5 Best Metroidvania Games on Xbox Game Pass (October 2023)

Serving as one of the genres with the most inherited from its predecessors, the Metroidvania genre does a great job of bringing old-school game design into the modern era. Within titles in the genre, players will find a few common tenets that have become staples throughout the genre's history. These include things such as a blend of platforming and run-and-gun gameplay, as well as a signature sense of difficulty. To highlight some of the best the genre has to offer, enjoy our picks for the 5 Best Metroidvania Games on Xbox Game Pass. 

5. The Last Case of Benedict Fox

We are starting off today's list of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass. Here, we have The Last Case of Benedict Fox for players looking for a world filled with dark secrets and a striking visual style. This title certainly is one to keep in mind. The Last Case of Benedict Fox is a game that uses its Lovecraftian art style to evoke a feeling of great dread and peril as you plunge deeper into its depths. In contrast, they are enveloped in the jazz-laced soundtrack. Players will slowly uncover more about the game's story, all the while enjoying some fantastic Metroidvania-style gameplay.

The combat system in the game is pretty open and allows the player plenty of room to get creative. The game also greatly rewards players who tentatively take their time in a tactical manner in order to overcome their enemies. This makes it so that every encounter within the game must be approached with caution. The game's narrative is also wonderfully interwoven throughout the game as well. In short, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass.

4. Blasphemous

We are staying somewhat in the same vein for the next entry on our list. Here, we have Blasphemous. For players looking for an adrenaline-pumping action platformer that is made in the style of many Metroidvania games, this title certainly has you covered. The excruciating difficulty of this title, for many, will only add to its charm. This is due to the fact that while the game is punishing, learning its ins and outs feels all the sweeter when you get the hang of it. It is this sense of reward that the game excels at tapping into throughout its runtime.

After being trapped in an eternal state of death and rebirth, players must learn how to break the cycle and reach the end of their experience. Drenched in religious over and undertones, Blasphemous doesn't shy away from its namesake, instead opting to embrace it in its totality. The game features a non-linear world, which significantly rewards player exploration and curiosity as well. All in all, if you are looking for one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass, check out Blasphemous.

3. Death's Door

We are straying away quite a bit for the next entry on our list. Here, we have Death's Door, which, visually, is one of the more cartoonish entries on our list. Don't let the art style fool you, however, as the difficulty present within this title is undoubtedly challenging. The game follows a character known as the Crow. As this crow, players will maneuver through the game's wonderfully-designed levels and take on ever more challenging enemies. In doing so, players will have to sharpen their skills in order to survive. This is due to the grueling nature of the game's combat.

Visually, the game's atmosphere is very immersive and almost storybook-like in its presentation. Draped with a bleak curtain, the game has a certain charm to it, just bubbling under the surface. This is where the game's characters and story will start to connect with the players. So, while you enjoy Death's Door for the combat more and more, the game's mysterious tale is one you will want to unravel. All around, Death's Door is one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass.

2. Ghost Song

We are following up on our last entry. Here, we have Ghost Song, which is a beautifully stylized sci-fi Metroidvania with a visual flair that makes it stand out, even among its peers. Along their journey, players will be significantly rewarded for exploring and delving deeper into the game. This is due to the placement of many secret rooms and hidden locations that the player can reach. This not only makes the world feel more exciting to explore but does so in a way that enriches the overall player experience as well.

For fans of progression in their Metroidvania titles, this game also has you covered. The in-depth progression system in the game does a magnificent job of rewarding the players for the hard work and effort they put into the game. Along the way, players will meet a whole host of characters to get to know, which, in turn, deepens the world and its lore as well. In conclusion, if you are in the market for one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass, give Ghost Song a try.

1. Hollow Knight

We are rounding out today's list of the best Metroidvania titles on Xbox Game Pass with Hollow Knight. For those unaware, Hollow Knight is one of the most prevalent Metroidvania titles on the market. This is for a good reason. The game manages to master the core gameplay mechanics of the genre. All the while, the game has one of the most distinctive styles present within the genre as well. This makes the overall experience present within Hollow Knight a must-play for Metroidvania lovers.

The world of Hallownest is full of mystery and intrigue waiting to be uncovered. Couple this with the game's hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and thick atmosphere. And you have one of the best gaming experiences within the genre. The controls for the game are tight and responsive, and the player is greatly rewarded for learning the game's mechanics. To close, if you are looking for one of the best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass, look no further than Hollow Knight.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Metroidvania Games on Xbox Game Pass? What are some of your favorite Metroidvanias on Xbox Game Pass? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.