Top 7 Metroidvania Games for Exploration Lovers

Metroidvania games have a special charm for those who love diving into sprawling, interconnected worlds. The thrill of uncovering hidden paths, solving environmental puzzles, and gaining new abilities to unlock previously inaccessible areas makes these games perfect for exploration fans.

I’ve handpicked seven standout Metroidvania titles that shine in delivering rich, rewarding exploration. Each game offers unique worlds, mechanics, and atmospheres that keep you hooked as you wander through their depths.

Yoku’s Island Express

‘Yoku’s Island Express’ (2018) blends Metroidvania exploration with pinball mechanics, creating a fresh and delightful experience. You play as Yoku, a tiny beetle-postman, navigating a vibrant island filled with lush forests and sandy beaches. The pinball-inspired movement—bouncing off bumpers and flippers—makes every area feel like a playground of discovery.

The game’s open world encourages you to explore at your own pace, with secrets tucked behind clever puzzles and optional side quests. Its colorful art and quirky charm make every new area a joy to uncover, rewarding your curiosity with collectibles and story tidbits.

Axiom Verge

‘Axiom Verge’ (2015) channels the eerie, retro vibe of the original ‘Metroid’ while carving its own path. You control Trace, a scientist lost in a biomechanical world of grotesque creatures and glitchy landscapes. The game’s exploration shines through its vast, interconnected map filled with hidden rooms and upgrades.

What sets it apart is the arsenal of weapons and tools, like a glitch gun that warps reality to open new paths. The unsettling atmosphere and pixel-art visuals pull you deeper into its labyrinth, making every discovery feel both strange and satisfying.

Guacamelee! 2

‘Guacamelee! 2’ (2018) bursts with color and humor, set in a lively Mexican-inspired world called the Mexiverse. As luchador Juan, you wrestle through a sprawling map packed with secrets, from hidden chests to alternate dimensions. The game’s exploration is tied to unlocking new moves, like a chicken form for tight spaces.

Its vibrant art and witty storytelling make backtracking a blast, with every area offering new challenges or collectibles. The addition of four-player co-op adds a fun twist, letting you explore with friends in this chaotic, joyful adventure.

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth

‘Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth’ (2021) pays homage to ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ with its gorgeous pixel art and fluid gameplay. You guide Deedlit, an elven warrior, through a sprawling labyrinth filled with elemental puzzles and fierce enemies. Exploration feels rewarding as you unlock new areas with wind and fire spirit abilities.

The game’s interconnected castle brims with secrets, from hidden rooms to powerful gear. Its smooth animations and atmospheric soundtrack make every step through this fantasy world immersive and captivating.

Cave Story+

‘Cave Story+’ (2011) is a timeless indie gem crafted by a single developer, Daisuke Amaya. You play as Quote, a silent hero exploring a massive cave system filled with quirky characters and deadly traps. The game’s nonlinear map rewards thorough exploration with hidden weapons and story fragments.

Its retro pixel art and challenging platforming evoke classic Metroidvanias, but the emotional narrative sets it apart. Discovering new areas feels personal, as each room reveals more about the game’s tragic yet hopeful world.

Metroid Dread

‘Metroid Dread’ (2021) delivers a modern take on the series that defined the genre. As Samus Aran, you explore the planet ZDR, a maze of high-tech ruins and organic caverns. The game’s exploration is driven by fluid movement and abilities like the slide or grapple beam, opening up new paths.

Stealth sections with E.M.M.I. robots add tension, making every corner you turn feel alive with danger. The polished visuals and tight level design ensure that uncovering ZDR’s secrets is as thrilling as it is rewarding.

Hollow Knight

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017) is a haunting masterpiece set in the decaying kingdom of Hallownest. As a nameless knight, you explore vast caverns, ruined cities, and fungal wastes, each brimming with secrets and lore. The nonlinear map encourages you to get lost, with upgrades like dashes or wall-jumps unlocking new routes.

The hand-drawn art and melancholic soundtrack create an atmosphere that pulls you in, while hidden areas and challenging platforming reward your persistence. Every discovery in this massive world feels like unearthing a piece of its ancient, sorrowful history.

Which Metroidvania world would you dive into first, or did I miss your favorite exploration gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!