6 Challenging, Yet Rewarding Metroidvanias

Not many gaming genres in history have become as popular asMetroidvanias. Games in this genre are often quite challenging and offer a unique experience to players, very different from others that focus more heavily on open-world or RPG mechanics.

This article will present some of the titles that best represent this genre, while allowing players to face a high level of difficulty without leaving power scaling behind. After all, there’s hardly anything more satisfying than struggling at first to deal with even the weakest foes, only to become an unstoppable force as the game progresses. Let’s dive right in.

10 Aeterna Noctis

Patience And Persistence Are Greatly Rewarded

Aeterna Noctis revolves around the King of Darkness and the Queen of Light, cursed to fight each other until the end of time as a punishment for leading an uprising against Chaos, the almighty being of the universe. While it doesn’t redefine the genre or reinvent the wheel, I think it’s safe to say that Aeterna Noctis is one of the greatest titles of the decade. The first time I played it, I remember being instantly mesmerized by the areas I was exploring and the various options at my disposal while platforming.

The King of Darkness never feels weak or puny. However, it’s quite noticeable how, even when the difficulty level escalates throughout the game, there’s a clear power scaling. In many cases, it makes several enemies that used to be challenging feel much easier to deal with. All in all, I would say that Aeterna Noctis, besides having many admirable qualities, is also one of those Metroidvanias that don't force grinding on players.

9 Death's Gambit: Afterlife

Fast-Paced Action With A Grim World Design

InDeath’s Gambit: Afterlife, the premise is simple. A kingdom yearning for a source of immortality organizes various expeditions to retrieve it, only to find one failure after another. This creates a sense of hopelessness that is very noticeable all throughout.Although it’s somewhat rare for Metroidvanias not to present players with at least some degree of a narrative, it’s safe to say thatDeath’s Gambit: Afterlife takes this one step further. It delivers an unforgettable and deep plot.

Not only are the combat mechanics outstanding, but the moments where the game delves into storytelling are also quite something, adding that “uniqueness” that sets this title apart in its own category. In all honesty, I love the bosses inDeath’s Gambit: Afterlife; however, they’re not my favorite, as other titles on this list take the cake for me. That said, I distinctly remember comparing Ione with Endless and realizing how, even though the latter is clearly harder, the fight overall felt much more streamlined and overall simpler due to the experience I'd acquired.

8 La-Mulana

A Classic That's As Unforgiving As It Is Fun

La-Mulana begins when Lemeza Kosugi receives a letter from his father, claiming he has discovered the birthplace of all civilizations. This prompts him to quickly set out on a journey to follow his father's trail. The path won't be easy, because danger lurks in every corner.La-Mulanacould easily claim to be a modern Metroidvania, and most people would believe it. Except, of course, for its game mechanics.While this title is excellent in many respects, personally, I think that it falls a little behind in a few areas, regarding the ebb and flow that more modern alternatives have to offer.

However, if we’re being fair, it is a 2005 title, so when that is taken into consideration, that changes things entirely.La-Mulana is a Metroidvania that challenges players both in combat and through its complex puzzles, and I’d go as far as to say that it’s also one of thebest pixel art Metroidvanias of the 2000s. Although dealing with Sakit early on wasn't extremely challenging, I distinctly remember struggling a little more with him than I did with Tiamat, for example. Whether it was improved skills or luck, it felt great to see how far I'd come.

7 Blasphemous

One Of The Most Atmospheric Adventures In The Genre

Set in the world of Cvstodia, Blasphemous revolves around the struggle along the pathway of penitence and righteousness. Although I'm a native Spanish speaker, I always play games in English. However, I'd recommend playing Blasphemous in its original language (Spanish), as it truly is something else. When I first started the gameand stepped into the Penitent One’s shoes, I didn’t really know what to expect. It had the bleak elements that I love in a Metroidvania, but I wasn’t sure whether the combat mechanics and the bosses would live up to the hype. I’ve never been happier to have been proven wrong.

Blasphemous is certainly unforgiving from the get-go, but as you progress through the game and unlock Rosary Beads and Knots, it’s amazing how well they fit into the game’s combat mechanics and vary a build. There’s nothing more satisfying than one-shotting enemies that used to give you a hard time while exploring Cvstodia. Las Tres Angustias felt impossible to beat in the early stages of the game, But once I nailed the timing of parries and got more comfortable dodging and evading, everything fell into place.

6 Grime

Smooth Gameplay And A More Polished Look

Most people who’ve been around the gaming scene for a while will probably hear the word “Metroidvania” and immediately think of pixel art aesthetics, instead of titles with a more polished look. This is one of the reasons why I thinkGrime is one of themost revolutionary Metroidvania games of the 2020s. Not because it breaks the mold, but simply because it abandons this classic artistic decision and goes for a more modern, smoother vibe.

