If Hollow Knight: Silksong Feels Too Hard, Git Gud With These…

Nine Sols (2024)

Step into a world where ancient myths and futuristic cities collide in a way that feels completely alive. Nine Sols challenges you to master precise timing, turning every parry and counter into a satisfying rhythm of combat. The bosses are merciless, the lore is mysterious, and the hand-drawn visuals make every fight feel like a living painting. It’s the kind of game that makes you groan at your mistakes and cheer at your tiny victories, all within the same breath. Exploration rewards curiosity, and the blend of strategy and skill keeps you hooked long after the first death. If you love games that push your reflexes while winking at you with style, this is your kind of ride. | © Red Candle Games

Animal Well (2024)

There’s a strange, hypnotic charm in wandering through Animal Well, where every corner hides a secret or a puzzle to tease your curiosity. It’s a game that encourages you to experiment, to try things just to see what happens, and sometimes to fail spectacularly. The pixel-art world feels alive, full of strange flora and odd creatures that make exploration endlessly intriguing. Each new tool or ability opens doors to areas you never imagined, rewarding your persistence with satisfying discoveries. The sense of quiet mystery pulls you in, making every small victory feel meaningful. You’ll leave the game thinking about paths you didn’t take and secrets you still haven’t found. | © Shared Memory

Biomorph (2024)

You’re not just exploring a world – you’re becoming it in Biomorph. This Metroidvania twists the genre by letting you absorb enemies and gain their abilities, turning every encounter into a puzzle of strategy and reflexes. The environments are dark, moody, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered, each one challenging you to think creatively. Combat flows smoothly once you master the timing, and the thrill of discovering new powers never gets old. Every corner feels alive, demanding both skill and curiosity from players. If you like Metroidvanias that keep you on your toes while offering clever surprises, this one hits all the right notes. | © Lucid Dreams Studio

Blasphemous II (2023)

Grim, beautiful, and unapologetically intense, Blasphemous II throws you into a world where every fight feels earned. The landscapes drip with gothic artistry, and the enemies are as creative as they are deadly. Each boss encounter challenges your reflexes and patience, making victory all the more satisfying. Secrets are hidden around every corner, encouraging exploration for those willing to risk repeated failure. The game’s atmosphere is haunting yet captivating, pulling you in despite its brutality. It’s a Metroidvania that demands focus, rewards skill, and leaves a lasting impression long after you put the controller down. | © The Game Kitchen

Lone Fungus (2023)

Who knew being a mushroom could feel so heroic? Lone Fungus turns you into Greencap, leaping, swinging, and uncovering secrets in a world that’s larger and more vibrant than it first appears. The exploration is satisfying, the challenges scale naturally, and every new area invites discovery in a way that feels organic. Its pixel art style is charming without feeling retro for nostalgia’s sake, and the world is full of playful surprises that reward attention. The progression feels rewarding without ever being punishing, making it easy to get lost in the adventure. It’s clever, fun, and packed with personality that sneaks up on you. | © Basti Games

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus (2023)

Graceful and mesmerizing, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus feels like you’re gliding through a living painting. The fox-like protagonist moves with an effortless flow, leaping, spinning, and casting mystical powers that feel both delicate and deadly. Every environment is carefully crafted, blending beauty and challenge in a way that keeps you engaged. The combat is intuitive but rewarding, making every encounter feel meaningful. Secrets and hidden paths encourage exploration without overwhelming the player. It’s a game that balances serenity and tension, inviting you to lose yourself in its magical world. | © Squid Shock Studios

ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights (2021)

A kingdom cursed by rain, spirits wandering in sorrow, and a young priestess at the center of it all – ENDER LILIES wraps you in a melancholy world that’s as beautiful as it is dangerous. Combat relies on summoning the spirits of fallen knights, each offering unique attacks to dispatch enemies strategically. The game rewards exploration with hidden lore, secret areas, and subtle storytelling woven into the environment. Every step feels weighty, yet graceful, as you uncover the mysteries of the land. The haunting soundtrack underscores the emotion in every encounter. It’s a journey that makes you feel small, challenged, and deeply invested all at once. | © Binary Haze Interactive

