Best Metroidvania Loot Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Metroidvania games require boss attacking patterns and resource collecting.
Sundered: Eldritch Edition has procedurally generated levels and loot-based progression.
Dead Cells features Permadeath, boss design, and loot for a challenging experience.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that these Metroidvania masterpieces have truly left me spellbound!

Individuals seeking an engaging experience filled with vivid hues and awe-inspiring bosses ought to delve into the realm of the Metroidvania genre. This style of gameplay is known for its tough but fair challenges, a trait that has captivated gamers for over two decades, cementing Metroidvania as one of the timeless gems in the gaming industry.

Usually, Metroidvania-style games challenge players to master enemy attack patterns as well as gather resources like power-ups, new weapons, and life enhancements. Some of these items can be found throughout the game environment without engaging with non-player characters (NPCs), but others necessitate defeating adversaries to acquire them and their valuable rewards. Here is a list, ranked, of the top Metroidvania games for looting.

5 Sundered: Eldritch Edition

Unique Art Style And Levels That Continually Change

Procedurally generated levels and environments
Strong loot-based system

As I delve into the captivating realm of Sundered: Eldritch Edition, one thing that instantly catches my eye is its distinctive hand-drawn art style. Assuming the persona of Eshe, I’m faced with a pivotal decision: either yield to the enigmatic power seeping from this world or resist it, choosing to tread the virtuous path instead. The game draws inspiration from a multitude of sources, but the Lovecraftian undertones are particularly evident and intriguing.

In “Sundered: Eldritch Edition,” each session presents unique, dynamically generated stages and landscapes, ensuring each playthrough remains engaging and tough. The game’s loot-focused advancement system complements the gameplay perfectly, providing a fun and rewarding gaming experience.

4 Axiom Verge

A Classic Metroidvania Game From Modern Times

Vintage art style, reminiscent of the late 80s and early 90s
The game doesn’t have the best weapon variety, but it’s decent

In its own unique way, Axiom Verge emulates the spirit of the original Metroid games. It is an engaging Metroidvania game that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary aspects to offer a thrilling and intricate play experience. The protagonist, Trace, leads players through a maze-like setting teeming with hidden treasures, formidable bosses, and challenging adversaries that demand strategic use of the weapons at your disposal.

Despite being launched in 2015, Axiom Verge has a vintage aesthetic that harks back to games of the late 80s and early 90s, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Additionally, this classic design perfectly harmonizes with the game’s mechanics. Notably, Axiom Verge incorporates an intricate progression system where players gather loot from defeated enemies and bosses, which aids in the completion of various sections and ultimately finishing the game. The more loot amassed, the simpler the game becomes to conquer.

3 Dead Cells

Permadeath And Roguelike Mechanics Make This Game Great

Permadeath system that removes upgrades and loot upon death
Great boss and environment design

Dead Cells, an innovative gaming title, has garnered critical acclaim since its debut. This game skillfully blends Metroidvania style gameplay mechanics with roguelike elements, resulting in a unique and captivating experience. Combat is extensive, and there are over a dozen formidable bosses to face, making exploration all the more exhilarating. With such an impressive combination of features, Dead Cells stands as a contemporary masterpiece that has established Motion Twin as a noteworthy developer in the gaming industry.

Due to its roguelike structure, Dead Cells offers a unique playing experience by randomly generating levels, ensuring each playthrough is distinct and avoids monotony. Additionally, its item-driven advancement system encourages players to tackle diverse foes and challenges in order to gather power-ups and enhancements essential for battling numerous bosses found both in the main game and the DLC, Castlevania: Return.

Unlike many other games, Dead Cells employs a Permadeath system, meaning that when a player dies, all accumulated upgrades and loot are wiped out. This challenging aspect encourages players to improve their skills, while also creating an atmosphere of tension that keeps most engaged and focused.

2 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps

A Visually Stunning Title With A Beautiful World Design

Beautiful animation and smooth movement through the game’s platforming system
Loot collection is critical throughout Ori’s emotional journey

For those seeking an engaging adventure within a breathtakingly familiar environment, Ori and the Will of the Wisps should definitely pique your interest. This visually stunning Metroidvania allows you to take control of Ori, a guardian spirit embarking on an exploration of its home world. Along the way, players will encounter puzzles to solve, enemies to combat, and mysteries to unravel in order to understand the cause of the apparent decline of Niwen’s once thriving landscape.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my experience with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Despite moments when the game’s challenge leaves me feeling a tad overwhelmed or stumped in progression, the captivating animations and seamless movement of Ori always manage to soothe my spirits. They provide a momentary respite, encouraging me to regain my composure and attempt again. Similar to other titles on this list, Ori and the Will of the Wisps demands players to confront area adversaries and bosses to amass loot and enhancements that facilitate an easier and more fluid gaming experience.

1 Hollow Knight

Exploring An Underground Bug City Has Never Been More Fun

Looting is essential to collecting Geo and purchasing upgrades
The game’s design is beautiful and presents players with a sorrow-ridden kingdom, forgotten and broken

The remarkable game known as Hollow Knight garnered such global acclaim and sales success that its creators, Team Cherry, experienced significant growth. Initially an indie studio with just a handful of staff members, they have since grown into a larger company. It’s speculated that the upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, may boast a more substantial budget and potentially incorporate elements characteristic of AAA games.

In a hidden underground realm called Hallownest, players take on the role of The Knight, a bug-like character, venturing through the shadowy expanses and tight passages that make up this enormous domain. Gathering loot is crucial because it enables players to accumulate Geo, the game’s currency, which can be spent on upgrades and Charms. Overcoming bosses and delving into optional areas is equally essential since these activities unlock various abilities necessary to access specific parts of every level. To sum it up, Hollow Knight is widely regarded as one of the top Metroidvania-Soulslike games from the last ten years.

2024-10-03 15:33