Metroidvania games let us jump, fight, or crawl our way through exciting adventures and quests. We tried to make this list of the best Metroidvania with exciting and enjoyable titles to play. From Hollow Knight to Dead Cells, we have created a collection of various games to play on your PC. So, I can guarantee that you will find a game worth your time. At the end of this article, you will at least want to try out some of these games.
Behind every Metroidvania gameplay, there lies a simple yet attractive mechanism. You have to enter a dungeon, explore the depths, and unlock special skills to expand the area. Metroidvania games also offer secrets and allow us to discover the game to master it. In a nutshell, the Metroidvania gameplay provides incredible experiences and hours of gameplay.
What is a Metroidvania Game?
Metroidvania is a sub-genre of action-adventure games. The name Metroidvania comes from the names of the video gameplay series Metroid and Castlevania. The games of this genre borrow concepts from both and give us a taste of both worlds. Metroidvania is mainly two-dimensional, sidescrolling gameplay that features large interconnected maps. It also offers dungeon exploring, dealing with raiders and monsters. The first Metroidvania gameplay was introduced in 1986. However, Super Metroid is considered the first polished and successful game of this genre.
Best Metroidvania Games for PC
Let us not wait anymore and get into the list of the best modern Metroidvania gameplay. Here we bring you the top 15 games to play on your PC.
1. Dead Cells
Available on: Windows, iOS, Android, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Procedural generation of maps and randomized loot is the specialty of Dead Cells. This amazing Metroidvania presents dangers of death and unsolved mythical mysteries before us. But every Dead Cells fan knows death is not the end here; instead, it is the doorway to something new. There is often something too unique and exciting to resist in these types of games.
Dead Cells incorporate surprise, dungeon exploring, grinding, and mystery solving under a single game. It is very good at making you feel your progression in the game. Dead Cells have several unique features, such as combining weapons or making your characters more persistent. Dead Cells is a game with depth, and it will give you hours of enjoyable gameplay. Get past all the challenges in a fabulous 2D souls-lite combat.
2. Hollow Knight
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Hollow Knight is one of the best modern Metroidvania games to play today. It is a classically styled 2D single-player game. Hollow Knight offers action-adventure within a vast interconnected mystical world. The game makes you want to see more of its magical world it. You can submerge in the intricacy of Hollow Knight and spend hours in it. In my opinion, Hollow Knight has the most beautifully designed caves among all the ps4 Metroidvania gameplay. From the mysterious atmosphere to perfectly underscored soundtracks, Hollow Knight has everything you can ask for.
You control a cute-looking bug, which is a mighty badass knight. The charm of the game is when you pass the bosses on each level. You can unleash magical powers and loot items in the game. If you haven’t played Hollow Knight yet, you should try the game.
3. Ori and the Blind Forest
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the best 3d Metroidvania gameplay available at a low price. It is one of the most beautiful and touching games out there. Ori and the Blind Forest take us on a journey with a young orphan. The child is destined to become a hero, and we follow him in a visually stunning action platform game. The game was highly praised by gamers and critics when it came out. Ori and the Blind Forest is still one of the best games on the internet.
Ori and the Blind Forest features meticulously animated characters and superb gameplay. It is a highly addictive game, and I urge you to play this game.
4. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Available on: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the best modern Metroidvania gameplay. It is a gothic action sidescrolling game that is set in 18th century London. A demonic entity has summoned a demon-infested castle with tremendous magical powers. You play as Miriam to save humanity from its doom.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is similar to Castlevania, as the assistant director of that game is also behind Bloodstained. The game is stuffed with monsters, mythical characters, and hardcore bosses. There are lots of exciting, whole things in the game that are very enjoyable.
5. Shantae – Half-Genie Hero
Embark on a whole Hd adventure with Shantae–Half-Genie Hero. It is a fun-to-play 3D Metroidvania game that is packed with action and adventure. Shantae has to eradicate all the evils creatures from Sequin Island. Animation plays a crucial role in retro Metroidvania; a good animation design can take a game very far on the success ladder. And Shantae – Half-Genie Hero has one of the smoothest animations for an action-adventure game.
You can spend hours and enjoy your time with Shantae, the cute, beautiful half-genie. You can enjoy the game on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox One consoles. Shantae – Half-Genie Hero offers everything you can ask for in a game, from huge bosses to challenging levels.
6. Guacamelee!
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Guacamelee is a great action platform for Metroidvania-style gameplay that you can enjoy on your PC, PS4, and Switch. It is a multiverse of colors and beautifully designed Rayman Legends. A good story is hard to come by in Metroidvania. Guacamelee features one of the best storylines. I recommend playing this game if you haven’t tried it yet.
Guacamelee has humor, challenges, and adventure in a perfect balance. You play as Juan Aguacate, a farmer. Carlos Calaca kidnaps El Presidente’s daughter, and he is planning to sacrifice her. You have to save the girl and the city. You can purchase the game for only $1.74 from Steam.
7. Supraland
Available on: Windows.
Supraland is one of the best first-person Metroidvania games with unique features. Supraland is a mix between Zelda, Metroid, and Portal. You can slay monsters, explore the depths of caves and dungeons, and solve puzzles in the game. Here you take control of stick figures and explore the sandboxing world of Supraland.
Supraland is more focused on exploration rather than combat. It offers us one of the most inventive worlds that you can ask for in a video game. Supraland offers a free demo on Steam for you to try before purchasing the game. It is a Windows-only game. The game comes with full controller support. If you are looking for a unique Metroidvania gaming experience, Supraland is a must-play.
