Android's Metroidvania Masterpieces Revealed

We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing former foes – it's deeply satisfying. This article highlights the best Android Metroidvanias available.

Our selection includes pure Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, alongside titles creatively adapting the genre's core elements, such as the exceptional Reventure and the self-described "Roguevania" Dead Cells. They all share one thing: excellence.

The Best Android Metroidvanias

Explore our top picks:

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

A multiple award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition showcases exceptional Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement system – traversing a vast, labyrinthine world by jumping between points, defying gravity. While available on various platforms, the mobile version excels with its intuitive touch controls.

VVVVVV

A surprisingly expansive and challenging adventure, VVVVVVV boasts a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. Deep and cleverly designed, it's a must-play if you haven't experienced it yet. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

While the Android version of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night had initial controller issues, improvements are underway. This remarkable Metroidvania boasts a prestigious pedigree.

Developed by ArtPlay, the studio founded by Koji Igarashi (a Castlevania veteran), this gothic adventure evokes its spiritual predecessor.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells, technically a "Roguevania," is so exceptional that the gaming community has embraced the term.

This captivating, endlessly replayable Metroidvania incorporates roguelike elements, with each playthrough unique and ultimately ending in death. However, while alive, you'll inhabit hosts, acquire skills, explore new areas, and have a fantastic time.

Robot Wants Kitty

Even after nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty remains a mobile favorite. Based on a Flash game, it revolves around collecting kitties.

Starting with limited movement and skills, you'll upgrade abilities, enhancing your cat-collecting prowess.

Mimelet

Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access previously unreachable areas within compact levels. It's clever, sometimes challenging, and always fun.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre co-founder (alongside Super Metroid). Originally released for PS1 in 1997, this classic sees you exploring Dracula's castle.

Despite its age, its enduring appeal stems from its genre-defining impact.

Nubs’ Adventure

Don't let its simple graphics fool you; Nubs’ Adventure is a vast and rewarding Metroidvania. Play as Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, exploring a large game world, meeting characters, overcoming challenges, and uncovering secrets.

Ebenezer And The Invisible World

Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World delivers this unique Metroidvania experience, letting you explore London's aboveground and underground areas, using spiritual powers.

Sword of Xolan

Sword of Xolan features subtle Metroidvania elements, with abilities primarily unlocking secrets. However, its polished presentation and 8-bit aesthetic make it a worthwhile inclusion.

Swordigo

Swordigo is another excellent retro action-platformer with Metroidvania elements, set in a sprawling fantasy world reminiscent of Zelda.

Teslagrad

Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer, arrived on Google Play in 2018. Explore the Tesla Tower, solving puzzles and gaining new abilities.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

A free-to-play platformer with a retro Game Boy aesthetic, Tiny Dangerous Dungeons offers a short but enjoyable Metroidvania experience within a large, monster-filled dungeon.

Grimvalor

From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania featuring intense hack-and-slash combat in a vast fantasy world.

Reventure

Reventure offers a unique take on death, making it a gameplay mechanic. Each death unlocks new weapons and items, leading to new experiences.

ICEY

ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania, featuring a constantly commenting, sometimes undermining narrator.

Traps n’ Gemstones

A well-crafted Metroidvania with a pyramid-based theme, Traps n’ Gemstones suffers from performance issues. Consider waiting for updates.

HAAK

A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings.

Afterimage

A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually appealing and extensive Metroidvania.

This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more great games, explore our article on the best Android fighting games.