Upcoming metroidvanias: 20 games to look forward to

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re shining a spotlight on upcoming Metroidvanias set to launch either in the next few days or sometime next year—games that look downright fascinating (Silksong when???). Just a heads-up: this isn’t a ranked list, because let’s be real—we won’t know how good they are until we actually play them.

Think we missed an essential Metroidvania title? Go ahead and add it to the comments!

Earthblade

If you thought Celeste set the bar high, then Earthblade is here to leap over it with a magical flourish. From the brilliant minds at Extremely OK Games, this lush, 2D action-exploration platformer invites you to step into a seamless world teeming with mystery, danger, and hand-crafted beauty. You’ll play as Névoa, a mysterious child of fate, as you unravel the threads of an ancient world. With its tight platforming, layered storytelling, and a soundtrack so good it practically sings to your soul, this one promises to be the Metroidvania you tell your friends about for years. And yes, it will probably break your heart in the best way possible—again. | © Extremely OK Games

Emberbane

Step aside, standard heroes, because Emberbane is here to show us what happens when a cursed flame decides to burn brighter than destiny allows. This game is a fiery cocktail of fast-paced combat, vibrant pixel art, and a world begging to be explored. You’ll slash, dash, and puzzle-solve your way through a land where every flame tells a story. It’s equal parts epic adventure and sizzling fun, perfect for anyone looking to heat up their Metroidvania collection. Oh, and did we mention the boss fights? They’re hot—literally and figuratively. Get ready to be burned (in a good way). | © Reventador Games

Hollow Knight: Silksong

What more can be said about Hollow Knight: Silksong that hasn’t already fueled years of hype? Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel has players taking the reins as Hornet, the needle-wielding princess knight. With an entirely new kingdom to explore, a stunningly detailed world, and combat as silky as its name, this is the Metroidvania everyone is waiting for. Whether you’re a veteran of the original or new to the series, Silksong promises to deliver a tapestry of peril, charm, and oh-so-many secrets. Just remember: the only thing sharper than Hornet’s needle is her wit. | © Team Cherry

Being and Becoming

Enter a world drenched in atmosphere and existential intrigue with Being and Becoming. This Metroidvania isn’t just about exploration; it’s about transformation. You’ll guide a soul-searching protagonist through a surreal, ever-changing landscape where every choice feels weighty and deliberate. The haunting soundtrack and painterly visuals weave together a dreamlike experience that dares to ask deep questions while keeping the action razor-sharp. Think of it as a Metroidvania that went to art school—and got top marks in philosophy, too. Don’t miss your chance to become part of this breathtaking journey. | © Irrational Games

Aeterna Lucis

Buckle up for a celestial adventure with Aeterna Lucis, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Aeterna Noctis. This game takes the lush visuals and challenging gameplay of its predecessor to even greater heights. Featuring a sprawling interconnected world and puzzles that will test both your reflexes and your brain, it’s a masterclass in Metroidvania design. The story dives deep into themes of light and darkness, keeping you hooked as you uncover ancient secrets. Pro tip: bring your patience and your platforming A-game—you’ll need both. | © Aeternum Game Studios

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark

What happens when gothic horror meets anime flair? Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark answers with style, charm, and an arsenal of demon-slaying action. This side-scrolling Metroidvania throws you into a cursed mansion, where you’ll switch between two sisters—each with unique abilities—to uncover its mysteries. With its mix of sharp combat, clever puzzles, and a setting dripping with macabre atmosphere, this game is perfect for fans of Castlevania with a penchant for dramatic flair. And let’s not forget the cheeky sense of humor—because nothing says “fighting evil” like a good sibling rivalry. | © Inti Creates

Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores

Who knew mushrooms could be this heroic? Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores is a delightfully unique Metroidvania where you take control of a sentient fungus determined to uncover the secrets of its fungal world. With its bouncy movement, intricate platforming, and vibrant environments, this game is as whimsical as it is challenging. The world is a symphony of colors and music, with gameplay mechanics that let you manipulate spores and grow your way through obstacles. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Mario’s mushrooms became the star of their own game, here’s your answer. | © Basti Games

MIO: Memories in Orbit

Prepare for a cosmic journey that’s as emotional as it is breathtaking in MIO: Memories in Orbit. Set aboard a mysterious space station, this Metroidvania combines intricate exploration with a narrative that tugs at your heartstrings. You’ll piece together memories, navigate zero-gravity environments, and face foes that are more than just machines. The game’s atmospheric visuals and haunting soundtrack create a sense of loneliness that’s somehow comforting—a true testament to the magic of good storytelling. Warning: You might shed a tear while floating through space. | © Nico Saraintaris

Mandragora

Mandragora isn’t just a Metroidvania; it’s a dark fantasy odyssey that plunges you into a world of doom, magic, and unforgettable characters. This game combines side-scrolling action with RPG elements, offering a sprawling world that begs to be explored. Every area is packed with secrets, puzzles, and lore that’ll keep you hooked for hours. The hand-drawn art style and fluid combat make it as visually arresting as it is satisfying to play. Just remember, in a world this rich, even the smallest decision could have big consequences. | © Primal Game Studio

Eden’s Guardian

Step into a celestial realm in Eden’s Guardian, where you’re tasked with restoring balance to a world on the brink of collapse. This Metroidvania is all about fluid combat, jaw-dropping environments, and a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. As you explore, you’ll unlock powerful abilities and face off against otherworldly bosses that will push your skills to the limit. The game’s stunning visuals and dynamic soundtrack create an experience that feels like stepping into a living painting. If you’re looking for a Metroidvania that’s equal parts beauty and brawn, this one’s for you. | © EdenWorks

