-edge graphics, but it masterfully channels the essence of Super Metroid, immersing players in a haunting alien world. Developed solely by Thomas Happ, this indie gem offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre.

Players control Trace, a scientist who awakens on the mysterious planet Sudra after a lab accident. Armed with the versatile Axiom Disruptor, Trace navigates a labyrinthine environment, uncovering secrets and battling grotesque creatures. The game introduces innovative abilities, such as glitching enemies and environments to reveal hidden paths, adding depth to exploration and puzzle-solving.

While some players have noted challenges with certain mechanics, like the grappling hook, the overall experience remains rewarding. The atmospheric soundtrack and intricate level design contribute to a compelling adventure that pays homage to its inspirations while carving out its own identity.

For fans of the genre, Axiom Verge stands as a testament to thoughtful game design, offering a modern yet nostalgic journey through a beautifully crafted alien landscape.​

Blasphemous 2 elevates the series to new heights, delivering a refined and immersive Metroidvania experience that both challenges and rewards players. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, this sequel introduces a host of enhancements that enrich gameplay and deepen the narrative.​

Enhanced Combat and Exploration

The game expands its arsenal with three distinct weapons, each offering unique combat styles and traversal abilities. This variety empowers players to tailor their approach to both battles and exploration, adding layers of strategy and personalization. The meticulously designed world is rich with secrets, encouraging thorough exploration and rewarding curiosity. ​

Stunning Visuals and Atmospheric Design

The pixel art in Blasphemous 2 is both grotesque and beautiful, creating a hauntingly atmospheric world. The environments are more vibrant and distinct, immersing players in a setting that is as captivating as it is unsettling. ​

Challenging Yet Rewarding Boss Encounters

Boss battles are a standout feature, offering intense and memorable challenges. Each encounter is meticulously crafted, requiring players to adapt and strategize, making victories deeply satisfying. ​

Refined Mechanics and Replayability

The game introduces light RPG elements, allowing for character customization and progression. This adds depth to the experience and enhances replayability, as players can experiment with different builds and strategies. ​

Conclusion

Blasphemous 2 is a masterfully crafted sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every way. With its refined combat, rich exploration, stunning visuals, and challenging boss encounters, it stands as a testament to thoughtful game design. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, Blasphemous 2 offers an unforgettable journey through a dark and beautiful world.

Dead Cells masterfully blends the exploration of Metroidvania titles with the high-stakes challenge of roguelikes, offering a gaming experience that’s both punishing and rewarding. Players navigate a sprawling, ever-changing castle, battling formidable foes and uncovering secrets in a quest for survival.

The game’s minimalist narrative doesn’t overshadow its core strengths: fluid combat and intricate level design. Each death serves as a learning experience, encouraging players to adapt and refine their strategies. The pixel art visuals and atmospheric soundtrack further immerse players in its dark, mysterious world. ​

Since its release, Dead Cells has garnered critical acclaim for its design and replayability, earning accolades such as Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2018. ​

For those seeking a challenging yet fair adventure that rewards skill and perseverance, Dead Cells is a standout title in the genre.

Carrion flips the script on traditional horror games by casting you as the amorphous creature, turning the tables on unsuspecting humans. Developed by Phobia Game Studio and published by Devolver Digital, this “reverse-horror” experience lets you unleash chaos in a secretive laboratory setting.​

As the creature, you navigate through a labyrinth of research facilities, vents, and tunnels, growing in size and power as you consume those who stand in your way. The fluid movement mechanics make traversal both swift and satisfying, allowing you to stalk and surprise your prey from any angle. The pixel art style, combined with a haunting soundtrack, creates an atmosphere that’s both grotesque and captivating. ​

While the game offers a unique perspective and empowering gameplay, some players have noted challenges with navigation due to the lack of a map system, occasionally leading to moments of disorientation. ​

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be the lurking terror in a horror story, Carrion provides a visceral and thrilling answer, making it a standout title for those seeking a fresh take on the genre.

