Best Metroidvania games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated metroidvania games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free metroidvania games are available at the bottom of the page.
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Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, War – the first Horseman of the Apocalypse – stands accused of breaking the sacred law by inciting a war between Heaven and Hell.
ICEY
ICEY is a 2D side-scrolling action game and a META game in disguise. As you follow the narrator's omnipresent voice, you will see through ICEY's eyes and learn the truth about her world. The narrator will constantly urge you in one direction, but you must ask, "Why? Why am I following his directions?“ Obey? Rebel?
Xanadu Next
Whenever mist hangs over Lake Orwell, sailors catch sight of a phantom castle just out of reach. As they draw near, it fades away, leaving only questions for all who have seen this “Castle Strangerock.” Now, you must aid your charge in uncovering its secrets...even if it costs you your very soul.
BUTCHER
BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Pankapu
Pankapu is a narrative action-platformer that takes place in the dreams of Djaha’rell, a child troubled by a tragic incident. Upgrade your skills, find new competencies, switch your Aegis in real time in order to get rid of Nightmare's invasion.
Toy Odyssey: The Lost and Found
Toy Odyssey is fundamentally an action-adventure platformer. The player spends the night exploring a randomly-generated house, defeating bosses in each of the unique rooms, and then going up against the final boss.
Seasons after Fall
Seasons After Fall is a 2D platform-puzzler game that will let you dive into a captivating universe and explore a land governed by magic and nature.
Headlander
Launch into the ultimate head trip as you blast through psychotic robots in a retro 70's sci-fi action adventure from Double Fine Productions. It is a world of automation, a utopia gone wrong in which all of humanity have transferred their minds into robotic imposter bodies and are ruled by a computer.
Song of the Deep
From the creators of Ratchet & Clank, Song of the Deep is a metroidvania-style action-adventure game following a young girl’s quest into the unknown to find her missing father. It combines underwater discovery, skill, and suspense with a powerful story.
Ghost 1.0
A mysterious agent, capable of becoming a digital ghost, sneaks aboard the Nakamura Space Station. This is where the fun begins: the station is well-protected with its heavy defences, never-ending arsenal of weapons, and mysterious artifacts. It will all have to be destroyed.
Salt and Sanctuary
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Dungeon of Zolthan
Dungeon of Zolthan is a casual, arcade-style metroidvania platformer where your goal is to defeat Zolthan; a powerful mage that lives inside the dungeon. Using an array of powerups and your own wit and guile, guide your character through Zolthan's Dungeon!
Shadow Complex Remastered
ChAIR’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered. 10+ hrs of exploration and fast-paced combat from award-winning original game, updated with graphical enhancements, dynamic melee take-downs, and new Master Challenges.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Inexistence
Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.
Spaceport Hope
A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.
Hyper Light Drifter
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.Most played metroidvania games on Steam
Take a look at the top metroidvania games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 409,900 reviews of which 397,764 were positive and 12,136 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played metroidvania game, thanks to its 6,653 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
397,764
12,136
6,653
players
2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat. Dead Cells is a adventure, action roguelike and pixel graphics game developed and published by Motion Twin. Released on August 06th 2018 has received 166,781 reviews of which 161,928 were positive and 4,853 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,322 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among metroidvania games based on player count.
9.6
161,928
4,853
1,322
players
3. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a action rpg, metroidvania and souls-like game developed by Primal Game Studio and published by Knights Peak. Released on April 17th 2025 has received 1,690 reviews of which 1,102 were positive and 588 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 520 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among metroidvania games based on player count.
