If you like Hollow Knight, you must try these 20 metroidvanias

About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on Metroidvania titles that either share similar mechanics, immerse you in a natural, mysterious world, or just radiate that Hollow Knight vibe you can’t resist. These are the games you absolutely have to check out while you’re patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for Silksong.

As always, we’re sticking to one game per franchise—because fairness matters, even in a labyrinth of interconnected worlds. And hey, if you think we missed an essential game on this list, why not drop it in the comments? Let the debate begin!

Cropped Castlevania Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Let’s start with the OG that practically invented the second half of the term “Metroidvania.” Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a 1997 masterpiece that threw us into the shoes (and flowing cape) of Alucard, Dracula’s son, as he slashes, spells, and double-jumps his way through his dad’s absurdly labyrinthine castle. With gorgeous pixel art, unforgettable music, and gameplay so tight it might just haunt your dreams, this game is a classic for a reason. It’s the kind of experience where you’re exploring a dark gothic nightmare while secretly wishing for a map app. Oh, and if you like cryptic secrets and upside-down castles? This one will ruin you for other games. | © Konami

Shadow Complex (2009)

Jumping to 2009, Shadow Complex came out of nowhere, swapping whips and vampires for modern espionage, conspiracies, and an alarming number of ventilation shafts. Playing as Jason Fleming, who stumbles into a high-tech military facility, you’ll upgrade your gear to become a one-man army of explosions and parkour. Its slick 2.5D design brought the Metroidvania genre into the HD era, making sure you’d never look at ductwork the same way again. It’s a bit like Die Hard if John McClane were really into grappling hooks and robot spiders. You’ll love unraveling the shadowy plot and finding creative ways to blow stuff up—because who doesn’t love that? | © Chair Entertainment/Epic Games

Shovel Knight (2014)

Grab a spade, polish your armor, and dive headfirst into Shovel Knight, the indie darling of 2014 that oozes retro charm. This pixelated romp mixes old-school platforming with modern sensibilities, creating a game that’s as much a love letter to DuckTales as it is to Hollow Knight. You’ll bounce on enemies with your trusty shovel (yes, shovel-pogoing is a thing) and dig up secrets in every corner of its whimsical world. The humor is sharp, the challenge is real, and the nostalgia hits harder than a boss wielding a giant anchor. And don’t even get me started on the unforgettable chiptune soundtrack—it’s pure magic. | © Yacht Club Games

Salt and Sanctuary (2016)

Dark, gritty, and unapologetically brutal, Salt and Sanctuary is like if Dark Souls and a Metroidvania had a moody, melancholic baby. Released in 2016, this 2D adventure drops you into a grim world where everything either wants to kill you or make you question your life choices. Combat is strategic and punishing (in the best way), and the RPG elements add an addictive layer of depth as you decide how to build your doomed warrior. Exploring its haunting environments feels like deciphering a twisted, tragic puzzle. Bonus points if you manage to survive long enough to appreciate the eerie beauty of its hand-drawn art style. | © Ska Studios

Rain World (2017)

Ever wanted to feel like a tiny, helpless slugcat navigating a hostile, post-apocalyptic ecosystem? No? Well, Rain World will change your mind — or at least make you marvel at its ambitious design. Released in 2017, this game is more survival simulator than straightforward platformer. You play as an adorable yet incredibly vulnerable creature trying to survive predators, brutal rainstorms, and hunger pangs. It’s as frustrating as it is fascinating, with a world that feels alive and indifferent to your plight. You’ll experience moments of pure awe, followed by moments of shouting, “Why does EVERYTHING want to eat me?!” | © Videocult

Cuphead (2017)

Welcome to the gorgeous nightmare that is Cuphead, where rubber-hose animation meets controller-throwing difficulty. Released in 2017, this game’s hand-drawn art and jazzy soundtrack might make you think you’re in for a chill romp through the 1930s. Nope. Every boss fight feels like a fever dream — one part strategy, two parts reflex, and a dash of sheer willpower. You’ll dodge, parry, and shoot your way through unforgettable enemies, each with their own delightfully twisted charm. And let’s not forget the co-op mode, where you and a friend can argue over who dodged where as you both die — together. | © Studio MDHR

