8 Metroidvanias That Hide Their Greatest Content Behind Optional Exploration

There are dozens of different genres in the world of gaming. However, few are as fast-paced and exciting as Metroidvanias. In many cases, games in this category rely heavily on complex combat mechanics, interesting world designs, and fearsome bosses that often cause players to either lock in or leave the game alone for a few hours to cool down.

There are other titles that, on top of featuring said elements, also hide tons of additional, valuable content in secret areas, behind obscure walls, or even as part of a reward for defeating an optional boss. Here are some Metroidvanias where the best content is hidden behind optional exploration.

8 La-Mulana

Every Corner Holds a New Surprise

While it's not a new game in any shape or form, La Mulana remains a very solid Metroidvania from the mid-2000s, offering fun combat mechanics, and a very interesting atmosphere surrounding ancient ruins, archeology, and adventure. La Mulana is one of those Metroidvanias that feel impossible at first, but gets easier as you progress.

Moreover, there's a lot to discover as you explore. And while the main journey is definitely entertaining, it becomes much more so the more you try to uncover the many secrets available.

7 Death's Gambit: Afterlife

Combat Is Great, But Exploration Also Shines

There are many great things to say about Death's Gambit: Afterlife, starting with the fact that it has a very interesting visual design and its combat mechanics are fast-paced and extremely fun. The narrative is also quite compelling and draws you in from the moment you start playing the game.

However, even with all of this, I'd say that the game's strongest element, if not one of the strongest, is that, by exploring, you can find various useful items and secrets. And honestly, there's nothing quite like the combination of outstanding boss fights and purposeful exploration. All in all, I strongly believe that, thanks to its grim atmosphere, Death's Gambit: Afterlife is one of the Metroidvanias you can play in the winter, or in any other season, for that matter.

6 Grime

An Interesting Atmosphere With No Lack of Secrets

After playing it for a decent amount of time, I can say that there are many things to love about Grime. For starters, it strays from the classic pixel art design present in most Metroidvanias, which, in and of itself, sets it apart and makes it unique. Moreover, Akhlan's design is something I'd never seen before, and it caught my eye from the get-go.

Optional exploration is one of this game's best aspects, as there are a fair number of missable upgrades, items and bosses, such as the Desert Watcher, that only those with enough patience will get to enjoy and fight.

5 Nine Sols

Fast-Paced Action, and Lots to Discover

I won't go as far as to say that Nine Sols is the best Metroidvanias out there, but it sure makes the Top 10 list, at least for me. Its amazing art style, combined with a clear influence from feudal Japan and the outstanding contrast created by the addition of technological advancements, simply makes the whole game a pleasure to play.

Not to mention the parrying mechanics, which elevate the experience to a whole new level. Exploration is handsomely rewarded in Nine Sols, as the more you discover, the more Gifts and Artifacts you'll get.

4 Blasphemous 2

Discovering Altarpieces of Favour and Other Items Is Key

The concept of Blasphemous 2 is fascinating, as it not only builds on what made its predecessor great, but it also adds a bit more of its own to wonderfully complement the experience. Blasphemous 2 is one of those Metroidvanias with amazing maps, as it's mostly interconnected and allows access to various areas from different spots. Moreover, there are tons of collectibles that can only be unlocked through optional exploration.

Some of said collectibles are the Altarpieces of Favour, Cherubs, and Cobijadas, with each one offering different benefits that can help make the journey somewhat simpler. If you take the Blasphemous 2: The Third Sin expansion into consideration, then, finding all the Marcas del Embrujo upgrades for the Embrujo weapon, is also a great experience.

3 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Arguably One of the Most Complete Castlevania Games

There's no denying that the Castlevania franchise is one of the building blocks of what is considered a Metroidvania in modern times. However, while most games in the franchise are great, I'd argue that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is among the Top 5. Defeating enemies left and right is always fun, but combining it with discovering secrets spread all over Dracula's castle is something else entirely.

Moreover, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has some unforgettable environments that many of its successors haven't been able to fully replicate, further reinforcing the argument that it remains one of the best titles in the franchise.

2 Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Covering Every Inch of This Beautiful World Is a Dream

Out of all the Metroidvanias I've ever played, I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the most beautiful of the lot. While I do enjoy a Metroidvania with grim settings and fearsome enemies that look like they came straight out of a nightmare, sometimes exploring stunning locations like Niwen is also necessary.

Like other titles on this list, Ori and the Will of the Wisps greatly rewards optional exploration. The only difference might be that, while doing so in this title, you'll feel at peace, rather than under constant stress in a merciless environment.

1 Hollow Knight

The Interconnection Between Areas Is Outstanding

The entire concept around Hollow Knight is fascinating. I never thought that a story set in a world of bugs could be so complex and compelling, but it is. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter multiple bosses and area enemies that seem rather strange. If you explore long enough and pay attention, you'll learn about The Infection, and the lore behind various characters.

Hollow Knight has some tragic stories, a beautifully interconnected map, outstanding combat and navigation mechanics, and, of course, lots of Charms and abilities to discover the deeper you dive into the Hallownest.