Hollow Knight Silksong has been one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory. Now that it’s finally here, fans have been quick to dive into its haunting world, challenging combat, and deep lore. But no game lasts forever, and once players complete Silksong, the search for a new adventure begins.
Thankfully, the Metroidvania genre is filled with excellent titles that capture similar magic in different ways. From dark fantasy experiences to unique roguelike blends, these games offer plenty of reasons to keep exploring.
Top Games That Are Similar To Hollow Knight Silksong
Here are some of the best games you can try if you enjoyed playing Hollow Knight: Silksong, especially after uncovering all of its unique endings. Each title offers its own style of exploration, combat, and storytelling, while still holding on to the spirit of a Metroidvania.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Moon Studios delivered a fantastic sequel with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Compared to its predecessor, the game is more accessible while still retaining its emotional storytelling and challenging platforming.
- Release Date: March 11, 2020
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Genre: Metroidvania, Platformer
Its vibrant, nature-inspired visuals stand out, and the game includes one of the most memorable plot twists in recent gaming history. With charming characters and smooth gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of Silksong.
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Skul: The Hero Slayer blends classic Metroidvania design with roguelike mechanics. This twist keeps the gameplay fresh, extending its replay value and encouraging experimentation with different weapons.
- Release Date: January 21, 2021
- Developer: SouthPAW Games
- Genre: Roguelike, Action-Platformer
The ability to switch skulls and gain unique powers adds another layer of strategy. While not a traditional Metroidvania, its mix of genres makes it a standout title.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
This modern take on a classic franchise is one of the most underappreciated Metroidvania-style games of recent years. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown combines sharp combat with stylish platforming and rewarding exploration.
- Release Date: January 18, 2024
- Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Adventure
Its time-based powers allow for unique puzzle-solving and creative battles. Fans of Silksong will appreciate its interconnected world and sense of discovery.
Guacamelee!
Guacamelee! takes a lighter approach to the Metroidvania formula. With its luchador-inspired theme, colorful art, and beat-’em-up combat, it offers a playful and unique experience.
- Release Date: April 9, 2013
- Developer: DrinkBox Studios
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Platformer
The game stands out for its fast-paced fighting mechanics and clever level design. It proves that Metroidvanias don’t always need to be dark to be memorable.
Carrion
Carrion flips the typical formula by letting players control the monster instead of the hero. As a horrifying blob-like creature, you stalk and destroy humans inside a lab environment.
- Release Date: July 23, 2020
- Developer: Phobia Game Studio
- Genre: Reverse Horror, Metroidvania
This reverse-horror approach creates a unique and eerie experience. It’s chaotic, unsettling, and completely different from most other games in the genre.
Laika: Aged Through Blood
This post-apocalyptic Metroidvania adds an unusual twist: motorcycle-based gameplay. Players control Laika, a warrior who rides through dangerous environments while parrying attacks and exploring the wasteland.
- Release Date: October 19, 2023
- Developer: Brainwash Gang
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Platformer
The game is incredibly challenging since every hit is fatal, but its unique mechanics make it stand out. For those seeking a truly different take on the genre, this is a must-try.
Blasphemous
Set in a dark, medieval-inspired world, Blasphemous blends religious symbolism with punishing combat. Players take on the role of the Penitent One, battling grotesque enemies and uncovering Cvstodia’s cursed history.
- Release Date: September 10, 2019
- Developer: The Game Kitchen
- Genre: Metroidvania, Soulslike
Its grim art direction and deep lore make it one of the most atmospheric Metroidvanias ever made. Despite its heavy themes, it remains one of the most rewarding entries in the genre.
Nine Sols
Developed by Red Candle Games, Nine Sols mixes Japanese mythology with precise combat mechanics. Parrying is at the heart of the game, from basic encounters to difficult boss fights.
- Release Date: May 29, 2024
- Developer: Red Candle Games
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Adventure
Its Taopunk aesthetic, blending Taoist themes with sci-fi, makes it visually distinct. With a personal story of revenge and redemption, it’s one of the most memorable modern Metroidvanias.
