6 Challenging, Yet Rewarding Metroidvanias

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Metroidvanias are one of the most beloved types of video games. These games are known for being difficult, but they offer players a distinct experience that sets them apart from open-world or role-playing games.

This article highlights some of the best games in this genre that offer a real challenge, but still allow you to feel powerful as you improve. There’s a special satisfaction in starting a game and struggling with even basic enemies, then gradually becoming incredibly strong. Let’s take a look at some top picks.

10. Aeterna Noctis

Patience And Persistence Are Greatly Rewarded


IGDB

Aeterna Noctis tells the story of the King of Darkness and the Queen of Light, who are eternally locked in battle as punishment for rebelling against the universe’s powerful creator, Chaos. While it doesn’t completely change the platformer genre, Aeterna Noctis is easily one of the best games of the last ten years. I was immediately captivated when I first played, impressed by the beautiful environments and the many ways I could move and explore.

The main villain in the game always feels powerful. As you progress, the game gets harder, but you also become stronger, which makes previously tough enemies surprisingly easy. Overall, Aeterna Noctis is a great Metroidvania that doesn’t require repetitive grinding to succeed.

9. Death’s Gambit: Afterlife

Fast-Paced Action With A Grim World Design


IGDB

The story of Death’s Gambit: Afterlife centers around a kingdom desperately seeking immortality. They send out many expeditions, but each one fails, creating a pervasive feeling of despair. While most Metroidvania games include a story, Death’s Gambit: Afterlife goes above and beyond, offering a truly memorable and complex plot.

The combat is excellent, and the storytelling moments are truly special, giving the game a distinct identity. I really enjoy the boss fights in Death’s Gambit: Afterlife, though other games on this list have even better ones. I specifically remember comparing the Ione and Endless fights and noticing that while Endless is more challenging, the fight itself felt smoother and easier to understand thanks to the skills I’d developed playing the game.

8. La-Mulana

A Classic That’s As Unforgiving As It Is Fun


IGDB

La-Mulana starts with Lemeza Kosugi receiving a letter from his father detailing the discovery of the origin of all civilizations. This news sends Lemeza on a fast-paced journey to find him. The adventure is fraught with peril at every turn. While often described as a modern Metroidvania, La-Mulana distinguishes itself through its unique gameplay. Although the game is generally excellent, it doesn’t quite match the smooth, modern feel of some newer titles in the genre.

Considering it was released in 2005, La-Mulana holds up remarkably well. It’s a challenging Metroidvania game, known for its tough combat and intricate puzzles, and it’s easily one of the best pixel art games in the genre from that decade. I remember finding Sakit a bit more difficult early on compared to Tiamat, but overcoming that challenge – whether through skill or luck – was very satisfying and showed how much I’d improved.

7. Blasphemous

One Of The Most Atmospheric Adventures In The Genre

Blasphemous takes place in a dark and unique world called Cvstodia, and the game focuses on themes of repentance and justice. As a native Spanish speaker, I usually play games in English, but I highly recommend experiencing Blasphemous in Spanish – it’s truly special. When I started playing as the Penitent One, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It had the gloomy atmosphere I enjoy in Metroidvania games, but I was unsure if the combat and boss battles would be as good as everyone said. I was pleasantly surprised to discover they absolutely were.

Blasphemous is challenging right from the start, but as you play, unlocking Rosary Beads and Knots really enhances the combat system and lets you customize your playstyle. It’s incredibly rewarding to quickly defeat enemies that once caused trouble while exploring the world of Cvstodia. The boss Las Tres Angustias seemed unbeatable at first, but with practice, mastering parrying and dodging made the fight much more manageable.

6. Grime

Smooth Gameplay And A More Polished Look

Many longtime gamers associate the term “Metroidvania” with games that have a retro, pixelated look. That’s why I consider Grime to be a standout Metroidvania of the 2020s. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it’s refreshing because it moves away from the traditional pixel art style and opts for a more contemporary and polished visual approach.

