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.
Filters & Lists
OVERLORD: ESCAPE FROM NAZARICK
2D action-adventure game set in the rich world of the epic dark fantasy, Overlord. This latest installment in the series features an original story overseen by Overlord's creator, Kugane Maruyama. Find Clementine's missing memories and make your escape!
Source of Madness
Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.
The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot…
Haiku, the Robot
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.
Rogue Legacy 2
Rogue Legacy 2 is what you'd get if you mashed Rogue Legacy and a sequel together. Every time you die, your children will succeed you, and each child is unique. Your daughter might be a Colourblind Archer, and your son could be a Pacifistic Chef. Either way, one of them is getting conscripted.
Crystal Project
Crystal Project is a non-linear JRPG where you are the maker of your own adventure. Explore the world while you find Crystals, unlock classes, learn abilities, and create a strategy capable of taking down the world's toughest bosses. Or just stick to exploring; it's up to you.
Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath
ZERO 2 is an ARPG with intriguing storytelling, an unpredictable battle system, and endless heartfelt adventure. The story includes multiple subtle metaphors for the relationship between God and humans.
PowerSlave Exhumed
PowerSlave Exhumed is a KEX Engine port of the classic console game perfectly blending both the PlayStation & Saturn versions
Supraland Six Inches Under
A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, combat! A first-person-metroidvania taking place six inches under Supraland.
Aeterna Noctis
Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.
SiNiSistar Lite Version
A simple 2D action game centered on themes of masochistic tendencies, yearning for death, as well as despair at being attacked by terrifying beings.
Super Mombo Quest
Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare
When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.
Exorcist Fairy
The player will play the role of nine JiuTianXuannu, who will fight with many demons, meet and help the innocent in six different and interconnected worlds, and finally go deep into the hinterland of magic city to uncover the truth of the ancient mystery between magic seal city and Xuannu family.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.
UNSIGHTED
EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?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