Sidescroller classics like Metroid and Castlevania have defined their own genre by offering the perfect mix of intense combat and far-reaching level exploration. Check out our ranking of the best Metroidvania games to see which titles follow this popular recipe par excellence and have taken it to the next level.
Metroidvanias have something nostalgic about them, as they often appear in 2D and also like to have a retro look. Nevertheless, the technical progress in game design is pleasantly noticeable, especially in the newer titles: smooth animations, high frame rates, and beautifully lit 2.5D graphics that give the game visual depth. The whole thing is topped by immersive-emotional storytelling. In the following, we would like to present our Top five candidates for the best Metroidvania games.
5. Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge’s story is comparable to that of Super Metroid. However, that doesn’t mean that this game doesn’t have anything independent and new to offer. For example, you’ll have a huge variety of different weapons available when solving the many puzzles, or you’ll be able to transform into some sort of alien mite. Thus, this title makes use of the benefits of a classic while offering a new, involving gameplay. An excellent title for fans of challenges and retro styles.

You can play the game on Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PlayStation Vita, Linus, Mac, and PC. Get it for PC via Steam.
4. Hollow Knight
Immerse yourself in the touching story of Hollow Knight, which is not only beautifully designed through elaborate animations but also challenging. Although you’ll encounter intense fights, the true greatness of this 2.5 D sidescroller is in the exploration of the world around you. This is extremely well-designed and opens up in a miraculous way as the game progresses. All of this is topped by a wonderful soundtrack that perfectly underscores the atmosphere and moods and gets far under your skin. Uncover numerous clues to find out what really happened and put all the puzzle pieces together in one of the best Metroidvania games.

Hollow Knight is available for Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Mac, and you can purchase it for PC via Steam.
3. Blasphemous
When you think of Metroidvania games, you probably don’t have the Spanish Inquisition in mind. In Blasphemous, you’ll live through this historical chapter of the Catholic Church, which may provide both fascination and shock. In addition to a library that offers a lot of information about the time, combat should not be neglected either. So, of course, you can expect many remarkable and very beautifully designed fighting moments, which are also brutally challenging. Some players refer to this game as 2D Souls-like, which probably stems from the dark Gothic-looking setting. A sidescroller of the historical kind embedded in wonderful 2D graphics. But please don’t get too frustrated about the difficulty level.

Play the title on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Linux, Mac, or on PC. You can purchase Blasphemous for PC via Steam.
2. Ori and the Blind Forest + Will of the Wisps
Developers Moon Studios have created a masterpiece that is surely one of the most emotionally moving and beautiful Metroidvanias. Experience a game with a heartwarming story, wonderful graphics, and absolute attention to detail. The game mechanics and animations harmonize perfectly, and it’s a real feast to navigate Ori through the levels. Face sinister enemies as a cute forest spirit and save your home from damnation. With Ori and the Blind Forest and the later sequel Will of the Wisps, you’ll be playing one of the best series in modern Metroidvania games.

Ori and the Blind Forest is available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and you can purchase it for PC via Steam. The sequel Ori and Will of the Wisps is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You can also find it for PC via Steam.
1. Dead Cells
In Dead Cells, you’ll encounter a world full of procedural generation with numerous randomly generated loot. Due to the individual creation of the worlds and game contents, the title has an enormous game depth, which makes it the best Metroidvania game in this ranking. However, this title is also a roguelike. When you die, you lose all the upgrades and weapons you got in one playthrough. But the permadeath also includes the appeal of starting over, again and again, giving you hours of fun with a nimble character and exciting battles. Collect items, combine weapons to create new things, and find your strategy to master this game.

Dead Cells is available for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, Linux, and Mac. You can buy it for PC via Steam.
If you need a little more relaxation
If your frustration threshold is a bit more delicate today, maybe we can give you some inspiration with the Best Sandbox Games for PC. There you can let your creativity run wild with maximum freedom. However, if you prefer that, you can get some basic conditions in our ranking of City Building Games on PC.
Should you have your friend or partner in tow, you might also be interested in a few alternatives to Co-op Games like It Takes Two.
Did we miss an important title? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.
COMMENTS