Aeterna Noctis (2021)

Darkness stretches across a vast kingdom, and as the immortal king, every corner of Aeterna Noctis presents a challenge waiting to be conquered. The interconnected world invites careful exploration, with platforming, puzzles, and combat intertwined seamlessly. Secrets hide behind tricky jumps and daring fights, making victory feel truly earned. The game balances challenge with moments of calm, allowing you to appreciate its gothic art and intricate design. Progression feels meaningful, and each encounter teaches a little more about the kingdom’s lore. For players craving a Metroidvania that blends classic mechanics with modern polish, this one delivers. | © Aeternum Game Studios

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is pure magic, with lush landscapes that feel alive under your control. The fluid movement and precise platforming make exploration a joy, while combat is engaging without ever feeling unfair. Every area is packed with secrets, collectibles, and hidden paths that reward curiosity and persistence. The story deepens themes of family, loss, and hope, making each triumph feel personal. The world is rich, vibrant, and emotionally resonant, keeping you connected from start to finish. It’s a Metroidvania that balances challenge and beauty effortlessly, leaving a lasting impression long after you stop playing. | © Moon Studios

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019)

Step into a castle crawling with demons, traps, and mysterious powers in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. You play as Miriam, navigating a labyrinth of gothic halls, discovering weapons, spells, and relics to overcome increasingly tough challenges. The game balances exploration with combat, rewarding both careful observation and quick reflexes. Every room feels hand-crafted, filled with secrets and surprises that make the castle feel alive. Leveling up and experimenting with new abilities keeps the gameplay fresh from start to finish. For anyone who loves classic Castlevania-style adventures with a modern twist, this one delivers in spades. | © ArtPlay

Dead Cells (2018)

Dead Cells throws you into a constantly shifting castle where every run is different, keeping your reflexes and wits on high alert. The fluid combat system allows you to chain attacks, dodge rolls, and experiment with dozens of weapons and abilities. Exploration rewards curiosity, with hidden areas, shortcuts, and secret bosses waiting for daring adventurers. The roguelike elements make every death feel like progress, encouraging you to adapt and learn. Its pixel-perfect design combines challenge with a sense of style and satisfaction rarely seen in the genre. Fast, exciting, and endlessly replayable, this game keeps you coming back for "just one more run." | © Motion Twin

Celeste (2018)

Climbing a mountain has never been this intense or emotionally resonant. Celeste tests your platforming precision with tight controls, clever level design, and cleverly hidden collectibles. The narrative about perseverance, mental health, and personal growth blends seamlessly with gameplay, making every death feel purposeful. Each screen is a puzzle of timing and skill, encouraging experimentation while rewarding mastery. The soundtrack swells and softens, guiding you through triumphs and setbacks alike. It’s a Metroidvania-adjacent experience that balances challenge with heart, leaving a lasting impression. | © Matt Makes Games

Cuphead (2017)

Step into a hand-drawn 1930s cartoon nightmare where every boss battle is a visual feast and a furious challenge. Cuphead is all about pattern recognition, reflexes, and precision, punishing mistakes while rewarding persistence. The run-and-gun sections are exhilarating, requiring timing and creativity as you dodge bullets and return fire. Its unique art style and jazzy soundtrack make every encounter feel alive, turning frustration into admiration for the craft. The game encourages practice without ever losing its charm, blending punishing gameplay with undeniable joy. For anyone who loves tough, stylish platformers, it’s unforgettable. | © Studio MDHR

Rain World (2017)

