The word ‘Metroidvania’ might rub some the wrong way, but it’s a useful catch-all to describe a very specific type of search-action game experience. Combining elements from both the Metroid series and Koji Igarashi-produced Castlevania titles, this broad platforming genre has you using an ever-growing skill set to open up new paths across an expansive, layered map.
Despite laying down the blueprint for Metroid-style explorative platforming games, neither Nintendo nor Konami have been particularly prolific in the genre for a while. Fortunately, we’ve seen some incredible examples from independent developers inspired by the classics.
To help you find a piece of the search-action, we’ve rounded up the best examples of the genre. These games showcase the brilliant and varied mechanics of Metroidvanias and are sure to give you that very particular buzz you get from the exploration and combat in the best of the best.
So, let’s have a look at the best Metroidvanias for Switch in no particular order.
Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)
Hollow Knight feels like it found its natural home on Switch. The game’s beautiful 2D world, tactile combat, and impressive bevvy of secrets constantly drag you in for more, and it proves to be as strong an experience on the move as it is on your TV.
On an eShop that’s already filled with top-quality indie games, Hollow Knight is one of the very best; a big, beautiful, foreboding Metroidvania that’s absolutely thick with detail. From its punchy combat system to its charming art and sound design, this is one of the finest adventures you can have on Nintendo Switch.
The Mummy Demastered (Switch eShop)
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, and you shouldn’t judge this game based on its movie tie-in; with The Mummy Demastered, WayForward may have reached its apex. It deserves to stand on its own as one of the best recent examples of not only a pixel art aesthetic, but as an excellent combination of run ‘n gunning, platforming and exploration.
The game benefits from paying homage to multiple 16-bit ancestors rather than strictly sticking to its celluloid source material; The Mummy Demastered is a polished, accomplished and satisfying adventure that will entertain more than just Metroidvania fans.
Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)
Axiom Verge on Switch is truly an outstanding port of an outstanding game, no more and no less. We would strongly urge those of you that missed this game on other platforms to pick it up here; this is the full Axiom Verge experience and it’s available in a format that supports both handheld and home play.
Even better, the sequel is almost as good! Axiom Verge 2 perfectly balances familiar elements that made the original great and trying out new ideas that give the sequel its own identity, and while lovers of the first game may take some time to adjust, everything comes together and makes for a potent experience that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on.
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Guacamelee! 2 (Switch eShop)
A dazzling, thrilling action-platformer with a potent cocktail of combat and platforming components, all set in one of the most appealing game worlds around. It’s not a massive progression from the original, and its sheer relentlessness can prove tiresome, but Guacamelee! 2 is a real celebration of a sequel.
The Messenger (Switch eShop)
2D side-scrolling action games like The Messenger may be a dime a dozen these days, but you’d be missing out on something special by passing this one up. Featuring a surprisingly long campaign, an incredible soundtrack and tight, challenging level designs, The Messenger stands as a shining example of great game design. We’d highly recommend you pick this one up; it’s the very definition of a modern classic.
SteamWorld Dig 2 (Switch eShop)
SteamWorld Dig 2 is another confident effort from Image & Form, and a worthy successor to a game that’s a treasured part of many eShop collections. Stylish and good-looking, it also has the series’ trademark humour and, yes, a pretty good soundtrack. It refines and expands upon the qualities of the original and hits some delicious high points, albeit some of the smartest segments and ideas appear only briefly. It sets the scene for more content and games, too, which is pleasing to see.
For fans of SteamWorld Dig we suspect the recommendation isn’t needed as they’ll buy this anyway. For those that skipped the first game, however, Dig 2 is a must-have — its charming aesthetic and cast set the scene for a tightly designed and clever exploration game.
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (Switch eShop)
If you haven’t gotten around to it by now, the Switch version is the best way to play Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse. Tight gameplay, detailed visuals, and charming writing combine to make this a Metroidvania that is a must-play for any fans of this genre.
The whole Shantae series is worth checking out, but the next best on Switch (in our eyes) is the wonderful Shantae and the Seven Sirens, which is a culmination of everything WayForward has done before.
Dead Cells (Switch)
Dead Cells is more of a “roguevania”, a blend of roguelite and Metroidvania, rather than a pure action exploration game, but it’s an absolute masterclass in both.
Dead Cells mixes together nonstop intense action sequences, gorgeous vistas, and an addictive loop of unlocks and rewards into a beautiful experience that no Switch owner will want to go without. There are hundreds of hours of content here, and that’s not counting the DLC! This game is a blast to play, full of visual splendour, and packed with things to do; don’t miss out on this one, it’s a must-buy.
