Best Mobile Games Like Castlevania

The Gothic-themed action series from Konami Castlevania is renowned by both veteran monster slayers and newbies alike — with thrilling combat-heavy gameplay and rewarding progression. Newer, mainline releases from the franchise have slowed somewhat to a trickle, to be sure. Yet, the series retains its iconic status by helping summon the popular 'Metroidvania' subgenre. It also inspired the indie hit Bloodstained, and has seen the release of two epic animated shows on Netflix.

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By  Kasey Thompson

It's no surprise, then, that some have sought action, ARPG, Metroidvania, and hack & slash games for their mobile devices that ring similar to Castlevania; and there's a growing number of great ones. With their 2D scrolling style and instantly enjoyable gameplay, these traits lend themselves to (typically) portable, simpler mobile gadgets. These are some of the best options for mobile gamers to explore.

6 Carrion

A Thrilling Monster Mash

While seemingly distant, Carrion and Castlevania hold a few key parallels, to be sure. For one, they're both horror-heavy scrollers that feel innovative despite seemingly stock motifs. They also both share a love of devilish monsters and things that go bump in the night. But while Konami's hit has heroes fend off monsters in traditional fashion, Phobia Studios flips things on their head and has players take the role of an ominous monster.

The result is a super fun, amusing role-reversal; a rare example of an overpowered horror game that's actually entertaining. Players spend the bulk of their time with their massive creature steamrolling and consuming helpless humans in their path. Yet the game inserts clever puzzles and other obstacles to traverse too — through means that only a potent, amorphic monster can.

5 Dust: An Elysian Tail

An Epic Tale Wrought With Action And Cool Fantasy Themes

Residing in the world of Falana, which is crawling with anthropomorphic animals, gamers play as the 'Warmblood' Dust, who seeks his destiny and looks to recall his forgotten past, with the help of his mysterious blade Ahrah. While barely a dozen hours in length, ample rich content is packed into this compelling 2D Metroidvania.

Players will slash and pierce their way through different foes with the Blade of Ahrah, and the help of the sword's guardian Fidget for unique magic attacks. Developer Humble Hearts does a fine job of balancing depth with accessibility when it comes to the combat and mechanics at large; useful given the interface of mobile gadgets.

This deceptively simple 2D world is expanded when obtaining power-ups like climbing, which are scattered about Falana. Mobile players will find it hard to put down their device as they venture and fight their way through the vibrant, imaginative locales and uncover more details about the heroic Dust.

4 Vampire Survivors

A Wild, Vampiric Action Romp

Though the barrage of wild, top-down shooting may be more akin to Geometry Wars than Castlevania, there's a certain retro charm stressing pure, undiluted fighting that fans should enjoy here. Of course, diehards of the Konami hit will also appreciate that Vampire Survivors is dripping with Gothic horror and Dracula-inspired themes.

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By  Jake Buchalter

Like Castlevania, the game draws from pure adrenaline and offensive might — as the goal is to fend off hordes of frantic monsters and simply survive as long as possible. Players also obtain a dynamic lineup of more effective weapons and power-ups as they progress, while a slew of baddies grows more powerful along with them.

3 Grimvalor

Prospects Of Survival Are Grim, But The Fun Is Plentiful

• Released: October 2018 (iOS), June 2019 (Android), April 2020 (Switch)
• Publisher: Direlight Studios
• Developer: Direlight Studios
• Genre: Hack & Slash, Platformer

This dark Hack and Slash Metroidvania can partly be described as a grueling 'Soulslike' as much as a traditional Castlevania-style romp. The game bombards players with sprawling dungeons rife with potent monsters ready to slay the large sword-wielding hero.

Yet despite its difficulty, the interface is pretty cut-and-dry — with a primary attack button, jump and evade commands, and left/right movement. As such, players must rely on fast-reaction times, smooth combo-laden combat and grinding for crucial Soul Shards and other goodies, to overcome increasingly tough foes and bosses. This is one that will put mobile gamers' skills and dedication to the test, but the rewards are worth it.

2 Dead Cells

Brimming With Action-Packed Life

While this retro-style roguelike has made its way to several platforms, it remains a great option for Castlevania and Metroidvania fans on mobile. The premise is simple, yet satisfying — players take the role as a headless 'Prisoner', who must fight their way off a perilous island rife with disease in order to slay its oppressive, power-hungry king.

The game balances swift, tactile combat with a vast map system and several attacks/abilities, easily accessible through a small hotbar. Ample loot, which includes currency, new upgrades, buffs, and abilities, are scattered throughout these island dungeons of winding pathways.

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By  Oliver Roberts

Falling in battle is a near-certainty — but securing enough upgrades and items, while mastering chaotic fighting mechanics, will make players a force of nature, and further amp up the thrilling experience. With an action romp that feels akin to Hades fused with Metroid and oldschool Castlevania, Dead Cells brings a uniquely wild, epic experience for mobile.

1 Haak

Eerie, Atmospheric, And Entertaining

• Released: August 2022
• Publisher: Okjoy
• Developer: Blingame
• Genre: Metroidvania, Puzzle Platformer

Haak is an atmospheric Metroidvania emphasizing exploration, platforming, and puzzle trials more than straight-up combat; though it's an interesting twist on the genre Castlevania fans should appreciate. Rather than heavy Gothic themes or retro flair, the game dresses up locales and world-building with gritty Cyberpunk motifs.

Players will zip and fight their way through hazards like mutants and other dark forces, as they explore eerie sci-fi metros and abandoned towns. The blend of steady pacing and more cryptic navigation with swift combat and movement makes this stylish mobile game a distinct, memorable journey.

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