Video games
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The best metroidvanias of all time

952 votes

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  1. 1

    Hollow Knight

    169 votes
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    20.9 K

    Metroidvania Masterpiece

    (+4)

    Hollow Knight is frequently cited as one of the best Metroidvanias due to its vast, interconnected world, challenging combat, and melancholic atmosphere. Its exploration is rewarding, and the lore is deep and engaging, making it a standout title in the genre.

    • Classic 2D Action-Adventure

    • Best Indie Game Debut (2017)

    • Best Platformer Game (2017)

    • Good Sound Design

  2. 2

    Metroid Dread

    102 votes
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    12.9 K

    Fluid and responsive gameplay

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    Metroid Dread is praised for its high production values, smooth gameplay, and intense E.M.M.I. encounters. It successfully blends classic Metroid exploration with modern action elements, offering a thrilling experience.

    • Intricate level design

    • Challenging and satisfying combat

    • Immersive and tense atmosphere

    • Rewarding exploration with secrets

  3. 3

    Metroid: Zero Mission

    102 votes
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    12.8 K

    Tighter controls than the original NES game

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    Metroid: Zero Mission revitalizes Samus's original adventure with enhanced graphics, polished gameplay, and additional content that deepens the narrative. Its intricate level design and progression based on exploration and ability acquisition make it a cornerstone of the metroidvania genre.

    • Reintroduces items and abilities from later titles

    • Dives deeper into narrative terms

    • Opportunity to save the game frequently

    • Easy and simple gameplay system

  4. 4

    Gato Roboto

    101 votes
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    12.7 K

    Critically acclaimed

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    Gato Roboto stands out in this ranking for its innovative level design that encourages exploration and secret discovery. Its fluid gameplay and unique ability progression offer a deeply rewarding metroidvania experience.

    • Adorable

  5. 5

    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

    94 votes
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    11.8 K

    Spectacular castle with secrets

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    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night stands out in this ranking for its deep and expansive gameplay, which faithfully honors the roots of classic Metroidvanias. It offers a vast, interconnected castle filled with secrets, abilities that unlock new areas, and satisfying combat that rewards exploration and experimentation.

    • Action-adventure with exploration and RPG elements

    • Spiritual successor to Castlevania

    • Masterful castle design and backtracking

    • Huge options for character customization

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  7. 6

    Owlboy

    88 votes
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    11.1 K

    Story that hooks from beginning to end

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    Owlboy stands out in this ranking for its stunning art direction and soundtrack, creating a vibrant and emotional world. Its fluid gameplay, centered on flight and aerial combat, offers a unique experience within the metroidvania genre.

    • Magnificent and varied gameplay

    • Spectacular graphics and animations

    • Original puzzles

    • Compelling universe with characters that exude

  8. 7

    Axiom Verge

    87 votes
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    10.9 K

    Sci-fi aesthetic

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    Axiom Verge stands out in this ranking for its masterful recreation of classic Metroid gameplay, combined with an oppressive sci-fi atmosphere and an intricate world to explore. Its unique arsenal and 'glitch' mechanic add layers of depth and discovery that elevate it above many others in the genre.

    • Weapon-based combat

    • Colossal art and music

    • Brought current tastes closer to the metroidvania genre

    • Classic 2D side-scrolling action

  9. 8

    Nine Sols

    54 votes
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    6.9 K

    Precise combat

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    Nine Sols stands out in the metroidvania genre with its innovative kung-fu inspired combat and deep parry system, offering a challenging and rewarding experience. Its intricate level design and rich narrative, set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Asian mythology, solidify it as a strong contender among the best metroidvanias.

    • Deep narrative

    • Outstanding art direction

    • Impressive bosses

    • Well-implemented combat mechanics

  10. 9

    Ori and the Blind Forest

    42 votes
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    5.1 K

    Amazing and beautiful game

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    Ori and the Blind Forest stands out for its exquisite art direction and emotional soundtrack, creating a vibrant and captivating world. Its fluid and challenging gameplay, combined with a moving narrative, positions it as a fundamental title within the metroidvania genre.

    • Beautiful action and platformer game

    • Rewarding after you put in the effort

    • Acclaimed 2D metroidvania of platforming, exploration, and action with beautiful graphics

  11. 10

    Guacamelee!

    36 votes
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    4.6 K

    Good combat system

    (+4)

    Guacamelee! stands out in the metroidvania genre for its agile and fluid gameplay, blending melee combat with unique platforming abilities. Its dimension-swapping mechanic adds a strategic layer to exploration and puzzle-solving, key elements for an exceptional metroidvania.

    • Superb setting

    • Touches of humor

    • Interesting plot

    • Revised and expanded adventure

  12. 11

    Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

    18 votes
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    1.9 K

    Distinct decoration in each area

    (+4)

    Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a classic that redefined the Metroidvania genre with its non-linear exploration, RPG elements, and memorable soundtrack. Its influence is still felt in modern Metroidvanias, solidifying its place as a genre-defining title.