Yoku’s Island Express offers a delightful twist on the Metroidvania genre by blending platforming with pinball mechanics. Players take on the role of Yoku, a charming dung beetle and newly appointed postmaster, who navigates the vibrant Mokumana Island by pushing a ball into strategically placed flippers throughout the environment. This innovative approach to movement replaces traditional jumping, requiring players to build momentum and skillfully use pinball elements to traverse the interconnected world.​

Developed by Villa Gorilla, the game showcases a stunningly atmospheric setting inspired by Studio Ghibli films and Tove Jansson’s Moomins, immersing players in a sunny island paradise filled with quirky characters and engaging quests. The seamless integration of pinball mechanics within a Metroidvania map is a remarkable achievement, providing a fresh and enjoyable experience for those seeking something different or in need of an island getaway.​

While the game has been praised for its unique gameplay and charming art style, some players have noted that backtracking can be a slow process, and quest guidance may be unclear at times. ​

Overall, Yoku’s Island Express stands out as a refreshing and inventive title that successfully combines genres, offering a memorable adventure for players of all ages.​

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth transports players into a mesmerizing 2D action-adventure, drawing clear inspiration from classics like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Developed by Team Ladybug and published by Playism, this title places you in the shoes of Deedlit, an elven warrior navigating a labyrinthine world filled with mysteries and dangers.​

Fluid Combat and Elemental Mechanics

The game’s combat system stands out for its fluidity and responsiveness. Deedlit wields a variety of weapons, from swords to bows, allowing for diverse combat styles. A unique feature is the ability to control elemental spirits of fire and wind, enabling players to solve puzzles and exploit enemy weaknesses by swapping between these elements. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to both exploration and combat, reminiscent of the polarity system found in games like Ikaruga.

Stunning Visuals and Atmospheric Design

The pixel art in Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is nothing short of exceptional. Each character and environment is meticulously crafted, bringing the world to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. The animation is particularly noteworthy, with smooth movements that enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Concise Adventure with Depth

While some players might find the game’s length shorter than other Metroidvanias, this brevity ensures a tightly woven experience without unnecessary padding. The level design encourages exploration, with interconnected rooms that reward curiosity. However, the narrative might feel a bit opaque, especially for those unfamiliar with the Record of Lodoss War series. Despite this, the engaging gameplay and atmospheric presentation make it a worthwhile journey for genre enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is a testament to how classic inspirations can be revitalized for modern audiences. Its blend of fluid combat, elemental mechanics, and stunning visuals offers a refreshing take on the Metroidvania genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Record of Lodoss War series or a newcomer seeking a polished action-adventure, this title is worth exploring.​

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown feels like a long-overdue breath of fresh air for Ubisoft’s classic franchise. It takes the Metroidvania formula and adds some really smart, modern twists—like the ability to snap in-game screenshots of collectibles or paths you can’t reach yet. It’s a small touch, but it makes backtracking way less of a chore and a lot more rewarding.

The combat here isn’t just flash; it’s surprisingly deep. You’ve got slick combos, satisfying counters, and time-bending abilities that let you pull off moves like air dashes or even drop interdimensional portals to outsmart enemies and puzzles. Every biome is thoughtfully crafted, begging you to explore every nook and cranny—and once you beat the game, a post-launch update throws in a set of brutal platforming challenges that’ll really test your skills.

Sadly, despite how good it is, word is Ubisoft disbanded the team after the game missed its sales targets. Honestly? That stings. The Lost Crown deserved so much better—especially when games with half the heart and polish keep getting more attention. Here’s hoping the industry wakes up and gives these kinds of games the love they’ve earned.

If we’re talking about modern Metroidvanias, Hollow Knight sits comfortably at the top—no arguments. It’s not just that it nails the genre’s core pillars: exploration, progression, tight combat, and platforming. It’s that Hollow Knight takes things so much further, to the point where you wonder if we should be calling these games “Hollow-likes” instead of Metroidvanias. If Metroid and Castlevania didn’t have decades of legacy, Hollow Knight might’ve reset the standard entirely.

Everything about it feels deliberate. The world of Hallownest is huge, but it never feels bloated or repetitive. Every new area reveals something unexpected—whether it’s a hauntingly beautiful biome, a boss fight that sticks with you, or a clever shortcut that makes you feel like a genius for finding it. The combat is crisp, platforming feels just right, and the charm system lets you customize your playstyle in a way that makes each run feel personal. Add to that the hand-drawn art, which oozes character, and a soundtrack that’s basically an emotional gut-punch, and you’ve got a game that’s been inspiring the genre ever since. Hollow Knight didn’t just raise the bar—it practically built a whole new one.

The Metroidvania genre continues to evolve, offering players a rich tapestry of experiences that blend exploration, combat, and storytelling. From the atmospheric depths of Hollow Knight to the innovative mechanics of Yoku’s Island Express, these games exemplify the genre’s diversity and enduring appeal. As we look forward to upcoming titles like Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist and Shadow Labyrinth, it’s clear that the spirit of Metroidvania remains vibrant, promising new adventures that challenge and captivate players. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to the genre, these games offer journeys worth undertaking, each with its unique charm and challenges