The Best Metroidvania Games Of All Time

While some genres have been around from the start of video games as a hobby, others have built off games of the past to make genres of their own. One such genre that has steadily taken form is that of the Metroidvania, which is named after two early games that helped build the genre of action-packed side-scrollers.

There is a wide world of Metroidvanias, and the roster keeps growing. Knowing this, it can be difficult to pick which of them to spend your time with. So, here are the best Metroidvanias currently available.

Updated May 7, 2025, by Zackary Wiggs: Metroidvanias are just one of the many subgenres that have come up in gaming that have grown into their own full-fledged genre, taking up more and more space and making more an more fans. While every game has their own take on it, they share many of the things in common with Castlevania and Metroid, the two parts of the naming convention for the genre as a whole. As more Metroidvanias come out, more earn their stripes as powerhouses of the genre. Whether it’s the unique world of F.I.S.T., the casual nature of Islets, or just the JRPG-like action of Muramasa, there are some great games to play in the genre, whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started.

17

Nine Sols

Metroid Meets Myth

One of the ways a Metroidvania can stand out as the genre expands is by using different art styles and themes to etch out their own section. Nine Sols does just that, with a story, art style, and overall concepts that you don’t get to see in many other Metroidvanias.

A classic 2D approach mixed with a storyline and themes that are inspired by East-Asian mythology means you probably haven’t seen something like this before. As you move around the world as Yi, you get to experience a world vivid in its contrasts, not only in color pallets, but also in the mix of old mythology and futurism.

There is also a prequel manga, if you are interested in the story and world as a whole.

16

Muramasa: The Demon Blade

A Fictional Retelling

Another 2D side-scroller, Muramasa: The Demon Blade does just enough to help it stand out from its competitors, but not too much to alienate itself from Metroidvania diehards. It’s easy to jump into from the get-go, but the story and JRPG elements make you want to explore more and more of the world.

Inspired by Japanese mythology, Muramasa takes you to a fictional version of Honshu island in the Edo period, albeit with many more monsters to contend with. The combat and visuals can be complex and hectic at times, despite the simpler art style. But, it doesn’t throw you in blind. Plus, you get to try your hand at cooking meals for your protagonists as a way to heal them, which is a nice break from the combat.

15

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch

Biomechanical Anthropomorphic Rabbits

With a name like that, you know it has to be unique. F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch compounds that with a dynamic cyberpunk-inspired world, and a protagonist that is a bioengineered rabbit with a giant mechanical arm. If that isn’t a pitch for a game…

The game takes place long after a war between anthropomorphic animals and a robotic legion. The world is now a dark place and many of your former allies are gone or locked away. Taking back up your mantle as a soldier (mantle meaning giant robot arm), you fight the good fight against the rule of the robots. It’s a fun concept, backed up by some sharp combat, and surprisingly well-done graphics for a Metroidvania.

14

Islets

A Cute Take On A Classic

Not every Metroidvania game has to be rim and horrifying, although with classics like Castlevania it’s easy to see how that became a staple for the genre. Islets takes a simpler, and rather cute approach to the Metroidvania craze, and does it well.

As Iko you’ll move across the various islands of your home and try to save the world. It’s a concept done often, but not with such a fun array of characters, interesting enemies, and a surprisingly fun art style. Lush forests and skeleton creatures make way for characters that are simply adorable. It’s a great Metroidvania that doesn’t pose too much of a challenge, but it isn’t a bore either.

13

Supraland

FPS Meets Metroidvania

Supraland is a game that really pushes the boundaries of the genres it finds itself in. It’s a Metroidvania, but one that doesn’t follow the side-scrolling ideals of the games that paved the way for it.

There’s a childish nature to the game thanks to the setting, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun for adults to get into it. It’s an interesting mix of tense combat, puzzle-solving, and a bit of platforming here and there. No game fits between genres so easily as Supraland does.

12

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

A Metroidvania That Pops Out At You

Using a mix of 2D and 3D art styles, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night takes the gothic elements of Castlevania and adds some parts from classic facets of JRPG games for good measure. Taking control of the cursed orphan Miriam is an unexpectedly tough fight as you wander through a castle chock-full of monsters.

While it isn’t as fast-moving as some of the other games on this list, the monster design and standout plot more than make up for it. It may not be the sharpest of the games out there, but it has a lot of heart and is still well worth your time.

11

Axiom Verge

The Aliens Invade

When playing Axiom Verge, you can see the direct results of the Metroid series’ influence, and that’s definitely a good thing. Simplified graphics, a classic side-scrolling gameplay format, and your not-so-everyday alien invasion all mix into a game that feels like a blast from the past.

There’s something so cool but so grim about seeing the pixelated landscape of the game transformed by the horrific aliens you were sent to destroy. If you want to go back to a game that understands the classic format, then this is the game for you.

10

Ori And The Blind Forest

A Softer Look At The Genre

This is a beautiful and often lighthearted Metroidvania, which can be a hard mix to come by with the often-violent gameplay you often see. Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that separates itself from the competition.

It’s a balance between classic game tropes like a lost orphan and a magical forest and new ideals in the genre like a semi-2D art style and a focus on less combat and more adventure. If you want a more narrative side to your Metroidvanias, then Ori will have you feeling all types of emotions.

9

Guacamelee

Get Ready To Rumble

A brawling Metroidvania that builds off Hispanic roots, Guacamelee is a fun and bright foray into the genre that’s great for new and old fans of Metroidvania games. Become the legendary wrestler of your dreams, and maybe save the daughter of El Presidente along the way.

There’s a fun mix of fighting, supernatural elements, and an art style that really makes the game its own thing. There’s plenty of different levels and challenges to keep you busy, plus some DLC that brings even more fighters into the ring.

8

Rain World

Dreary, But Fun

Playing as a slugcat and trying to survive may not sound like the most noble or exciting quest out there, but you’d be quite surprised with all the places Rain World will take you in a short time.

It’s surprisingly beautiful at times, as it works with a limited and waterlogged color palette, and has some pretty simple graphics. But, as you follow through the life of your own slugcat, learning, hunting, and surviving, you’ll get such a profound sense of exactly where you land in the food chain in Rain World.