10 Metroidvanias That Make Every Dead End Feel Worth Discovering

One of the joys of Metroidvanias is getting utterly lost in a strange new world. When they're made well, each dead end feels worth discovering instead of annoying or frustrating. Which isn't to say these examples are all pushovers, they aren't. They just manage to balance a compelling vision with a well-honed challenge that never overwhelms their audience.

I've put together a list of amazing Metroidvanias in this list. Though in the consideration of fairness, I made a concerted effort to only include more recent entries in this list, since featuring old favorites would make it too much of a Sophie's Choice situation. The oldest game on here came out in 2017, and the most recent came out in 2025.

That said, there's a good mix, and they're ranked according to overall reception, with special consideration to how well I felt they matched the theme of this list. There's indie darlings, niche games you've possibly never heard of, and even some pretty big name Metroidvanias. But no matter what game, they're all adventures you'll love exploring the farthest reaches of.

10 Forma.8

Drone Alone

Generally speaking, I prefer Metroidvanias with more traditional control schemes. Ones where you run around, wall climb and the like. That said, Forma.8 is definitely an exception to that style of adventure. In it, you play an exploration drone lost on an alien planet and desperate to find a new energy source.

Part of what makes the game so utterly unique is that, being a drone, you float around instead of running on the ground. Which offers a great deal more freedom to explore this strange and dangerous planet, but which also makes everything feel a bit less tight than usual.

That said, the air of mystery combined with the simplistic yet colorful graphical style makes Forma.8 a joy to explore. It stands apart from the pack, and manages to offer many reasons to enjoy this weird world. Just get ready for lots of obstructions and traps, as well as combat that can often be a handful.

9 Afterimage

Elegant Engardin

If you want a short version of what Afterimage is all about, here goes. It's about reincarnation, vast elemental forces, and how humans ruin everything. There's a bit more to it than that, but the story isn't what the game does best. What it does very well, however, is draw you into a gorgeous world named Engardin.

Put simply, this is one of the prettiest Metroidvanias I've ever played. It's also one of the largest, with an expansive world map that will take longer than you'd expect to traverse. Thankfully, combined with solid combat, it's a game you'll enjoy wandering around with.

The main issues that hold Afterimage back somewhat are the somewhat perplexing story, and just how vast it can be. Don't get me wrong, it's a great adventure, but some people aren't going to be patient enough to see it through to the end.

8 Sheepo

Shapeshifting Hero

Sheepo was a revelation for me, especially as a fan of the Metroidvania genre. Before it, I always wanted combat in my adventures. So a pacifist Metroidvania sounded insane to me. Then I tried the game, and not only found it delightful, but a game that made exploration incredibly fun.

This adventure from Kyle Thompson really focused on making the platforming sing. While you start as an alien, sheep thing, you have the ability to transform after touching a creature's egg. There's just the matter of getting past angry parents first, but wouldn't you know it, somehow this Metroidvania makes boss battles work as well. It's just a matter of turning your opponent's ire against themselves.

The only reason that Sheepo didn't rank a bit higher on this list was because, even by Metroidvania standards, it's pretty short. You can 100% the whole adventure in less than 5 hours. Which is brief, but it's also a ton of fun and really worth your time.

7 Blast Brigade vs the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread

Comic Antics

It took me longer than I'd like to admit to finally get to playing Blast Brigade vs the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread. Mouthful of a name aside, I was drawn in early on by the comicbook-styled visuals. And then once I played it, I found something pretty unusual. The most hilarious, pun-filled Metroidvania I've ever played.

The best way I can describe it is that Blast Brigade is like if Archer were a Metroidvania. It's not quite that sharp or biting, but there's lots of referential and self-deprecating humor. And that's not all it has — it's also a really enjoyable world to explore. It's very 80s, with mad scientists, giant robots and mutants.

Besides all that, it takes place on a tropical island full of mystery and deep secrets, which is a blast (pun intended) to explore. They also do a good job of placing save points at regular intervals and featuring a great mini-map to keep track of your many objectives. Come for the humor, stay for the island full of baddies and insane science!

6 HAAK

And Slash

Even though I've played plenty of games featuring ninjas, there aren't nearly as many Metroidvanias with that distinction. Other than The Messenger and Cyber Shadow, I can't think of many others. But one of the best examples many of you probably aren't familiar with is called HAAK.

