5 Best Metroidvania Games on Xbox Series X/S

The Metroidvania genre was conceived from the foundations of traditional Castlevania and Metroid games. Still, the category has managed to secure a place of its own in the gaming industry. As the genre continues to expand with more great titles every day, so does the Xbox Series X/S game catalog. Thanks to this ever-growing list of dynamic titles, users can access some of the greatest Metroidvania games through these consoles. Since Metroidvania creators often find new ways to make the games more intriguing, it's no surprise that this is turning into one of the most popular genres.

These games are all about determination, as they often challenge players to tackle various obstacles despite their complexity. That and a few other elements, such as exciting explorations and satisfying reward systems, make for great entertainment. So what are the most suitable titles for you? We have a list of the best Metroidvania recommendations for you to check out. Here are the five best Metroidvania games on Xbox Series X/S.

5. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night 

As a Metroidvania fan, one of the games that you just have to have on your must-play list is Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. This is an action horror that places you in a castle filled with demonic beings as you try to locate an evil master. You play Miriam, an orphaned girl who suffers a curse that is slowly crystalizing in her body. In order to save herself and others, she must track down the evil alchemist responsible for this destruction.

Explore the gothic series of rooms, taking down demonic creatures and fierce bosses. As you move from one room to the next, you have to collect special keys and abilities that will allow you to access previously inaccessible areas. The game features satisfying gameplay with great combat mechanics that involve melee attacks and magic strikes. Along with that, you also have a rich story to explore from one of the most celebrated Metroidvania creators, Koji Igarashi. 

4. Yoku's Island Express

Life ought to be far from chaotic when playing as a cute dung beetle working a regular job as a postmaster in the fantastical world featured in Yoku's Island Express. However, upon arriving on the wonderful island of Mokumana, your character Yoku is tasked with saving the place and its locals from a serious threat posed by a sleeping god. The game follows non-linear gameplay, which allows you to freely select the path you want to take. The best part of it all is the pinball mechanism that allows you to shoot Yoku towards the flippers placed carefully along his path.

The game features a classic Metroidvania map that links a series of rooms to bring out the stunning tropical island atmosphere. There are also multiple other regions to explore through the game, such as snowy mountains, jungles, beaches, and hot gurgling springs. Don't let all the fun scenes distract you from the epic boss battles that you will encounter. Prepare to face off against giant bosses twice your size with a trust ball on your front, ready to deliver the final blow.

3. SteamWorld Dig 2

Unlike most games on this list where you have to find your way through an already constructed layout, SteamWorld Dig 2 actually lets you dig one yourself. You must traverse through the subterranean environments of the Steampunk world, equipped with fairly modest equipment that you can upgrade as you move up the levels. The events of the game carry on from its predecessor, SteamWorld Dig. Here, you play as a steam-powered robot named Dorothy, searching for Rusty, the protagonist who disappeared in the last game.

A large part of the gameplay is the underground exploration of the expansive mines and battling various creatures that pop up. You also need to collect the necessary equipment essential for Dorothy's upgrades as you dig your way further into the ground. The further you progress, the more weapons and abilities you gain, including pressure bombs to clear your path faster. The difficulty level for this game is considerably fair as long as you remember to refill your oil lamp before you run out and end up in the dark.

2. Blasphemous

Dive into an unnerving yet fascinating adventure in Blasphemous. A game featuring intriguing elements of the old European Catholic trends that add more chill to its environment. Here you play a sword-wielding knight known as the Penitent One, on a pilgrimage across the land of Custodia. You are required to slaughter any enemies on your path in what can be considered a journey to attornment. The game provides a great combat experience that includes a series of close-range melee attacks and long-distance spell casting. 

Each time you take down an enemy, you gain Tears of Atonement, the game's currency, as well as Fervor, an element you can consume to cast spells. The real challenge in Blasphemous lies in the enemy attacks, where each attacker possesses a certain fighting pattern that you must learn in order to defeat them. You must do this while avoiding as much damage as possible, which is possible once you learn to block incoming attacks at just the right moments. Those who don't necessarily mind disturbing religious references and are willing to step out of their comfort zone may find this game particularly interesting.

1. Hollow Knight

Team Cherry's Hollow Knight features plenty of Dark Souls elements. However, its gorgeous animated design outweighs the scary aspect of the game. This 2D Metroidvania takes you through an underground kingdom dubbed Hallownest. You take the role of a tiny insect knight that wields a rather unusual nail as his main weapon. This is a type of sword that works both in combat and in traversing the subterranean environment. As you move from one area to the next, you will face countless hostile bugs, among other creatures, which you can easily take care of with melee combat and a few spells that you learn as you progress. 

Hollow Knight features an intense combat system with up to 30 bosses scattered across Hallownest and an additional 130 enemies. As you travel across the beautifully laid out landscapes on a mission to hunt down every last enemy, you may uncover the game's ultimate weapon, named Dream Nail, which you can use to peek into any creature's mind and explore new perspectives towards each character you meet on your way. The character progression in the game also allows you to hone your skills to face tougher opponents. Once you complete the game, you can activate a new mode known as Steel Soul, where everything gets twice as challenging.

From our above list of Metroidvania games on Xbox Series which one do you think is the best? Which other Metroidvania games on Xbox Series would you recommend? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!