Metroidvania
Explore, acquire, return
Metroidvania describes games combining exploration with ability-gated progression, named after Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
Metroidvania isn’t quite a genre—it’s a design pattern. Players explore interconnected worlds, encounter obstacles they cannot pass, acquire new abilities, then return to previously blocked areas. Metroid (1986) established the template; Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) added RPG elements. The term emerged from fans combining the namesakes, and indie developers have made it a thriving modern genre.
Fast facts
- Origin: fan-created portmanteau.
- Core loop: explore, find ability, backtrack with new access.
- Key titles: Metroid, Symphony of the Night, Hollow Knight.
- Design elements: interconnected map, ability gates, exploration.
- Modern popularity: indie development staple.
The formula
What defines Metroidvania:
- Interconnected world: single large map.
- Ability gating: obstacles requiring specific powers.
- Backtracking: revisiting areas with new capabilities.
- Non-linear progression: player chooses exploration order.
Genre revival
Modern Metroidvania boom:
- Hollow Knight: sprawling, challenging, beautiful.
- Axiom Verge: sci-fi retro homage.
- Ori series: emotional platforming.
- Dozens more: indie developers embraced the form.