Android's Finest: Metroidvania Masterpieces

We adore Metroidvanias – the satisfying loop of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, vanquishing former foes, and experiencing personal growth. This article highlights the best Android Metroidvanias available.

Our selection includes pure Metroidvania titles like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, alongside innovative games that cleverly utilize core Metroidvania elements, such as the exceptional Reventure and the self-described ‘Roguevania’ Dead Cells. They all share one key trait: they're fantastic.

Top Android Metroidvanias:

Below are our top picks:

Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

This award-winning title exemplifies Metroidvania excellence. Its innovative point-to-point movement mechanic, defying gravity, makes exploring its vast, labyrinthine world a unique experience. The mobile version shines with its expertly designed touch controls.

VVVVVV

A deceptively challenging, surprisingly expansive adventure with a retro color palette. VVVVVV is a deep, cleverly designed game, now back on Google Play after a brief absence.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

While the Android port initially suffered from controller issues, improvements are underway. This superb Metroidvania boasts a strong pedigree, developed by ArtPlay, Koji Igarashi's studio (known for the Castlevania series). Its gothic atmosphere evokes its spiritual predecessor.

Dead Cells

Technically a ‘Roguevania’, Dead Cells is so exceptional, it's redefined the genre. Its roguelike elements ensure each playthrough is unique, culminating in death, but offering thrilling moments of skill acquisition, area exploration, and intense gameplay.

Robot Wants Kitty

A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty retains its charm. Starting with limited abilities, you progressively upgrade, unlocking new skills and expanding your cat-collecting capabilities.

Mimelet

Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas. It’s cleverly designed, occasionally frustrating, but consistently enjoyable.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

A classic, foundational Metroidvania, exploring Dracula's castle. While visually dated, its impact on the genre is undeniable.

Nubs’ Adventure

Despite its simple visuals, Nubs’ Adventure offers a vast world to explore, filled with characters, environments, weapons, bosses, and secrets.

Ebenezer And The Invisible World

A Victorian London-set Metroidvania where Scrooge becomes a spectral avenger.

Sword of Xolan

While lighter on Metroidvania elements (abilities unlock secrets, not progression), its polished 8-bit style and challenging gameplay make it worthwhile.

Swordigo

A charming retro action-platformer with strong Metroidvania influences.

Teslagrad

A stunning indie platformer with science-based abilities and puzzle-solving.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

A free-to-play, retro-styled Metroidvania with a short but engaging experience.

Grimvalor

A huge, visually impressive Metroidvania with hack-and-slash combat.

Reventure

A unique take on death as a gameplay mechanic, unlocking new content with each demise.

ICEY

A meta-Metroidvania with a commentary-driven narrative and hack-and-slash gameplay.

Traps n’ Gemstones

A charming but currently plagued by performance issues.

HAAK

A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings.

Afterimage

A visually stunning, expansive Metroidvania recently ported from PC.

This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more gaming recommendations, explore our article on the best Android fighting games.