In Rain World, you play as a small, nimble slugcat navigating a harsh, beautifully animated ecosystem where survival is never guaranteed. Every predator encounter, every timed escape from flooding rains, keeps your heart racing. The world feels alive, with creatures that hunt, flee, and interact independently, making the environment as much a challenge as combat. Exploration and patience are key, and the game rewards clever thinking as much as reflexes. Its pixel-art aesthetic and haunting soundtrack create an atmosphere that’s eerie, yet mesmerizing. This is a Metroidvania for those who enjoy tension, discovery, and a touch of poetry in gameplay. | © Videocult

Salt and Sanctuary (2016)

Imagine a 2D world dripping with gothic gloom where every enemy encounter could be your last. Combat demands timing, strategy, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, while exploration rewards curiosity and courage. Weapons, armor, and spells let you craft your own approach, and hidden shortcuts make the interconnected world feel alive. Each boss is a test of skill and patience, making victory feel hard-earned and exhilarating. The hand-drawn environments are grim yet beautiful, and the soundtrack sets a tone that lingers long after the fight ends. It’s a Metroidvania for players who crave challenge wrapped in style. | © Ska Studios

Slain: Back From Hell (2016)

Step into a gothic nightmare dripping with metal riffs and grotesque architecture. Every swing of your axe feels weighty, every jump demands timing, and bosses lurk around every corner to test your patience. Exploration isn’t just optional – it’s essential, uncovering secret areas and hidden lore that enrich the dark world. The pixel-art style oozes atmosphere, while the soundtrack keeps you pumping adrenaline as you hack and slash. Difficulty is unapologetic, yet each victory leaves you grinning from ear to ear. For anyone craving old-school challenge with modern flair, this one hits hard. | © Wolf Brew Games

Axiom Verge (2015)

Imagine exploring an alien world where every room hides secrets, glitches, and strange tech to master. The feeling of discovery is addictive, as you unlock abilities that let you access areas that were impossible before. Combat is precise but forgiving, letting you experiment with weapons and tools to suit your style. The soundtrack pulses with retro-inspired tunes that match the eerie atmosphere perfectly. Every corner invites curiosity, and the narrative slowly unravels through environment and logs. It’s a Metroidvania that celebrates exploration and clever design without ever overcomplicating things. | © Thomas Happ Games

Shovel Knight (2014)

Nothing feels quite as satisfying as bouncing off enemies and digging up treasures in a lovingly crafted 8-bit world. Shovel Knight combines nostalgia with modern design sensibilities, offering tight controls, inventive level design, and memorable bosses. Secrets are scattered generously, encouraging thorough exploration without feeling tedious. The story is charming yet simple, letting gameplay shine while giving context to your adventures. Its pixel-art aesthetic and upbeat soundtrack make each stage a joy to navigate. This is a Metroidvania-lite that proves tight mechanics and personality can outweigh complexity. | © Yacht Club Games

Super Meat Boy (2010)

Prepare for relentless precision platforming that will make you scream and laugh in equal measure. Every death in Super Meat Boy is fast, brutal, and instructive, forcing you to adapt quickly to tight jumps and deadly hazards. Levels are short but fiendishly designed, rewarding perfect timing and ingenuity. The quirky humor, bizarre characters, and pulsing soundtrack keep the tension playful rather than frustrating. It’s chaotic, fast-paced, and immensely satisfying when you finally nail that impossible sequence. If tough, twitch-based platformers are your thing, this is a masterpiece of the genre. | © Team Meat

Hollow Knight (2017)

And here we are, back where it all began. Hallownest isn’t just another setting; it’s the blueprint that made Silksong possible, the gold standard of Metroidvanias in the modern era. The hand-drawn world feels alive with mystery, danger, and charm, daring you to dig deeper with every step. Its boss fights push you to learn patience and precision, while exploration constantly rewards curiosity with secrets and upgrades. The atmosphere is dense, melancholic, and unforgettable, making every moment feel significant. Nothing’s quite like the original – Silksong may carry the torch, but Hollow Knight lit the fire. | © Team Cherry