Home Articles 10 best Metroidvania games of all time: Top titles to explore in 2026

10 best Metroidvania games of all time: Top titles to explore in 2026

Em Stonham Senior Content Writer

Updated on

August 27, 2025

The Metroidvania genre is somewhat divisive in the gaming world – you either love them or hate them. They can be brutal and unforgiving at times, but if you steer clear of the genre, you’ll miss out on some of the best stories and artwork in the gaming world.

To help you pad out your game library with the best Metroidvania games around, here’s a top 10 list. Ranked in no particular order, you’ll find a blend of old-school classics, modern gems, and indie darlings, all with exceptional gameplay and boss battles.

10 best Metroidvanias of all time

Originating as a blend of Castlevania and Metroid-inspired gameplay, the Metroidvania genre is most commonly associated with 2D, side-scrolling platformers with rich lore, pixel art, and tricky boss battles.

This doesn’t always apply, nowadays – there are bags of incredible 3D Metroidvanias or titles with beautifully realistic art, for example – but it’ll fit the bill for most titles you’ll see while window-shopping and looking for the best Metroidvania games on Steam.

10. Super Metroid (1994)

Super Metroid gameplay screenshot with Samus fighting in a mechanical chamber. — This game is a must-play for any Metroidvania nerd. Image credit: Nintendo

Deciding on the best Metroid game is a near-impossible task, but Super Metroid is one of the most popular suggestions from the community – and with good reason. This game is a prime example of Metroidvania gameplay before the subgenre was even officially named, offering an unbelievably vibrant world to explore, paired with stellar movement.

The game was initially released in 1994, but it’s popped up on the Nintendo Switch Classics service in more recent years, standing out as one of the best Metroidvania games on Switch if you can forgive the controls for being a little clunky.

9. Castlevania Dominus Collection (2024)

Castlevania gameplay screenshot with Soma fighting a large blue boss creature. — This collection features three gems. Image credit: KONAMI

Is it cheating to include a collection in a best Metroidvania games 2025 round-up? Possibly, but it’d be a crime not to have more than one Castlevania game in the list. It’s a legendary series, and the Dominus Collection is one of the best ways to sink your fangs into the franchise on modern platforms.

While Castlevania: Symphony of Souls is widely considered to be one of the best Castlevania games, it’s not the easiest to get your hands on. The Dominus Collection includes three classic Castlevania titles (Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia) along with a redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade title.

8. Nine Sols (2024)

Nine Sols gameplay with a character attacking an enemy in a side-scrolling scene. — The art style for Nine Sols is beautiful. Image credit: RedCandleGames

Offering a strikingly different aesthetic to most of the Metroidvania titles on the market, Nine Sols is a dreamy, action-packed gem. It’s an action-platformer with Soulslike and Metroidvania elements, taking inspiration from Sekiro with its brutal, technical combat.

Nine Sols is one of the best Metroidvania games on PS5, and it’s also available on PS4, Windows, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. It’s a delightful experience that rewards patience and precision, and the story is best in class, too.

7. Blasphemous 2 (2023)

Blasphemous 2 gameplay with the Penitent One battling an enemy in a dark hall. — The Blasphemous series is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Image credit: The Game Kitchen/Team17

If you’re on a quest to find the best Metroidvania games of all time, chances are that you’ll run into a fair few Soulslike games along the way. The two genres blend perfectly together, and there’s no better example of this than Blasphemous 2. It’s a diamond of a game, but it’ll push even the most seasoned of players to their limits.

Offering an elegant elaboration on the first game’s successes, Blasphemous 2 is a mesmerizingly difficult Metroidvania with a ridiculous roster of bosses. It’s available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows, and Nintendo Switch.

6. Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights (2021)

Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights gameplay at a candlelit respite point. — The atmosphere in this game is second to none. Image credit: Live Wire/Adglobe/Binary Haze Interactive

Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights is one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox by a mile. It’s rich and atmospheric, with challenging Soulslike combat that adds an edge to the detailed narrative.

You can pick up Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and PS4. It’s the perfect pick for Metroidvania lovers who prefer titles in the dark fantasy subgenre – it’s got everything from knights to ancient churches.