    • Incredible melodies that set the game's atmosphere

    • Striking visual effects

    • Wide variety of enemies

    • Brings Castlevania closer to an RPG

  13. 12

    The Messenger

    14 votes
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    1.8 K

    Faithful heir to the Ninja Gaiden classics

    The Messenger stands out in this ranking for its innovative use of the cloud-hopping mechanic, which redefines exploration and combat within the metroidvania genre. Its ingenious level design and the seamless transition between past and future offer a unique and memorable gameplay experience.

  14. 13

    Ori and the Will of the Wisps

    9 votes
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    827

    Stunning art style and animation

    (+4)

    Ori and the Will of the Wisps is celebrated for its stunning visuals, emotional narrative, and fluid platforming. The game expands upon its predecessor with refined combat and exploration mechanics, making it a visually and mechanically impressive Metroidvania.

    • Fluid and responsive gameplay

    • Emotional and captivating story

    • Intricate and rewarding level design

    • Improved combat system over the previous installment

  15. 14

    Hollow Knight: Silksong

    9 votes

    Play as Hornet, protector princess of Hallownest

    (+3)

    Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to the award-winning action-adventure video game Hollow Knight, making it a strong contender for the best Metroidvania of all time. The game promises new lands, enemies, and mysteries, expanding the universe of the original.

    • Venture into a new kingdom led by Silk and Song

    • Big launch of 2025

    • 150 new enemies

  16. 15

    Metroid Fusion

    8 votes
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    835

    Worthy sequel to Super Metroid

    (+4)

    Metroid Fusion stands out in this ranking for its immersive narrative and tense atmosphere, which elevate the exploration and combat experience. The constant threat of the SA-X and the evolution of the story through cutscenes add a layer of urgency and depth rarely seen in the genre.

    • Enjoyable gameplay

    • Technically brilliant

    • Visually groundbreaking

    • Graphics similar to Super Metroid but improved

  17. 16

    Tunic

    4 votes
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    239

    Combines the best of classic Zelda with Souls structure

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    Tunic stands out in the metroidvania genre with its intricate interconnected world design and its emphasis on exploration and discovery. The game rewards player curiosity with well-hidden secrets and a progression system that feels organic and rewarding, key elements that define the best titles in the genre.

    • World dense with secrets

    • Audiovisual aspect is a delight

    • Quirky art style similar to Zelda Link's Awakening

    • Wonderful music

  18. 17

    Super Metroid

    4 votes
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    322

    Graphics are close to perfection

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    Super Metroid is a cornerstone of the genre, setting a standard for non-linear exploration, intricate level design, and immersive atmosphere. Its fluid gameplay, iconic power-ups, and sense of isolation and discovery solidify it as a timeless masterpiece.

    • Spooky sound

    • Immersive atmosphere

    • Groundbreaking graphics

    • Fluid character sprites and animations

  19. 18

    Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

    3 votes
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    123

    Clean and lasting gameplay

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    Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow stands out in the metroidvania genre for its intricate level design, which rewards exploration and discovery. Its innovative soul system, allowing Soma Cruz to absorb enemy abilities, provides exceptional strategic depth and a variety of playstyles.

    • One of the best plots in the entire series

    • Interesting characters

    • Extensive castle

    • Great replay value

  20. 19

    Dead Cells

    3 votes
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    237

    Fluid and addictive gameplay

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    Dead Cells stands out in the metroidvania genre for its fluid and satisfying combat, combined with a procedurally generated level structure that offers exceptional replayability. Its rapid progression and the constant acquisition of new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas are fundamental pillars of the metroidvania experience.

    • Intricate level design

    • Challenging and rewarding combat

    • Unique and memorable art style

    • Deep exploration and hidden secrets

  21. 20

    Blasphemous

    2 votes

    Innovative and challenging gameplay

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    Blasphemous stands out for its dark, gothic setting inspired by Spanish folklore, combined with brutal combat and intricate level design. Its grim atmosphere and challenging gameplay provide a unique and memorable Metroidvania experience.

    • Intricate and labyrinthine level design

    • Deep and rewarding combat

    • Rewarding exploration with hidden secrets

    • Unique and evocative art style

  22. 21

    Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

    2 votes
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    240

    DSS system has many combinations and playstyles

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    Castlevania: Circle of the Moon stands out in this ranking for its innovative "DSS" (Dual Set-up System), which allows for extensive experimentation with attribute and ability combinations. Its intricate map design, filled with secrets and interconnected paths, rewards exploration and replayability, fundamental pillars of the metroidvania genre.

    • Protagonist and enemies well-crafted and detailed

    • Stage design and quality similar to Symphony of the Night

  23. 22

    Iconoclasts

    1 votes
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    95

    Fast-paced action

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    Iconoclasts stands out in the metroidvania genre for its intricate level design, which encourages rewarding exploration and puzzle-solving. Its deep narrative and memorable characters, combined with agile combat and a satisfying progression system, elevate it to the top tier of the genre.

    • Ingenious puzzle design

    • Epic in important battles

    • Complex puzzles

    • Good story

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