What a Metroidvania Is

A metroidvania is a type of game set in a large, connected world that you explore and gradually unlock by gaining new abilities, which open paths that were previously out of reach. As you grow more capable, areas you once could not enter become accessible, encouraging you to revisit and explore anew. The genre blends exploration, growth and a sense of a world opening up. Below is a clear look at what a metroidvania is, where the name comes from, and why its style of exploration is so beloved.

Where does the name metroidvania come from?

The name metroidvania is a blend of two game series that defined the style, Metroid and Castlevania, whose later games established the genre's hallmarks. Combining their names gave a single word for games built in their mould. The term captures a style of interconnected, ability-gated exploration that both series helped popularise. Though it comes from those specific origins, metroidvania is now used broadly for any game following the same approach, whatever its setting or story.

What defines a metroidvania?

A metroidvania is defined by a large, interconnected world and a system of abilities that gradually unlock access to new areas. Early on, many paths are blocked, not by locked doors alone but by your lack of the right ability. As you gain new powers, those paths open, letting you reach places you could not before. This cycle of exploring, gaining abilities, and revisiting to go further is the defining structure of the genre, giving it its distinctive shape.

How does gaining abilities open the world?

In a metroidvania, new abilities are the keys that open the world. You might gain a power that lets you reach high places, cross an obstacle, or pass a barrier that stopped you before. Each new ability makes previously blocked paths accessible, so the world steadily opens up as you grow stronger. This means exploration and progress are tied together: to go further, you must become more capable, and each ability earned expands where you can go.

Why does revisiting areas matter?

Revisiting areas is central to the metroidvania, because the world is designed so that new abilities let you reach parts of old areas you could not before. Returning to an earlier place with a new power often reveals hidden paths, secrets or routes forward. This encourages you to explore the whole world repeatedly, seeing it afresh as your abilities grow. The pleasure of coming back to a familiar area and unlocking what was once beyond reach is a key part of the genre's charm.

Why is the sense of exploration so rewarding?

The sense of exploration in a metroidvania is rewarding because the world feels like a connected place full of secrets, gradually revealing itself as you grow. Discovering a new area, finding a hidden path, or realising a new ability lets you reach somewhere you had wondered about brings real delight. The world becomes a puzzle to unravel through exploration. This feeling of a place steadily opening up to you, rewarding curiosity and progress, is at the heart of why the genre is so loved.

What makes a good metroidvania world?

A good metroidvania world is cleverly interconnected, so its areas link together in satisfying ways and new abilities open meaningful new paths. It should reward exploration with secrets and shortcuts, make returning to old areas worthwhile, and guide players without holding their hand too tightly. The world should feel like a coherent place that gradually reveals its depths. Designing such a world, intricate yet navigable, full of discovery yet fair, is the central craft of making a great metroidvania.

Are metroidvanias hard to get into?

Metroidvanias can take a little getting used to, since exploring a large, interconnected world and working out where to go next asks more of players than a simple linear path. However, most guide you gently and reward curiosity, so finding your way becomes part of the fun rather than a frustration. The sense of gradual discovery is welcoming once you embrace it. For players who enjoy exploration and growth, metroidvanias are deeply rewarding, and getting into one is usually a pleasure.

A few related questions

Do metroidvanias have combat? Many do, with enemies and bosses to overcome, though the heart of the genre is exploration and ability-gated progress rather than combat alone.

Is backtracking a bad thing in metroidvanias? Not here. Revisiting areas is a designed and rewarding part of the genre, as new abilities reveal fresh paths in familiar places.

Are metroidvanias usually 2D? Many are, in the classic style, though the approach works in three dimensions too. The defining trait is the interconnected, ability-gated world, not the viewpoint.

In a sentence

A metroidvania is an exploration game set in a connected world that opens up as you gain new abilities, rewarding curiosity and growth. For more genres explained plainly, see our games coverage, with common questions on the questions page.