Best Metroidvania games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated metroidvania games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free metroidvania games are available at the bottom of the page.
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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is the complete edition of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, a dark and vivid new re-imagining of the Castlevania mythology. It is the end of days and ungodly powers isolate the Earth.
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Guacamelee! Gold Edition is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
Toki Tori 2+
Toki Tori 2+ may look cute, but it’s a challenging puzzle adventure game. Whistle and stomp are the only moves you need to solve increasingly complex puzzles, as you go anywhere, anytime on a lush forest island.
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.
The Swapper
What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.
FEZ
Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.
La-Mulana
LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.
DLC Quest
What happens when DLC practices go too far? An indie developer makes a game that mocks the industry and its foibles, that's what! Defeat the bad guy, save the world and get the girl! But first you'll need to find coins to buy DLC to enable animation, sound and even pausing.
Antichamber
Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.
Waking Mars
In 2097, life is discovered on Mars. When your mission of first contact becomes trapped by a cave-in, you must master the alien ecosystem to survive. Soon you stumble upon more than anyone expected, and with time running out, you will make a decision that determines the fate of a lost planet.
Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit
A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
Get Batman: Arkham City and all DLC for one low price with the release of the GOTY Edition!
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
In this Insanely Twisted, 2-D action-adventure game, explore unique environments and battle bizarre creatures.
Fortune Summoners
A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.
Cave Story+
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Capsized
Capsized is a fast paced 2D platformer focused on intense action and exploration. As a intrepid space traveler, your ship has crash landed on a mysterious alien planet. You must navigate through the perilous environment and fight off blood-thirsty creatures to save your crewmates and escape with your lives!
A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda
You are the ultimate weapon with an ultimate sidekick – Collect secret items and get power ups to become the perfect weapon.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
Experience what it’s like to be Batman and face off against Gotham's greatest villians. Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamous island.
Aquaria
Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.
Saira
Saira is a puzzle platformer with non-linear gameplay and a whole universe for you to explore. The game is heavily influenced by classic puzzle adventure games and uses a new unique graphical style combining high resolution photography into a lush and mysterious world.Most played metroidvania games on Steam
Take a look at the top metroidvania games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 406,532 reviews of which 394,495 were positive and 12,037 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played metroidvania game, thanks to its 14,440 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
394,495
12,037
14,440
players
2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat. Dead Cells is a adventure, action roguelike and pixel graphics game developed and published by Motion Twin. Released on August 06th 2018 has received 166,220 reviews of which 161,389 were positive and 4,831 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 3,983 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among metroidvania games based on player count.
9.6
161,389
4,831
3,983
players
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,371 reviews of which 130,741 were positive and 4,630 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 1,400 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among metroidvania games based on player count.
9.5
130,741
4,630
1,400
players
4. Nine Sols
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm. Nine Sols is a metroidvania, souls-like and difficult game developed and published by RedCandleGames. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 26,064 reviews of which 24,857 were positive and 1,207 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 977 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.3
24,857
1,207
977
players
5. Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation. Blasphemous is a metroidvania, pixel graphics and souls-like game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 50,243 reviews of which 45,250 were positive and 4,993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
8.9
45,250
4,993
898
players
6. ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation? ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a metroidvania, 2d and dark fantasy game developed by Adglobe and Live Wire and published by Binary Haze Interactive. Released on January 22nd 2025 has received 12,179 reviews of which 11,666 were positive and 513 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 847 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.3
11,666
513
847
players
7. Blasphemous 2
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all. Blasphemous 2 is a combat, fantasy and metroidvania game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 13,659 reviews of which 12,499 were positive and 1,160 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 501 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
8.9
12,499
1,160
501
players
8. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a atmospheric, great soundtrack and metroidvania game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 27th 2016 has received 66,239 reviews of which 63,118 were positive and 3,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 471 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.4
63,118
3,121
471
players
9. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is a metroidvania, female protagonist and souls-like game developed by Live Wire and Adglobe and published by Binary Haze Interactive. Released on June 21st 2021 has received 38,432 reviews of which 36,166 were positive and 2,266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 465 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.2
36,166
2,266
465
players
10. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,024 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 1,771 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 361 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
7.6
6,253
1,771
361
players
Best deals on metroidvania games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of metroidvania games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted metroidvania games.
1. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, exploration and metroidvania game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for metroidvania category.
8.6
1,023
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Yoku's Island Express
Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure! Yoku's Island Express is a pinball, metroidvania and adventure game developed by Villa Gorilla and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on May 29th 2018 has received 4,774 reviews of which 4,589 were positive and 185 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in metroidvania games.
9.3
4,589
185
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
3. SteamWorld Dig 2
SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a adventure, metroidvania and indie game developed and published by Image & Form Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 7,470 reviews of which 7,132 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in metroidvania games.
9.2
7,132
338
-93%
21.29€
1.49€
4. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,024 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 1,771 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
7.6
6,253
1,771
-93%
25.29€
1.77€
5. Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial
Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial contains core elements of roguelite games, presented in a toon render style. The player explores a mysterious tower with Erza, vanquishes mutant monsters and defeats bosses to acquire a Hunter’s License and become the most powerful Battle Maiden. Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial is a female protagonist, action roguelike and metroidvania game developed and published by IceSitruuna. Released on October 12th 2019 has received 1,810 reviews of which 1,323 were positive and 487 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
7.1
1,323
487
-92%
14.99€
1.19€
6. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed and published by WayForward. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 2,814 reviews of which 2,616 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.9
2,616
198
-91%
20.78€
1.87€
7. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity! Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a metroidvania, rpg and female protagonist game developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 39,238 reviews of which 36,771 were positive and 2,467 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
9.2
36,771
2,467
-90%
41.30€
4.13€
8. GRIME
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue. GRIME is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed by Clover Bite and published by Akupara Games. Released on August 02nd 2021 has received 5,610 reviews of which 4,800 were positive and 810 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.3
4,800
810
-90%
21.30€
2.13€
9. Aeterna Noctis
Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre. Aeterna Noctis is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Aeternum Game Studios S.L. Released on December 14th 2021 has received 1,715 reviews of which 1,314 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
7.4
1,314
401
-90%
30.60€
3.06€
10. ITORAH
Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague! ITORAH is a 2d platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed by Grimbart Tales and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on March 21st 2022 has received 720 reviews of which 542 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
7.2
542
178
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
Free metroidvania games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play metroidvania games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play metroidvania games.
1. Bloody Hell
A short but sweet game about an Angel on a Bloody Bullet-hell mission to kill Satan! Dash, Double Dash, Grapple & Blast your way through Hell to fulfill your Holy Mission. Will you be able to kill Satan? Or will you fail to master your abilities and DIE in this BLOODY HELL? Bloody Hell is a bullet hell, metroidvania and pixel graphics game developed and published by Pun Intended. Released on January 27th 2023 has received 5,807 reviews of which 5,685 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
9.4
5,685
122
31
players
2. You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,668 reviews of which 5,267 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
9.0
5,267
401
5
players
3. Skelethrone: The Prey
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign. Skelethrone: The Prey is a metroidvania, souls-like and dark fantasy game developed by 70`Strike and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 14th 2024 has received 411 reviews of which 316 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
7.3
316
95
1
players