5 Best Metroidvania Games on iOS & Android (May 2024)

Mobile gaming has opened the door to many types of games, and among them, Metroidvania stands out. But what's special about Metroidvania games? Well, they're a mix of exploration, jumping around, and fun stories. They're named after two famous games, Metroid and Castlevania. In these games, you explore big worlds, find new skills, and use those skills to reach new places. With so many games to choose from, picking the best ones can be hard. Don't worry! We've done the hard work for you. Here are the five best Metroidvania games on iOS & Android.

5. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a popular game you can play on both iOS and Android devices. It's known for its thrilling and engaging gameplay, combining elements from two exciting game types. First, it has the exploration and adventure of Metroidvania games, where you explore a big, interconnected world. Second, it has features of roguelike games, where the levels are different each time you play and learning from failure is part of the fun.

As you explore in Dead Cells, you find and gather many different weapons and gadgets that boost your fighting capabilities. Each item has its own special traits and uses, which encourages you to try various combinations to see what best fits your playing style. For instance, some weapons are great for quick, close-up fights, while others might be better for long-range attacks or protecting yourself. This constant discovery and mastering of new equipment makes the game continuously interesting and rewarding.

Furthermore, the game features beautiful pixel art that vividly brings its dark, dungeon-filled world to life. Alongside its stunning graphics, the animations are smooth and enhance the fast-paced action, making the game a pleasure to both play and watch. And because the game reshuffles its world layout with every new game you start, each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.

4. Apple Knight

Following up, Apple Knight offers a delightful Metroidvania experience tailored for mobile players. In this game, you embody a brave knight on a quest to rescue your kingdom from sinister forces. The journey unfolds across various beautifully crafted levels, each packed with challenges to overcome and secrets to uncover. You navigate through different areas, battling enemies and leaping over obstacles.

Each level showcases vibrant pixel art, bringing the fantasy world to life with colourful landscapes and whimsical characters that contribute to a storybook atmosphere. The gameplay is intuitive, featuring simple controls for moving, jumping, and attacking, which makes it accessible to players of all skill levels. So, this ease of play is especially appealing to those who enjoy exploring and discovering new areas within a game.

Additionally, Apple Knight provides a variety of weapons and magical abilities that you can collect and enhance as you progress. These tools are enjoyable to use and crucial for defeating tougher foes and unlocking new parts of the map. Plus, with numerous hidden treasures and bonus items scattered throughout, the game rewards exploration and bravery in venturing into unknown territories.

3. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

The world of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night unfolds within a vast, gothic universe brimming with dark magic and mysterious creatures. Players assume the role of Miriam, a young orphan afflicted by a curse that is slowly crystallizing her body. Her mission is clear: explore a sprawling, haunted castle to find a cure and confront the source of her curse. This journey involves more than combat; it also includes solving puzzles and unlocking new areas that were previously inaccessible.

In the game, players can customize Miriam with a variety of weapons and magical abilities to suit different playing styles. As Miriam advances through the castle, she discovers new equipment and spells that enhance her strength and allow access to more perilous zones. Each section of the castle is populated with unique enemies and hidden secrets, rewarding exploration with a sense of achievement and continuous excitement. The game seamlessly integrates these elements to offer a rich, engaging experience that encourages strategic planning about how to equip Miriam and which challenges to tackle next.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is optimised for mobile devices, featuring controls that are intuitive and easy to master on a touchscreen. This accessibility allows anyone to enjoy the game, regardless of their gaming experience.

2. Grimvalor

Grimvalor invites players to embark on an exciting journey through a dark, forsaken kingdom. In the game, you control a lone warrior tasked with unraveling the fate of this lost realm by battling through hordes of sinister foes. The storyline captivates and draws players deeper into a mysterious world brimming with secrets to discover and enemies to conquer. With each advancing level, the plot deepens, and pulls you closer to uncovering the truth behind the kingdom's downfall.

The gameplay blends fast-paced combat with precise platforming challenges. Players need to be agile and accurate, mastering the controls to jump, dodge, and strike effectively. The game is designed to be both accessible and challenging, ensuring players of all skill levels can progress with practice. In addition, the environments in Grimvalor are meticulously crafted, featuring gloomy dungeons and eerie landscapes that create a perfect backdrop for the thrilling action.

In addition to this, distinctive feature of Grimvalor is its dynamic combat system. Players can master various combat moves and magic spells to overcome adversaries. Each type of enemy requires a different strategy, ensuring each battle is unique and engaging. The game also allows players to enhance their character’s abilities, enabling more potent and diverse combat styles.

1. Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

The final game on our list of best Metroidvania games on iOS & Android is Tiny Dangerous Dungeons. This game takes players back to the roots of the Metroidvania genre with its simple yet captivating pixel art style and classic side-scrolling adventure. Here, you control a small adventurer who explores a vast, old dungeon. The dungeon is full of hidden rooms, deadly traps, and mysterious treasures.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons is designed to be straightforward and engaging. The gameplay involves jumping over pits, dodging spikes, and battling various creatures that inhabit the dungeon. Each room of the dungeon presents its own challenges, making every step of your journey an exciting puzzle. The controls are easy to learn, which makes this game suitable for players of all ages. Even if you are new to video games, you will find this game easy to play and enjoy.

Throughout the game, you collect items that enhance your character's abilities. These items include better armor, powerful weapons, and special boots that let you jump higher. Collecting these items not only makes your character stronger but also opens up new parts of the dungeon to explore. This game perfectly captures the essence of exploration and progression that fans love about Metroidvania games.

So, what's your take on our list of the best Metroidvania games on iOS & Android? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.