Games like Hollow Knight: Silksong

It's been a little over a week since Hollow Knight: Silksong finally hit the world. While that may not seem like much time, considering the indie Metroidvania's vast map, eager fans have been quick to reach the conclusion.

If you're one of those elite gamers who've explored every habitat in Pharloom, you'll probably find yourself wanting more. Even if you don't get another Hollow Knight in the next seven years, there are plenty of excellent Metroidvanias to try next. Whether it's a notable title like Metroid Dread , another hand-drawn indie like Nine Sols , or a true hidden gem like Laika: Aged in Blood , there are plenty of great 2D platformers that will take the skills you learn in Silksong and challenge them in new ways.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

Image: Adglobe, Livewire/Binary Haze Interactive

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

If I had to pick my favorite Metroidvania of 2025 right now, it wouldn't actually be Hollow Knight: Silksong . That title would go to Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist . A sequel to Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (2021), this atmospheric action-adventure takes clear inspiration from Hollow Knight and transforms it into a more fully-fledged action RPG. Not only will you fight Homonculi, each of which will change your playstyle, but you can also equip stat-altering items and passive relics that completely change how you play. With a dark, dreamlike world to explore and some late-game abilities that completely change how you move between habitats, Ender Magnolia is the Metroidvania for those who wish Hollow Knight gave them more tools for combat and exploration.

Blade Chimera

Image: Team Ladybug/Playism

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, Windows PC

Before Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance , Blade Chimera really started the 'cool ninja game' trend of 2025. The 2D action title puts you in the role of a cyber ninja teamed up with a magical sword to fight demons. As a Metroidvania, it takes inspiration from the Castlevania portion of that term with an RPG leveling system and multiple weapon slots that let you combine a machine gun with a whip, if you so choose. With detailed pixel art and a very handy fast travel system, Blade Chimera offers a stylish, accessible Metroidvania for anyone looking to tone down the difficulty a bit after Silksong .

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft via Polygon

Playable on: Android, iOS, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

You can't talk about recent Metroidvanias without mentioning Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown . Ubisoft's excellent 2D title takes the series back to its roots by putting a focus back on careful jumping and trap-filled levels. It also has one of the best combat systems in the genre, making you feel like you're controlling a Super Smash Bros. character right from the start. Its best innovation is the Memory Shard system, which lets you pin screenshots of areas you've visited on the map so you never forget what obstacles you encountered in a room. It's a feature I wish Silksong , and honestly every Metroidvania, had.

Shadow Labyrinth

Image: Bandai Namco

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

If you're looking for a game world as vast as Pharloom, Shadow Labyrinth might be a good next stop. This dark Pac-Man game plays like an '80s fever dream, dropping you into a surreal world full of retro Easter eggs that turn into a walking nightmare. While not everything works perfectly, thanks to some tedious walking sections, Shadow Labyrinth does a good job of creating an uneasy atmosphere, a steady skill chain, and creative references to Pac-Man's classic maze gameplay. It's a strange, wild ride worth checking out if you want to feel like you're on an acid trip in an arcade at 2 a.m.

Animal Well

Image: Billy Basso/Bigmode

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X

Say you love Silksong 's atmosphere but aren't too keen on its combat. If so, Animal Well should be at the top of your queue. This atmospheric indie is all about exploration, letting players figure out how to use their frisbee or bubble plant to overcome seemingly impossible platforming challenges. With no difficult fights between those moments, you're free to enjoy its maximalist Atari art style and explore a seemingly endless well of secrets that go deeper than you could ever imagine. It's a special game that throws genre conventions aside to create something unlike anything I've ever played.

Blasphemous 2

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

In contrast to Animal Well , Blasphemous 2 is for players who want more of the tough battles of Silksong . A strong follow-up to Blamsphemous (2019), the sequel throws players into a dark, Gothic world filled with haunting religious imagery. As The Penitent One, you're tasked with taking down hideous monsters in the same challenging battles that made Silksong so thrilling. While it doesn't push the genre much further, it's a great choice for those craving 2D combat that rewards players for learning the boss's complex attack patterns and dodging them skillfully. If you can beat Silksong , you'll be ready for those battles.

Axiom Verge 2

Image: Thomas Happ Games

Playable on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

For me, the original Axiom Verge is still the indie Metroidvania to beat— Hollow Knight aside. The first game in the series took clear inspiration from Metroid, creating a sci-fi shooter filled with game-changing optional items in a world that begged to be explored. Axiom Verge 2 continues that philosophy, but also introduces some unexpected traversal abilities that let you get around in ways you wouldn't expect. It's a great step forward for anyone who wants a Metroidvania that puts movement above all else, letting you explore every corner of the map.

Dandara

Image: Raw Fury/Long Hat House

Playable on: Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

If you were into the Metroidvania genre before Hollow Knight , chances are you've played all of the above and are looking for something deeper. For that, I'd recommend Dandara (2018) as a must-play. Based on Brazilian folklore, this unique Metroidvania only allows players to move around by jumping from surface to surface. It takes a while to get used to, but once you do, you'll find a nimble Metroidvania that lets you move around the world with skill while searching for hidden secrets. It's different from every game on this list, but it shows you how many approaches to a tried-and-true formula can be taken.