Best Metroidvania like Games for Nintendo Switch Enthusiasts in 2024 (2024)

The Metroidvania genre has captured the hearts of gamers for decades with its compelling mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. On the Nintendo Switch, these games offer an immersive experience that feels perfectly suited to the console's versatility. With a wide range of titles available, there's something for every type of player. This guide highlights the top Metroidvania-like games for the Nintendo Switch, helping you discover your next great adventure.

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Game Rant’s Best Metroidvania-like Games for Nintendo Switch Enthusiasts

Best Overall Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch fans

Hollow Knight

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast, ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Hollow Knight is a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world. Explore twisting caverns, ancient cities and deadly wastes; battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs; and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom's heart.

Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward. Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique! An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Over 140 enemies! 30 epic bosses! Face ferocious beasts and vanquish ancient knights on your quest through the kingdom.Chart your journey with extensive mapping tools. Buy compasses, quills, maps and pins to enhance your understanding of Hollow Knight’s many twisting landscapes.
A haunting, intimate score accompanies the player on their journey, composed by Christopher Larkin.

Metroidvania

See Also

Rebirth and DLC+ – Steam SoloBest 2D Games to Play after Hollow Knight in 2024

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:99%

Franchise

Hollow Knight

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux

Released

February 24, 2017

Developer(s)

Team Cherry

Publisher(s)

Team Cherry

Engine

Unity

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

How Long To Beat

27 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

File Size Xbox Series

7 GB (November 2023)

Pros

• Immersive and atmospheric world
• Extensive content and replayability
• Beautiful hand-drawn art style

Cons

• Learning difficulty
• Long gameplay duration may be overwhelming

See at Official Site$15 at Steam$15 at Xbox Games Store$15 at Playstation Store$46 at Walmart$35 at Best Buy$15 at Nintendo eShop

Hollow Knight is widely regarded as the best overall Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans. Its expansive and beautifully crafted world captivates players, drawing them into its intricate depths. The hand-drawn art and atmospheric sound design work together to create a truly immersive experience, solidifying its place as a favorite on the platform. The game’s challenging combat and intricate platforming sections provide a fair yet rewarding experience for those who master its mechanics.

Though the game may initially present a steep learning curve, the wealth of content and replayability make it a must-play. While the extensive gameplay duration might seem overwhelming, it offers a rich exploration and storytelling experience that makes the journey worthwhile. For Nintendo Switch fans, Hollow Knight is undeniably the best overall Metroidvania-like game, offering an adventure that is both memorable and unparalleled.

Best PlayStation 5 Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch Fans

Animal Well

Hatch from your flower and spelunk through the beautiful and sometimes haunting world of Animal Well, a pixelated wonder rendered in intricate audio and visual detail. Encounter lively creatures small and large, helpful and ominous as you discover unconventional upgrades and unravel the well’s secrets. This is a truly unique experience that can make you laugh in fear, surprise, or delight.

Metroidvania

Puzzle

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:89/100 Critics Recommend:98%

Platform(s)

PS5 , PC , Nintendo Switch

Released

May 9, 2024

Developer(s)

Shared Memory

Publisher(s)

Bigmode

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

7 Hours

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

Pros

• Stunning atmospheric visuals
• Engaging and intricate puzzles
• Perfect balance of challenge and exploration

Cons

• Short playtime around 7 hours
• Lack of narrative might not appeal to all

$25 at Playstation Store$25 at Steam

Animal Well is the best PlayStation 5 Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans who love exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. The game draws you into a deep, immersive world set in a dense, mysterious maze filled with various creatures, captivating you with its atmospheric visuals. Each corner of the game is crafted to evoke emotion and curiosity, making it a prime example of the Metroidvania genre.

Although its playtime might be on the shorter side, Animal Well delivers a memorable experience filled with challenging puzzles and engaging gameplay that lingers in your mind. Its emphasis on visual storytelling and the absence of a traditional narrative may not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate atmospheric games, this title is a must-play. With these qualities, Animal Well truly stands as the best PlayStation 5 Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans.

Best Xbox Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch Fans

Ori and The Blind Forest

4.5

The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, “Ori and the Blind Forest” explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.

