This list showcases the best Android Metroidvania games, ranging from classic titles to innovative takes on the genre. These games share a common thread: exceptional quality.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
A multi-award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition exemplifies Metroidvania design. Its innovative point-to-point movement mechanic, defying gravity, makes exploring its vast, labyrinthine world a unique experience. While available across platforms, the mobile version excels with its well-designed touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging and expansive adventure with a retro color scheme reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. VVVVVV's depth and clever mechanics make it a must-play for any Metroidvania fan. It's back on Google Play, ready to captivate.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While the initial Android release of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night faced controller issues, improvements are underway. This outstanding Metroidvania boasts a rich heritage, developed by ArtPlay, the studio founded by Koji Igarashi, a key figure in the Castlevania series. Its gothic atmosphere evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for fans of the genre.
Dead Cells
Technically a "Roguevania," Dead Cells' exceptional design has earned it a place among the best Metroidvanias. Its roguelike elements ensure each playthrough is unique and challenging, resulting in high replayability. Mastering skills, exploring new areas, and overcoming obstacles make for an exhilarating experience.
Robot Wants Kitty
A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty remains a top mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, the objective is simple: collect kitties. Starting with limited abilities, players progressively upgrade their skills, unlocking new areas and increasing their cat-collecting potential.
Mimelet
Perfect for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on acquiring enemy powers to access previously unreachable areas within compact levels. Its clever design, while sometimes challenging, provides consistently enjoyable gameplay.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
A cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre (alongside Super Metroid), Castlevania: Symphony of the Night explores Dracula's castle. Despite its age, its influence on the genre remains undeniable.
Nubs’ Adventure
Don't let its simple visuals fool you; Nubs’ Adventure offers a vast and rewarding Metroidvania experience. Explore a large game world, meet diverse characters, master weapons, conquer bosses, and uncover hidden secrets.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
A Victorian London setting with spectral assistance. This Metroidvania reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as a supernatural avenger. Explore London's upper and underworld, utilizing both mortal and spectral powers.
Sword of Xolan
While lighter on Metroidvania elements (abilities unlock secrets rather than progress), Sword of Xolan's polished gameplay and charming 8-bit graphics make it a worthwhile addition to the list.
Swordigo
Another excellent retro action-platformer with Metroidvania elements. Swordigo’s sprawling fantasy world, reminiscent of Zelda, provides a captivating adventure filled with swordplay, puzzles, and skill acquisition.
Teslagrad
A stunning indie platformer, Teslagrad's arrival on Android in 2018 electrified the mobile gaming scene. Players climb the Tesla Tower, utilizing science-based abilities to overcome obstacles and explore new areas.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
A retro-styled, free-to-play platformer with a short but enjoyable Metroidvania experience. Its authentic '90s aesthetic and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile download.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive and visually stunning Metroidvania. Its hack-and-slash combat, epic fantasy world, and high user ratings solidify its place among the best.
Reventure
Reventure offers a unique take on death, making it a core gameplay mechanic. Each death unlocks new weapons and items, leading to diverse and humorous gameplay experiences.
ICEY
A meta-Metroidvania with a compelling narrative. ICEY’s sci-fi world is explored while a narrator constantly comments on the player’s actions. Its clever storytelling complements the engaging hack-and-slash gameplay.
Traps n’ Gemstones
A well-crafted Metroidvania with a pyramid-based relic-hunting premise. However, performance issues may affect gameplay; check for updates before purchasing.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings. Its hookshot mechanic and extensive gameplay offer many hours of adventure.
Afterimage
A recently ported Metroidvania with beautiful visuals and expansive gameplay. While some mechanics may lack detail, this could be part of its charm for certain players.
This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more great game recommendations, explore our feature on the best Android fighting games.