7 Metroidvania games to try out while waiting for Hollow Knight Silksong

Hollow Knight Silksong is an upcoming Metroidvania genre title slated to be released on September 4, 2025. This new action-adventure game is being developed and published by Team Cherry. It is expected to introduce a lot of non-linear exploration for fans, as well as some fast-paced battles against enemies and boss monsters. However, the game is expected to be quite difficult, and those interested in trying it out once it arrives may want to warm up their skills by playing some similar titles in the meantime.

This article will highlight some of the best Metroidvania games that you can play before the release of Hollow Knight Silksong.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author’s opinion. The entries are arranged in no particular order.

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Best Metroidvania games to play while you wait for Hollow Knight Silksong

Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular Metroidvania games that you can try out while waiting for Hollow Knight Silksong:

1) Ninja Gaiden Ragebound

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Image via Dotemu)

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is the latest addition to the series and was released on July 31, 2025. The game features a classic art style with addictive impact frames during combat. It offers various types of combat scenarios, be it melee or ranged, as well as challenging boss fights. It is a story-driven title that takes the player on the journey of the protagonist, who must take up arms to protect his hometown from merciless monsters. Apart from being a newer game, it can provide the perfect warm-up for players before the release of Silksong.

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2) Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Image via FDG Entertainment)

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a game that was released in 2019 and has accrued a lot of positive reviews throughout its lifetime. It offers a wide variety of terrain and puzzles alongside fast-paced fights against different enemies. It allows for a unique gameplay experience, as you can switch your character into multiple forms and utilize their abilities to clear different levels. Moreover, the game's world is rich and filled with magical items to loot, sweetening the appeal for gamers desiring an epic adventure.

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3) Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary (Image via Ska Studios)

Salt and Sanctuary is a somewhat older title, released in 2016, with a gloomy setting and a fitting art style to portray the perilous island where the protagonist must fight evil to survive. It features quite a bit of gore that becomes noticeable in the brutal fights you must emerge victorious from. The game even allows you to craft and discover your own weapons as you pave your path through a cursed realm and forgotten ruins.

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4) Blasphemous 2

Blasphemous 2 (Image via Team17)

Blasphemous 2 was released in August 2023 and is one of the more challenging platform-based action-adventure titles. The in-game scenery is gruesome, as the protagonist, who is also a sole survivor, has to go through countless battles and defeat the nightmares that plague the world. The combat system involves upgrading abilities and performing execution moves on the monsters that lie in your path. This 2D world also offers ample exploration, featuring hidden paths that you can discover on your journey.

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5) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Image via Ubisoft)

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a part of the classic franchise and introduces the Metroidvania style in its fast-paced platform adventure. You can perform devastating combat combos in the game with the protagonist’s ability to bend time and space to your will. This game's world consists of several vicious monsters and traps, as well as boss monsters. Released in August 2024, The Lost Crown features a modern art style with smooth transitions and challenging fights.

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6) Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight (Image via Team Cherry)

Hollow Knight is the prequel to the upcoming Silksong title by Team Cherry and was released in February 2017. As such, it is perfect for fans who wish to warm up for the upcoming game by practicing the various puzzles and fights. The game features multiple levels and a massive labyrinth that you can explore while defeating strange monsters throughout your journey.

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7) Nine Sols

Nine Sols (Image via RedCandleGames)

Nine Sols was released in May 2024 and has gotten some of the most positive reviews in the entire genre. It is a difficult game that provides you with the option to go through a massive tree of upgrades for your skills. The Japanese art style is a striking feature of the overall visuals, breathing life into the game and its storyline. As the hero of the story, you will need to go through numerous obstacles and defeat bosses while utilizing all your skills in combos. The fast-paced dodge-and-weave combat of the title can help you sharpen your skills and prepare you for the upcoming Hollow Knight Silksong game.

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