6.4
1,102
588
520
players
4. Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation. Blasphemous is a metroidvania, pixel graphics and souls-like game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 50,668 reviews of which 45,642 were positive and 5,026 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 510 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
8.9
45,642
5,026
510
players
5. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a atmospheric, great soundtrack and metroidvania game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 27th 2016 has received 66,391 reviews of which 63,250 were positive and 3,141 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 433 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.4
63,250
3,141
433
players
6. Nine Sols
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm. Nine Sols is a metroidvania, souls-like and difficult game developed and published by RedCandleGames. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 26,611 reviews of which 25,380 were positive and 1,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.3
25,380
1,231
414
players
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,731 reviews of which 131,079 were positive and 4,652 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 373 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.5
131,079
4,652
373
players
8. Blasphemous 2
The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all. Blasphemous 2 is a combat, fantasy and metroidvania game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 13,898 reviews of which 12,707 were positive and 1,191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 291 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
8.9
12,707
1,191
291
players
9. ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation? ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a metroidvania, 2d and dark fantasy game developed by Adglobe and Live Wire and published by Binary Haze Interactive. Released on January 22nd 2025 has received 12,545 reviews of which 12,011 were positive and 534 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 257 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.3
12,011
534
257
players
10. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is a metroidvania, female protagonist and souls-like game developed by Live Wire and Adglobe and published by Binary Haze Interactive. Released on June 21st 2021 has received 38,561 reviews of which 36,284 were positive and 2,277 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 240 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played metroidvania games.
9.2
36,284
2,277
240
players
Best deals on metroidvania games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of metroidvania games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted metroidvania games.
1. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, metroidvania and exploration game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,147 reviews of which 1,043 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for metroidvania category.
8.6
1,043
104
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Souldiers
Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat. Souldiers is a metroidvania, pixel graphics and action game developed by Retro Forge and published by Dear Villagers. Released on June 02nd 2022 has received 2,645 reviews of which 1,797 were positive and 848 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in metroidvania games.
6.6
1,797
848
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. SteamWorld Dig 2
SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a adventure, metroidvania and indie game developed and published by Image & Form Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 7,498 reviews of which 7,158 were positive and 340 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in metroidvania games.
9.2
7,158
340
-93%
21.29€
1.49€
4. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,163 reviews of which 6,360 were positive and 1,803 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
7.6
6,360
1,803
-93%
25.29€
1.77€
5. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed and published by WayForward. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 2,827 reviews of which 2,627 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.9
2,627
200
-91%
20.78€
1.87€
6. Iconoclasts
Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people. Iconoclasts is a indie, pixel graphics and metroidvania game developed by Joakim Sandberg and published by Bifrost Entertainment, DANGEN Entertainment, INTRAGAMES CO., LTD. and Gamirror Games. Released on January 23rd 2018 has received 4,703 reviews of which 4,074 were positive and 629 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.4
4,074
629
-91%
19.33€
1.74€
7. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity! Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a metroidvania, rpg and female protagonist game developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 39,303 reviews of which 36,833 were positive and 2,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
9.2
36,833
2,470
-90%
41.30€
4.13€
8. Supraland
Try the demo! A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, terrible combat, secret upgrades and new abilities that help you reach new places. Playtime 12-25h. Supraland is a puzzle-platformer, exploration and metroidvania game developed and published by Supra Games. Released on April 05th 2019 has received 13,016 reviews of which 12,394 were positive and 622 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
9.3
12,394
622
-89%
20.55€
2.26€
9. Lost Ruins
Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses. Lost Ruins is a anime, metroidvania and pixel graphics game developed by ALTARI GAMES and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on May 13th 2021 has received 5,378 reviews of which 4,614 were positive and 764 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.3
4,614
764
-88%
19.92€
2.39€
10. GRIME
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue. GRIME is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed by Clover Bite and published by Akupara Games. Released on August 02nd 2021 has received 5,657 reviews of which 4,834 were positive and 823 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for metroidvania games.
8.3
4,834
823
-88%
20.17€
2.42€
Free metroidvania games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play metroidvania games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play metroidvania games.
1. Bloody Hell
A short but sweet game about an Angel on a Bloody Bullet-hell mission to kill Satan! Dash, Double Dash, Grapple & Blast your way through Hell to fulfill your Holy Mission. Will you be able to kill Satan? Or will you fail to master your abilities and DIE in this BLOODY HELL? Bloody Hell is a bullet hell, metroidvania and pixel graphics game developed and published by Pun Intended. Released on January 27th 2023 has received 5,865 reviews of which 5,743 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
9.4
5,743
122
14
players
2. You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,670 reviews of which 5,268 were positive and 402 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
9.0
5,268
402
3. Skelethrone: The Prey
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign. Skelethrone: The Prey is a metroidvania, souls-like and dark fantasy game developed by 70`Strike and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 14th 2024 has received 413 reviews of which 317 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free metroidvania games on Steam.
7.2
317
96