Platformer

Adventure

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:96%

Platform(s)

Xbox One , Switch , PC

Released

March 11, 2015

Developer(s)

Moon Studios

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Engine

Unity

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

9 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

9 GB (November 2023)

Pros

• Stunning visual design and art style
• Emotional and engaging story
• Challenging platforming gameplay

Cons

• No enhancements for Xbox X|S
• Can be difficult for beginners

See at Official Site$20 at SteamSee at Xbox Games Store$20 at Nintendo eShop$27 at WalmartSee at Best Buy

Ori and the Blind Forest is widely regarded as the best Xbox Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans. This emotionally rich platformer, developed by Moon Studios, is celebrated for its stunning design and deeply moving story. The game is particularly cherished by fans who enjoy challenging platforming experiences, making it a must-play for those who value intricate gameplay and emotional depth. The Definitive Edition adds versatility by allowing play across multiple platforms.

While the game doesn't benefit from Xbox X|S enhancements, its timeless appeal and expertly crafted mechanics continue to captivate players. The game strikes a perfect balance between challenge and progress, making each playthrough rewarding, even with the initial learning curve. This enduring charm and its universal appeal across platforms solidify its status as the best Xbox Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans.

Best RPG Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch fans

The Binding of Isaac

When Isaac’s mother starts hearing the voice of God demanding a sacrifice be made to prove her faith, Isaac escapes into the basem*nt facing droves of deranged enemies, lost brothers and sisters, his fears, and eventually his mother.

The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety.

Roguelike

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:87/100 Critics Recommend:91%

Platform(s)

PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Wii U , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X

Released

September 28, 2011

Developer(s)

Edmund McMillen , Florian Himsl

Publisher(s)

Edmund McMillen

Engine

Adobe Flash

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Violence, Blood and Gore, Crude Humor

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

Split Screen Orientation

N/A (Shared Screen)

Number of Players

1-4

Local Co-Op Support

1-4 Players

Pros

• Endless replayability with unique runs
• Vast content including numerous items and characters
• Engaging narrative with dark themes

Cons

• May be too challenging for casual players
• Dark themes might not appeal to everyone

$75 at Amazon$15 at Playstation Store

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, a dark and twisted roguelike, is widely regarded as the best RPG Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans. Its endless replayability, with each run offering a unique mix of items and challenges, keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The game's mature themes are seamlessly woven into the mechanics, delivering an experience that both fascinates and surprises players.

While the game presents a significant challenge for casual players and embraces dark overtones, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth continues to captivate gamers with its rich content and thrilling gameplay. Additionally, its multiplayer mode allows for chaotic fun with friends, solidifying its status as the best RPG Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans who crave a complex and rewarding experience.

Best Single-player Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch Fans

Hades

5.0

Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.

BATTLE OUT OF HELL
As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.

UNLEASH THE FURY OF OLYMPUS
The Olympians have your back! Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more, and choose from their dozens of powerful Boons that enhance your abilities. There are thousands of viable character builds to discover as you go.

BEFRIEND GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
A fully-voiced cast of colorful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what's really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family.

BUILT FOR REPLAYABILITY
New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you. Use the powerful Mirror of Night to grow permanently stronger, and give yourself a leg up the next time you run away from home.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Permanent upgrades mean you don't have to be a god yourself to experience the exciting combat and gripping story. Though, if you happen to be one, crank up the challenge and get ready for some white-knuckle action that will put your well-practiced skills to the test.

SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
The rich, atmospheric presentation and unique melding of gameplay and narrative that's been core to Supergiant's games is here in full force: spectacular hand-painted environments and a blood-pumping original score bring the Underworld to life.

