10 Best Metroidvania Games Switch That You Should Know Update 04/2024

best metroidvania games switch

There has been a huge rise in the popularity of the Metroidvania genre over the last few years, from games like Cave Story to the most recent, Metroid Dread. People want and love action-platformers that let them explore the world. There is, however, no better place to see this than on the Nintendo Switch.

The eShop has a lot of interesting and fun Metroidvanias that have a lot of content and levels to explore. From bright and colourful adventure games to dark and solitary horror games, the Nintendo Switch has a wide range of games that will make you want to move and explore.

1. Super Metroid

Super Metroid

Because Symphony of the Night hasn’t been made for the Switch, Super Metroid is taking the place of it. The Castlevania game might be the best example of the genre as fans know it, but Samus’s trip to Zebes was the first one.

The game takes what the original NES game had to offer and makes it better in almost every way. By focusing on action, horror, and atmosphere, the game gives players an action game that would be right at home in a Ridley Scott movie. As Samus, players will go on a dangerous journey through an alien world that is full of monsters and dangerous places. It will take more than an arm cannon to get off this planet and live to tell the tale.

2. Steamworld Dig Series

Because the Steamworld Dig games are Metroidvanias, even though they aren’t the most traditional Metroidvanias, they do add something new to the genre by having the players literally carve their way through an alien landscape in search of money, loot, and more. Players who are looking for a game that is more about exploration won’t be disappointed.

Players will, of course, need a lot of different things to get from A to B and through the different underground obstacles. This is what you’d expect from a game like this. With a steampunk look and a group of colourful robots, it’s one of the most unique ideas on the eShop.

3. Guacamelee Series

Guacamelee Series

While the idea of a superpowered luchador fighting his way through the land of the dead might sound weird, Guacamelee is a great Metroidvania game with a unique Latin twist. People who played Super Metroid have seen Chozo statues from the game in the games’ world, as well as other references.

Because of their tongue-in-cheek style and smart and fast-paced action, the two games stand out from the rest. It’s a great game for people who like action-platformers that are a little different from the norm.

4. The Messenger

When you play The Messenger, it’s clear that it’s a big fan of the genre and doesn’t hide it. The game is based on classic Metroidvanias and games like Ninja Gaiden. It’s a mix of retro-themed games. Even though the action-platforming is the star of the show, the game is still a Metroidvania at its heart.

Not only does the game offer the familiar exploratory action-platforming fans of the genre know and love, but its dimension shifting mechanic sends the player back and forth between 8-bit and 16-bit ages. Like Ninja Gaiden, there’s a lot of backtracking in the game, but you don’t get as much of a break as you do in Ninja Gaiden.

5. Timespinner

Timespinner

Timespinners are a lot of fun to look at, that’s for sure. A strange mix of Symphony of the Night and Chrono Trigger is what this game is like. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work at all. On the other hand, it makes for a beautiful mix of genres that creates a very unique adventure.

A few games mix sci-fi and fantasy so well as Timespinner does, and the game’s dedication to preserving the ’90s game feel is also worth mentioning. This game was made in the 1990s. The platforming and exploration are both very well done, and the use of magic in a futuristic world is sure to get it some attention.

6. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Koji Igarashi, who worked on Castlevania, made Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. It’s a Metroidvania that’s so complex that it deserves the name. Considered the spiritual successor to Symphony of the Night, this game has a lot of exploration and action to back up its claim to that title.

Even though Miriam isn’t Alucard, she can still fight the demons in the Hellhold. There are a few more bells and whistles in this game than in the games that inspired it, but there’s enough familiarity for even the most novice fans of the genre to enjoy it.

7. Blasphemous

Blasphemous

If you’re a fan of Dark Souls, you’ll want to play Blasphemous. It’s a gruesome and gory action platformer that will make you want to take up the blade of the Penitent One and hack and slash your way through a host of unholy monsters. As someone says, “Some people might be ready to die.” But they won’t go down without a fight.

The game’s visuals are by far its most important feature, and it’s really impressive to see how creative and beautiful 16-bit sprite work can be. Players who buy this game on the Switch should be ready to fight for their lives. It is probably the most violent and monstrous Metroidvania on the Switch.

8. Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)

Hollow Knight feels like it fits right in on Switch. As you play, you’re drawn in by the beautiful 2D world, the tactile combat, and the plethora of secrets. The game is just as good when you play it on your phone or tablet as it is on your TV. You can play Hollow Knight on an eShop full of top-notch indie games already. It’s a huge beautiful Metroidvania that’s filled to the brim with detail, and it’s a great game. This is one of the best games you can play on the Nintendo Switch. It has a fun combat system, as well as beautiful art and music.

9. Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)

Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge on the Switch is a great port of a great game. Axiom Verge is a game that can be played on both handheld and home consoles. If you haven’t played this game on other platforms, we strongly encourage you to pick it up here. Is it a question of how much you love this game? Whether or not you want to buy this game again is up to you. It’s the same great game you’ve already played. The game Axiom Verge is a great example of how to make a Metroidvania. It doesn’t matter which side you’re on.

10. SteamWorld Dig 2 (Switch eShop)

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a strong game from Image & Form, and it’s a worthy successor to a game that many people keep in their eShops. Stylish and good-looking, it also has a lot of humour from the show and a good soundtrack. Improves and expands on the original’s qualities, but some of the smartest parts and ideas only appear for a short time. It’s still a good movie. It also sets the stage for more content and games, which is a good thing to see.

For people who like SteamWorld Dig, we don’t think we need to tell them about this game. They’ll buy it anyway. People who didn’t play the first game should get this one, though. It has a lovely look and a great cast that set the stage for a clever and well-designed exploration game.