Best Metroidvania Games

The best rated metroidvanias right now are Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Hollow Knight, and Dead Cells. The list updates every day, so new releases join as soon as they come out.

The name comes from two classic series, Metroid and Castlevania. A metroidvania is an action platformer set in one large, interconnected world. Instead of moving through levels in order, you explore freely and unlock new abilities - like a double jump or a dash - that open up paths you could not reach before. Backtracking is part of the fun.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a great pick if you like the classic Castlevania style, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown brings fast, stylish combat, and SteamWorld Dig 2 is a short and cheerful way to get started. For something different, Animal Well is full of clever puzzles and secrets.

Some are. Games like Blasphemous and Salt and Sanctuary can be really challenging, especially their bosses - if you love that, check out our Difficult Games list. Others are more relaxed and focus on exploration. Many of them have accessibility options or easier modes, so check the game page before you buy.

A metroidvania has one fixed world that you slowly uncover, and your progress stays. A roguelike sends you on short runs with a new layout every time, and you start over when you die. Some games mix both - they are often called "roguevanias". Want more run-based games? See our Roguelike Games list.