The Siege and the Sandfox

Imagine if Prince of Persia and stealth had a baby—The Siege and the Sandfox would be the dazzling result. Dubbed a “Stealthvania,” this game combines intricate platforming with sneaky gameplay that lets you outsmart enemies rather than face them head-on. Set in a stunningly detailed world of sand-swept ruins and ancient castles, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is a test of your strategic thinking. The fluid animations and atmospheric storytelling pull you right into the heart of its Arabian Nights-inspired world. Get ready to leave footprints in the sand and your mark on gaming history. | © Cardboard Sword

Primal Planet

Dinosaurs, aliens, and a sprawling prehistoric world? Yes, please! Primal Planet throws you into an alien planet teeming with creatures that could eat you for breakfast—and then some. This Metroidvania is all about exploration, with lush environments and secrets tucked away behind every rock and tree. Combat is fast, visceral, and just the right amount of brutal, keeping you on your toes as you battle foes that feel as wild and unpredictable as the planet itself. Add in a story packed with sci-fi intrigue, and this is one adventure that’s roaring for your attention. | © Evolve Interactive

Tearscape

What if your world was crumbling—literally? Tearscape thrusts you into a haunting, post-apocalyptic setting where survival depends on your ability to adapt and explore. Its dark, atmospheric environments set the stage for a gripping narrative that unfolds as you piece together the events leading to your shattered reality. The combat is both challenging and rewarding, and the puzzles will have you scratching your head in the best way. With a soundtrack that oozes melancholy and visuals that bring its dystopian world to life, Tearscape is a Metroidvania for fans of grit and mystery. | © Odd Meter

Samurai Yokai

Sharpen your katana and prepare to embrace the spirit world in Samurai Yokai. This stunning action-platformer blends Japanese folklore with stylish, fluid combat that will have you feeling like a ghost-slaying master. The game’s hand-drawn art style immerses you in a world filled with supernatural beauty and danger, while its challenging boss fights ensure that every victory feels hard-earned. Whether you’re slicing through enemies or unraveling a story steeped in myth, Samurai Yokai proves that the line between life and death is as thin as a blade. | © Shogunate Games

Rat Trap

Ever wonder what happens when a crafty rat gets stuck in a labyrinth filled with traps, puzzles, and unexpected dangers? Rat Trap is here to answer with a dose of wit, charm, and plenty of cheese-related metaphors. This quirky Metroidvania combines tight platforming with brain-bending puzzles that’ll have you squeaking with delight. The game’s vibrant, cartoony visuals pair perfectly with its lighthearted tone, but don’t let the charm fool you—Rat Trap packs enough challenge to keep even seasoned gamers on their toes. Ready to outsmart the maze and escape in style? The cheese awaits! | © Studio Labyrinth

Beyond the Ice Palace 2

Grab your warmest coat—Beyond the Ice Palace 2 invites you back into a frosty, magical realm filled with adventure, danger, and nostalgia. This sequel reimagines the classic with modern visuals and gameplay that still feel like a love letter to the golden age of side-scrollers. You’ll battle your way through icy landscapes and eerie dungeons, encountering foes both monstrous and mystical. The tight combat and exploration feel like a hot cup of cocoa on a winter day—comforting but with a kick. If you’ve been craving a Metroidvania that bridges the past and present, this is your ticket to cooler climes. | © Firestorm Games

Xplorite

What do you get when you mix deep-space exploration with pixel-perfect platforming? Xplorite, a Metroidvania that’s as much about unraveling mysteries as it is about survival. Set on a distant, alien planet, this game challenges you to uncover ancient secrets while navigating a world teeming with hostile creatures and environmental hazards. The visuals are retro-futuristic, the soundtrack is hauntingly atmospheric, and the gameplay strikes that perfect balance of challenge and discovery. Warning: you may develop an unhealthy obsession with finding every last secret hidden in this beautifully crafted world. | © Solarforge Studios

Kraino Rebirth

Get ready to resurrect your love for classic Metroidvanias with Kraino Rebirth. This ghoulishly charming game lets you take control of Kraino, a skeletal warrior with a knack for solving puzzles and defeating monsters. Its gothic art style and tight gameplay feel like a fresh twist on retro classics, offering up a spooky world brimming with secrets and tough-as-bones challenges. Whether you’re slashing through enemies or exploring its intricate environments, Kraino Rebirth keeps the action thrilling and the nostalgia alive. After all, who doesn’t love a hero with no skin but all the guts? | © GameAtomic

A Sister’s Journey

Grab a tissue and prepare for an emotional ride—A Sister’s Journey is a Metroidvania with heart. This beautifully hand-drawn adventure follows a sibling searching for her lost sister in a world that feels equal parts magical and melancholic. The gameplay masterfully weaves exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving into a narrative that will tug at your heartstrings. The environments are lush and detailed, the enemies are challenging but fair, and every interaction adds another layer to its deeply personal story. If you’re a fan of games that make you feel as much as they entertain, this one’s for you. | © Armoria Studios

BLADE CHIMERA

Step into a dark, dystopian world where cyberpunk meets myth in BLADE CHIMERA. This gritty Metroidvania throws you into a fractured reality filled with cybernetic beasts, epic boss battles, and a story that’s as sharp as the titular blade. The combat is visceral and fast-paced, rewarding precision and timing as you carve your way through its atmospheric environments. The visuals are a stunning mix of neon and shadow, and the soundtrack pulsates with a futuristic edge that keeps your adrenaline pumping. If you’ve ever wanted to wield a sword against the end of the world, here’s your chance. | © Neon Forge Interactive