Best Metroidvania games on Xbox to play in January 2025

Metroidvania-style games have become increasingly common in recent years, with dozens of great games that put exploration and upgrades at the forefront. Here are the best Metroidvania games on Xbox.

Tom West

Published 01 Nov 2024

When looking through the dozens of new games that launch on Xbox every month, it likely won't be long before you stumble upon a game that describes itself as a 'Metroidvania' — a relatively modern sub-genre of exploration-based adventure games. The best Metroidvania games on Xbox generally require you to unlock new abilities to access previously inaccessible areas, but developers often sneak in ways for skilled players to 'sequence break' their way into more challenging later areas early.

There's some natural overlap with our list of the best platforming games on Xbox as well, but if you’re looking for something that predominantly focuses on Metroidvania gameplay, check out the games below. We aim to update these articles regularly — by using a combination of community ratings, site review scores, and a sprinkling of our own opinions, we’ve rounded up the best Metroidvania games on Xbox as of November 2024.

14. The Mummy Demastered

Release date: October 24, 2017
Developer: WayForward Technologies
On Game Pass? No

We've got something of a curveball here, with a rare example of a movie license game that isn't awful. Truth be told, WayForward's take on The Mummy is only really loosely tied to the 2017 Tom Cruise flop, and that's probably for the best, with the team able to do what it does best with this retro-style Metroidvania laced with a few more modern roguelite elements. Fans of the genre should definitely check out this low-key gem, even if only for the killer chiptune soundtrack.

13. Carrion

Release date: July 23, 2020
Developer: Phobia Game Studio
On Game Pass? No

The “reverse-horror” design of Carrion was a hit when it launched in 2020, boosted even more so by its day one arrival in Xbox Game Pass. Instead of playing as a victim, you instead take control of the alien amorphous monster itself, consuming all who get in its way as it attempts to escape the research facility it’s being held in. As you progress through Carrion’s delightful sci-fi world, you need to find DNA vats to help you become an even more deadly predator. While you do have a weakness to intense heat, chowing down on a helpless human is a tasty way to regain some of that precious health.

12. Yoku's Island Express

Release date: May 29, 2018
Developer: Villa Gorilla
On Game Pass? No

Time for something a little different, with a charming indie title that remarkably manages to fuse exploration, platforming, and pinball and end up with something that isn't a complete mess. The unique hybrid gameplay means Yoku's Island Express can get extremely creative with its upgrades and environment design, making it stand out all the more not only within this genre but in the Xbox library in general. If you missed this little gem while it was in Game Pass, you should definitely grab it at some point — there really is nothing else quite like it.

11. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Release date: June 18, 2019
Developer: ArtPlay, Black Tower Studios
On Game Pass? Yes

If Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night reminds you of the fantastic Castlevania series, it’s for a good reason — ArtPlay’s president and executive producer is none other than Koji Igarashi, former lead producer for the Castlevania series and assistant director on Symphony of the Night. Bloodstained sees you playing as Miriam, an orphan slowly crystalizing from the effects of a curse. You need to fight your way through a demon-infested castle to find Miriam’s friend, and hopefully end the curse that is killing her. With 2.5D graphics, tons of weapons and upgrades, and plenty of different game modes, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a must-play for Metroidvania fans.

10. Axiom Verge

Release date: September 30, 2016
Developer: Thomas Happ Games
On Game Pass? No

Between its stylish 16-bit visuals and heavy sci-fi bent, Thomas Happ's wonderful Axiom Verge could almost be a Metroid game, and it has the quality to back it up. Plenty of novel ideas, too, like being able to 'glitch' environments and enemies to alter their behavior, or send out a little spider drone buddy to explore those tight tunnels you couldn't otherwise squeeze through. With an intriguing setting and a world loaded with surprises, Axiom Verge shouldn’t be missed.

9. Guacamelee! 2

Release date: January 19, 2019
Developer: DrinkBox Studios
On Game Pass? No

While we have Guacamelee! 2 ranked here due to a slightly higher TA user rating of 4.1/5, there is no reason you shouldn’t dive into its predecessor as well. Both Guacamelee games are fantastic, offering challenging platforming sequences, great Metroidvania world-building, and a butt-load of humor to keep you amused as you punch and kick your way through the “Mexiverse.” By doubling up fighting moves with traversal, Guacamelee has you jumping between the realms of the living and the dead with style, and with the addition of local co-op, you don’t have to do it all alone. Be warned, though; while Guacamelee! And Guacamelee! 2 look inviting on the outside, they can be difficult to master — but you’re not worried about that, are you?

8. Shadow Complex

Release date: August 19, 2009
Developer: Chair Entertainment Group, Epic Games
On Game Pass? No

We're heading all the way back to the Xbox Live Arcade days now, and Chair's impressive adventure was lauded as one of the service's best games with good reason. A focus on ranged combat using firearms puts Shadow Complex closer to the Metroid end of the scale than to Castlevania, but with some novel twists that allow it to break its 2D shackles from time to time and make full use of 3D space with enemies able to attack from the background and foreground, and a few set pieces taking this mechanic even further. The game got an Xbox One remaster in 2016 if you want to enjoy it at its best today, although bear in mind that the expanded achievement list is considerably more challenging than the original 200G one.

