Metroidvanias have shot into an all-time high in popularity thanks to some key games. The most important of them is Hollow Knight and its long-anticipated and recently released sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong. Its launch saw insane numbers and even shut down major store outlets. Silksong’s hype is so massive that even non-Metroidvania players are jumping into it. While the game offers a lengthy runtime, the experience will come to an end. Those who are new to the genre will no doubt be looking for their next Metroidvania game. Fortunately, there are numerous options to choose from, many of which have sequels to expand on the world and gameplay.
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Metroidvanis, like Hollow Knight: Silksong and the games below, offer players tight platforming, gorgeous worlds, interconnected exploration, and challenging combat. Every game below gives players a similar experience to Team Cherry’s games and has sequels, though some are still in development. Here are the best Metroidvanias and their sequels to play after Hollow Knight: Silksong.
5) Lone Fungus
Lone Fungus is a solo developer success story. It is developed by Basti Games and was funded through Kickstarter, ultimately launching on Steam before coming to the Nintendo Switch. Currently, it sits at Very Positive on Steam thanks to its underground world filled with secrets, hostile plants, and inventive platforming and combat challenges. It offers multiple difficulty options, allowing for hardcore fans to test themselves and newcomers to ease into Metroidvanias.
Instead of a bug like in Hollow Knight, players take on the role of a sentient mushroom. They must navigate a sprawling world with customizable combat and movement, giving the game a flexibility not typically seen in Metroidvanias. Acrobatic dashing, wall-jumping, and spellcasting culminate in a title that feels similar to Hollow Knight while creating a unique identity.
And there is more! While the sequel, Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores, isn’t out until Q4 of 2025, fans do have a new entry to look forward to. Basti Games once again went to Kickstarter and raised the funds for a new game. It promises an expanded world with a new 8-direction whip mechanic, something that will feel familiar to Castlevania fans. Those who liked the first game should stay tuned for the next fungal adventure release.
4) Aeterna Noctis
Aeterna Noctis was released in 2021 and remains a visually impressive Metroidvania today. It leans heavily into its challenging difficulty, particularly in combat. But its hand-drawn world will test players with its precision platforming as well. Mastering both will be challenging, but those coming off Hollow Knight: Silksong can put their skills to the test in Aeternum Game Studios’ first title.
Play as the King of Darkness and suffer the curse of immortality placed on you. Gothic fantasy comes to life in the game’s fluid animation that makes the platforming a delight. The story is non-linear and offers numerous sidequests for players to enjoy. It even features voice acting to accompany players on their journey, and the developer has released free DLC to expand on the game’s content.
Aeternum Game Studios was set to release the sequel, Aeterna Lucis, in September 2025, but when Team Cherry revealed Silksong’s release date, the developer delayed the game until 2026. However, there is Summum Aeterna, a roguelike title inspired by its Metroidvania counterpart. Those who like the studio’s work can play this title until the official sequel is released.
3) Blasphemous
Next on this list is Blasphemous, a Soulslike Metroidvania developed by The Game Kitchen. This is another Kickstarter success, and fans of Hollow Knight will love the dark, pixelated world here. The beautiful, haunting setting is inspired by real-life religion and is evident throughout its design. Throughout this dark adventure, players will uncover cryptic lore surrounding guilt and penance while battling grotesque adversaries.
The Penitant One is the protagonist, or at least the playable character, of Blasphemous and features an iconic design. While present, platforming is less of a focus in this Metroidvania. This puts much of the challenge on combat, something players will quickly discover when battling its difficult bosses. Persistence is rewarded as players struggle to overcome the obstacles that face them.
Unlike the previous titles, Blasphemous 2 is already available. The Game Kitchen has added even more Metroidvania elements to the game, namely expanding upon the platforming. Combat remains challenging, and the world is just as enticing as the first game. Fans of Hollow Knight: Silksong do not want to miss these two games.
2) Ender Lillie: Quietus of the Knights
Few games capture the quiet beauty and melancholy of Hollow Knight like Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights. It blends fluid combat full of variety with a somber narrative set against gorgeous backdrops. This standout Metroidvania is deceptive at first, but players will soon discover its difficult combat. Platforming offers a challenge as well, but it is the combat that is the star here.
Play as Lily, a young woman who awakens in a devastated land, and befriend spirits of fallen friends and foes alike as you battle deadly enemies. This Metroidvania has an anime aesthetic to it that fits the theme of the world. Each character you meet on your journey has an impact on the narrative, whether they hinder your progress or join your arsenal of abilities.
Like Blasphemous, a second game is already available. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is an expanded Metroidvania when compared to the first game. It improves on nearly every aspect of an already great game. The Overwhelmingly Positive review score on Steam shows just this, and Silksong fans will thoroughly enjoy this game.
1) Ori and the Blind Forest
Technically, Ori and the Blind Forest was released before Hollow Knight, but that doesn’t detract from it being a great game to play for Metroidvania fans. It trades the somber caves of Hallownest for lush environments, but captures the beautiful storytelling Team Cherry created. It leans into color and wonder and uses its emotional storytelling to stand out among other Metroidvanias.
Platforming is king in Ori and the Blind Forest. Combat isn’t as satisfying as other Metroidvanias on this list, but it makes up for this in other areas. The controls seamlessly combine wall-jumping, gliding, and other mechanics to create fun and fluid movement. The narrative is another highlight and will stay with players long after the credits have rolled.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the sequel and improves on nearly every aspect of the first game. The combat system, platforming, world, and narrative all have seen improvement, making it an incredible sequel. Playing both games back-to-back offers an emotional journey that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
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Image courtesy of Focus Features.
