Although the phrase “the journey is as important as the destination”may seem like a cliché, it resonates profoundly within the Metroidvania genre. This genre, inspired by classics like Metroid and Castlevania, transcends the mere acts of upgrading abilities and vanquishing bosses; it embodies an exhilarating sense of adventure.
Words like “discovering, ” “experiencing, ” “testing, ” and “learning” aptly describe the essence of these games. This essence thrives on the ability of each title to immerse players into its world in a spontaneous and enticing way. While achieving this can be challenging, there are numerous exemplars of the genre that effectively achieve this immersive quality. Below, I present a curated selection of ten Metroidvanias renowned for their enriching exploration.
10 Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Challenges Are The Prize
Although I’ve distanced myself from Ubisoft for several years, I must admit that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown rekindled some fond memories. It harkens back to the creative brilliance of the early 2010s, showcasing a captivating journey through Sargon’s world.
While the treasures found in this beautifully crafted map often include cosmetics or minor, seldom-used tools, the real reward lies in the perfectly honed mechanics and the challenges themselves. These demanding sequences allow players to derive satisfaction from their accomplishments, even if they’re not receiving hefty rewards. Some may find the lack of significant items frustrating, yet I believe the joy of overcoming challenges is inherently valuable.
9 Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
A Secret To Reveal
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance might not epitomize the Metroidvania formula, yet it stands out as one of the most delightful games of 2025. It expertly encourages players to dive into its depths by clearly indicating missed content in each screen.
In line with The Lost Crown, it may often lack significant rewards. However, the thrill of navigating challenging platform sections and battling hordes of enemies is exhilarating, thanks to a well-crafted combat system. A major highlight lies in a hidden boss encounter that requires a thorough exploration of the environment; find all the Lab Keys, and you’ll undoubtedly thank yourself.
8 Blasphemous 2
Upgrades Don’t Appear By Themselves
Interestingly, Blasphemous 2 challenges traditional Metroidvania expectations by offering almost no optional content, prioritizing mandatory elements that spark intrigue.
While the absence of hidden bosses or secret locations may seem limiting, the game brings substantial pleasure through its refined gameplay, enhancing everything from enemy encounters to platforming challenges. Often, you’ll find meaningful rewards waiting behind significant obstacles, which keeps the gameplay dynamic and accessible. Although I’ve previously asserted not every action in gaming necessitates productivity, the well-structured map and fluid discovery make exploration immensely satisfying.
Moreover, prepare for an intense showdown with one of the toughest final bosses in the genre—Blasphemous 2 impressively delivers stunning audiovisuals that are worth experiencing.
7 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Between Quests and Secrets
In a genre where exploration reigns supreme, engaging movement mechanics are equally vital, making Ori and the Will of the Wisps a standout title in the Metroidvania realm.
This sequel builds on its predecessor’s foundation by introducing a quest system that provides compelling reasons to explore beyond the bare minimum. The world feels vibrant and alive, enriched with unique secrets and deeper character connections. The seamless nature of Ori’s evolving abilities enhances the immersive experience, allowing players to feel truly integrated into the world.
Similar to other titles on this list, Ori and the Will of the Wisps ensures that essential upgrades aren’t locked behind side content, encouraging you to immerse yourself fully within the game while helping locals and engaging in meaningful quests.
6 Eternal Night
Boss Fight Overdose
Aeterna Noctis may not be the most popular entry in its genre, and I understand why: its extreme difficulty can be off-putting even for seasoned players.
Yet, for those brave enough to navigate its challenges, Aeterna Noctis offers a treasure trove of content—daring areas, formidable bosses, and mind-bending platforming segments that elevate the experience. While it might not shine in refinement compared to other titles listed here, it excels in taking players on breathtaking journeys through diverse environments, from an underground robotic city to majestic floating islands.
Most exploration rewards lead to some of the hardest boss encounters, making it clear that this game isn’t for everyone. However, if you revel in pushing your limits, I can hardly recommend a better alternative than Aeterna Noctis.
5 Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
In Search of True Closure
As a dedicated fan of Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, I provide this list entry to its successor, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist.
While it may lack the high narrative stakes and memorable soundtrack of its predecessor, it offers a captivating Metroidvania experience filled with stunning aesthetics and intricate interconnectivity that keeps players engaged. Notably, exploration reveals the true ending, a rewarding trend that enhances player immersion.
Diving deeper into the game unlocks new bosses and areas that fulfill your desire for more once you think you’ve seen it all, ensuring that exploration remains enticing and fulfilling.
4 Nine Sols
Point of No Return
In my opinion, Nine Sols boasts some of the most exquisitely crafted combat seen in the genre. However, the mastery of its main encounters is merely the tip of the iceberg.
This title excels in providing a gameplay experience where precision and rhythm make conquering its mechanics overwhelmingly satisfying. Coupled with challenging bosses that demand skill mastery, players are consistently put to the test. Additionally, Red Candle Games has a knack for weaving captivating narratives, as evidenced by Nine Sols.To fully grasp its depth, you must explore every corner for lore, converse with every NPC, and triumph over each Sol.
Exploration becomes a driving force not merely for combat, but also for uncovering side missions from allies that eventually lead to uncovering the secret ending. Not to mention, Nine Sols features an exceptional cast of characters and potentially the best boss encounter ever experienced. If you’re in search of a standout title, this is it.
3 Salt and Sanctuary
The Light is Only for the Curious
Before Metroidvanias and Soulslike games became widely recognized, Salt and Sanctuary broke ground by seamlessly merging these genres, creating an incredible experience.
The fusion of relentless exploration, backtracking, and obtaining tangible upgrades amplifies player satisfaction, as both genres intertwine for double the excitement from the same mechanics. The thrill of uncovering new areas—even after many hours—keeps players engaged, as some discoveries are hidden behind intricate platforming moves or unsuspected paths.
From uncovering a new Creed to unearthing powerful weapons, every corner of Salt and Sanctuary harbors worthwhile discoveries, ensuring that no moment feels superfluous or lacking in value.
2 Animal Well
The Core of Everything
If any game exemplifies pure exploration, it is undoubtedly Animal Well. The game thrives on the player’s curiosity, delving into its enigmatic universe.
True exploration arises from the voluntary pursuit of discovery; since the game refrains from explicit guides or details, it challenges players to engage their instincts in deciphering its intricate designs. While it lacks conventional combat or bosses, this absence is replaced by a unique focus on exploration, making it the core experience of Animal Well.
The joy of connecting earlier discoveries to later achievements is indescribable. If you need proof, immerse yourself in the game and relish the surprise of finding items you first encountered hours prior, reinvigorating your sense of wonder.
1 Hollow Knight: Silksong
Unimaginable Dimensions
While I previously claimed that other titles encapsulate the heart of exploration, Hollow Knight: Silksong achieves an unparalleled scale and refinement that stands unrivaled in its approach.
Team Cherry’s masterwork surpasses its predecessors in every aspect, offering remarkable character-driven stories, fluid movement mechanics, and a labyrinth of hidden areas awaiting discovery each time you play.
The exhilarating moment you realize you’ve reportedly uncovered only 78% of the game after weeks of play is beyond description.Silksong continually rewards exploration, surprising players with the unexpected, despite prior knowledge of its world.
Perhaps recent excitement influences my enthusiasm, but the emotional journey I experienced through this game parallels that of Elden Ring, a rarity in gaming.Hollow Knight: Silksong is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, delivering more and elevating every gameplay moment, ultimately leading to evolving favorites with each playthrough.
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