10 Best Metroidvanias With Amazing End-Game Content

Metroidvania games are often relatively brief adventures because there aren’t many AAA game choices within this genre, and their non-linear advancement structure lets experienced players rapidly complete the content.

Although you may swiftly finish ten tales, it doesn’t imply that all tasks are completed once the end credits appear.

In many Metroidvania games, they generously pile on a lot of additional content for the later stages, ensuring there’s plenty left to explore even after you’ve finished the main adventure. This is great because no one wants to depart from such captivating game worlds without fully relishing every remaining moment of enjoyment.

To make sure you get your full value, check out these Metroidvania games that offer rich end-game experiences.

In addition to games with an abundance of extra activities you can opt for, we’ll also be examining games that boast impressive New Game Plus modes.

Or, more casually: We’re looking at not just games packed with optional extras, but also those with kick-ass New Game Plus features!

10. Animal Well

A Mysterious Menagerie

Let’s start with a popular Metroidvania title that might not boast the longest gameplay duration, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on extra, non-essential content. In fact, Animal Well is brimming with hidden secrets and intriguing mysteries for players to discover and explore!

You’ll notice that most activities center on gathering the assorted eggs scattered throughout the enigmatic zoo-like environment you’re in.

After the ending, I believe Animal Well truly demonstrates its quality due to the sandbox-like environment, challenging puzzles from the bunnies, and the Metroidvania elements that make each discovery incredibly satisfying.

This game might not be ideal if you’re seeking effortless end-game cleaning up, as it requires more work. However, that’s precisely what makes the experience unique and unforgettable.

9. GRIME

So Good, You’ll Do It Again

To clarify, we’ll focus on games that include engaging and valuable New Game Plus (NG+) modes, and GRIME definitely falls into that category, even exceeding expectations.

In this enhanced gameplay mode (NG+), you’ll find familiar elements such as tougher battles against bosses with modified attack styles, and the option to max out your skill upgrades. However, describing it merely as offering these features doesn’t do justice to the depth and excitement that NG+ mode brings.

As a seasoned gamer, I can tell you that this Souls-like game takes things to another level. It introduces fresh bosses, intriguing new interludes that deepen the game’s mythos, and, without a doubt, each boss packs an incredibly resilient health pool.

It offers exactly what you’d hope for when embarking on another journey through a challenging, Souls-like realm, and it’s definitely an adventure worth experiencing once the final credits appear.

8. Blasphemous

No Gods, No Masters

As someone well-versed in Catholicism’s workings, you’d likely agree that mass can sometimes stretch on, feeling rather somber. However, when it comes to Blasphemous, the religious undertones and immersive gameplay length are certainly reminiscent, but thankfully, this Souls-Like Metroidvania is anything but gloomy.

In simpler terms, you can probably finish the primary storyline of Blasphemous in about 10 hours, though it might take a bit more time for those new to the Souls series. But don’t forget, the game offers additional content like side missions and collectibles that can significantly increase your playtime.

In simpler terms, the side missions in this game are challenging and will take a good deal of effort to complete. You’ll need to hunt down all the Bile Vessels, optional bosses, and upgrades along the way. Once you’ve finished, then you can move on to the next installment.

7. Afterimage

The Land of Goliaths

If you appreciate the unique storytelling approach of Nier: Automata, where replaying the game multiple times reveals different endings, then you’re bound to enjoy the narrative style of Afterimage as well.

This game has a compelling Metroidvania feel, combining elements reminiscent of both Ender Lilies and Hollow Knight. However, it stands out with an art style that’s significantly brighter and more whimsical compared to its inspirational predecessors.

However, despite not pushing the boat out with core mechanics, the End-Game content certainly does.

This game provides ten distinct conclusions, gives you the option to play as fresh characters during NG+, and neatly wraps up any lingering plot threads; even if you’re not keen on another round, there are numerous hidden secrets and collectibles scattered across this expansive map that will easily consume many hours of your time.

As a gamer, I can’t stress enough how underrated this game is. If you’ve got some free time on your hands, give it a shot and discover the beauty of this hidden gem in the gaming world.

6. Monster Sanctuary

Pokémon Eat Your Heart Out

Creature Tamers often prove to be a worthwhile investment when it comes to additional and late-game material. This is primarily due to the abundance of creatures to tame, which far exceeds what one could collect during a typical gameplay session.

In essence, Monster Sanctuary offers a taste of Metroidvania elements, although it may not be as deeply immersed in this genre as some might expect. Yet, it strikes a balance that leaves both Metroidvania enthusiasts and creature-taming aficionados satisfied.

The primary narrative might last approximately 15 hours, yet if you aim for maximum character development, engage in the Infinity Arena, explore every hidden corner of this vast universe, and collect all costumes and enhancements, your playtime could effortlessly surpass 30 hours.

The game doesn’t offer as diverse a cast of characters as Pokemon’s End-Game content, but it still provides plenty of engaging content to keep you playing even once the required tasks are completed.

