Metroidvania Games (110)

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About Metroidvania Games

Metroidvanias combine the exploration structure of Metroid with the RPG progression of Castlevania — large interconnected maps where new abilities unlock previously-inaccessible areas. Over one hundred and eleven titles in the collection pay homage to the genre's two namesake franchises while pushing the format into new territory.

What makes a metroidvania distinctive is backtracking that feels like progress. In a linear game, returning to old areas is tedious. In a metroidvania, returning to old areas is the reward — you have new abilities that let you see what was hidden, reach what was blocked, fight what was impossible. That structural inversion is the genre's signature, and the best titles design their maps specifically to encourage revisiting with gains in mind.

Popular picks from this collection include Hollow Knight Online, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Hollow Floor, Monster Sanctuary, and Super Castlevania 4. Expect metroidvanias with ability-gated exploration, Hollow Knight-descended indie metroidvanias, shorter metroidvanias compressed into browser scale, metroidvania-roguelike hybrids with procedural elements, and occasional action-focused metroidvanias that emphasize combat over exploration. Recently added: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Boll, and Hollow Knight Online — metroidvanias continue to ship as the indie scene keeps producing new takes on the format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a metroidvania?
An exploration-action game featuring a large interconnected map where new abilities unlock previously-inaccessible areas. Named for the two franchises (Metroid and Castlevania) that codified the format.
Are metroidvanias hard?
Generally moderate difficulty — they demand exploration patience rather than mechanical precision. Combat varies by title.
Do metroidvanias work on mobile?
Some do. Touch controls for platforming are finicky, so metroidvanias with more deliberate pacing translate better than action-focused entries.