We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing former foes – it's incredibly satisfying. This article highlights the best Android Metroidvanias available.
Our selection ranges from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative titles that cleverly utilize core Metroidvania elements, such as the exceptional Reventure and the self-described "Roguevania," Dead Cells.
They all share one thing: they're fantastic.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
The multi-award-winning Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition is a masterpiece of Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a vast, labyrinthine world explored through a unique movement mechanic—teleporting between points, defying gravity. While available on various platforms, the mobile version shines with its cleverly designed touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging, surprisingly expansive adventure with a retro color palette reminiscent of Spectrum games. VVVVVV is a captivating, deep, and cleverly designed experience. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play and well worth experiencing.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While the initial Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night suffered from some controller issues, improvements are underway. The wait is worthwhile, as this superb Metroidvania boasts an impressive pedigree.
Developed by ArtPlay, the studio founded by Koji Igarashi (a Castlevania veteran), this gothic adventure shares a strong resemblance to its spiritual predecessors.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells, technically a "Roguevania," is a testament to Motion Twin's skill; the gaming community has embraced their neologism.
This gripping, endlessly replayable Metroidvania incorporates roguelike elements, with each playthrough unique and ultimately ending in death. However, while alive, you'll inhabit hosts, gain abilities, access new areas, and enjoy a thrilling experience.
Robot Wants Kitty
Even after nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty remains a favorite mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, it involves collecting kitties.
Starting with limited movement and abilities, you'll progressively upgrade, enhancing your cat-collecting skills until you're overwhelmed with joy.
Mimelet
Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. It's clever, sometimes frustrating, and always entertaining.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining title (alongside Super Metroid). Originally released for PS1 in 1997, this platforming classic takes place in Dracula's castle.
Despite its age and lack of modern features, it remains timeless due to its groundbreaking design.
Nubs’ Adventure
Nubs’ Adventure may appear simple, but this expansive Metroidvania is a delight. Play as Nubs, a pixelated hero, exploring a vast world.
It features numerous characters, environments, enemies, weapons, bosses, secrets, and more.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World is a Metroidvania set in Victorian London. Explore its upper and lower levels, utilizing supernatural powers.
Sword of Xolan
Sword of Xolan features lighter Metroidvania elements; abilities unlock secrets rather than progressing the main story. However, its polished presentation makes it worthwhile.
With charming pixel art, it's a deceptively challenging platformer with satisfying Metroidvania elements.
Swordigo
Swordigo, another Metroidvania-lite retro platformer, executes the formula exceptionally well.
Set in a sprawling fantasy world reminiscent of Zelda, you'll run, jump, fight, solve puzzles, and acquire skills to advance the story. Swordigo is a truly excellent game.
Teslagrad
Teslagrad is a stunning indie platformer. Initially released on PC in 2013, its 2018 Android release electrified the gaming world.
Gameplay involves ascending the Tesla Tower, jumping, solving puzzles, and acquiring scientific abilities to navigate new areas.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Color is secondary in Tiny Dangerous Dungeons. Inspired by the Game Boy era, this free-to-play platformer, despite its short playtime (a couple of hours), delivers authentic '90s vibes and engaging Metroidvania gameplay within a large dungeon.
Grimvalor
Developed by Direlight (the creators of Swordigo), Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania. Hack and slash through hordes of monsters in a vast fantasy world. It boasts near-perfect scores and an incredible user rating.
Reventure
Reventure offers a unique take on death. The goal is to die in every possible way, with each death unlocking new weapons and items for subsequent attempts. It's clever, humorous, and fun.
ICEY
ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania. Developed by X.D. Network, it features a vast sci-fi world with a commentary-laden, manipulative narrator. This clever device complements the intense hack-and-slash action.
Traps n’ Gemstones
Released in 2014, Traps n’ Gemstones was initially praised for its refined gameplay and charming premise. However, performance issues now plague the game. Consider waiting for updates.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with striking pixel art and multiple endings. Its hookshot allows for extensive exploration, offering dozens of hours of gameplay.
Afterimage
A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually stunning Metroidvania with a large scope. While some mechanics lack detail, this might add to the experience for certain players.
This concludes our selection of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more great games, check out our article on the best Android fighting games.
