Metroidvanias Conquer Android's Gaming Realm

Discover the Best Android Metroidvania Games: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Our selection ranges from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative titles that redefine the genre, such as the captivating Reventure and the acclaimed "Roguevania" Dead Cells. All share one crucial element: they're exceptional games.

The Top Android Metroidvanias

Explore our curated list below!

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

A multi-award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition exemplifies Metroidvania excellence. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement mechanic—teleporting between points—allowing exploration of a vast, labyrinthine world. Its intuitive touch controls make it a standout mobile experience.

VVVVVV

A deceptively challenging yet expansive adventure, VVVVVV's retro color palette adds to its charm. Deep and cleverly designed, it's a must-play if you haven't experienced it. 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 control issues, improvements are underway. This remarkable Metroidvania boasts a rich legacy, developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (renowned for his work on the Castlevania series). Its gothic atmosphere evokes its spiritual predecessor.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells, a "Roguevania," is a testament to Motion Twin's innovative design. Its endlessly replayable nature, with each playthrough unique and culminating in death, makes it incredibly engaging. The acquisition of skills, exploration of new areas, and overall gameplay are exceptional.

Robot Wants Kitty

A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty remains a top mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, it centers around collecting kitties. Starting with limited abilities, players progressively upgrade their skills, enhancing their cat-collecting prowess.

Mimelet

Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on acquiring enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. Its clever design, occasional challenges, and overall fun factor make it a worthwhile experience.

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 in 1997, this classic explores Dracula's castle. Despite its age, its innovative gameplay remains timeless.

Nubs’ Adventure

Don't let its simple visuals fool you; Nubs’ Adventure is a vast and rewarding Metroidvania. Players explore a large world as Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, encountering diverse characters, environments, weapons, bosses, and secrets.

Ebenezer And The Invisible World

Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World delivers this unique Metroidvania experience, blending exploration of London's upper and underworld with supernatural abilities.

Sword of Xolan

Sword of Xolan features lighter Metroidvania elements, with acquired abilities primarily unlocking secrets. However, its polished gameplay and charming 8-bit graphics make it a compelling platformer.

Swordigo

Another excellent retro-style platformer, Swordigo masterfully executes the Metroidvania formula. Set in a sprawling fantasy world reminiscent of Zelda, it offers engaging gameplay with sword combat, puzzles, and progressive skill acquisition.

Teslagrad

Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer, arrived on Google Play in 2018. Players ascend the Tesla Tower, utilizing science-based abilities to navigate and solve puzzles.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

Embrace the retro aesthetic of Tiny Dangerous Dungeons, inspired by the Game Boy era. This free-to-play platformer, despite its short playtime, offers authentic '90s vibes and engaging Metroidvania gameplay within a large dungeon.

Grimvalor

From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually stunning Metroidvania featuring intense hack-and-slash combat in a vast fantasy world. Its high ratings and positive reviews speak volumes.

Reventure

Reventure offers a unique take on death in gaming. The goal is to die in every possible way, with each death unlocking new weapons and items, leading to further exploration. It's clever, humorous, and highly entertaining.

ICEY

ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania, featuring a commentary-laden narrative that interacts with the player's actions. Its compelling story and hack-and-slash gameplay make it a standout title.

Traps n’ Gemstones

While initially well-received for its gameplay and premise, Traps n’ Gemstones currently suffers from performance issues. Consider waiting for potential updates before purchasing.

HAAK

Explore a dystopian world with HAAK's striking pixel art and multiple endings. Its extensive gameplay offers dozens of hours of content.

Afterimage

Afterimage, a recent port from PC, boasts a large scope and visually appealing style. While some mechanics might lack detailed explanations, this can add to the exploration experience.

This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. Looking for more great games? Check out our article on the best Android fighting games.