Upcoming Metroidvania Titles to Keep on Your Radar in 2026

As indie games have increasingly become my favorite sector of the video game world, I've found myself more drawn to Metroidvanias, whose average quality is genuinely high considering the number of titles released each year.

In this regard, the current calendar will be no different, given it boasts a lineup of releases that isn't only promising but also poised to be one of the most outstanding years for the genre as a whole.

From the release of admiringly anticipated titles to sleepers that have appeared out of nowhere but completely captured my attention, the sheer number of games to keep an eye on is almost overwhelming, but even describing it that way feels like a privilege.

Therefore, in order to share my knowledge about the experiences that generate the most excitement for me in the coming months, I invite you to read this list of ten upcoming Metroidvania titles to keep on your radar in 2026.

10 Torii: Beyond The Gates

A Broken Realm

The first thing that sells me on a video game is its aesthetic, which makes it easy to understand why Torii: Beyond The Gates is the game that will kick off this article.

The genre has accustomed us to spectacular hand-drawn 2D styles, but that doesn't mean every time a new title with these characteristics appears, it isn't fascinating, as is the case here.

However, visuals aren't enough; you need solid gameplay to back them up, and the game we're discussing here seems to draw on Nine Sols as its main inspiration for both aspects, which you can probably imagine how appealing thatis.

Furthermore, it promises to be a challenging experience, and frankly, when it comes to Metroidvanias, that's practically a necessity for me, so Torii: Beyond The Gates ticks all the boxes for high expectations.

9 Briar Flame

Desperate Attempts

Considering what I said earlier, it's worth clarifying that aesthetic prowess can be seen in many ways, and Briar Flame prioritizes stylization over form to deliver a highly intriguing result.

It doesn't look as refined as the other entries on the list, but that grittier feel reminds me of gems like Salt and Sanctuary, one of my favorite indie experiences, which inevitably leads me to follow the title's progress with anticipation.

Minimalist art and interface, boss-focused progression, an unforgiving world inspired by Soulslikes… As a FromSoftware fan, it's impossible not to be drawn to a game with these qualities.

Certainly, it's a riskier bet that won't interest most players, but considering I tend to enjoy games that don't appeal to the average person, I'm sure Briar Flame could be a real gem.

8 LUCID

Beautiful Calamities

LUCID has been on my radar for quite some time, especially after a spectacular trailer that gave me the feeling that Katana Zero had married Celeste and decided to raise their child following Hollow Knight's philosophy.

With its vibrant neon color palette, incredibly precise platforming sections, and stunningly spectacular combat, it has all the ingredients to generate hype in just a few seconds of video.

Although the bosses don't seem to follow the basic notion of identifying patterns to master them, but rather rely on getting used to each boss's gimmicks, every fight demonstration looks phenomenal, which is critical to me.

Furthermore, it's a game “inspired by the golden age of 2D side-scrollers”, which is always a good thing because nothing speaks more to the promise of a project than the developers' love for the best eras of the interactive industry.

7 Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement

Koji Igarashi is Back

If you're a fan of the genre, the name Koji Igarashi should ring a bell, both as part of the key figures behind the classic Castlevania games (including his role as assistant director for Symphony of the Night) and as the producer of the magnificent Bloodstained series.

With that background alone, absolutely everyone should be ecstatic about Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement's release, which will give continuation to one of the most enchanting modern Metroidvania IPs.

If there's any franchise that has managed to pick up where Konami left off, it's definitely ArtPlay's work, whose new iteration seems to be more of the same, and I, honestly, couldn't be happier with such a basic premise.

The best part is that you don't need to be familiar with previous Bloodstained installments to enjoy The Scarlet Engagement, which is fantastic because the more people who experience these adventures, the better.

6 RuneFencer Illyia

The Art of Stealing

As part of the games distributed by Outersloth's magnificent initiative, Rune Fencer Illyia deceives the eye, because it holds much greater depth than what appears at first glance.

Its pixel art is adorable, as are its environments and even enemies, though when you see the game in motion, you realize it's a precise Metroidvania where combat is incredibly complex and satisfying.

