The Best Upcoming 2023 Metroidvania Game Releases Ranked
Once a portmanteau meant to describe an influx of trending games taking influence from the 2D titles of the "Castlevania" and "Metroid" franchises, the term Metroidvania has become a genre of its own. While those titles are still the granddaddies of the genre, over the years standouts like "Shadow Complex" and "Cave Story" have spawned as many imitators as any "Metroid" game. At this point, there is a very well-established formula for this type of game, and with that established formula comes dozens of developers trying new twists and deviations with exceedingly special results.
It's safe to say the popularity of Metroidvania games has skyrocketed each year over the course of nearly a decade. Now at peak saturation in the 2020s these games, sometimes called search action games, are a dime a dozen. But that doesn't mean the market is devoid of titles that are worth your time. In fact, it's quite the opposite. There are still over a dozen Metroidvanias worth your time coming out each year.
Looking forward to 2023, it seems like the hype train isn't slowing down at all. There are still dozens of games in and adjacent to the Metroidvania subgenre coming out on Steam and other platforms. So many that it can be hard to know what's good. But you don't have to look any further. These 18 games are the cream of the crop. These are the best upcoming Metroidvania releases slated for 2023.
18. Heart Force, Alicia
"Heart Forth, Alicia" is a retro side-scroller where you play as a girl who is discovering her witch powers. That includes all the bells and whistles that come with witchcraft like casting spells and finding fairy companions. This cute and colorful Metroidvania RPG has ambitious-looking combat and boasts some pretty gorgeous pixel art to boot.
Playing as the titular witch Alicia, you will explore the beautiful Valley of Éliadin and uncover the secrets hidden in all its nooks and crannies. With your trusty whip Wizard's Lace and an increasing number of magical abilities, you will find new puzzles to solve and enemies to fight. In addition to its "Castlevania" influences, "Heart Forth, Alicia" also pays homage to the classic games in the "Legend of Zelda" series. In the trailer, you can see this influence in its shield mechanic, which works in a similar way to games like "A Link to the Past." The game will also feature an in-depth story and RPG mechanics by way of the "Castlevania" games, but with an even heavier classic JRPG influence. Featuring a healthy mix of retro influence and new ideas, "Heart Forth, Alicia" looks like a pretty and promising new entry in the genre.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
17. Crowsworn
If you're looking for something to scratch that "Hollow Knight" itch next year before "Silksong" comes out, we might just have the game for you. And there's a good chance this one comes out before the sequel to "Hollow Knight," although they are both slated for 2023 releases, so there is no real way of knowing.
In the gorgeous "Crowsworn," you play as a humanoid crow that wields guns and scythe. As you explore the deadly underground world of Fearanndal you will encounter deadly traps and enemies. The trailers so far also show absolutely stunning hand-drawn cutscenes that we hope show up in the final game — and not just in an opening cutscene.
The action platformer definitely takes influence from modern Metroidvanias. The UI, boss fights, and environments all remind us of the "Hollow Knight" style and it seems to offer hardcore combat and platforming in the same way as that classic. But "Crowsworn" is definitely faster and feels like it has more potential for intense combo-driven action. And while the game is not out yet, the developers have already started making their own Kart racer spinoff that will be free on PC.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
16. Worldless
This abstract and stylized platformer takes a minimalistic approach to the genre, but is still very much selling itself as a Metroidvania. Welcome to "Worldless," a game set beyond the limits of human conceptions of time and existence. In exploring this abstract and shapeless world players will begin to engage in the galactic story of forces of good and evil that "Worldless" is trying to tell.
With combat that looks like it focuses on a deliberate series of blocks, parries, and counters, "Worldless" is a nice contrast to the frantic action of most upcoming Metroidvanias. This serenity is reflected in its art, of course, but also in its orchestral soundtrack. The title's Steam page also says there is a turn-based element to the action that will add a layer of strategic depth to the combat. The combat here is not wicked fast and gives you time to think and make decisions in real-time. If "Worldless" delivers on the strategic combat it promises, it could make the game as special mechanically as we already know that it is visually.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Strategy
- Game Modes: Single-Player
15. Akatori
There is truly so much sensational pixel art in all of the games mentioned in this list that adopt that art style, but "Akatori" is doing something really special with it. The art direction for this one is quite stunning. All the elements of the characters and world in the trailers for the game have been bright and expressive, and with some very cool UI to boot, this one is shaping up to be quite a looker.
