Games Like Hollow Knight: 10 Metroidvanias to Explore Next

What "metroidvania" means and why Hollow Knight nails it

A metroidvania is a game with one large connected map, where new abilities open paths you previously could not use. The name comes from the Metroid and Castlevania series. Hollow Knight is often held up as a modern example of the form, because its map is huge, its secrets are generous and its bosses are memorable.

Metroid Dread is the best way to see where the genre came from. Silksong, Ender Lilies and Blasphemous 2 show where it has gone since.

Silksong and the other obvious next steps

If you have not played Hollow Knight: Silksong yet, it is the place to start. It is set in a new kingdom and follows Hornet, who you will recognise from the first game. After that, Ender Lilies is closest in mood, with its sad, quiet world and boss-heavy structure.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a different flavour: the movement is the highlight, and the world is bright and emotional rather than eerie.

It is worth knowing that Silksong is a sequel in name but a fresh start in practice: you do not need to have finished Hollow Knight to follow it, although returning players will recognise characters and ideas. If you bounced off Hollow Knight's difficulty, Silksong is unlikely to be easier, so one of the gentler picks on this page may suit you better.

Hard bosses or gentler exploration?

Hollow Knight's optional bosses are some of the toughest in the genre. If you enjoyed that challenge, Nine Sols, Blasphemous 2 and Salt and Sanctuary are all demanding. Nine Sols in particular is built around parrying.

If you preferred exploring to fighting, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Axiom Verge put more focus on movement and secrets. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers difficulty settings and navigation aids, which can make it a good choice for players who got stuck in Hollow Knight. Celeste has an Assist Mode for adjusting its challenge.

Ratings compared with Hollow Knight's PEGI 7

Hollow Knight is PEGI 7 in the PEGI database, for violence and fear. Silksong, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Celeste are also PEGI 7.

Metroid Dread, Ender Lilies and Axiom Verge are PEGI 12. Blasphemous 2, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Nine Sols and Salt and Sanctuary are PEGI 16, so the darker end of the list is not for younger players. See our playing with kids page for family picks.

Finding your way: maps, markers and getting lost

Part of Hollow Knight's charm is that you buy the map from a cartographer, and you must find him first. Some players love that; others find it frustrating. Most games here give you a map from the start. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown goes further with memory shards that save a screenshot of a spot you cannot reach yet.

If you enjoy getting lost, try games like Zelda for open-world mysteries, or games like Elden Ring for more demanding boss fights in 3D.

Metroidvanias by platform, and a suggested path

Most metroidvanias are multi-platform, but there are two important exceptions on this list. Metroid Dread is a Nintendo Switch game, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps is listed for Xbox One, PC and Switch rather than PlayStation in the PEGI database.

For a suggested path after Hollow Knight, play Silksong first if you have not already. Then choose based on what you want more of. For atmosphere, Ender Lilies. For movement, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. For a sharper challenge, Nine Sols. For a modern, accessible design with helpful map tools, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Players who want a short break between long metroidvanias often enjoy Celeste, because its chapters are self-contained and easy to pick up.

• PC: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Blasphemous 2, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, Celeste, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Nine Sols, Salt and Sanctuary, Axiom Verge.
• PlayStation: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blasphemous 2, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, Celeste, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Nine Sols, Salt and Sanctuary, Axiom Verge.
• Xbox: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Blasphemous 2, Celeste, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Salt and Sanctuary, Axiom Verge.
• Nintendo Switch / Switch 2: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Blasphemous 2, Metroid Dread, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, Celeste, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Nine Sols, Axiom Verge.