Ranking the 7 Best Metroidvania Games to Play in 2024

Despite its niche, Metroidvania games are a beloved genre combining action-adventure, platforming, and exploration elements. For a more detailed explanation, Metroidvania games are a subgenre of action-adventure games that combine elements of the Metroid series by Nintendo and the Castlevania series by Konami, hence the name “Metroidvania.”

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These games typically feature exploration-based gameplay, ability-driven progression, interconnected world map, non-linear storytelling, platforming, and combat. For example, the Metroid series inspired the genre by emphasising exploration, backtracking, and ability-driven progression.

In today’s listicle, we will list some of the best Metroidvania games that have captivated players over the years and rank them based on where you should start your journey in this underappreciated genre.

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7 Best Metroidvania Games to Play in 2024

1) Hollow Knight

What better way to start things than the Metroidvania GOAT, Hollow Knight? For context, Hollow Knight is one of the most celebrated Metroidvania games of all time, known for its stunning art style, intriguing lore, and intricate gameplay. Developed by Team Cherry, it was released in 2017 and quickly became a benchmark for the genre.

For example, Hollow Knight exemplifies the best aspects of the Metroidvania genre, such as its focus on exploration, tight controls, and hidden lore, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s non-linear progression also allows players to explore Hallownest at their own pace, discovering secrets and uncovering the world’s mysteries in their own way.

Lastly, the game’s difficulty makes each victory feel earned, and the customisation options allow players to tackle challenges uniquely. If this game fits your cup of team, you might need to refill it as its highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, will arrive soon, in late 2024.

2) Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Developed by Moon Studios and released in 2020 as the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the closest Metroidvania games contenders to Hollow Knight. Like the latter, the former features a beautifully crafted, interconnected world that encourages exploration, fast-paced combat and platforming.

However, unlike many Metroidvania games with a single large map, Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers diverse regions, each with its distinct visual style and environmental challenges.

In addition, the game features a touching and emotional story told through beautiful cutscenes and meaningful storytelling by exploring themes of loss, friendship, and perseverance.

3) Axiom Verge 2

Axiom Verge 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Axiom Verge developed by Thomas Happ Games, continues the tradition of its predecessor as one of the best Metroidvania games. Following its prequel footsteps, Axiom Verge 2 takes place in the same universe as the first game but features a new protagonist and setting.

The narrative follows a new character, Indra, a powerful corporate CEO. The story delves into themes of identity and the nature of reality, focusing on uncovering secrets and navigating the enigmatic world. Like its predecessor, Axiom Verge 2 emphasises exploration and discovery as players navigate interconnected areas lying secrets, hidden paths, and challenging enemies.

Besides retaining the retro-inspired pixel art style of the original game, the sequel introduces innovations, such as new traversal methods, combat techniques, and interactive elements.

4) The Last Faith

Released in June 2023, The Last Faith, developed by Kumi Souls Games, draws inspiration from classic Metroidvania games by offering a fresh experience with its unique blend of elements. For example, the game heavily draws from gothic horror, emphasising themes of despair, darkness, and the macabre.

Set in a dark, gothic fantasy world, the game’s aesthetic features eerie environments, dark corridors, and hauntingly beautiful landscapes with interconnected maps, hidden areas, and secrets. As for the game’s narrative, it stays true to its identity as it explores themes of darkness, despair, and existential dread.

For more detailed guides regarding The Last Faith, click the link here.

5) Blasphemous

It would be blasphemous not to include Blasphemous, the critically acclaimed Metroidvania game developed by The Game Kitchen and released in 2019, in our listicle. Ignoring the terrible pun, Blasphemous stands out in the genre for its dark, gothic aesthetic, as the game takes place in a nightmarish world inspired by Spanish and Catholic imagery, blending gothic horror with religious themes.

In Blasphemous, the story revolves around the Penitent One, a silent protagonist seeking redemption in a land plagued by a mysterious curse called: “The Miracle.” Like with Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the game features several distinct regions, ranging from cursed cathedrals to eerie forests.

However, combat makes the game stand out among other Metroidvania games. For context, the game’s combat demands precise timing and strategy. Players must use skills like wall-jumping and dashing to overcome obstacles and use their variety of weapons to reach new areas.

6) Dead Cells

Onto the penultimate member of our Metroidvania games list, Dead Cells is a critically acclaimed action-platformer developed by Motion Twin that blends Metroidvania elements with roguelike mechanics. For example, Dead Cells merges the exploration and progression of Metroidvania games with the procedural generation and permadeath of roguelikes.

However, despite its roguelike elements, Dead Cells incorporates permanent upgrades that persist between runs. Players can collect Cells, a currency to unlock new weapons, abilities, and mutations that enhance future playthroughs.

Besides its fast-paced and responsive combat, the game features a series of interconnected biomes that players must navigate, unlocking new abilities such as wall-jumping or ground-pounding that grant access to previously unreachable areas.

7) SteamWorld Dig 2

Lastly, we have SteamWorld Dig 2. While not as popular as other Metroidvania games on our list, the sequel to SteamWorld Dig, developed by Image & Form Games and released in 2017, blends exploration, combat, and resource management into a cohesive and engaging experience.

Unlike its predecessor, which features procedurally generated levels, SteamWorld Dig 2 uses a more traditional hand-crafted approach for its world design, making the world vast with interconnected biomes. As opposed to others, the core gameplay in SteamWorld Dig 2 revolves around digging through the earth, creating paths, and uncovering hidden areas.

In terms of the story, the game follows Dorothy, a steam-powered robot, as she searches for her missing friend Rusty, the protagonist of the first game.  

Parting Notes

All in all, these Metroidvania games represent some of the finest examples of Metroidvania design, each offering its unique take on the genre while staying true to the core principles of exploration, progression, and discovery.

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