Action RPG

Roguelite

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:94/100 Critics Recommend:99%

Franchise

Hades

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC

Released

September 17, 2020

Developer(s)

Supergiant Games

Publisher(s)

Supergiant Games

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

How Long To Beat

23 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Pros

• Engaging combat system
• Stunning art style
• High replayability

Cons

• Can be challenging at first
• Progress depends on trial and error

See at Official Site$25 at Steam$25 at Xbox Games Store$25 at Playstation Store$25 at Nintendo eShop$20 at Walmart

Hades is the best single-player Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans, offering a perfect blend of action RPG mechanics and roguelite elements. Developed by Supergiant Games, this title immerses you in the underworld, where every escape attempt brings new challenges and opportunities. The game’s simple yet addictive loop of battling through four areas, combined with various weapons and upgrades, keeps each run fresh and engaging. Additionally, the stunning art style and fantastic soundtrack elevate the overall experience.

Hades provides a rewarding and enjoyable journey as you progress through its challenges. The interactions with Greek gods and the ever-changing dialogue make each run feel unique. These elements, along with the game's rich narrative and engaging combat, solidify Hades as the best single-player Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans.

Best Multiplayer Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch fans

Terraria

3.5

Dig, Fight, Explore, Build: The very world is at your fingertips as you fight for survival, fortune, and glory. Will you delve deep into cavernous expanses in search of treasure and raw materials with which to craft ever-evolving gear, machinery, and aesthetics? Perhaps you will choose instead to seek out ever-greater foes to test your mettle in combat? Maybe you will decide to construct your own city to house the host of mysterious allies you may encounter along your travels?

In the World of Terraria, the choice is yours!

Blending elements of classic action games with the freedom of sandbox-style creativity, Terraria is a unique gaming experience where both the journey and the destination are completely in the player’s control. The Terraria adventure is truly as unique as the players themselves!

Are you up for the monumental task of exploring, creating, and defending a world of your own?

Action

Adventure

Sandbox

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:79/100 Critics Recommend:76%

Platform(s)

PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X , Switch , Vita , iOS , Android , macOS , Linux , 3DS , Stadia

Released

May 16, 2011

Developer(s)

Re-Logic

Publisher(s)

505 Games

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol

How Long To Beat

100 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

X|S Enhanced

No

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

File Size Xbox Series

418 MB (March 2023)

Pros

• Rich, immersive environments
• Comprehensive gameplay including exploration, building, combat
• Engaging multiplayer mode

Cons

• Occasional difficulty spikes
• Difficult to learn for newcomers

See at Official Site$10 at Steam$20 at Xbox Games Store$20 at Playstation Store$30 at Nintendo eShop$15 at Walmart$30 at Best Buy$30 at Amazon

Terraria is considered the best multiplayer Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans, offering a captivating mix of retro pixel art and expansive sandbox gameplay. Developed by Re-Logic, this game immerses players in a meticulously crafted 2D world brimming with exploration, crafting, and combat, offering endless discoveries at every turn. Its multiplayer mode enhances the experience, allowing players to join forces and conquer challenges together, making it a perfect pick for those who love shared adventures.

While the learning curve can be steep, Terraria rewards perseverance with a deeply satisfying experience. The game offers countless hours of gameplay and regular updates that introduce fresh content. Its detailed crafting system and the vast array of items available further enrich the gameplay, solidifying Terraria's reputation as the best multiplayer Metroidvania-like game for Nintendo Switch fans seeking an engrossing adventure.

Choosing the Best Metroidvania-like Game for Nintendo Switch

When choosing a Metroidvania game for the Switch, it's essential to consider:

• Gameplay Mechanics: Look for games that offer a balance between exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
• Art Style and Atmosphere: A distinctive art style and engaging atmosphere can improve the gaming experience.
• Replay Value: Consider games that offer multiple endings or additional content to extend the experience.

FAQ

Q: What defines a Metroidvania game?

Metroidvania games are characterized by exploration, platforming, and backtracking through interconnected areas. They often involve acquiring new abilities or items that unlock previously inaccessible parts of the map.

Q: Is the Nintendo Switch good for playing Metroidvania games?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch is ideal for Metroidvania games due to its portability and diverse library of titles. The console's flexibility allows you to enjoy these games both at home and on the go.

Q: Why are Metroidvania games so popular?

Metroidvania games are popular because they combine exploration with strategic gameplay, offering a satisfying sense of progression and discovery. The genre’s blend of action, puzzle-solving, and narrative appeals to a wide range of gamers.