In "Akatori," you play as the staff-wielding Mako, a young girl who gains the ability to "world warp" to new dimensions. But based on what we've seen the game doesn't rely on this gimmick and uses it sparingly, focusing instead on making its hacking and slashing deep. For starters, the staff seems to have a ton of possibilities for traversing the world such as pogo hopping over spikes and dashing over gaps. Beyond that, combat in "Akatori" features a "Devil May Cry" style combo meter counting up on the screen at all times. This one is very exciting for fans of both Metroidvania adventures and character action games.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
14. Frontier Hunter: Erza's Wheel of Fortune
Despite the profound popularity of the genre over the past five or so years, there is one subgenre of Metroidvania that rabid fans still can't get enough. The crossover of Metroidvania gameplay and anime aesthetics garners quite an enthusiastic fan base. The anime Metroidvania audience is underserved, for sure, but "Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" is looking like their next best hope. This highly stylized 2D action and exploration game comes from Finnish developer IceSitruuna, whose previous game also starred the titular Ezra of "Frontier Hunter." However, in the new action platformer, you switch between three monster hunters with different abilities so you aren't just confined to playing as Ezra.
The designs of the trio of heroines of "Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" evoke popular Japanese games like "Genshin Impact" and popular anime titles like "Madoka Magica." Technically a sequel to the developer's last game "Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial," "Frontier Hunter" will be a more straightforward Metroidvania focused on fast combat, exploration, and light RPG elements. However, in conjunction with its art style, the ability to play and level up multiple characters at the same time makes "Frontier Hunter" super appealing for classic JRPG fans.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
13. Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
If you loved the "Steamworld Dig" series of Metroidvania games, you should definitely keep an eye out for "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder" when it launches in 2023. This 2D action platformer takes place in a steampunk world full of machines both friendly and deadly. As elite mercenary Alethia — who also happens to have a bit of a cowgirl thing going on — you will wield a set of sixshooters and a blade as you explore the dungeons of Canaan. There is a chunky 32-bit influence to "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder" that gives it a special look. The mix of fantasy, steampunk, and wild west aesthetics gives "Gestalt" its own flavor.
If that sounds fun but familiar, don't worry, "Gestalt: Steam & Cinder" is branching out in more ways than one. More so than a lot of Metroidvanias, the game is taking a focus on dialogue and fleshing out the characters of its NPCs. We can hope that the writing matches up to the quality of the game's detailed character portraits. So if you are looking for a more story-driven Metroidvania in 2023, "Gestalt" looks to be a solid blend of platforming action and RPG-style dialogue trees.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
12. Nine Sols
The upcoming title from Red Candle Games is not what you might expect from the developers behind "Devotion," one of the most terrifying horror games of the century. You might also know it from its controversial Steam release that got it panned from the platform. However, regardless of your familiarity with Red Candle's previous work, "Nine Sols" appears to be a completely new style of game. This title is a stylish take on a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game, and from its demo (which you can download on Steam) it seems to be a pretty good one.
The game claims "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" as one of its inspirations for its combat, which definitely sets the bar high for what fans of the genre can expect. But when you see how "Nine Sols" translates the parry and grappling hook mechanics of the FromSoftware game, it all starts to click into place. This one looks incredible to play and it's from an established developer branching into new territory, so there is extra reason to hope that it will turn out excellently. Plus, there is a demo you can check out on Steam to try it before the full game releases sometime next year.
It's worth saying that based on this team's track record, there is a chance for a scary twist (or a few) as you progress through the game. We don't know for certain if "Nine Sols" will feature a horror twist, but it is a possibility. Just don't say we didn't warn you.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer,
- Game Modes: Single-Player
11. Fallen Tear: The Ascension
If you're looking for a truly gorgeous 2D side scrolling adventure to play in 2023, look no further than "Fallen Tear: The Ascension." Well, look further into this list but just know "Fallen Tear" makes one heck of a first impression visually. With a hand-drawn style reminiscent of beautiful Metroidvanias like "Dust: An Elysian Tail" and the animated movies that inspired it, everything in "Fallen Tear" from the character designs to the map screen is brimming with life and personality. Set in a vibrant and varied epic fantasy world, "Fallen Tear: The Ascension" is a classic tale of adventure and mysterious dark gods battling all in the beloved Metroidvania format.
In this side-scrolling action and expiration game, you play as the mysterious young protagonist Hira as you journey your way through the world of Raoah. "Fallen Tear: The Ascension" places an emphasis on melee combat, with plenty of AoE and ranged abilities to back up this core combat. During his time trying to save the realm, Hira will encounter numerous NPCs who help him on his journey. Boasting over 40 hours of gameplay and a fully-voiced cast of characters, "Fallen Tear: The Ascension" is setting itself up to be one of the biggest Metroidvanias of 2023.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
10. Rebel Transmute
Some "Metroidvania" games, like the "Axiom Verge" games, don't mind wearing their influences on their sleeves. Certainly not "Rebel Transmute," which is at first glance a pretty loving tribute to the 2D "Metroid" games and even shares some familiarity with "Axiom Verge." From the map screen to the cave environments, to enemies that are essentially Metroids minus the copyright infringement, "Rebel Transmute" is starting from a place of familiarity.