7. Blasphemous 2

Best Xbox Metroidvania games: Fantastic back-and-forth adventures

Release date: August 24, 2023
Developer: The Game Kitchen
On Game Pass? No

Much like Guacamelee above, we could have easily put Blasphemous in this spot, but its sequel is rocking an awesome TA user score of 4.4/5, so it definitely deserves its time in the spotlight. Blasphemous is a dark fantasy take on the genre that couples the typical exploration and structure with more Dark Souls-esque elements in its challenging combat. Cvstodia is an amazing setting with its thick medieval European vibes and intriguing background, and the art and design of the game is simply stellar. It's certainly one of the harder games featured here, but don't let that put you off — Blasphemous makes it worth enduring its every hardship. The sequel takes off immediately after the events of its predecessor’s Wounds of Evertide DLC, so we recommend you play through the first game before undertaking its brilliant sequel.

6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Release date: January 18, 2024
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
On Game Pass? No

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown surpassed our expectations phenomenally earlier this year, thanks to its vibrant Metroidvania world filled with excellent platforming sequences. As a spin-off from the action-platforming mainline series, The Lost Crown offers us a new hero to adventure with: Sargon, the youngest member of the Immortals, who must conquer the dangers of Mount Qaf to save Persia. It’s an adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish, and with a multitude of Time Powers, combat abilities, and enhancing Amulets to uncover, you can traverse the gorgeous world however you see fit. If you’re new to the genre, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the more accessible games on this list, with a ton of options to make it easier to dip your toes into Metroidvanias. Ubisoft Montpellier has also revealed the game’s roadmap, which is filled with new content arriving before the end of the year, so you should be kept busy.

5. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Release date: June 29, 2021
Developer: Live Wire, Adglobe
On Game Pass? No

2D action-RPG Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights rocks an impressive TA user rating of 4.4/5, so we had to get it on our updated list. Ender Lilies takes you on an adventure to Land’s End — no, not the Cornish landmark in the UK, but a fictional kingdom blighted by the Rain of Death. Playing as a young woman named Lily, you’ll need to explore the gorgeous world to uncover the mystery of Land’s End, make new allies, and defeat horrific bosses. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights’ 2D art style makes exploring its many locations a real treat. Go ahead, travel to Land’s End, friends.

4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Release date: March 21, 2017
Developer: Digital Eclipse, Konami Digital Entertainment
On Game Pass? No

A seminal game in defining this entire genre, Symphony of the Night is just an absolute all-timer. Drac's castle is gigantic and packed with secrets, with inventive upgrades that allow for shape-shifting solutions to puzzles and obstacles, plus the RPG mechanics mean you're always on the lookout for powerful new gear to help slay the dozen of unique bosses. Myriad weapon types all offer their own way to play and often have their own bespoke skills, meaning you can (and should) smash through this masterpiece a bunch of times with different gear to try it all out. As a special mention, don’t sleep on collecting the Castlevania Advance Collection achievements, as they take you on an adventure through remasters of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance, Aria of Sorrow, and Dracula X.

3. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Release date: August 28, 2009
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
On Game Pass? No

Metroid managed to make the leap to 3D extremely adeptly with the superb Prime games, and while it's not entirely common to see the format translate so well to the third dimension, a few other notable titles have also managed to pull it off. One of the most prominent has to be Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum, and before the series made the jump to a fully open Gotham, we had the more structured Arkham as our playground, with Bats' various gimmicks and gadgets gradually granting greater access to other areas of the facility. It makes for more of a sense of progression than in the later games, which is one of the reasons some fans consider it the best of the bunch.

2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Release date: March 11, 2020
Developer: Moon Studios
On Game Pass? Yes

We highlighted the second Ori game here over the first since it offers more in the way of upgrades, which in turn gives it a stronger sense of progression and more options and variety for exploration, combat, and mobility. The returning Bash ability remains one of the most creative and satisfying mechanics ever seen in the genre, both setting up skill-based combos for reaching new heights and allowing you to turn ranged enemies' attacks against them with style. Couple the tight gameplay with a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, Gareth Coker's gorgeous OST, and the game looking downright stunning on Xbox Series X|S and Ori's return is very much the complete package.

1. Hollow Knight

Release date: September 25, 2018
Developer: Team Cherry
On Game Pass? Yes

Something dark, tight, and stylish rounds out this list, with the outstanding Hollow Knight taking the top spot. Hollow Knight shines with just how much its many upgrades make you feel increasingly powerful, with the core upgrades you'd expect to find in the genre supplemented by Charms that offer minor perks and boons that can be swapped out as you see fit. It's a beautiful game and easily one of the best examples of the Metroidvania format out there — with sequel Silksong among the confirmed games coming to Game Pass this year, you should absolutely play (or indeed replay) this before it arrives.

Some of these games are available in the Xbox Game Pass library — check out our list of the best Game pass games for some other fantastic adventures. Do you agree with our list? What Metroidvanias do you think should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments below!

Best Of

Written by Tom West

Tom has been playing video games since he was old enough to hold a controller, experimenting with a number of systems until he eventually fell in love with Xbox. With a passion for the platform, he decided to make a career out of it, and now happily spends his days writing about that which he loves. If he’s not hunting for Xbox achievements, you’ll likely find him somewhere in The Elder Scrolls Online or fighting for survival in Battlefield.