This title has a great feeling to it in level/enemy design, combat, and ambience. At first, it can be very challenging to get the timing right when it comes to parries, which can be not only frustrating, but one of the first skill issues players might encounter. However, I also believe there is a great degree of satisfaction to be earned as the game progresses and obliterating foes becomes increasingly easier.

5 Nine Sols

Memorable Bosses, Challenging Combat, And A Stellar Parry System

As far as unique Metroidvanias go,Nine Sols immediately caught my eye. This was probably in part because I’m used to darker titles in this genre, with far grimmer elements and an overall more chaotic world design similar to what you’d see in theDark Souls franchise. Not to mention that its narrative is fascinating and terrifying, presenting a deadly virus, suspended animation, and the desperate search for a cure. Besides that, one of my favorite things in the game is the deflection/parry combat mechanic, elevating the experience to a whole new level.As happens with other titles with similar mechanics, getting the hang of the right timing can be tough and feel almost impossible at first. But when you nail it, the satisfaction of bringing enemies down with ease is unmatched. And even when thebosses inNine Sols are never a walk in the park, regardless of your experience, it’s tangible how much stronger Yi gets over time.

4 Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

The Concept Of Using Spirits For Combat Is Quite Interesting

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting Metroidvanias on this list thanks to its concept of combat and the elements around it.Most Metroidvanias have their main characters wield different weapons and/or spells to defeat the numerous foes they encounter along the way.

However, what makes this title so interesting is that Lily herself is not a weapon wielder, but rather uses spirits to aid her. This alone makes Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights a Metroidvania everyone should try at least once. Compared to other titles in its genre, this game isn't the most challenging, but it sure feels a lot easier to play as better spirits are unlocked. Early on, I remember struggling with Gerrod. Maybe it was a skill issue, but it took me a couple of tries to defeat him. The Blighted Lord, in all her evil magnificence, felt simpler, like I'd entered a weird kind of flow state while fighting her.

3 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

One Of The Series' Best

There’s no denying that theCastlevania series is one of the most iconic and era-defining on the gaming scene. A universe this vast offers tons of things to explore and many stories to tell. Although the genre is full of incredible games, I’d argue thatCastlevania: Symphony of the Nightis the ultimate Metroidvania. Set in 1797 and focusing on Alucard, this title is full of surprises and has a heartbreaking ending that leans both towards redemption, forgiveness, and a lost sense of humanity.

Similar to its peers both inside and outside theCastlevania franchise,Symphony of the Night maintains a certain level of difficulty throughout, but it also allows for tangible progress that delivers an incomparable feeling of satisfaction after a while. Many players agree that Galamoth is one of the hardest, if not the hardest boss in the game. However, I can't help but feel that defeating it was relatively simpler than defeating Scylla in the early stages. It's all about mastering the controls and your chosen build to become overpowered.

2 Ori and the Will of the Wisps

A Dreamlike World With Endless Possibilities

I’ve never been one to shun or praise a game solely based on the world it takes place in or the overall aesthetic it presents. However, when it comes toOri and the Will of the Wisps, it’s hard to not feel a certain bias due to its whimsical world design. This reference might not resonate with everyone, especially younger players, but whenever I play this game, I can’t help but think of Brackenwood from theBitey of Brackenwood series.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is gorgeously designed, offers an intense platforming experience and challenging bosses all throughout. I find it to be one of theMetroidvanias with the best exploration. With this title in particular, mastering the mechanics is not only satisfying because it helps me get out of trouble, but also because the process, in and of itself, is stimulating to the senses. Ori's second adventure is just as magical as the first.

1 Hollow Knight

Hallownest Is A True Testing Ground

Last but not least, there's Hollow Knight, which I would say influenced many players to try diving into the Metroidvania world with its popularity and interesting concept. Set in Hallownest, it's amazing how vast the world is and how well connected many areas are. I wouldn't go as far as to say that this title is the hardest Metroidvania out there, but its combat mechanics and the options provided by the charm system made practicing and developing builds fun. I remember thinking that the Mantis Lords boss fight was nearly impossible, as I was often overwhelmed by the incoming attacks and having to deal with more than one enemy at once. However, when the time came to fight the Hollow Knight, I found him to be easier to deal with.

The point being that with enough grinding, a decent sense of adventure, and the patience to explore each and every area, players will be amazed at how satisfying the experience can be once everything is maxed out and the right tools are used. While I haven't played Hollow Knight: Silksong, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight is the gold standard for Metroidvanias.