Best Dark Fantasy Metroidvania Games

Originally defined by the classic series Castlevania and Metroid, the Metroidvania genre has grown to become one of the gaming industry’s most consistent genres. Often created by indie developers, these games offer exciting single-player experiences that incorporate action, exploration, and platforming. While Metroidvanias are usually presented as side-scrolling games, the mechanics work just as well from a first-person point of view.

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From the beginning, Metroidvanias have depicted long-forgotten realms, dark apocalyptic visions, and imposing gothic vistas. Dark worlds where players are dropped into a large map, with numerous enemies and tough boss fights around every corner. From pale-skinned vampires to terrifying deformed monsters, or immovable ancient warriors, these game worlds are rich in history and offer exciting backdrops for players to explore.

8 Moonscars

A Fun Yet Flawed Metroidvania

Moonscars is a Soulslike dark fantasy Metroidvania where players control Grey Irma, a clay warrior searching for their maker, known as The Sculptor. The game is set in a desolate and dark world where the ruins of humanity are crumbling away. The game is a tough, action-heavy fantasy game, with a washed-out pixel art style that creates a lot of atmosphere and looks almost painted.

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While the game is not revolutionary, fans of the genre will enjoy the fluid combat, weapon choices, and non-linear design. Moonscars is a quality Metroidvania that never reaches the originality of Blasphemous or Hollow Knight but is a solid addition to the genre that will please long-time fans.

7 The Last Faith

A Solid Gothic Soulslike

The Last Faith follows in the same vein as many modern soulslike Metroidvanias and offers satisfying combat in a broken and desolate world. Players control Eryk, who after waking with no memory, must fight to save his deteriorating sanity before it is too late. The high gothic, horror style and varied weaponry are reminiscent of the genre classic Bloodborne. However, its pixel art style and strong gameplay ensure it is not just a carbon copy.

The Last Faith provides numerous weapons for players, allowing for different playstyles and strategies against its many enemies. While the game does nothing to innovate on the genre, its unforgiving difficulty will appeal to Souls players looking for their next challenge. The Last Faith is a strong addition to the Metroidvania genre that will appeal to fans of Blasphemous and Moonscars.

6 Hands Of Necromancy

Inspired By Classic Fantasy FPS Games

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
• Released: 2022
• Developer: HON Team
• Genre: FPS, Metroidvania

Hands of Necromancy is a dark fantasy Metroidvania that moves away from the 2D side-scrolling style so common in the genre and into a first-person perspective. Highly influenced by classic fantasy FPS titles such as Heretic and Hexen, Hands of Necromancy will appeal to fans of retro shooters and Metroidvanias alike.

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Players control a Necromancer on a journey to gain more power and prove their strength against the myriad of creatures invading the land. While the narrative is simplistic, the gameplay is where Hands of Necromancy shines. Players will take on the hordes of enemies, using numerous spells, weapons, and abilities, which include transforming into a rampaging monster and resurrecting fallen foes. Hands of Necromancy may not appeal to hardcore Metroidvania fans looking for another Hollow Knight experience. However, for those looking for a solid dark fantasy game, this retro FPS shooter is a lot of fun.

5 Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

The Spiritual Successor Of Castlevania

Developed by former Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is set in 18th-century England during the Industrial Revolution. Players control Miriam as she fights to stop the Alchemy Guild from summoning demons and destroying the country.

Bloodstained is set in a vibrant world, filled with demonic enemies and strange magic. While the game follows many Metroidvania traditions, its fun gameplay, strong challenge, and rich and colorful design make it a memorable experience to play. Bloodstained's release comes largely from its successful Kickstarter campaign, which managed to raise over $5 million from fans who believed in the project. Fans longing for a return to Castlevania-style gameplay will love this dark fantasy Metroidvania, which manages to feel both modern and nostalgic.

4 Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

Bring Light To A Corrupted World

This underrated dark fantasy Metroidvania may not offer the same level of challenge as other notable games in the genre. However, its well-designed game world and unique combat mechanics create a memorable and addictive addition to the genre. In Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, players take control of a young priestess who is the sole survivor of a terrible blight that has ravaged the land.

With the ability to cleanse enemies of the blight, players collect different spirits with unique attacks that fight for the Priestess. Ender Lilies blends challenging enemies, a stunning soundtrack, and fluid gameplay. Its beautiful game world is great to explore, while the boss fights are memorable, fun encounters. Ender Lilies is a great addition to the Metroidvania genre and an underrated gem.

3 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

The Original Dark Fantasy Setting

Taking influence from classic gothic literature, Castlevania, along with the Metroid series, defined the Metroidvania genre. Of all the many Castlevania games, Symphony of the Night had the biggest impact on the genre fans know today.

Returning to its non-linear style, Symphony of the Night follows Dracula’s son, Alucard, as he explores his father’s castle, taking on the various monsters within. The game features more role-playing aspects, with an emphasis on exploration. The game’s gothic atmosphere, narrative, and creature design would influence the series moving forward and the entire Metroidvania genre.

2 Blasphemous

Journey On A Bloody And Brutal Pilgrimage

Highly influenced by the art and architecture of the developer’s home country of Spain, Blasphemous is a challenging Metroidvania that has become a genre classic. Players control a religious warrior, and sole survivor, known as The Penitent One, on a bloody Pilgrimage through the land of Cvstodia. The world is filled with tormented souls, deformed beasts, and dangerous zealots.

Blasphemous is rich in religious iconography, from the various enemies patrolling the game to the ornate buildings, statues, and characters the player meets. Blasphemous’s combat is fluid, yet challenging and will certainly test many players’ resolve. Its blend of fast action, religious extremism, and disturbing enemy design instantly makes the game a memorable experience. Its sequel, Blasphemous 2, continues where the game left off, providing an equally high-quality experience that Metroidvania fans will love.

1 Hollow Knight

Explore A Ruined And Diseased Underground Realm

Hollow Knight is undoubtedly one of the most successful Metroidvanias in the modern era. It quickly became the standard that all other Metroidvanias were judged against. While many small developers have attempted to emulate Hollow Knight, few have managed to reach the heights of this wonderful game.

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Hollow Knight is set in a dark fantasy world that is slowly dying. It follows an enigmatic character known as The Knight, as he explores the ancient and long-destroyed kingdom of Hallownest. From the combat, world design, music, and boss fights, Hollow Knight hits on every level. The movement and combat in the game are fluid, fast, and fun, while each region is distinct and recognizable.

Hollow Knight’s world is a joy to explore, from the dark horrors of Deepnest to the vibrant and lush Greenpath, each area offers new challenges and new dangers to defeat. Hollow Knight is a masterclass in game design and a perfect introduction to the Metroidvania genre.

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