Rain World
Rain World offers a survival-based twist on the genre. You play as a slugcat navigating a harsh, broken world filled with predators that learn and adapt to your behavior.
- Release Date: March 28, 2017
- Developer: Videocult
- Genre: Survival, Metroidvania
Unlike other titles, survival itself becomes the main challenge. The game’s unpredictable nature and smart AI make every encounter feel tense and unique.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
This hand-drawn Metroidvania draws heavily from Japanese folklore. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus emphasizes smooth movement and exploration across magical lands filled with mystical creatures.
- Release Date: July 18, 2024
- Developer: Squid Shock Studios
- Genre: Metroidvania, Platformer
Its art direction is striking, and its elegant design makes exploration relaxing yet engaging. While less dark than Hollow Knight, it captures the same spirit of discovery.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a fast-paced roguelike that fuses randomization with Metroidvania exploration. Each run feels different, with new gear and levels keeping players on their toes.
- Release Date: August 7, 2018
- Developer: Motion Twin
- Genre: Roguelike, Metroidvania
The permadeath system makes every encounter intense, while DLCs like the Castlevania crossover expand its content even further. It’s one of the best titles for fans who enjoy both challenge and variety.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
This dark fantasy title focuses on a young girl exploring a ruined kingdom. Instead of fighting directly, she summons spirits of fallen warriors to battle enemies and bosses.
- Release Date: June 21, 2021
- Developer: Live Wire & Adglobe
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-RPG
With its hauntingly beautiful visuals and emotional storytelling, Ender Lilies captures a similar tone to Hollow Knight while adding its own unique mechanics.
Blasphemous 2
The sequel to Blasphemous refines its formula by adding more challenging platforming and ambitious level design. The environments are more colorful, and the bosses remain as punishing as ever.
- Release Date: August 24, 2023
- Developer: The Game Kitchen
- Genre: Metroidvania, Soulslike
By mixing combat with better exploration, Blasphemous 2 gets even closer to Hollow Knight’s balance of action and adventure. It’s a grim but rewarding journey.
Animal Well
Animal Well focuses less on combat and more on puzzles and exploration. Its mysterious world feels like something out of Wonderland, where discoveries can be made in any order.
- Release Date: May 9, 2024
- Developer: Shared Memory
- Genre: Puzzle-Platformer, Metroidvania
The lack of hand-holding makes exploration more rewarding. It’s one of the most unique entries for players who love unraveling secrets.
Ultros
Set inside a psychedelic space colony called The Sarcophagus, Ultros combines combat with a life-force system that ties directly into progression.
- Release Date: February 13, 2024
- Developer: Hadoque
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Adventure
Its surreal visuals and organic design make it a dreamlike experience. With its blend of exploration, strategy, and atmosphere, it stands out in the genre.
Metroid Dread
No list of Metroidvanias is complete without a Metroid title. Metroid Dread continues Samus Aran’s story in a sprawling 2D adventure filled with secrets and deadly bosses.
- Release Date: October 8, 2021
- Developer: MercurySteam & Nintendo EPD
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Adventure
It combines stealth segments with classic exploration, and its large interconnected map keeps players coming back. As one of the pioneers of the genre, it remains essential.
Hollow Knight
The original Hollow Knight remains one of the most iconic Metroidvania games ever made. Its eerie atmosphere, bug-inspired world, and tough enemies set the tone for the genre’s modern revival. With the release of Silksong, the original game saw a massive peak in its sales on Steam recently.
- Release Date: February 24, 2017
- Developer: Team Cherry
- Genre: Metroidvania, Action-Adventure
While Silksong expands on the formula, the first game still holds up as a masterpiece. It is also recommended that you play Hollow Knight first to get the best experience with the sequel.
With its charming yet haunting art style and rewarding exploration, it remains the perfect starting point for anyone new to the genre. Its world-building and atmosphere also lay the foundation that makes Silksong’s story even more impactful.
Hollow Knight Silksong sets a high bar, but these games ensure that the journey doesn’t end once the credits roll. From traditional Metroidvanias to experimental twists on the genre, each title offers something new to discover.