With pristine animations, striking particle effects, and the ability to steal enemy abilities, I imagine a curious combination of Rabi-Ribi and Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, which is a wonderfully crazy idea.

The visual aspect might put some players off, and I understand it. However, if you're able to stick around for the mechanics, you'll encounter a surprise that could be more impactful than even the most optimistic dreams about Rune Fencer Illyia's quality.

5 Blighted

A Psychedelic Western Nightmare

When a game is promoted as a psychedelic Western nightmare like Blighted, you have two options: ignore such an irreverent proposition or, failing that, show you have good taste and give it the attention it deserves.

This game encapsulates much of what I love about indie games: strange styles, bizarre ideas, and a soul so genuine that it's impossible not to wish the developers every success.

Blighted also has the added benefits of its undeniable resemblance to Hades, its cooperative gameplay, and its unmistakable visual style, making it one of the year's most distinctive titles.

It looks brutal, challenging, slow-burning, and eccentric—a combination of adjectives I can't ignore. Besides, it comes from the creators of Guacamelee! and Nobody Saves the World, so there are plenty of reasons to have faith in it.

4 Chronoscript: The Endless End

The Most Promising Eye-Catcher

Regardless of what I've said before, if there's one video game I'm going to buy purely because it does something visually unlike anything I've ever seen, it's Chronoscript: The Endless End.

When this project was revealed at the State of Play in September 2025, I was completely stunned by what I was witnessing​​​​​​, especially by its brilliant concept of being an editor trapped inside a manuscript.

Its combination of 2D and 3D elements gives it a unique visual style, which also permeates an equally promising combat system with some of the most imaginative effects I've ever seen.

It looks like you're looking at an animated medieval scroll, and I think simply putting those words together in a sentence to describe Chronoscript: The Endless End should be all you need to know to make you want it to be released already.

3 Aeterna Lucis

The Most Anticipated Sequel for Masochists

Aeterna Noctis is a household name for fans of the most demanding and challenging Metroidvanias; followers who, myself included, eagerly await the release of its successor, Aeterna Lucis.

I'm still recovering from the trauma inflicted by the first game's relentless platforming and exploration, and I'm also desperately hoping this sequel lives up to its promise of being bigger and better.

In many ways, the first game in the franchise had fascinating ideas but rather questionable execution, so the possibility of that same creativity being matched with a greater experience and higher quality sends shivers down my spine.

At worst, Aeterna Lucis will be an average sequel that will please those who loved the first, and that's enough. Yet, at best, it's a contender for a landmark Metroidvania, and I want to be there to witness it.

A Game Full of Folklore

Halberd Studios has already proven its ability to create a great Metroidvania with 9 Years of Shadows, but all signs point to Mariachi Legends, their new game, being truly extraordinary.

If we compare both projects, the growth in pixel art, soundtrack, animations, effects, combat, attack patterns, enemies, and more is palpable, so seeing the studio's evolution will be a welcome addition for those of us who enjoyed their first work.

However, even setting aside comparisons, everything in the new title looks incredible, especially due to its cultural influences and how these translate into genuinely fabulous designs and concepts.

If Mariachi Legends lives up to expectations, I believe it will not only be among the best Metroidvanias of the last couple of years, but we will also consider it a cornerstone of indie gaming in general, which is no small feat.

1 Crowsworn

Hollow Knight's Heir

Those of us who follow the genre closely each year have spent a good amount of time seeing Crowsworn as the true successor to Hollow Knight and the best way to wait until Silksong's release, but fate had other plans.

Instead, Crowsworn has become the most anticipated Metroidvania after the release of Hornet's adventure, a status it has earned after years of maintaining its relevance with each new trailer and demo.

Although it has taken much longer than initially anticipated, that only speaks to the ambition of its creators, who, inspired by Bloodborne, have crafted a world that looks magnificent.

The aesthetics are one of its strongest points, though it's evident that the key will be its gameplay, with ultra-precise controls, plenty of platforming, challenging bosses, and, in general, an experience brimming with everything that made Hollow Knight great.

For some, the similarities are too many, but for me, it's like complaining that new football players want to imitate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It's a matter of inertia that leads you to be inspired by the best to become one of them, and that's what Crowsworn is aiming for.