Blaster Master Zero (Switch eShop)
Blaster Master Zero is a low-impact retro shot which helped fill the gap between major retail releases after the console’s launch back in 2017. A homage to Sunsoft’s original Blaster Master on NES, Inti Creates did a fine job ‘rebooting’ the formula and giving the 8-bit visuals a couple more ‘bits’ to make the sprites really pop on your Switch screen. The result is a game which looks retro but feels wonderfully crisp and vital today
And if you like this, Blaster Master Zero 2 and Blaster Master Zero 3 are also excellent,
Iconoclasts (Switch eShop)
Iconoclasts is a memorable, thought-provoking, and enjoyable take on the Metroidvania genre which manages to stick out from the crowd with its chipper presentation and deeper storytelling style.
Couple those elements with some of the best 16-bit spritework we’ve seen and a killer lineup of awesome boss encounters, and you’ve got another must-have for the Switch library.
Yoku’s Island Express (Switch eShop)
Yoku’s Island Express is a genuine breath of fresh air, even today. Combining pinball and Metroidvania mechanics in a way that feels truly inspired, we keep coming back to this Switch classic.
Add in one of the most appealing fantasy worlds you’ll find on the eShop, and you have yourself an instant left-field classic.
Cave Story+ (Switch)
If you haven’t played Cave Story, you need to; it’s an essential title for any fan of Metroidvania style games. Its wonderful pacing, fantastic controls and charming visuals make it a must-have for fans of the genre, especially those who have yet to play it.
If there was the equivalent of a required reading list for games, Cave Story+ would be on it.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Switch)
Monster Boy is a tremendous accomplishment. It’s a gorgeous-looking game with a fantastic soundtrack and does its spiritual predecessors proud by nailing the Wonder Boy mechanics while still offering something that will appeal to modern audiences. As long as you can appreciate that it’s still very much an old-school game at heart, you’ll thoroughly enjoy playing through this 12-15 hour adventure.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for an old(er)-school Monster/Wonder Boy adventure, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a perfectly-pitched non-linear action adventure which must surely rank as one of the best of the 8-bit era, and the remake on Switch is wonderful.
Owlboy (Switch eShop)
Owlboy is a three-pronged attack of success: the gameplay is tight, satisfying, and remains fresh throughout; the world is visually stunning thanks to some truly masterful pixel art, and you’ll find yourself really caring about the cast of characters thanks to a compelling storyline and background lore.
This is a game that is absolutely worth your time; if anything we’ve mentioned above has you even remotely intrigued, we urge you to consider giving Owlboy a go.
Gato Roboto (Switch eShop)
This cat knows where it’s at. With tight controls, retro-styled minimal art style and a superb sense of progression, Gato Roboto is the perfect bite-sized Metroidvania (or Meowtroidvania). Anybody with a lick of experience will likely breeze through it in no time, and we wish it lasted a little longer.
Nevertheless, many will see its brevity as a plus point and the game is chock full of meaningful upgrades, secrets and spectacular boss battles to keep you busy, if only for a few hours.
Timespinner (Switch eShop)
Gorgeous to behold and equally delightful to play, Timespinner is yet another top-notch Metroidvania on Switch.
A lack of tough exploration challenges and an under-utilised time-freeze gimmick aside, it succeeds in using the popular genre as a vehicle for a genuinely intriguing science-fantasy tale that will motivate players to explore every inch of its fantastic pixel-art world.
Blasphemous (Switch eShop)
Blasphemous is a beautifully crafted Soulslike/Metroidvania set in a delightfully unhinged, deliriously gory world filled with well-designed enemies, satisfyingly meaty combat and some truly memorable and grotesque boss battles. Platforming sections are uniformly well-crafted and the whole thing comes together to create one of the most visually arresting and enjoyable games in the genre.
The sequel, Blasphemous 2, builds even more of the solid Metroidvania formula. There are meaningful upgrades with deeper and more satisfying combat and three upgradable weapon sets that combine perfectly with environmental puzzling that feels more cohesive and fluid overall.
Ori And The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)
From start to finish, Ori and the Blind Forest is a real joy to play and is an absolutely flawless port on Switch. Challenging yet never feeling unfair or discouraging, and almost relaxing to control, the mesmerising art style and musical score are the icing on the cake that makes the player actually care about the protagonist and want to keep playing to the game’s conclusion.
