The Best Android Metroidvanias

Top Android Metroidvania Games: A Comprehensive Guide

We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing former foes – it's deeply satisfying. This article highlights the best Metroidvania experiences available on Android.

Our selection includes pure Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and games innovatively using core Metroidvania elements, such as the captivating Reventure and the genre-bending Dead Cells. All share one crucial trait: they're fantastic.

The Best Android Metroidvanias:

Explore our curated list below!

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

A multi-award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition showcases exceptional Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a vast, labyrinthine world navigated via a unique point-to-point jump mechanic, defying gravity itself. While available across platforms, the Android version stands out with its intuitive touch controls.

VVVVVV

A deceptively challenging yet expansive adventure, VVVVVV boasts a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. Deep and cleverly designed, it's a must-play if you haven't experienced its brilliance. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

While the initial Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night had some controller issues, improvements are underway. The wait is worthwhile, as this exceptional Metroidvania boasts a prestigious lineage. Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (renowned for his work on the Castlevania series), this gothic adventure feels like a spiritual successor.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells, technically a "Roguevania," transcends simple genre classification due to its exceptional quality. Motion Twin's creation has earned its own unique descriptor. This addictive, endlessly replayable Metroidvania incorporates roguelike elements, with each playthrough unique and ultimately ending in death. However, the thrill of mastering skills, unlocking new areas, and experiencing intense gameplay makes it incredibly rewarding.

Robot Wants Kitty

A nearly decade-old classic, Robot Wants Kitty remains a favorite mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, it involves collecting…kitties! Starting with limited movement and skills, you progressively upgrade abilities, enhancing your cat-collecting capabilities.

Mimelet

Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. Clever, occasionally frustrating, and consistently fun.

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 masterpiece explores Dracula's castle. While showing its age graphically, its influence remains undeniable.

Nubs’ Adventure

Don't let its simple graphics fool you; Nubs' Adventure is a substantial Metroidvania. Explore a vast world as Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, encountering diverse characters, environments, weapons, bosses, and secrets.

Ebenezer And The Invisible World

A Victorian London setting with spectral aid – Ebenezer And The Invisible World offers a unique Metroidvania experience. Explore both the city's upper and underworld, utilizing supernatural powers.

Sword of Xolan

Sword of Xolan features lighter Metroidvania elements, with acquired abilities primarily unlocking secrets. However, its polished presentation and charming 8-bit style make it a worthwhile addition.

Swordigo

Another retro-styled Metroidvania, Swordigo delivers a polished fantasy adventure reminiscent of Zelda, with swordplay, puzzles, and skill progression.

Teslagrad

Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer, arrived on Google Play in 2018. Ascend the Tesla Tower, solving puzzles and gaining scientific abilities to reach new areas.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

A free-to-play Game Boy-inspired platformer, Tiny Dangerous Dungeons offers a short but satisfying Metroidvania experience with a classic '90s aesthetic.

Grimvalor

From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a visually impressive and extensive Metroidvania with hack-and-slash combat in a fantasy world.

Reventure

Reventure cleverly reimagines death as a mechanic. Die in numerous ways, each death unlocking new weapons and experiences. Clever, humorous, and engaging.

ICEY

ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania, featuring a commenting narrator who influences your actions within a large sci-fi world. Clever and action-packed.

Traps n’ Gemstones

A charming relic-hunting Metroidvania, currently hampered by performance issues. Keep an eye out for updates.

HAAK

A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style, offering a high degree of freedom and multiple endings.

Afterimage

A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually appealing and expansive Metroidvania, although some mechanics may lack detailed explanations.

This concludes our overview of top Android Metroidvanias. For more game recommendations, explore our article on the best Android fighting games.