Android Metroidvanias Dominate Mobile Gaming

We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing past foes – it's deeply satisfying. Here's our curated list of the best Android Metroidvanias.

This selection includes pure Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and games creatively adapting the genre's core elements, such as the exceptional Reventure and the self-described 'Roguevania' Dead Cells.

One thing unites them all: they're fantastic.

The Best Android Metroidvanias

Explore our top picks below!

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

The multi-award-winning Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition is a Metroidvania masterpiece. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement system – jumping between points, defying gravity. Its mobile adaptation excels with cleverly designed touch controls.

VVVVVV

A deceptively challenging and expansive adventure, VVVVVVV boasts a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. Deep and cleverly designed, it's a must-play if you haven't experienced it yet.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

While the initial Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night had controller issues, improvements are underway. This exceptional Metroidvania's pedigree is undeniable.

Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (Castlevania fame), this gothic adventure evokes its spiritual predecessor.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells, a 'Roguevania', is a testament to Motion Twin's skill, prompting the gaming community to accept their neologism.

This captivating, endlessly replayable Metroidvania incorporates roguelike elements, with each playthrough unique and ultimately fatal. But while you live, you'll inhabit hosts, acquire skills, explore new areas, and have a blast.

Robot Wants Kitty

Even after nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty remains a mobile favorite. Based on a Flash game, your mission is simple: collect kitties.

Starting with limited movement and skills, you'll upgrade and acquire new abilities, enhancing your cat-collecting prowess.

Mimelet

Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet centers on stealing enemy powers to access previously unreachable areas within compact levels. It's clever, sometimes frustrating, but always fun.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining title (alongside Super Metroid). Originally a 1997 PS1 release, this classic explores Dracula's castle.

Despite its age, it remains timeless, having essentially established the genre's blueprint.

Nubs’ Adventure

Nubs’ Adventure, though visually simple, is a rewarding Metroidvania. Play as Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, exploring a vast world.

Discover numerous characters, environments, weapons, bosses, secrets, and more.

Ebenezer And The Invisible World

Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World delivers this unique Metroidvania experience, exploring London's high society and underworld, utilizing supernatural powers.

Sword of Xolan

Sword of Xolan features lighter Metroidvania elements; acquired abilities unlock secrets rather than progressing the main story. However, its polished design makes it worthwhile.

Its charming 8-bit graphics belie a challenging and refined platformer experience with Metroidvania influences.

Swordigo

Swordigo, another Metroidvania-lite retro platformer, is exceptionally well-executed.

Set in a sprawling fantasy world reminiscent of Zelda, you'll explore, battle, solve puzzles, and acquire skills to advance the story.

Teslagrad

Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer, initially released on PC in 2013, arrived on Google Play in 2018, electrifying the Android gaming scene.

Climb the Tesla Tower, solve puzzles, and acquire scientific abilities to navigate new areas.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

Color is secondary in Tiny Dangerous Dungeons. Inspired by the Game Boy era, this free-to-play platformer offers a short but enjoyable experience with authentic '90s vibes and Metroidvania gameplay.

Grimvalor

From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania.

Hack and slash through hordes of monsters in a vast fantasy world. Its high ratings speak for themselves.

Reventure

Reventure uniquely approaches the concept of death. The goal is to die in every possible way, each death unlocking new weapons and items for further exploration. It's clever, funny, and engaging.

ICEY

ICEY transcends the Metroidvania genre; it's a meta-Metroidvania.

Developed by X.D. Network, this game features a commentary-driven narrative that undermines and encourages your actions, complementing the hack-and-slash gameplay.

Traps n’ Gemstones

Traps n’ Gemstones (2014) was initially a favorite due to its well-crafted gameplay and premise, but current performance issues are a significant drawback.

HAAK

A dystopian Metroidvania with striking pixel art and multiple endings, offering dozens of hours of gameplay.

Afterimage

A recent PC port, Afterimage is visually stunning and expansive, though some mechanics may lack detailed explanations.

This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more game recommendations, check out our list of the best Android fighting games.