What are the best Metroidvania games to play in 2024? Metroidvania games, which offer an enthralling blend of exploration, action, and puzzle-solving, continue to captivate the hearts of gamers worldwide. Let’s highlight the cream of the crop in this genre, promising hours of engrossing gameplay and challenging experiences. From the atmospheric landscapes of Hollow Knight to the fast-paced action in Dead Cells, here are our picks for the best Metroidvania games.
Hollow Knight

Embark on a dark yet enchanting journey in Hollow Knight, a masterpiece that has well secured its place in the annals of great Metroidvania games. Developed by Team Cherry, this title plunges you into the eerie yet captivating world of Hallownest, a subterranean kingdom filled with secrets, challenges, and compelling narratives. As you navigate through the intricately designed environments, the true beauty of Hollow Knight comes to the fore. The hand-drawn art style is nothing short of mesmerizing, creating a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly matches the game’s underlying lore. Combat in Hollow Knight is fluid and precise, demanding a level of skill and strategy that will challenge even seasoned gamers. Players need to master a variety of moves and abilities to conquer the foes that lie in wait.
The depth of the exploration is another pillar of Hollow Knight's success. The game encourages players to delve deeper, uncovering new pathways, secrets, and lore that add layers of complexity to the narrative. The game offers a rich tapestry of characters, each with their unique storylines and personalities, making every encounter a memorable experience. If you're seeking a Metroidvania game that offers both challenge and depth, Hollow Knight should undoubtedly be your first stop.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Experience a harmonious blend of captivating narrative and visual splendor in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, a title that stands as a beacon of excellence in the Metroidvania genre. Developed by Moon Studios, this sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, filled with moments of triumph, loss, and personal growth.
Navigating the game’s lush, animated world is a visual treat, with each area offering a distinct environment filled with intricate puzzles and formidable adversaries. The game further amplifies its narrative strength through a mesmerizing soundtrack, enhancing the emotional depth of Ori's journey. Combat is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering a fluid, fast-paced, and customizable system that seamlessly integrates with the game's exploration and puzzle-solving elements.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps also introduces new RPG elements, allowing players to upgrade Ori's abilities and tailor their gameplay style to suit their preferences. The well-designed skill tree and a plethora of collectibles ensure that players have a rich and rewarding experience as they traverse through this bewitching world. Combining heart-wrenching narratives with gameplay mastery, Ori and the Will of the Wisps promises an unforgettable journey that resonates deeply with its players.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

No discussion on Metroidvania can be complete without paying homage to the game that played a pivotal role in shaping the genre: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Developed by Konami, this iconic title, which debuted in the late '90s, continues to hold a revered place in the gaming world, thanks to its groundbreaking mechanics and immersive gameplay.
In this epic adventure, players step into the shoes of Alucard, a vampire hunter determined to bring down the master of the dark arts, Dracula. The game is renowned for its intricate level design, offering a sprawling castle filled with secrets, hidden passages, and nefarious foes. The RPG elements are a standout feature, allowing players to upgrade Alucard's abilities, weapons, and equipment, which plays a crucial role in navigating the game's challenges.
The game also offers a non-linear gameplay structure, where exploration and backtracking are encouraged, unlocking new areas as players acquire new abilities. The rich and gothic art style, combined with a memorable soundtrack, creates a haunting atmosphere that draws players into its dark and mysterious world. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is not just a game but a timeless experience, offering a blend of challenge, exploration, and narrative mastery that continues to inspire the genre.

SteamWorld Dig 2

Venture into a world brimming with treasures and mysteries in SteamWorld Dig 2, a title that carves its unique niche in the Metroidvania landscape. Developed by Image & Form, this sequel builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering a rich and immersive experience that beckons players to dig deeper into its vibrant world.
Players take control of Dorothy, a steam-powered robot with a penchant for mining and exploration. As you dig through the game's underground environments, you'll uncover a plethora of resources, treasures, and secrets, each adding layers of depth to the game's narrative and mechanics. The game introduces a robust upgrade system, where players can enhance Dorothy's abilities, allowing for more intricate exploration and puzzle-solving as the game progresses.
The hand-drawn art style of SteamWorld Dig 2 is a visual delight, bringing a unique charm and personality to the game's steampunk-inspired world. The gameplay is a seamless blend of mining, exploration, and combat, offering a well-rounded experience that keeps players engaged throughout their journey. Whether you're a veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore the depths of Metroidvania gaming, SteamWorld Dig 2 promises a rewarding adventure filled with intrigue and discovery.

Blasphemous

Step into a world of darkness and redemption in Blasphemous, a Metroidvania title that promises a gripping and intense gaming experience. Developed by The Game Kitchen, Blasphemous transports players into the twisted and nightmarish world of Cvstodia, a land steeped in religious imagery and grotesque horror.
In this brutal and unforgiving landscape, players assume the role of The Penitent One, a silent warrior on a quest for redemption. The game is renowned for its challenging combat mechanics, requiring players to master a range of skills and abilities to overcome the hordes of grotesque enemies that inhabit Cvstodia. Each battle is a test of skill and strategy, with formidable bosses that demand the utmost precision and tactics to defeat.
Blasphemous stands out for its rich and dark narrative, where the line between sainthood and sin is blurred. The pixel art style, combined with a haunting soundtrack, creates a dense atmosphere that draws players into its dark and oppressive world. The game's intricate level design encourages exploration, with hidden secrets and pathways that reveal the deeper lore of Cvstodia and its inhabitants. If you're seeking a Metroidvania game that offers both challenge and narrative depth, Blasphemous is a journey worth undertaking.

Dead Cells

For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Dead Cells stands tall as a pinnacle of rogue-like Metroidvania gaming. Developed by Motion Twin, this game masterfully blends procedural generation with hand-crafted design, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience with each new playthrough.
As you traverse through the ever-changing labyrinthine corridors, you are met with relentless enemies and a multitude of weapons and skills to acquire. Dead Cells doesn't hold your hand, demanding quick reflexes, sharp decision-making, and a readiness to adapt to evolving challenges. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a plethora of weapons and abilities at your disposal, allowing for a diverse range of playstyles.
The visuals are a vibrant display of pixel art, teeming with details that bring the game's dark and atmospheric world to life. The soundtrack, moody and immersive, complements the frenetic pace of gameplay, elevating moments of triumph and defeat. A standout feature is the progression system, where, despite the rogue-like mechanics, players are rewarded for their efforts through permanent upgrades that enhance subsequent playthroughs.
Moreover, Dead Cells fosters exploration and experimentation, encouraging players to venture into different paths, uncover secrets, and tackle enemies with various strategies. Each run feels like a lesson, where learning from mistakes shapes your approach, fostering a richer and more rewarding gaming experience. For players seeking a relentless, fast-paced, and thoroughly engaging Metroidvania game, Dead Cells promises an adventure that is both brutal and beautiful, a testament to gaming mastery.


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