The top Metroidvania games available on PC.

      Thomas Happ Games

      Drawing inspiration from the finest Metroid titles and the recent Castlevania series, the Metroidvania genre has gained significant popularity on PC. While some games in this category incorporate elements of roguelikes, Metroidvanias possess distinctive traits that set them apart. They are not precisely open-world games but feature expansive interconnected maps that players gradually unlock through exploration, along with acquiring new items and abilities. The artistic style, combat mechanics, perspective, and gameplay can vary widely from one game to another. A well-designed Metroidvania has the potential to be among the best PC games, whereas others may fall short. Let’s skip the trial-and-error phase of exploring them all and proceed directly to our list of the top Metroidvania games available on PC.

      If you’re interested in the best Metroidvanias on PS5, Xbox Series X, or Switch, we have those covered as well.

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      Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for more than four years and has no intention of stopping. He covers a wide range of topics…

      The best Metroidvania games on Xbox Series X

      At this point in the console generation, selecting the best Xbox Series X games is a challenging task. The system offers an impressive lineup of top FPS games, platformers, and co-op titles, not to mention the exciting upcoming games and the extensive Game Pass library. Metroidvanias rank among the most beloved genres on Xbox, with fresh interpretations of the formula continually emerging. These games particularly attract those who enjoy exploration and mapping out intricate areas, unlocking new abilities, and facing tough boss battles. Given the abundance of excellent choices, we’ve decided to narrow it down to the top Metroidvanias on Xbox Series X that deserve a spot at the top of your must-play list.

      Nine Sols

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      The best platformers on Xbox Series X

      When most people think of the best platformers, they often envision the top games on Switch. While the Xbox Series X certainly boasts outstanding FPS, open-world, and co-op titles, it also features a strong assortment of platformers. These range from lighthearted adventures designed for kids to more challenging experiences that test your precision, often accompanied by in-depth storylines. With an impressive variety of both 2D and 3D options, Xbox offers numerous remarkable platformers for those who know where to look. If you're eager to dive into your next favorite platformer, here are our recommendations for the best titles available on Xbox Series X. If you're a Game Pass subscriber, be sure to check if any are currently included in the service to save money!

      The best platformers on Switch

      Whether it's classics from the NES era or the latest Switch games, Nintendo has consistently led the way in platformers. The Mario franchise has clearly set the benchmark for the genre, but a plethora of other titles have emerged that rival our beloved character. We are experiencing a golden era of platformers, with both the finest 2D and 3D titles being produced, and the Switch hosts nearly all of them. However, in such a popular genre, there are certainly many games that can't quite live up to expectations. Regardless of your preferred style of jumping, we ensured that this list features only the most reliable platformers available on your Switch. Don't forget to check out upcoming Switch games that could also satisfy your platforming cravings.