However, the trailers and screenshots make it clear that the debut game from indie developer Evan Tor is adding its own elements of flavor to the "Metroid" formula all the games in the Nintendo series follow. "Rebel Transmute" seems to offer a great number of movement and combat abilities, starting with a slide dash, that make the game's character Moon Mikono faster and more nimble than Samus. Plus, if this game is a true "Metroid" homage, we know it is saving the best tools for last.
You can download the demo now if you want to get your hands on a chunk of the game before deciding if the full thing is worth your wishlist. Or you can always wait until the finished game is released sometime in 2023.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
9. The Siege and the Sandfox
"The Siege and the Sandfox" is a unique take on the Metroidvania genre, which is a rarity since the resurgence of the genre has lasted nearly a decade now. There are plenty of games trying to recapture the magic of "Metroid" or "Castlevania," but "The Siege and the Sandfox" is taking a new approach — stealth. While it might not be the first "Castlevania" inspired sidescroller to incorporate stealth (think "Mark of the Ninja"), "The Siege and the Sandfox" sets itself apart from its predecessors for a handful of reasons.
The self-proclaimed stealthvania has you sneaking around an interconnected world, finding treasures, and avoiding enemies and their traps. Set in a fantasy desert playing on Middle Eastern and Egyptian imagery, "The Siege and the Sandfox" uses pixel art to depict an environment that is both beautiful and treacherous. As you explore the caves of the world you will master moves and find new tools like any good Metroidvania. There is an emphasis on sneaking around and taking things slowly that is antithetical to many titles in the genre. However, this makes "The Siege and the Sandfox" quite promising, as it appears to be an inventive take on the genre that will emphasize puzzles and stealth as much as combat.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Stealth, Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
8. Blasphemous 2
The original "Blasphemous" was a hidden gem of 2019 that turned into a wider cult hit as it was ported to more platforms over the year. It got so popular that the Spanish developer The Game Kitchen has been hard at work on DLC for the game and now — as we've recently learned — a sequel. The first "Blasephemous" was a "Souls" inspired 2D action game that took inspiration from Spanish culture and history (specifically Roman Catholicism, as the title of the game indicates). "Blasphemous" is unique in its art, themes, and subject matter but is also hard as nails, which definitely appealed to a large group of Metroidvania devotees as well as those looking for a game with a different texture and point of view.
When The Game Kitchen announced the final DLC pack for "Blasphemous," it also confirmed the existence of a sequel. Slated for a to-be-announced date in 2023, "Blasphemous 2" will be a direct follow- up from the events of the first game and its post-release story content. There have not yet been any trailers or further details released from The Game Kitchen regarding "Blasphemous 2." We are hoping to see more from it in the months to come.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
7. The Last Faith
If you're craving a Metroidvania with religious themes and bloody hard combat then you actually don't have to wait for "Blasphemous 2" to get a release date. Another game that is on the horizon can fill that void. And from what we've seen, this title seems like it's a lot further along that the sequel to 2019's hit Metroidvania.
"The Last Faith" is an upcoming pixel-art action side-scroller that takes influence from both Metroidvania games and Soulslikes. It boasts combat that looks like 2D "Bloodborne" mixed with "Castlevania." Beneath the complex melee combat are RPG systems that will keep "The Last Faith" interesting for hours. With an art style and themes not too dissimilar from "Blasphemous," the debut from Kumi Souls Games is playing to a specific base of gamers who love exploring gothic worlds filled with beasts to destroy. The boss we've seen so far is a giant, multi-headed hydra. We can only hope the rest of the game's visuals are as impressive as this first awesome monster.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
6. Last Vanguard
The debut title from Argentinian studio Cool Tapir Studios, "Last Vanguard" is one of the coolest (pun intended) upcoming Metroidvania games of the next year. In addition to having "Metroid" and "Castlevania" elements, "Last Vanguard" is also a 2D-take on the open-world game, setting itself apart from a pack of derivative titles. It is also a shooter in a genre that — despite its "Metroid" roots — tends to offer more melee combat games. In the shooter-platformer, you will progress through an open world full of dungeons and items you will need to survive and improve your character.
With hand drawn art that gives the game a genuinely unique style and frame-by-frame animations, the visuals of "Last Vanguard" are something to gawk at. But beyond that, the combat is fluid and fun. We just don't know how the open world will come together just yet, but we have high hopes for this one.The demo is out now to check out on the game's Steam page before its final release in 2023.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer, RPG
- Game Modes: Single-Player
5. Doomblade
This upcoming 2023 action platformer takes the phrase doom and gloom to a whole new level. When the wandering Gloom Girl discovers the sentient Doomblade, the unlikely pair become the heroes of this Metroidvania inspired adventure. "Doomblade" seems like a traditional action platformer when it comes to gameplay, but it's striking colors and use of light and dark set it apart visually.