Plus, there’s that sequel — though slightly more linear than The Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps still scratches that Metroidvania itch beautifully. The addition of more customization options, a greater focus on combat and a better-developed story – all in a game that’s running at 60 frames per second – allows the sequel to comprehensively outshine the original.
La-mulana 2 (Switch eShop)
La-Mulana 2 definitely isn’t for everybody – if you consider yourself an impatient or clumsy player, steer clear – but those who put in the time and effort to crack this nut will be deeply satisfied.
What we have here is an expertly-paced, crushingly difficult, and utterly mystifying adventure that constantly beckons you to explore deeper and acquaint yourself with its unique charms. The original La-Mulana was a masterpiece in its own right, but we’d contend that it’s been edged out by the sequel.
Carrion (Switch eShop)
Carrion is a special thing in many ways — a game which puts you in the shoes (or slithering eldritch-tentacles) of the game’s ‘boss’ — but the actual meat-and-potatoes structure is as formulaic as the genre gets. Thankfully, its core gameplay of tearing room after room of people into wet chunks of corpse never gets old and sustains the experience throughout.
It looks superb, sounds great and is plenty of fun to play, despite some minor issues which just hold Carrion back from the absolute upper echelons of the Switch library. Still, if you’re after a Metroidvania with a twist, this one is disgustingly intriguing.
Minoria (Switch eShop)
Minoria is a great Metroidvania that we’d hate to see slip under the radar amongst the more well-known titles like Bloodstained and Hollow Knight.
It’s not quite as feature-rich as some of the other titles in the genre and will only last roughly five hours or so, but the combat is so impressive that we’d urge you to check it out.
Alwa’s Legacy (Switch eShop)
Alwa’s Legacy is an excellent example of how to do a proper sequel; it takes everything that Alwa’s Awakening did well and builds on it, adds in a few new ideas of its own, and corrects the issues from its predecessor.
Even though it’s a little short, Alwa’s Legacy is the special sort of game that only comes around once in a great while, reminding you of the quality possible when a dedicated crew puts in the time to make a polished and tightly designed final product.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth (Switch eShop)
With a great variety of environments, strong, simple gameplay, a great overarching story, and a strong line-up of enemies, Astalon: Tears of the Earth will likely only last a handful of hours, but there’s a lot here to love,
It may not be extremely unique, but Alaston is still an excellent example of the genre, and It’s a relative no-brainer if you’re a fan of high-fantasy Metroidvanias.
Narita Boy (Switch eShop)
Narita Boy joins a plethora of entertainment franchises that pay homage to ‘80s culture. But where others have failed, Narita Boy transcends its inspiration with exceptional world building, a complex yet thoughtful narrative, and stunning combat gameplay.
It occasionally feels a little too vague and abstract in its structure, and ultimately this holds it back from being a true masterpiece, but if you’re longing for a great Metroidvania title, then Narita Boy is worth checking out.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (Switch eShop)
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights was one of the strongest Metroidvanias of 2021, and easily one of the best examples of the genre. It boasts excellent visuals throughout, with bursts of colour lighting up the otherwise dreary kingdom, and a wonderful soundtrack that we guarantee will live rent-free in your head for hours.
All of this is held together by strong gameplay, with a particular focus on customisable loadouts via the spirit abilities. With a sequel (Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist) also available — and also excellent — make some time to try out these unique adventures.
UNSIGHTED (Switch eShop)
Combining flavours of Super Nintendo classics with modern playability, Unsighted is the game 1995 desperately wanted to make but just didn’t know how.
Its time-is-ticking, post-apocalyptic scenario is brought to life by the enchanting palettes of its pixel art, making a world you want to explore, full of characters you want to know. Far from punishing, it leans more on the ‘lite’ than the ‘rogue’, letting fun prevail – as it will, thanks to the addictive rhythm of the controls, backed by punchy sounds. The cooperative multiplayer is icing on top of an already well-iced cake.
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Switch)
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth doesn’t take too long to beat, but when the adventure’s this much fun and as densely packed with creativity, does it matter? At the end of it all you’re far more likely to feel satisfied than short-changed, and Deedlit’s tale is a surprisingly touching one regardless of how much or little you already know about Lodoss.
If you’re after something with the flavour of Symphony of the Night that doesn’t feel like a shallow knock-off, this is a fine alternative.