Dead Cells (2018)

Dead Cells takes the Metroidvania formula, straps it to a rogue-lite engine, and cranks the speed to 11. Released in 2018, this game delivers fast-paced combat, randomized levels, and a combat system that feels as smooth as butter. You play as a blob of sentient goo controlling a dead warrior’s body, hacking and slashing your way through procedurally generated dungeons that change every time you die (which will be often). The upgrades keep things fresh, and the variety of weapons ensures you’ll never get bored — even when you’re cursing your fifth run of the day. It’s punishing, but oh-so-rewarding. | © Motion Twin

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019)

If you’ve been craving a spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, look no further than Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Released in 2019 and spearheaded by Koji Igarashi himself, this gothic adventure offers all the demon-slaying, gear-upgrading, and castle-exploring your heart desires. You play as Miriam, a shardbinder (don’t ask—it’s anime logic) who can absorb enemy powers and wield them against her foes. With stunning visuals, deep RPG mechanics, and secrets galore, this is the game that reminds you why the Metroidvania genre is timeless. Also, hats. You can wear so many hats. | © ArtPlay/505 Games

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Prepare your heart, because Ori and the Will of the Wisps isn’t just a game — it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Released in 2020, this sequel builds on everything that made its predecessor great, delivering jaw-dropping visuals, fluid movement, and a story that will leave you misty-eyed. Ori’s journey through a vibrant, dangerous world feels like controlling pure poetry, and the game’s platforming challenges are both exhilarating and maddening in the best way. If the heart-wrenching music doesn’t get you, the beautifully animated cutscenes will. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself ugly-crying mid-boss fight. | © Moon Studios/Xbox Game Studios

Blue Fire (2021)

Take the charm of a classic Metroidvania, mix it with the precision platforming of Hollow Knight, and sprinkle in some Zelda-like puzzles — voilà, you get Blue Fire. Released in 2021, this game introduces you to a hauntingly beautiful world where danger lurks in every shadow and secrets hide around every corner. Its fast-paced combat and challenging platforming sections will test your reflexes and your patience, but the rewards make it all worthwhile. Plus, its quirky NPCs and sprawling dungeons give it a personality all its own. Pro tip: bring your A-game, because Blue Fire doesn’t mess around. | © ROBI Studios/Graffiti Games

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (2021)

Imagine a hauntingly beautiful world where everything is dead, dying, or trying to kill you. That’s Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights in a nutshell. Released in 2021, this melancholic Metroidvania stars Lily, a young priestess awakening in a cursed kingdom. With the help of spectral knights, you’ll fight through beautifully hand-drawn environments and unravel the kingdom’s tragic history. The combat is strategic, the bosses are tough, and the atmosphere? Absolutely dripping with sorrow and wonder. It’s the kind of game that makes you say, “just one more area,” only to realize it’s 3 a.m. | © Adglobe/Live Wire

GRIME (2021)

In GRIME, you’re not just smashing enemies — you’re devouring them. Released in 2021, this surreal Metroidvania has you playing as a sentient black hole (because why not?) armed with bizarre, living weapons. The world is a nightmarish blend of organic and stone, where every creature you face is as grotesque as it is fascinating. The game’s combat is fast and brutal, rewarding perfect parries and adaptability. As you absorb enemies, you gain new abilities that make exploration even more rewarding. It’s weird, it’s challenging, and it’s an absolute must-play if you’re into games that don’t play by the rules. | © Clover Bite

Metroid Dread (2021)

Samus Aran is back, baby, and she’s not here to mess around. Metroid Dread, released in 2021, is the long-awaited return to the 2D Metroid formula, and it delivers in spades. You’ll explore the labyrinthine planet ZDR, evading relentless E.M.M.I robots that are scarier than your Monday alarm clock. The gameplay is smooth, the upgrades are addictive, and the tension? Through the roof. It’s the culmination of decades of Metroid brilliance, polished to a perfect sheen. If you’re a fan of cat-and-mouse gameplay mixed with the classic “shoot everything and win” strategy, this one’s for you. | © Nintendo/MercurySteam