5. Metroid Dread (2021)

Metroid Dread gameplay with Samus firing at an enemy in a dark sci-fi environment. — Metroid Dread is a polished entry in the classic series. Image credit: Nintendo

The older Metroid games are all worth playing if you can get your hands on them, but don’t leave the newer entries off your list. Metroid Dread offers a glorious sci-fi Metroidvania experience, featuring everything from stealth tests to challenging bosses.

Metroid Dread is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. It’s one of the best Metroidvania gems on the eShop, especially if you’re a fan of newer titles that have a classic-inspired aesthetic.

4. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus gameplay with a masked boss face and floating enemies. — Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is heavily inspired by Japanese folklore. Image credit: Squid Shock Studios/Humble Games

One of the best new Metroidvania games to debut in recent years is Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. This atmospheric gem combines creative level design, beautiful artwork, and gameplay that requires pinpoint accuracy, resulting in a must-play for Metroidvania lovers.

It’s available on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. If you’re a fan of Ori and the Blind Forest or Nine Sols and haven’t played Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus yet, you’re missing out on a potential favorite.

3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Ori and the Will of the Wisps gameplay with glowing purple energy barriers in a cave. — The Ori series is known for its whimsical style. Image credit: Moon Studios GmbH/Xbox Game Studios

Both of the Ori games are essential titles for any Metroidvania or platformer fan, but Will of the Wisps just about takes the crown from its predecessor. Ori and the Blind Forest is still worth playing, though.

The easiest way to describe Ori and the Will of the Wisps is magical – it’s a piece of artistic genius, with plenty of challenges and a surprisingly emotional story. It’s one of the best Metroidvania games on PC, and it’s also available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.

2. Hollow Knight (2017)

Hollow Knight gameplay with the Knight battling enemies in a glowing cavern. — Hollow Knight is an undeniable masterpiece. Image credit: Team Cherry

Would it really be a Metroidvania list if Hollow Knight wasn’t on here? Team Cherry’s magnum opus is charming and whimsical, yet it’s utterly brutal in places, too. It’s also got a stellar narrative if you dig into the world design and dialogue.

With intricate levels, rich story, and immaculate character design, it’s a must-play for any fans of the genre – especially with Silksong on the way. You can pick up Hollow Knight on Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, and PS4.

1. Blasphemous (2019)

Blasphemous gameplay with the Penitent One fighting enemies in a dark dungeon. — Blasphemous is punishing but incredibly fun. Image credit: The Game Kitchen/Team17

Blasphemous is equal parts Soulslike and Metroidvania. It’s deliciously difficult, with an ornate art style and pristine sound design to help sell the challenging boss fights. If you’re a fan of Metroidvanias that don’t hold your hand, pick up this title.

Blasphemous is surprisingly one of the best mobile Metroidvania games – it doesn’t appear to be a good fit for mobile at first glance, but it works well. It’s available on Android and iOS, as well as Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Linux, Xbox One, and PS4.

FAQs

Are there any good free Metroidvanias?

The Metroidvania genre isn’t swimming with top-tier free titles, but there are a few exceptions to this rule. The best free Metroidvania games can be found on Steam, including Ascent DX and Rogue Worlds, the latter being a demo version of Aura of Worlds.

What should be my first Metroidvania?

Games like Ori and the Blind Forest or Animal Well are great options for a first-time Metroidvania experience. They’re still difficult in sections, but the controls are intuitive, and they’re not nearly as unforgiving as something like Blasphemous or Nine Sols.

What qualifies as a Metroidvania?

Generally, Metroidvanias can be classed as non-linear action-adventure titles that combine difficult boss fights and precision platforming gameplay. They also often require players to backtrack and unlock secret areas or gain new abilities. While the bulk of Metroidvanias tend to be side-scrolling 2D titles, there are still plenty of 3D or top-down games in the genre.

Which game invented Metroidvania?

Metroidvania is a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania, the two legendary franchises that led to the creation of the subgenre. Both were so deeply influential that they led to an influx of games with the traits that are now associated with Metroidvanias, e.g., side-scrolling platforming, non-linear worlds, and difficult bosses.

Why is it called Metroid?

In the lore, the series title Metroid originates from the Chozo naming a jellyfish-esque species of creatures that can be found at the source of some crucial in-game conflicts.