It takes place in a dystopian world. You're trying to reach the idyllic Sanho, which somehow avoided most of the disasters that ravaged the world. Oh, and you're also trying to save your brother, but one thing at a time. HAAK plays a lot like a cyberpunk Ninja Gaiden, with a bit of Souls-like combat thrown in for good measure.

Since you're basically a ninja, it stands to reason that movement and exploration are smooth and engaging, and that's completely true in HAAK. Which makes it very satisfying to explore every dead end of this dark, twisted and beautifully dangerous world.

5 Astalon: Tears of the Earth

Who Likes Snakes?

Much like HAAK, Astalon: Tears of the Earth also takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting. Unlike that game, this one is all about reptilian monsters called Gorgons and their mutant progeny. Unfortunately for the trio you control, you must traverse the deadly Tower of Serpents to save your town. And to say the odds are stacked against you is a bit of an understatement.

Luckily, you quickly make a pact with the Titan of Death, so dying isn't the end. You'll make use of this pact to eventually strengthen your team, and give yourself a fighting chance. It sounds hard, and it is, because the game embraces the NES challenge. But it's also very fair, and a game where you'll gradually get stronger and stronger.

The style of Astalon is one of the highest points of the game, and the Tower is a lot of fun to explore. It's full of archaic structures, nightmarish tunnels and deep secrets. It's in your best interest to search every shadow, since you really don't know what you might find lurking in the depths...

4 Blasphemous 2

Double the Trouble

I'll say one thing for The Game Kitchen — after both Blasphemous games, I'm really starting to see the world miracle in a new light. The Penitent One's job isn't done yet, and he will do whatever it takes to slay the wretched Miracle. Luckily for you, he has a bunch of new weapons and techniques at his disposal in Blasphemous 2.

Like the original game, this is a stunning and horrifying Gothic world to explore, where religion is taken to disturbing new places. It's also full of abominations ready and willing to end the Penitent One's life. The combat is intense and unrelenting, but it's also glorious once you get a handle on it.

Blasphemous 2 is not an easy game, but it's one where you'll want to explore the furthest reaches to find the tools you need to win. Every dead end hides useful secrets, and the only thing between you and success is your drive to win.

3 Iconoclasts

Robin Builds Better

For those who have played Konjak's other games, like Noitu Love 2: Devolution, it's not a surprise that he can make beautiful and challenging games. What was a huge surprise was that he could also make an extraordinary Metroidvania called Iconoclasts.

It's a game about mechanics, religious zealots and a strange power source called Ivory. It's also about the pending death of a planet, just so the stakes are clear. But it's also a charming and inventive adventure where a mechanic named Robin just might be able to fix the world.

Not only is it fun to explore, but it's a truly gorgeous world with SNES flair. This is a game where the puzzle solving is just as important as the combat, and you'll need to master both to succeed. Really, it's a one of a kind, even in this genre. My only complaint is that Iconoclasts is pretty linear, and over too quickly.

2 Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hornet's Journey

I'll just say it — the wait for Silksong was ridiculous. Especially after the splash the original Hollow Knight made. But luckily for all of us, Team Cherry managed to create a sequel that's every bit as good as the original, and probably just a bit better.

Much like the first game, the bug-filled world Hollow Knight: Silksong takes place in is absolutely memorable. It uses color in vibrant ways, and creates a world of wonder and horrors you'll love diving into. There's also a bit more plot than the first game, and a much more engaging character in Hornet.

Throw in fast-paced combat, amazing upgrades and brutal bosses, and this journey is one that will stay with you for some time. But the next game just managed to edge it out with sheer, weird wonder.

1 Venture to the Vile

Change is Inevitable

I was actually one of the first people privileged enough to review Venture to the Vile. It's a really weird game, and I describe it as what would happen if Tim Burton made a Metroidvania. It's dark, it's creepy and it's utterly addictive. The game takes place in a world full of folks who wear animal masks that suddenly gets turned upside down by a mutating phenomenon called the Vile.

The whole thing has a Gothic fairy tale vibe, and it's quite easy to get charmed by this world. It's also really fun to explore, since unlike other Metroidvanias, Venture to the Vile not only features 2D exploration, but has you dive into the background as well. Meaning many areas are much larger than they first appear, and the game does an incredible job of hiding key items.

Everything in the game has been transformed into a monstrous new form thanks to the Vile, and it almost reminds me of Resident Evil. You'll face some truly twisted creatures, and once you know the truth of what happened, things get even more complicated. It was a really fun time, and my only problem is that it was only released on PC and PlayStation. Other than that, this is a Metroidvania I wholeheartedly recommend.