Even without Hollow Knight: Silksong, these 10 games prove that 2024 might just be the best Metroidvania year ever

Metroidvania fans didn’t just eat well this year—they got gout. Practically every month seemed to boast another brilliant explore-‘em-up that made me fall back in love with one of the most oversaturated genres in gaming.

It was ridiculous. ‘This is the best combat system I’ve ever seen in a Metroidvania,’ I’d think, naively, only for another game to then snatch that crown a few months later. Narrowing down this list to just ten games nearly cost me what remains of my hair. Enjoy!

10. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus

Possibly the most beautiful game on this list (which is really saying something), this has some tremendous/evil platforming, along with an utterly charming and surprisingly funny cast that makes its world a joy to spend time in. The only problem is that, while a lot of Metroidvanias are inspired by the almighty Hollow Knight, this one might as well be called Kollow Height. Just compare the silhouettes of both games’ lead characters. Still, stealing from the best is rarely done this well, and Bō remains a terrific tribute act with enough winning personality of its own. When something of this quality is tenth best, you know it’s a special Metroidvania year.