In "Doomblade," you fly through the air as Doom and Gloom, bouncing from enemy to enemy in this combat focused platformer. Explore the ruins and use the cadre of abilities of Gloom and her Doom Blade to zip around the world, "Ori and the Will of the Wisps" style. Enemies to quickly dispatch and environment platforming puzzles seem to litter the world, daring you to take on all its challenges. The vibe here is a lot less tranquil and a lot more neon and EDM, but If you liked the "Ori" games, "Doomblade" looks to be scratching the same itch. This game is already looking to be one of 2023's most popular Metroidvanias.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
4. Biomorph
"Biomorph" is one of the most exciting Metroidvania Souls-likes on the horizon. Featuring incredible art and fluid animation, "Biomorph" also boasts a unique gameplay concept that skyrockets it to the top of this list. In this 2D action game, you can take the shape of your enemies after you kill them, allowing you to use their abilities for a limited time. As you meet new enemies you will be able to take on their powers and unlock new ways to navigate through the environment. This twist on the Metroidvania formula uses a mix of extra fluid animation and a crisp, but cartoony art style to make "Biomorph" stand out in a crowded field in more ways than one.
In addition to the clever gameplay concepts, the developers also promise the game will have a wide variety of weapons and loadouts for players to use and upgrade as they progress. The trailers are also rife with environmental puzzles and NPCs so it looks like the team at Lucid Dream Studio is shooting for the moon with this inventive and ambitious Metroidvania. It certainly seems like there will be a great deal of variety to the gameplay in "Biomorph," if what we know so far is any indicator.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
3. 9 Years of Shadows
From Freedom Games (publishers of "Dark Deity" and "Coromon") comes the impressive debut of Mexican developer Halberd Studios. "9 Years of Shadows" puts its best foot forward, from the vibrant hand-drawn art of the trailer to the gorgeous 32-bit inspired visuals of the game itself. The game is no slouch when it comes to combat and navigation, either.
Explore Talso Castle as Europa attempts to conquer the castle's depths in order to return color to the world a la "Chicory: A Colorful Tale." By using Europa's companions and elemental armor you will unlock new techniques that enhance every aspect of gameplay. And the developers have also said that music will play a major role in "9 Years of Shadow." So far, we know that there will be a way to heal yourself with music, and that's just one of the ways the score is being weaved into the mechanics of the game.
"9 Years of Shadows" is scheduled for Q4 2022, but with only one month left to go in the year and no date locked in yet it is more than likely to slip into early 2023. For our sake, we hope it's closer to January than June. This one is shaping up to be awesome.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player
2. The Last Case of Benedict Fox
One of the most compelling Metroidvania style games on the horizon is Plot Twist's Lovecraftian adventure "The Last Case of Benedict Fox." Based on the trailers, all aspects of this game seem to put an original spin on cosmic horror. Playing as Benedict Fox, you will use your demon friend to help you jump into the memories of the victims whose very murders you are solving. Think something like "Metroid" meets "Ghost Trick" with a detailed painterly art style to it, and you might be somewhere in the right ballpark. Still, the fact that describing the game is difficult speaks to its singularity.
"Benedict Fox" is, according to the game's Steam page, inspired by "Lovecraft's nightmares, noir pulp fiction, and early 20th-century jazz music. By de-emphasizing combat and putting the focus on puzzles and exploration, "Benedict Fox" seems to be going for something a little different from most Metroidvania games. This cocktail of influences combined with what we've seen so far has "The Last Case of Benedict Fox" climbing up our most-wanted list.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Game Modes: Single-Player
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong
How could anything else sit atop this phenomenal list of Metroidvanias set to come out next year if not for Team Cherry's next epic? It's been nearly six years since the first official release of "Hollow Knight" in early 2017 and in the five years since, the game's become recognized as one of the best of its genre. While it still doesn't have an official release date, "Hollow Knight: Silksong" is one of the most anticipated titles of 2023. Period.
Team Cherry's follow-up to their hit Souls-inspired Metroidvania "Hollow Knight" looks like it has faster, deeper, and more technically complex combat compared to the methodical nature of the original. This makes sense, since this time around you play as Hornet, a supporting character in the first "Hollow Knight," who is a lot more spry and mobile than the Knight. Everything we've seen so far from "Silksong" looks stunning and in line with the visual style of the first but more vibrant in its colors.It seems like Team Cherry is taking the time they need to ensure "Silksong" is as polished and well-realized as the first visit to Hallownest. We are just hoping that means it will finally come out this year and not in 2024. Team Cherry has left us hungry for "Hollow Knight" for far too long now.
- Release Date: TBA 2023
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Game Modes: Single-Player