Haiku the Robot (2022)

Who knew robots could be so adorable? Haiku the Robot, released in 2022, is a charming indie Metroidvania set in a post-apocalyptic world where you play as—you guessed it — a little robot named Haiku. Don’t let the cute pixel art fool you; this game isn’t afraid to challenge you with tricky platforming and tough-as-nails bosses. Exploration feels delightful, with every corner hiding secrets, upgrades, or new abilities to discover. And the soundtrack? A perfect mix of calming and eerie vibes that’ll keep you immersed. If Wall-E had a hardcore gaming cousin, this would be it. | © Mister Morris Games

Lone Fungus (2023)

What if mushrooms could jump, fight, and save the world? Enter Lone Fungus, a 2023 Metroidvania that’s as quirky as it is engaging. You play as a sentient mushroom trying to restore life to a decayed world, exploring biomes that range from lush forests to mysterious caves. The combat is snappy, the platforming is tight, and the puzzles will leave you scratching your head in the best way. It’s one of those games that feels handcrafted with love, offering a fresh take on the genre while paying homage to its roots. Plus, mushrooms are cool—who wouldn’t want to play as one? | © Basti Games

Blasphemous 2 (2023)

Welcome back to the grim and grotesque world of Cvstodia in Blasphemous 2. Released in 2023, this sequel is everything fans of the first game could have hoped for—and then some. You once again don the thorny crown of The Penitent One, slicing through heretics and monstrosities that could have walked out of a medieval fever dream. The art is breathtakingly horrifying, the combat is sharper than your confessions, and the lore is as dense as a cathedral sermon in Latin. New weapons and abilities add depth to the punishing gameplay, while the haunting music sets the mood for your pilgrimage of penance. | © The Game Kitchen/Team17

The Last Faith (2023)

Take the gothic vibe of Bloodborne, mix in some Metroidvania exploration, and you get The Last Faith, a 2023 indie that’s as dark as it is dazzling. You play as Eric, a man trying to reclaim his lost memory in a cursed, crumbling city. The game’s pixel art is stunningly detailed, with every frame oozing atmosphere (and possibly eldritch slime). The combat is meaty and satisfying, with guns, melee weapons, and spells to suit your playstyle. It’s challenging, sure, but the thrill of uncovering its mysteries keeps you hooked. If you’re into games that feel like love letters to the macabre, this one’s a keeper. | © Kumi Souls Games

BIOMORPH (2024)

BIOMORPH is coming in 2024 to prove that the Metroidvania genre still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. You play as a shapeshifting hero in a dark, cartoonish world filled with secrets, puzzles, and enemies that don’t take kindly to your presence. What sets this one apart is the ability to “biomorph” into defeated enemies, stealing their abilities to solve puzzles and reach new areas. It’s a clever mechanic that feels fresh while still delivering all the exploration and combat you love. Plus, who doesn’t like being able to turn into a giant monster just to reach a tricky ledge? | © Lucid Dreams Studio

Nine Sols (2024)

Imagine a fusion of cyberpunk and ancient East Asian mythology, and you’ve got Nine Sols. Scheduled for release in 2024, this stunning game promises a world of surreal beauty and devastating tragedy. You play as Yi, a lone hero seeking revenge against the titular Nine Sols, wielding a blade and your wits to navigate this intricate, hand-drawn world. The game blends tight platforming with Sekiro-like combat, demanding precision and timing as you battle your foes. It’s as much a visual feast as it is a test of skill, and its unique setting is sure to leave a lasting impression. | © Red Candle Games

Animal Well (2024)

If Animal Well were a person, it would be that quiet kid in the back of the class who knows something you don’t. Coming in 2024, this pixel-art Metroidvania thrives on mystery and exploration, set in a strange, dreamlike world filled with glowing flora and fauna. You’ll collect items that help you solve puzzles and uncover secrets, but the game never holds your hand—it’s up to you to figure things out. The vibe is equal parts cozy and unsettling, with an ambient soundtrack that whispers, “Keep exploring. There’s more here.” It’s the kind of game that rewards curiosity and persistence in the most satisfying ways. | © Shared Memory