Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about metroidvanias.
What is a metroidvania?
A metroidvania is an action-adventure game built around an interconnected world where you unlock new abilities that let you revisit and explore previously unreachable areas. The term is a portmanteau of Capcom's Metroid and Konami's Castlevania, the two series that established the design template.
Where does the name 'metroidvania' come from?
The word blends Metroid (1986) with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997), which is widely credited with codifying the ability-gated, interconnected-map structure. The compound term surfaced in fan communities in the mid-2000s and stuck as shorthand for the whole subgenre.
What are the core mechanics that define a metroidvania?
The pillars are a large interconnected map, ability-gated progression where a new move opens old areas, and backtracking as a core loop. Most titles also feature a persistent health system, optional upgrades, and a single continuous playthrough rather than discrete levels.
Where should a newcomer start?
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Hollow Knight are the two most frequently recommended entry points—the former is the genre's blueprint, the latter modernizes the formula with tighter combat and a more forgiving difficulty curve. If you want something shorter and gentler, Ori and the Blind Forest is a popular on-ramp.
Are metroidvanias strictly 2D games?
No, though the vast majority are side-scrolling 2D. Titles like Metroid Prime and Metroid Dread borrow the interconnected-map and ability-gating structure in 3D, and fans often include them in the broader conversation.
What separates a metroidvania from a regular 2D platformer?
A standard platformer typically presents a linear sequence of discrete levels, while a metroidvania uses one or a few large, freely navigable spaces where your growing toolkit determines which routes are open. The emphasis is on exploration and discovery rather than level-to-level progression.
What are some of the most acclaimed metroidvanias?
Beyond Symphony of the Night, the community frequently cites Hollow Knight, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Axiom Verge, and Blasphemous as standout modern entries. Classic fan favorites also include Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Metroid: Zero Mission.
Do metroidvanias have to be difficult?
Not necessarily, though many lean toward challenge. Difficulty ranges from the forgiving, story-driven Ori titles to the punishing precision of the original Metroid, so there is an entry point at nearly every skill level.
What role do hidden areas play in metroidvania design?
Secret rooms and hidden paths are a deliberate design tool that rewards thorough exploration and often contain optional upgrades, lore fragments, or alternate endings. They reinforce the genre's core fantasy of discovery without gating the main story.
Can I make my own metroidvania?
Yes, and the barrier to entry has dropped significantly with engines like Unity, Godot, and GameMaker. Many indie developers have shipped well-received metroidvanias with small teams, and the genre's emphasis on level design and ability pacing makes it a popular first-project choice.