The game excels in its overall design, from levels and enemies to combat and atmosphere. Learning to time parries is initially tough, which can be frustrating for new players. But as you improve, the game becomes incredibly satisfying, and defeating enemies feels fantastic.

5. Nine Sols

Memorable Bosses, Challenging Combat, And A Stellar Parry System

Nine Sols stood out to me immediately as a unique take on the Metroidvania genre. I’m typically drawn to darker, more chaotic games in this style, like those in the Dark Souls series, so its different approach was refreshing. The story is also compelling and unsettling, revolving around a deadly virus, characters in suspended animation, and the urgent quest for a cure. What I especially loved was the combat system, which focuses on deflecting and parrying attacks. It’s challenging to master the timing at first, like many games with similar mechanics, but incredibly rewarding when you do. While the bosses in Nine Sols are always difficult, you can clearly feel your character, Yi, becoming more powerful throughout the game.

4. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

The Concept Of Using Spirits For Combat Is Quite Interesting

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights stands out to me as one of the most compelling Metroidvanias on this list because of its unique approach to combat and overall design. Unlike many games in the genre where players use a variety of weapons and spells, Ender Lilies offers a different experience.

What really sets Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights apart is that the main character, Lily, doesn’t fight directly. Instead, she relies on the help of spirits, which makes it a Metroidvania worth experiencing. While it’s not the most difficult game in the genre, it becomes noticeably more enjoyable as you unlock stronger spirits. I distinctly remember having trouble with the Gerrod boss – it might have been my lack of skill, but it took a few attempts to beat him. Interestingly, the Blighted Lord, despite being a formidable opponent, felt surprisingly smooth to fight, almost like I was in a zone.

3. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

One Of The Series’ Best

The Castlevania series is a true classic and has had a huge impact on gaming. With its rich universe, there are endless stories and secrets to uncover. While many great games exist in the genre, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night stands out as the best example of a Metroidvania. Taking place in 1797 and starring Alucard, the game is full of unexpected moments and features a poignant ending that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the struggle to maintain one’s humanity.

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Like many games in the Castlevania series and others of its kind, Symphony of the Night offers a consistent challenge, but also a rewarding sense of growth as you become more powerful. While many players find Galamoth to be the toughest boss, I actually found Scylla, an earlier boss, more difficult. Ultimately, success in the game comes down to learning the controls and developing a strong character build.

2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

A Dreamlike World With Endless Possibilities

I usually don’t judge a game based on its world or how it looks. But with Ori and the Will of the Wisps, it’s hard not to be impressed by its beautiful and imaginative design. It reminds me of the game Brackenwood, though that connection might not be obvious to everyone, especially newer players.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautifully crafted game that delivers thrilling platforming and tough boss battles. It’s one of the best Metroidvania games for exploring, and learning its mechanics is incredibly rewarding. Not only does mastering the game help you overcome challenges, but the experience itself is visually and emotionally engaging. This second Ori adventure lives up to the magic of the first.

1. Hollow Knight

Hallownest Is A True Testing Ground


Steam / Team Cherry

Finally, there’s Hollow Knight, a game that really sparked a lot of people’s interest in the Metroidvania genre. The world of Hallownest is incredibly large and cleverly designed with interconnected areas. While it’s not the most difficult Metroidvania, the combat is engaging, and the charm system lets you experiment with different playstyles and builds. I particularly remember struggling with the Mantis Lords boss fight – it felt almost unbeatable with so many attacks coming at once! Surprisingly, I found the actual Hollow Knight boss fight to be more manageable.

If you’re willing to put in the time, explore thoroughly, and be patient, you’ll find that Hollow Knight is incredibly rewarding once you’ve fully upgraded your character and have the best equipment. Though I haven’t played Hollow Knight: Silksong yet, I believe Hollow Knight sets the standard for all Metroidvania games.

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2026-05-18 01:41