The evolution of the Metroidvania genre offers a fascinating glimpse into video game development and representation throughout the years. Initially, titles from iconic names like Nintendo and Konami were rare gems, emerging every once in a while, notably with releases like **Metroid** and **Castlevania**.
In contrast to those earlier times, we are now witnessing an explosion of Metroidvania titles, especially from the indie game scene. It seems that gamers grew impatient with the lull between releases from established studios, prompting a surge of creative efforts from independent developers eager to fill the void.
While it may appear that Metroidvanias dominate the gaming landscape today, the influx does not diminish the quality. Numerous outstanding titles are released regularly, many featuring innovative gameplay mechanics and artistic designs. Keeping an eye on Steam’s upcoming charts can ultimately lead you to a treasure trove of unique projects.
If the allure of Metroidvanias has captivated you, this list of promising upcoming games will surely help quench your thirst.
To make it onto this list, each game must carry the **Metroidvania** user tag on Steam.
8 The Eternal Life of Goldman
Don’t Mess With Cane-Bouncing Old Dudes
The Metroidvania genre has an uncanny ability to draw in highly talented creatives, which is evident in **The Eternal Life of Goldman**.This game boasts stunning hand-drawn artwork, inviting players into a world rich in visual detail.
In this dark fable, players follow Goldman, an adventurous Scrooge McDuck-like character, as he explores a shadowy Archipelago seeking to destroy an ancient deity. Goldman’s unique cane, which can be customized for various combat and mobility enhancements, becomes his primary tool for navigating challenges and defeating adversaries.
The artistic style deserves special mention; while it appears simplistic at first glance, the meticulous backgrounds and fluid animations demonstrate the care invested in its creation. Although a release date is not yet available, the consistent release of trailers suggests a promising development trajectory.
7 Altered Alma
You Can Never Have Too Much Cyberpunk
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Developer |
2Awesome Studio |
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Platforms |
PC |
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Release Date |
TBD |
Given the current saturation of uninspired commercial AI in daily life, it feels vital to escape into a fascinating cyberpunk adventure.**Altered Alma** delivers just that, combining elements of Metroidvania and RPG in a thrilling narrative.
Players embark on a journey with Jack, an ex-Crusader stranded in the futuristic landscape of Neo Barcelona. To escape, players must repair the damaged ship **Esperanza** and forge alliances throughout the city, potentially even forming romantic connections.
Jack possesses a range of aerial maneuvers and close-combat techniques, enhanced through various cybernetic upgrades. This allows players to adapt their gameplay style to traverse the neon-lit world uniquely. Although the release date remains unconfirmed, the game has been featured at Gamescom, and its development is actively ongoing.
6 Never Grave: The Witch And The Curse
Now That’s A Hat Trick
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Developer |
Frontside 180 |
|---|---|
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Platforms |
PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch |
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Release Date |
TBD |
As gaming genres continue to blend and evolve, new creative possibilities emerge.**Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse** exemplifies this trend by combining elements of Metroidvania, roguelite, and town-building sims.
Players control a resurrected witch accompanied by a sentient, cursed hat, exploring underground ruins to uncover resources and answers. Utilizing her unique abilities, players can possess defeated enemies, effectively co-opting their strengths.
As resources like wood and stone are gathered, players can help rebuild a devastated village, reminiscent of titles like **Cult of the Lamb** but with a more uplifting twist. Following a successful demo release in 2024, the developers are prioritizing a full launch instead of an Early Access release.
5 The Good Old Days
We’re On The Clock Here
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Developer |
Gravity |
|---|---|
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Platforms |
PC |
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Release Date |
TBD |
Adventure stories about youth have universal appeal, transcending borders and eras.**The Good Old Days**, inspired by tales like *The Goonies, * follows young Sean on a quest within the extensive underground network beneath his home to unearth lost family riches, aiming to resolve a $30, 000 debt within a mere day.
Real-time constraints heighten the urgency, as players explore various methods of securing funds, from treasure hunting to potential lottery wins. Players will also encounter Sean’s friends, who possess distinctive abilities. The exploration-based framework feels organically structured, delightful for fans of the genre. Although no release date is provided, the developers are actively sharing updates via their Twitter account.
4 Constance
With A Flick Of A Brush
The struggle of harnessing creativity amid personal turmoil is a compelling theme explored in **Constance**.In this Metroidvania, players are thrust into the inner world of a tormented artist, compelled to battle her demons using her artistic talents.
Constance wields paint as both her most potent weapon and a hazard, as misuse can impact her health. The game’s narrative intends to mirror her emotions and history, creating an immersive experience as players journey through her psyche to uncover her struggles and their origins. Fans seeking an introspective adventure can look forward to its release on November 24, 2025.
3 Hotel Barcelona
Can The World Handle This Team-Up?
The collaboration between iconic directors like Goichi “Suda51” Suda and Hidetaka “Swery65” Suehiro birthed a highly anticipated title: **Hotel Barcelona**.
This Roguevania game allows players to control Justine, a federal marshal entangled with a serial killer, Dr. Carnival, in a nightmarish hotel filled with otherworldly threats. Players can harness combat skills to fight hordes of enemies while unlocking Dr. Carnival’s darker powers for enhanced attacks.
In the Roguevania format, players may face death before completing their quests; however, they leave behind a **Slasher Phantom** that replicates their previous routes, providing strategic advantages in future runs. This intriguing blend of genres is set to launch on September 26, 2025, and promises to deliver a unique experience.
2 Mariachi Legends
Every Day Is Dia De Los Muertos
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Developer |
Halberd Studios |
|---|---|
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Platforms |
PC |
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Release Date |
Q2 2026 |
One of the joys of indie gaming is experiencing unique cultural narratives.**Mariachi Legends** captures this essence with its Metroidvania set in the charming town of Santa Mascota, blending rich storytelling with engaging gameplay.
Players take on the role of detective Pablo Cruz, bestowed with power from Death herself, transforming him into an undead mariachi warrior fighting against a nefarious supernatural criminal organization. The game promises a strong focus on combat, featuring an array of weapons and a sophisticated parry mechanism for dynamic clashes.
As players progress through Santa Mascota, they will encounter vibrant NPCs, shops, and mysteries, with areas evolving based on a day/night cycle. Anticipation builds for the game’s release in Q2 2026, offering much to look forward to.
1 Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement
Double Your Hunters, Double Your Fun
Fans of **Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night**, developed by Koji Igarashi, will be excited to hear about its upcoming sequel, **Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement**.This installment serves as a prequel, focusing on two unique monster hunters, Leonard and Alexander, as they prepare to confront the demons unleashed by the enigmatic Demon Lord Elias.
The gameplay promises to expand on its predecessor’s mechanics, with players controlling both characters simultaneously to navigate an even larger world filled with adventure and danger. Igarashi remains in a pivotal role as the game’s producer, ensuring quality continuity after the successful 2019 release.
Though setbacks occurred with the departure of the original creative director, the project’s future appears bright. Anticipation builds for its launch in 2026, drawing in both veteran and new fans alike.
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