10 Best Metroidvania Games on PlayStation Plus (July 2024)

If you have PlayStation Plus, you know it’s packed with all sorts of great games. One kind that many players really enjoy is Metroidvania. For those unfamiliar, Metroidvania games are characterised by their interconnected worlds, where unlocking new abilities allows players to access previously unreachable areas. It's a dance of skill and strategy, where discovery and mastery coalesce into a deeply satisfying journey. And within the PlayStation Plus library, there exists a curated selection of these gems, standing as shining examples of the genre's potential. So, let's delve into the five best Metroidvania games on PlayStation Plus.

10. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a roguelite, Metroidvania-inspired action-platformer where you control a failed alchemic experiment exploring a cursed, ever-changing island. You navigate through a large, dynamic castle filled with enemies and hidden secrets. The gameplay focuses on tough but fair combat, with no checkpoints. When you die, you start over but keep some progress like new paths, abilities, and weapons. The cycle of killing, dying, learning, and repeating keeps the game exciting. Also, immortality lets you take over new bodies when your current one is destroyed.

9. Moonscars

Next, Moonscars immerses players in an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world where every death is a lesson learned. You play as Grey Irma, a fierce clayborne warrior battling under a grim moonlight with a singular goal: find the Sculptor and uncover the mystery of her existence. Consequently, combat is intense and requires you to sharpen your skills and reflexes. You'll need to slash and parry with your sword, wield unique special weapons, and command powerful Witchery to face the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you.

8. Blasphemous

Blasphemous takes players into the dark world of Cvstodia, cursed by The Miracle. You play as The Penitent One who is the only survivor of the Silent Sorrow massacre. Stuck in a cycle of death and rebirth, your goal is to free Cvstodia and find the source of your pain. The game features skilled hack-and-slash combat and a gripping story. You explore various landscapes, facing tough enemies and deadly traps. Additionally, you can upgrade your abilities, using the powerful Mea Culpa sword to unleash strong combos and brutal executions on monsters and bosses. Along the way, you find relics, rosary beads, and prayers to boost your stats and gain new abilities.

7. Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition takes players on an epic journey through the underground kingdom of Hallownest. The game features beautifully hand-drawn art and fluid animations. Players control a small, silent knight on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the ancient kingdom. Furthermore, combat in Hollow Knight is challenging yet fair, with a focus on precision and timing. Players will face a wide array of enemies, each with unique behaviors and attack patterns. The game offers a variety of abilities and charms that can be customized to suit different playstyles.

6. Animal Well

In Animal Well, players explore a complex, interconnected maze full of secrets. They collect items that change the environment in interesting ways, adding depth to the adventure. Throughout the game, players meet both beautiful and spooky creatures, each with unique interactions. Animal Well is packed with secrets that keep players coming back for more. Also, hidden puzzles will keep players engaged long after finishing the main game. Knowing what is safe or dangerous is key, creating constant tension.

5. Rogue Legacy 2

Rogue Legacy 2 is an exciting genealogical rogue-lite where every death leads to a new adventure with a unique descendant. In this game, your legacy defines you, and every run is different thanks to the game's randomized levels and changing characters. When a hero falls, their child takes over, bringing a fresh set of traits and abilities, like being a pacifistic chef or a vegan ranger. In addition to this, the game features a wide array of classes, each with distinct playstyles, like the Dragon Lancer who flies at great speeds or the Bard who sings and dances through enemies.

4. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a delightful Metroidvania game where players guide Jin on a quest to lift a curse plaguing the kingdom. Throughout the game, Jin can transform into different animal forms, each with unique abilities that aid in solving puzzles and defeating enemies. Players will explore a vast interconnected world, discovering hidden paths, collecting items, and gaining new powers. The game's world is filled with secrets and challenges that encourage thorough exploration and backtracking. Additionally, the engaging storyline and charming characters keep players invested in Jin's adventure.

3. Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition brings a fresh twist to the Metroidvania genre with its gravity-defying movement and strategic gameplay. Players control Dandara, a warrior who moves by jumping between surfaces, creating a unique way to explore and fight. The gameplay encourages creative thinking to solve puzzles and beat enemies. The world is full of secrets and hidden areas that reward exploration. That said, the story is rich and unfolds through talks with NPCs and the environment. Overall, with its unique movement, engaging exploration, and captivating story, Dandara stands out as a must-play metroidvania game.

2. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a modern take on the Metroidvania genre, offering players a deep and satisfying experience. Players control Miriam, a cursed heroine on a quest to save humanity. The game emphasizes exploration and combat, with a vast interconnected world to discover. Additionally, the game includes a crafting system for creating and upgrading equipment. Plus, the narrative is compelling, featuring memorable characters and a rich storyline

1. Rain World

In Rain World, you play as a slugcat trying to survive in a dangerous world. You must find food while avoiding bigger creatures that want to eat you. Separated from your family during a flood, you search for them while navigating the industrial wastes. The game is about finding shelter and food between deadly rainstorms. You explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, dodge predators, and discover new areas with strange creatures. To survive, you use stealth and cleverness. Learn the strengths of other creatures to outsmart enemies and catch your prey.

So, what's your favourite pick from our list? Are there any other titles you'd like to add to the list? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.