8. Owlboy
Available on: Windows, PS5, Xbox One, Switch
Owlboy is a story-driven adventure action PC game. It features gorgeous pixel art and high-quality animation. The game presents a unique style of fighting. Instead of using any powers or skills, Owlboy uses his friends to defeat the enemies. Fly and explore the fantasy world in clouds with lots of adventures, puzzles, and quests. Owlboy is one of the most detailed adventure games to date.
Owlboy is a highly praised game that is reminiscent of SNES-era. I enjoy playing this single-player game in my free time. You can also play this game from Steam for only USD 8.49. Owlboy is compatible with all versions of Windows. It is also available for Switch, PS5, and Xbox One.
9. Yoku’s Island Express
Available on: Windows, PS4, and Xbox One.
Yoku’s Island Express comes with lots of twists and surprises. The fact that the main protagonist of Yoku’s Island Express is a dung beetle who plays the role of a postmaster is surprising. The pinball-like mechanism gives the game an extra edge. To get around in the game, Yoku pushes a ball with the help of the flippers and thrust it into the environment.
Yoku’s Island Express offers a traditional Metroidvania map with interlinked rooms. The stunning atmosphere and environment make this Metroidvania adventure one of the greatest on the internet. You can buy this single-player indie game from the EPIC games store for only 7.99 USD.
10. Axiom Verge
Available on: Windows, MacOS, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Wii U
Axiom Verge is available on Windows, MacOS, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Wii U. it might not be as fancy as Yoku’s Island Express, but Axiom Verge has depth in its storyline. The game tells us the story of a human being stuck on an alien planet. The original Super Metroid highly influences it. I am not saying it is a carbon copy, but there are many similarities between the games.
Axiom Verge offers interconnected rooms along with puzzles and mystery solving. The developers put a tremendous amount of work behind Axiom Verge to give it a classic look by keeping the modern gameplay. A large community plays Axiom Verge, and you can ask for help and guidance from them. Give the game a try if you are a fan of classic sci-fi action-adventure games.
11. The Messenger
Available on: Windows, PlayStation 4, & Switch
The Messenger is a fantastic 2D action-adventure game for PC, Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. Gamers highly praise the game all around the world. This action platform game doesn’t start as a Metroidvania game. Instead, it converts into it halfway through the game, which gives The Messenger an exciting twist. The game is all about becoming the best Ninja in the region. From special moves to stealth weapons, the game will keep you busy in its world. The game is enjoyable for its highly responsive controls.
The Messenger takes us on a journey of Ninja, who is tasked to deliver an ancient scroll. You control the character and take down everything that comes your way. There is action, adventures, exploration, and grinding in The Messenger. You will get addicted to the game for its soundtrack and design. I urge you to play this fantastic sidescrolling adventure game.
12. Sundered
Available on: Windows, PlayStation 4, Switch
Sundered is one of the best hand-drawn action-adventure games. This game is utterly beautiful and very compelling. The rewarding experience of Sundered will make you play the game again and again. The gameplay stands out for the gameplay and the sublime mix of Metroidvania and Lovecraft art style. Sundered is a great game to calm your nerve and submerge yourself in an outstanding adventure.
In Sundered, the combat has been given a beautiful look by the creators. You don’t have to travel far, and you don’t lose any of the items if you die. The focus of the game is solely on combat, and it may seem repetitive at times. However, when you play Sundered, you will start to enjoy it a lot.
13. Dust: An Elysian Tail
Available on: PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
Immerse yourself into the fantastic hand-painted new Metroidvania’s world of Dust: An Elysian Tail. The players take the role of Dust, a mysterious warrior with tremendous skills. You take on an adventures journey of a lifetime. From peaceful grassland to cold, snowy mountains, you get to explore the world in Dust: An Elysian Tail.
Dust: An Elysian Tail is the best option if you want to enjoy an adventure game that focuses on the mastery of weapons than the story. Using a fun beat them up sidescrolling combat feature, Dust defeats his opponents and secures victory. You can enjoy Dust: An Elysian Tail on all major gaming platforms. This single platformer is available for only 14.99 USD on Steam.
14. Blasphemous
Available on: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox.
If you are looking for an 18+ brutal action-adventure game, then Blasphemous is the perfect game for you. It is packed with gore, adult content, and horrifying, brutal action scenes. With its hack and slash combat mechanism, Blasphemous is one of the top games in the genre. Explore and win the fights to become the ultimate fighter in Cvstodia. The game is rated for mature gamers only.
The art and controls of Blasphemous are outstanding. The animation and movement of the characters are smooth and enjoyable. You can have the taste of the ultimate brutal action game on your Windows PC, PS4, or Xbox.
15. La-Mulana 2
Available on: PC, PS4, & Xbox One.
La-Mulana 2 is the last entry on our list of the best Metroidvania Gameplay for All PC. It is the sequel to the long-awaited adventure game La-Mulana. The game continues from the previous game and follows Lumisa Kosugi as she keeps exploring the ruins of La-Mulana. This 2D platformer is fun to play. The animation and art of La-Mulana 2 are captivating. Though it is not as highly detailed as Ori and the Blind Forest, it still packs a lot of fun.
La-Mulana 2 is an homage to the Indiana Jones-style treasure hunting concept with the protagonist at the center. She has a whip and performs all kinds of things to reach her goal. You can purchase this game from Steam.
Final Thoughts
The action-adventure or Metroidvania genre is one of the most favorite forms of games that gamers enjoy worldwide. They are challenging and fun at the same time. You can have hours of gameplay out of these games. We tried to make a list of the best adventure games. I hope you enjoy this list. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends.
