It’s been a little over a week since the highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Despite its massive and intricate world, some players are already reaching the end, showcasing their dedication and speed. Did they even savor the experience?
If you’re among the select few who have meticulously explored every region of Pharloom, you might be craving similar adventures. Even if the wait for another “Hollow Knight” installment stretches on for years, a plethora of excellent Metroidvania games await your attention. From AAA titles like Metroid Dread to beautifully hand-drawn indie gems like Nine Sols, or hidden treasures such as Laika: Aged in Blood, numerous fantastic 2D platformers exist to challenge your skills acquired in Silksong.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Despite the hype around “Silksong,” my personal pick for the top Metroidvania of 2025 is Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. This captivating action RPG, a follow-up to 2021’s Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, takes inspiration from “Hollow Knight” and evolves it into something greater. You not only battle alongside Homonculi, each affecting your gameplay style, but also have access to equipment and passive relics that reshape your approach. With its dreamlike, dark fantasy setting and abilities that revolutionize your biome traversal, Ender Magnolia is tailored for “Hollow Knight” fans seeking deeper combat and exploration mechanics.
Blade Chimera
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
Leading the charge of “cool ninja games” in 2025, even before Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, is Blade Chimera. In this 2D action title, you control a cyber ninja partnering with a magical sword to vanquish demons. As a Metroidvania, it blends Castlevania elements with RPG progression and diverse weapon slots, allowing you to wield machine guns and whips simultaneously. Boasting detailed pixel art and an efficient fast travel system, Blade Chimera provides a stylish and approachable experience, ideal for those seeking a slightly less demanding challenge after Silksong.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Available on: Android, iOS, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
A discussion of recent Metroidvanias is incomplete without mentioning Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Ubisoft’s superb 2D adventure reconnects with the series’ essence, emphasizing precise platforming and trap-laden levels. Furthermore, it features exceptional combat mechanics, evoking the feel of a Super Smash Bros. character from the start. Its groundbreaking Memory Shard system allows players to pin screenshots on the map, ensuring they remember previous roadblocks. This feature is a welcome addition that should be standard in all Metroidvania titles, including Silksong.
Shadow Labyrinth
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
For those seeking a world as expansive as Pharloom, Shadow Labyrinth is an excellent choice. This grimdark game resembles an 80s-inspired fever dream, immersing you in a surreal landscape filled with retro gaming Easter eggs turned into walking nightmares. Despite minor pacing issues, Shadow Labyrinth excels in creating unsettling atmospheres, providing a steady stream of abilities, and creatively referencing Pac-Man’s classic maze gameplay. It’s a bizarre and thrilling experience recommended for those wanting to feel like they’re on an acid trip in an arcade at 2 a.m.
Animal Well
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
If you appreciate the atmosphere of Silksong but aren’t keen on its combat, Animal Well should be next on your list. This atmospheric indie game prioritizes exploration, tasking players with discovering how to use items like frisbees or bubble wands to overcome challenging platforming obstacles. Without intense battles, you can fully immerse yourself in its Atari-esque art style and uncover countless secrets that run deeper than expected. This unique title throws genre conventions aside to create an unforgettable gaming experience.
Blasphemous 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Conversely to Animal Well, Blasphemous 2 is ideal for players seeking more of Silksong’s challenging battles. Continuing from 2019’s Blasphemous, the sequel plunges players into a haunting Gothic setting filled with religious imagery. As The Penitent One, your objective is to defeat grotesque monsters in tough battles that make Silksong a thrilling experience. While not innovative, it offers a great experience for players who crave 2D battles that reward players who can master complex boss attack patterns and dodge them skillfully. Mastering Silksong prepares you to triumph in these encounters.
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