We love Metroidvanias. There's something deeply satisfying about returning to familiar areas with newfound abilities, overcoming once-impossible challenges, and reveling in that sense of growth and justice. That's why we're excited to share our curated list of the best Android Metroidvanias with you.
These games range from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative takes on the genre, such as Reventure and the self-described 'Roguevania' Dead Cells. Despite their differences, they all share one thing in common: they're simply great games.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below and dive into these thrilling adventures!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
The multiple award-winning Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition is a masterclass in Metroidvania game design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game lets you navigate a vast, maze-like world with an innovative movement mechanic that defies gravity. Available across various platforms, the mobile version stands out due to its intuitive touch controls.
VVVVVV
A super-challenging yet expansive adventure with a nostalgic Spectrum game aesthetic, VVVVVV is a delightful gem. Though it temporarily left Google Play, it has returned in full glory and is definitely worth exploring if you haven't yet.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
The Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night initially faced some controller issues at launch, but ongoing improvements promise a better experience. Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (a key figure behind the Castlevania series), this game echoes its spiritual predecessor in style and substance.
Dead Cells
While technically a 'Roguevania,' Dead Cells blends Metroidvania elements with roguelike features, ensuring each playthrough is unique and challenging. As you explore, you'll acquire skills, occupy different hosts, and unlock new areas for an engaging experience.
Robot Wants Kitty
A mobile favorite for nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty challenges you to collect cats while progressively upgrading your abilities. It's a simple yet immensely satisfying Metroidvania experience that keeps you engaged.
Mimelet
Perfect for those short on time, Mimelet lets you steal enemy powers to unlock new areas within compact levels. It's smart, occasionally frustrating, and consistently fun.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining masterpiece from 1997. Explore Dracula's castle in this timeless classic, despite its dated graphics and some missing modern features.
Nubs’ Adventure
Don't be fooled by its simple appearance; Nubs’ Adventure offers a vast world to explore with numerous characters, environments, and secrets to uncover. It's a delightful journey through a pixelated landscape.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger in Victorian London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World brings this unique Metroidvania experience to life, allowing you to explore both the city's upper reaches and its underworld with the help of ghostly powers.
Sword of Xolan
While Sword of Xolan leans lightly on Metroidvania elements, its polished gameplay and charming 8-bit pixel art make it a standout. Unlock secret areas and enjoy a deceptively challenging platformer.
Swordigo
Another Metroidvania-lite title, Swordigo captures the essence of the genre with flair. Traverse a Zelda-inspired fantasy world, solve puzzles, and acquire new skills to progress through the story.
Teslagrad
An indie platformer that made waves in 2013, Teslagrad finally graced Android in 2018. Climb the Tesla Tower, solve puzzles, and harness scientific abilities to explore new areas in this visually striking game.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Embracing a minimalist, Game Boy-era aesthetic, Tiny Dangerous Dungeons is a free-to-play Metroidvania that packs a punch. Explore a large, monster-filled dungeon in a short yet thrilling adventure.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo comes Grimvalor, an epic Metroidvania with stunning visuals and intense combat. Hack and slash through a fantasy world, earning near-perfect scores and high user ratings.
Reventure
With a unique twist on death, Reventure encourages you to die in every conceivable way to unlock new weapons and items. It's cleverly designed, humorous, and endlessly entertaining.
ICEY
More than just a Metroidvania, ICEY is a meta-experience with a witty narrator commenting on your actions. Explore a sci-fi world and enjoy deep hack-and-slash gameplay from the acclaimed studio behind Juicy Realm and To the Moon.
Traps n’ Gemstones
A beloved Metroidvania from 2014, Traps n’ Gemstones offers simple yet perfect gameplay and a charming relic-hunting theme. However, be cautious as it suffers from performance issues and may not work on all devices.
HAAK
Set in a dystopian world with striking pixel art, HAAK offers freedom and multiple endings. Use your hookshot to navigate the ruins and shape your destiny in this content-rich Metroidvania.
Afterimage
A visually stunning recent port from PC, Afterimage boasts an extensive world to explore. While it may be light on some mechanics, the vast scope and beauty make it a compelling adventure.
That's our roundup of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more gaming recommendations, be sure to check out our feature on the best Android fighting games.
