6 Hardest Metroidvanias of All Time

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The Metroidvania style of game has existed for around 40 years, originating with the release of Metroid and Castlevania in 1986. However, it became truly popular with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997, and its popularity has continued to grow over the past two decades. Now, many new Metroidvanias are released every year, offering fans fresh experiences. While the genre isn’t usually known for being incredibly hard, some developers are now intentionally making more challenging games in this style.

Here are the six hardest Metroidvania games of all time.

6) La-Mulana

La-Mulana first came out in Japan in 2006. It later became available worldwide in 2012 with a remake. What sets it apart is that it’s difficult in a unique way, even for those familiar with similar games.

The difficulty in La-Mulana doesn’t come from challenging combat, but from its intricate puzzles. As an archaeologist exploring a tomb, you’ll encounter hidden traps, rooms that lead nowhere, and choices that really matter. While completing the game without a guide can be incredibly hard, the feeling of finally succeeding is extremely rewarding.

5) Blasphemous

Okay, so Blasphemous is totally different. It’s like, if you love the challenging combat of games like those made by FromSoftware, but wish it was in a 2D Metroidvania style, this is it. Seriously, the enemies are brutal and you’re gonna die… a lot when you first fight them. And to make things worse, the world is pretty open, so you can easily stumble into an area you’re not ready for and get completely wrecked. It’s tough, but in a good way!

The second game is a significant improvement, with stunning visuals, a more immersive world, and a captivating story. Both games are definitely worth the time, but be prepared for a challenge – The Game Kitchen doesn’t hold back!

4) Grime

Grime is a challenging game similar to the Souls series, and it’s definitely worth playing if you can get past a slow start. The beginning can feel a bit underwhelming – the first area isn’t very exciting and your character doesn’t move as quickly as in other similar games. But if you persevere, you’ll discover one of the best Metroidvania-style games released recently.

The combat system, especially the parrying, has a learning curve, but it feels incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. Be warned though – the boss battles are truly challenging! This is a particularly difficult Metroidvania game. While the initial areas aren’t very exciting, the environments do get better as the story of Grime unfolds, which makes sense thematically. It might not grab you right away, but stick with it – you’ll likely find a lot to enjoy.

3) Nine Sols

Like how Blasphemous draws comparisons to Dark Souls, Nine Sols feels similar to Sekiro. The game relies heavily on precise deflections, which can be tough to learn and discourage some players. However, those who master the timing, or are naturally skilled at it, will really enjoy Red Candle Games’ popular 2024 release.

As a fan, I have to say this game nails that awesome feeling of being incredibly powerful when you’re really on, but it also keeps you on the edge of your seat because one wrong move can end things fast. Nine Sols really demands your focus – you have to fully commit to playing it. Honestly, some of the boss fights are so intense, I’m a little worried about how long my controller will last!

2) Hollow Knight: Silksong

Okay, so Hollow Knight was hard, for sure, but a lot of us managed to finish the main game. The real challenge started after that, though. Like, the post-game stuff is brutal! I remember so many people getting stuck at The White Palace – it’s this optional area with some seriously difficult platforming. It really pushed my skills to the limit!

Silksong is stepping up the challenge with more demanding platforming, enemies that attack more fiercely, and some incredibly difficult bosses. These fights are truly unforgiving, throwing unexpected traps at players and testing their skills in ways the original Hollow Knight didn’t.

Despite the long wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong was well worth it! It’s shaping up to be one of the best games of 2025, and it clearly shows Team Cherry remains a leader in the genre. Fans will agree the wait was justified when they experience how fantastic the game is.

1) Aeterna Noctis

I mentioned before that the White Palace in Hollow Knight is incredibly difficult for platforming fans. Playing Aeterna Noctis on its hardest setting feels like experiencing that challenge, but stretched out across an entire game.

Players often compare the difficulty of Aeterna Noctis to the notoriously hard Kaizo Mario ROM hacks, and that comparison is pretty accurate. If you’d prefer a less punishing experience, you can switch to Aeterna Mode. But for those who really crave a challenge, Noctis Mode offers an incredibly difficult experience – be prepared to die… a lot, even after hundreds of attempts.

Beating Noctis Mode is incredibly rewarding – it’s one of the most satisfying experiences you can have in a Metroidvania game. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you conquer a difficult challenge, and Aeterna Noctis offers the toughest one around.

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2025-12-12 00:41