Islets (Switch eShop)
Islets promises a surprisingly wholesome story while featuring a lot of classic Metroidvania mechanics, and it certainly delivers. The beautiful landscapes and island inhabitants create an unforgettable journey. Filled with monstrous rivals, tense, timing-based platforming, and some well-hidden puzzles, this title is much more than a run-of-the-mill Metroidvania.
There are enough collectibles scattered across each island to keep players coming back, and to be honest; it’s hard to leave the charming cast of creatures behind.
If you like this, developer Kyle Thompson’s Crypt Custodian offers a similarly great (top-down) take on the Metroidvania formula.
Disney Illusion Island (Switch)
While you could argue that Disney Illusion Island is more of a Metroidvania than it is a straight-up 2D platformer, we reckon it strikes a wonderful balance between the two genres.
Its focus on combat-free exploration makes this an excellent gateway into the genre for younger audiences, and its ability to support up to four players via local co-op means that it’s an excellent option for families who want to spend a bit of time with some of the most iconic Disney characters imaginable. You can also hug each other to regain health – what more could you ask for?
9 Years of Shadows (Switch eShop)
Halberd Studios has crafted a Metroidvania with a really encouraging number of unique elements. We have no issue in declaring it A Good Game™ and a great time thanks to its careful crafting and implementation of a number of original ideas that elevate the gameplay, rather than stifle it.
It is just another Metroidvania at heart, yes, and it doesn’t revolutionise the genre; but, while there are a few scrappy bits where you can see a thinning of the budget compared to works by larger studios, 9 Years of Shadows holds its own as an inventive, pretty, and consistently enjoyable adventure.
Worldless (Switch eShop)
Worldless attempts to differentiate itself from its peers by adding satisfying turn-based combat to the usual Metroidvania loop. It largely succeeds, helped by an intoxicating art style and varied puzzle mechanics.
Some difficulty spikes interrupt the flow and knock the dreamlike exploration off balance, but you’ll feel compelled to overcome them.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Switch eShop)
It may not have a great big open world to play around in like Arkham City, but Batman: Arkham Asylum is still our favourite game of Rocksteady’s Bat-trio. It introduced everything that’s great about the trilogy; the combat, the dark tone, the endless Riddler puzzles and detective work, whilst also serving up a story that didn’t waste any time.
The Switch port isn’t as smooth as it should be considering this originally launched in 2009, but Asylum remains a tight and taut thrill ride, one of the all-time great superhero games, and essential reading whether you’re a Batfan or not.
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus (Switch eShop)
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is a game where charm meets challenge and a passion for Japanese culture is expressed with artistic flair.
Its emphasis on platforming skill over exploration gives it a distinctive profile in the Metroidvania crowd and, while that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, for many, the appeal will blossom like the trees in Sakura City.
Nine Sols (Switch eShop)
Combat and progression are the best parts of Nine Sols, and they manage to rub away the blemishes occasionally found in the game’s map design and exploration. It’s a really great blend of systems from other games with a fantastic revenge narrative.
While aspects of the world design and ‘Taopunk’ style feel mismatched, there is always another enemy around the corner to fight, reminding you just how good the core gameplay is.
Animal Well (Switch eShop)
Developer Shared Memory’s stated goal is “to craft complete experiences that will be playable long after the world loses its internet connection,” and screen after screen, Animal Well excels in delighting your eyes and giving your brain something to stew on.
It’s a riposte against a culture of post-launch updates in favour of a meticulously crafted, singular vision with potentially years’ worth of discoveries baked in. Animal Well delivers on that long-term promise and does so with a one-of-a-kind elegance.
That’s a pretty tasty collection, wouldn’t you say?
Switch Metroidvania FAQ
Need help finding those last few collectibles or understanding the genre? We’ve got a few answers that should help fill out your map.
Where are the Castlevania and Metroid games?
While the term Metroidvania comes from Nintendo’s Metroid series and Konami’s Castlevania series, there are a few reasons why we haven’t included either of these series on the list.
For Metroid, that series really feels like the blueprint for the genre sans the levelling that most games under this umbrella use. It has the map and the atmosphere, but it does progression differently. Still, Metroid Dread on Switch comes highly recommended by us.
For Castlevania, it’s a lot simpler — there are no individual Castlevania games on Switch. The Castlevania collections are all excellent, but there are multiple games in those bundles, and we want to highlight those games that were inspired by those classics.
We have lists of the best Castlevania and best Metroid games, however, so go and check those out if you want to know about those series.