Metroidvania games
An exploration-driven genre set on one interconnected map, where new abilities open old locked paths.
What is the metroidvania genre?
Metroidvania takes its name from a blend of the Metroid and Castlevania series. Its defining feature is the map: You do not play level by level but in a single, interconnected world. Some paths are closed at first, and the only way to open them is to progress and gain a new ability, such as a double jump, wall climbing or breathing underwater.
That is why backtracking in the genre is a reward, not a chore. Remembering a room you passed hours ago and returning with your new ability is the genre's most satisfying moment. Map memory and curiosity are what carry the player forward throughout.
What defines it?
Instead of picking levels, you get a seamless world where areas open into each other.
Progress opens up when you gain a new movement ability.
Returning to old areas reveals new passages and hidden spots.
Filling in the map becomes a goal in itself.
Landmark games
Well-known examples often used to explain the genre. For the list on our site, see the games section below.
At a glance
Metroidvania games (3)
Frequently asked questions
Are metroidvanias played in a fixed order?
There is usually a main route, but the order is not completely rigid. The best examples of the genre let players progress in an unexpected order through shortcuts they find themselves.
Do metroidvania and soulslike mix?
They do, and the mix is sometimes called soulsvania. The map follows metroidvania logic, while combat and the death penalty follow the soulslike tradition.