5. Salt and Sanctuary

2D Dark Souls

If someone has triumphed over the final adversary in a game similar to Dark Souls, they’ll understand that it’s a remarkable feat deserving of celebration. However, overcoming the last boss doesn’t imply that one has mastered every trial the game presents.

Primarily because many of the optional enemies and locations within these games are more challenging than the main route leading to the finale.

This game, Salt and Sanctuary, is particularly adept at grasping the essence of 2D action RPGs like Dark Souls. It immerses players in a journey that echoes the Dark Souls series, featuring numerous optional boss battles, various weapons and items to discover, and hidden mysteries waiting to be revealed.

Additionally, along with the extra content that can be included, there’s also a standard New Game Plus (NG+) mode for a Souls-like game, where each boss becomes more powerful, the environment becomes harder to traverse, and you have the opportunity to experiment with different classes and approaches to maintain excitement.

Essentially, it’s almost like a 2D version of Dark Souls, which might be the closest we’ll find. Yet, being unique in its own way, Salt and Sanctuary stands as a remarkable game on its own merits.

4. Rabi Ribi

Deceptively Cute & Colorful

It could easily be argued that the post-game content in Rabi Ribi is so expansive that it surpasses the primary game material quite significantly.

To finish painting a picture, playing the main game will take approximately 10 hours. However, if you aim to achieve a “completionist” status, you should plan for triple the time, and that estimate is on the lower side.

In the NG+ version, you’ll find a more challenging gameplay experience compared to your initial run. It provides various difficult levels and demanding playthroughs that gamers must conquer.

Regardless of whether or not you find it appealing, there’s still plenty of content available within the standard post-game setting.

If you’re into challenging, tough-as-nails difficulty levels, breaking the rules to see what happens, and games that are as visually appealing as a box of pastel-colored crayons, then this one is bound to keep you hooked for hours upon hours, until eventually you feel the itch to explore something new. As a gamer who thrives on a good masochistic run, I can confidently say that this game will not disappoint!

3. Environmental Station Alpha

NES-Era-Inspired Punishment

I found myself struggling to decide whether to feature La Mulana or ESA, since they share somewhat comparable final experiences. However, after careful consideration, I believe ESA is a better fit for this spot. It offers a slightly more approachable experience while still maintaining its challenging, devilishly frustrating nature.

The game delights in being mysteriously complex, yet figuring out its riddles or cracking extraterrestrial codes becomes incredibly satisfying as a result.

The primary experience is far from a leisurely stroll; it’s filled with challenging boss battles, intricate maze-like layouts, and much more. However, the real challenge unfolds in the endgame, where the game truly reveals its sharpness.

If you appreciate a challenge and love delving into challenging Metroidvania-style games, then the Experience SA offers an extraordinary, unforgettable journey.

2. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Modern Indie Castlevania

If you’re fond of Castlevania, you might find Bloodstained quite relatable, given its strong emphasis on gameplay elements similar to Castlevania. Essentially, it can be seen as a contemporary continuation of Symphony of the Night.

Similarly to its model, you can casually enjoy playing this game and still derive plenty of satisfaction from it, or immerse yourself fully and extract maximum fun from this independently-developed Castlevania-style game.

To fully immerse yourself in this contemporary Metroidvania gem, consider exploring these additional features: The NG+ Mode offers a fresh challenge, while the integrated speedrun and boss rush modes cater to those seeking quicker gameplay experiences. Unlocking the hidden battle against OD, collecting all shards, traversing the expansive map, and experimenting with classic and bloodless mode are other ways to enhance your gaming experience.

To put it simply, this game offers a great deal of repeat playability, which means if you’ve been patiently waiting for another excellent Castlevania title, surprisingly, that game is already available.

1. Hollow Knight

An Obvious Winner

In terms of rich End-Game content, no other game can compare to Hollow Knight. This game delivers a strong core experience, but the true test starts once you manage to defeat the Hollow Knight.

Here’s your mission: Gather every Mask Fragment, find all the enchanted Charms, chat with Mr. Mushroom at each of his hideouts, handle the challenges posed by the Grimm Troupe, and conquer the treacherous White Palace, a task as daunting as it is exciting!

However, performing all those tasks might just whet your appetite for the incredibly challenging Pantheons located within Godhome. Here, you’ll engage in battles against every single game boss, some of which have been modified or are entirely new.

As a dedicated enthusiast, achieving absolute command and flawless execution is crucial for me. Once I believe I’ve grasped the art of combat, I dare challenge myself with the torturous labyrinth known as the Path of Pain – a testament to my unwavering passion for this thrilling journey!

In Hallownest, there’s an abundance of activities that rival none. Therefore, if by chance you haven’t yet embarked on this grand journey, gather your courage, arm yourself with your trusty nail, and strive to be the bravest tiny knight possible!

2025-01-20 16:09