This article showcases the top Android Metroidvania games. The genre's appeal lies in exploring familiar areas with newfound abilities and defeating former adversaries, offering a satisfying sense of progression and justice. This list includes both classic Metroidvanias and games innovatively utilizing core Metroidvania elements.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our curated selection below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
A multi-award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition excels in Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features unique point-to-point movement, defying gravity. Its intuitive touch controls make the mobile version exceptional.
VVVVVV
A challenging yet expansive adventure with a retro color palette, VVVVVV is a captivating and intricate experience. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play, well worth exploring for newcomers.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While its initial Android release had controller issues, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a remarkable Metroidvania with a rich legacy. Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (known for the Castlevania series), this gothic adventure evokes its spiritual predecessor.
Dead Cells
Technically a "Roguevania," Dead Cells' exceptional design warrants its inclusion. The game's roguelike elements ensure replayability with unique runs and inevitable death. However, each playthrough offers skill acquisition, area exploration, and intense gameplay.
Robot Wants Kitty
A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty remains a top mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, it involves collecting kitties. Starting with limited abilities, players progressively upgrade, enhancing their cat-collecting skills.
Mimelet
Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. Its clever design provides engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, gameplay.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
A foundational Metroidvania (alongside Super Metroid), Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a timeless classic. Despite its age, its innovative design remains influential.
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, encountering diverse characters, environments, and challenges.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
A Victorian London-set Metroidvania where Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a spectral avenger. Players explore the city's upper and lower levels, utilizing supernatural powers.
Sword of Xolan
While lighter on Metroidvania elements (abilities unlock secrets, not progression), Sword of Xolan's polished gameplay and 8-bit aesthetics make it a worthwhile addition.
Swordigo
Another Metroidvania-lite title, Swordigo's execution is exceptional. Set in a Zelda-esque fantasy world, players explore, battle, solve puzzles, and acquire skills.
Teslagrad
A stunning indie platformer, Teslagrad's arrival on Android in 2018 was a significant event. Players ascend the Tesla Tower, utilizing science-based abilities to navigate and solve puzzles.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
A free-to-play Game Boy-inspired platformer, Tiny Dangerous Dungeons offers a nostalgic experience with classic Metroidvania gameplay.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive and visually impressive Metroidvania featuring intense hack-and-slash combat.
Reventure
Reventure uniquely incorporates death as a gameplay mechanic, with each death unlocking new weapons and experiences. Its clever design is both humorous and engaging.
ICEY
A meta-Metroidvania, ICEY features a commentary-laden narrative that interacts with the player's actions. Its hack-and-slash gameplay is complemented by a unique storytelling approach.
Traps n’ Gemstones
Despite current performance issues, Traps n’ Gemstones' well-crafted gameplay and unique premise are noteworthy. An update is anticipated to resolve these problems.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings, HAAK offers extensive gameplay and freedom of choice.
Afterimage
A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually appealing and expansive Metroidvania with a focus on exploration.
This concludes our selection of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more gaming recommendations, explore our feature on the best Android fighting games.
