8 Metroidvanias Where Every Shortcut Feels Like a Major Achievement

Out of all the genres in gaming, I'd say that Metroidvanias are among the most interesting. They not only typically feature amazing worlds, challenging encounters, and overall fascinating concepts and narratives, but they also helped shape many aspects of recent and upcoming titles.

Some Metroidvanias rely heavily on their difficulty, whereas others pay more attention to exploration and how players discover and unlock navigation in the world around them. Here are some of the best titles in this genre with the most rewarding shortcuts. Finding them all might take you a while, but at the end of the day, it's part of the experience.

8 Blasphemous

Every Shortcut Feels Like a Breath of Fresh Air

By the time I stumbled upon Blasphemous, it had already been out for a while. However, that didn't stop me from wanting to try it, and boy, am I glad that I did. This title is heavily influenced by the Spanish Inquisition, religion, and the surrounding relics.

The combat mechanics are complex and fun, and the bosses never disappoint. Unlocking shortcuts is very rewarding, as sometimes, the runbacks to certain areas and enemies can be grueling. In all honesty, I consider Blasphemous to be one of the Metroidvanias that deserve more credit than they get.

7 Grime

Map Interconnection Is Stellar

Although I love Metroidvanias that have a pixel art style, I also consider Grime's design to be fascinating, even if it doesn't break the mold in many ways. Akhlan is also an interesting character, even if he's faceless and somewhat mysterious. The combat mechanics in this title are very rewarding, and while I don't consider it to be one of the hardest Metroidvanias out there, it will sure give you a run for your money.

Unlocking shortcuts in Grime is a very satisfying experience, and honestly, every time I did, I felt like a considerable amount of weight was taken off my shoulders.

6 Nine Sols

Fast-Paced Action, Combined With Balanced Resting Areas

I find the concept of Nine Sols to be bizarre, but in a good way. Combining aspects of Chinese and Taiwanese culture with a technologically-advanced society shouldn't work on paper, but it definitely does. This title has one of the best parrying systems I've ever seen in a Metroidvania, and Yi is one of those characters that doesn't seem nuanced at first, but grows on you as the game progresses.

I wouldn't say Nine Sols has the most brutal runbacks out of all the games on this list, but even with that being the case, unlocking shortcuts is always most welcome. If you're ever struggling to beat a certain boss or clear an area, using some of the best jades in Nine Sols, is always a good idea.

5 Salt and Sanctuary

Shortcuts Are Great, but Some Feel Unnecessary

In my opinion, Salt and Sanctuary is one of the most nuanced titles on this list. On one hand, I believe it lacks many of the more complex aspects that make other Metroidvanias shine, such as a more intricate design, more complex combat mechanics, or even a more personable playable character. But on the other, it has an enormous skill tree, challenging boss fights, and fascinating lore that those who take the time to explore will love.

All in all, I would say that Salt and Sanctuary is an outstanding title, especially because it's one of the Metroidvanias with the most complex endings.

4 Blasphemous 2

It Was Easier to Unlock Shortcuts in the First Game

After playing the first game, I was thrilled to hear that a sequel would be released, and it didn't disappoint. Blasphemous 2 took many aspects that made its predecessor so fun, and built on it to deliver an even better experience through the use of additional weapons, and challenging ways to traverse along the map by using them, complex boss fights, and new enemy varieties to keep everything fresh.

The shortcut experience in this game is very similar to that of the previous title, with the exception that now, you must combine various tools at your disposal to reach certain areas and get past obstacles before your time runs out.

3 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

One of the Building Blocks of Modern Metroidvanias

If we're talking about the foundations of modern Metroidvanias, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night will always be in the conversation, at least for me. Granted, there were other titles in the Castlevania franchise that are also entertaining and paved the road for this one, but to me, this is the Holy Grail.

Combat mechanics are outstanding, the boss variety is more than decent, and discovering shortcuts is a fun, yet challenging experience that makes exploration in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night feel magical.

2 Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Much More Reliant on Fast Travel

Many of the games on this list are set in dark, hopeless worlds that make you constantly feel stressed out or in danger. Fortunately, that's not the case for Ori and the Will of the Wisps—in fact, it's quite the opposite. Exploring this title's world is a whimsical experience that feels like a hug to the heart thanks to its vibrant colors, endearing characters, and gorgeous environmental design. Granted, not everything's peachy, but it's close.

While not as challenging as other Metroidvanias, some abilities in Ori and the Will of the Wisps should be prioritized to make things easier along the way.

1 Hollow Knight

Exploring the Hallownest Is Key to Unlocking Its Secrets

Few games have captivated me as much and as quickly, as Hollow Knight. From the moment I set foot on the Hallownest and started making my way towards the first area, I couldn't help but be amazed by how the world felt both inviting and hopeless at the same time. It's definitely one of the design choices that make Hollow Knight the gold standard for modern Metroidvanias.

This title gets almost everything right. It's punishing, but fair, it has a map with outstanding interconnectivity and well-designed shortcuts, and it allows players to customize their experience through the use of Charms and other abilities that are always helpful and welcome to have.