We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing past adversaries – it's deeply satisfying. This article showcases the finest Android Metroidvanias available.
This list features both classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and innovative titles that cleverly utilize core Metroidvania elements, including the phenomenal Reventure and the self-described "Roguevania," Dead Cells.
The common thread? They're all fantastic.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition, a multiple award-winner, is a masterclass in Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement mechanic – teleporting between points, defying gravity. While available on various platforms, the mobile version excels with its intuitive touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging and expansive adventure with a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. VVVVVV is a captivating and intricate experience, well worth exploring if you haven't already. It's back on Google Play after a brief absence.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While the Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night initially suffered from control issues, improvements are underway. The wait is worthwhile, as this exceptional Metroidvania boasts a prestigious lineage. Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (a Castlevania veteran), its gothic atmosphere evokes its spiritual predecessor.
Dead Cells
Technically a "Roguevania," Dead Cells' exceptional execution has earned it community acceptance of this new genre label. This addictive, endlessly replayable Metroidvania incorporates roguelike elements; each playthrough differs, culminating in death. But while alive, you'll inhabit hosts, gain skills, unlock areas, and enjoy the ride.
Robot Wants Kitty
A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty remains a top mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, it centers around collecting cats. Starting with limited abilities, you upgrade and acquire new skills, enhancing your cat-collecting prowess.
Mimelet
Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. It’s clever, occasionally frustrating, and consistently fun.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre co-founder (alongside Super Metroid). Released in 1997 for PS1, this classic explores Dracula's castle. While showing its age graphically, its impact on the genre remains undeniable.
Nubs’ Adventure
Despite its simple visuals and unconventional title, Nubs’ Adventure is a rewarding Metroidvania. Play as Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, exploring a vast world, meeting characters, overcoming challenges, and uncovering secrets.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. This Metroidvania lets you explore London's upper and underworld, utilizing supernatural powers.
Sword of Xolan
Sword of Xolan features subtle Metroidvania elements; acquired abilities unlock secrets rather than progressing the main story. However, its polished presentation and charming pixel art make it a worthy inclusion.
Swordigo
Another Metroidvania-lite retro platformer, Swordigo executes the formula brilliantly. Set in a Zelda-esque fantasy world, you'll explore, battle, solve puzzles, and acquire skills to advance the narrative.
Teslagrad
Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer, arrived on Google Play in 2018. Climb the Tesla Tower, solve puzzles, and gain scientific abilities to access new areas.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
A Game Boy-inspired free-to-play platformer with authentic '90s aesthetics and engaging Metroidvania gameplay. Explore a vast dungeon filled with monsters. While short, it's highly enjoyable.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania with intense hack-and-slash combat in a sprawling fantasy world. It boasts near-perfect reviews.
Reventure
Reventure uniquely uses death as a gameplay mechanic. Die in numerous ways to unlock new weapons and items, experiencing the game's narrative through multiple deaths. Clever, funny, and engaging.
ICEY
A meta-Metroidvania from X.D. Network, ICEY features a commentary-laden narrative that undermines and encourages your actions. The compelling narrative complements the engaging hack-and-slash gameplay.
Traps n’ Gemstones
While initially praised for its gameplay and premise, Traps n’ Gemstones now suffers from performance issues. Consider waiting for an update before purchasing.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with striking pixel art and multiple endings. Explore a ruined world using a hookshot and shape your own destiny across dozens of hours of gameplay.
Afterimage
A recent PC port, Afterimage is a visually stunning Metroidvania with a large scope, though some mechanics might lack detail. This might be a positive for some players.
This concludes our selection of the best Android Metroidvanias. Looking for more great games? Check out our feature on the best Android fighting games.
