9 Metroidvanias to Play Instead of Hollow Knight: Silksong
▼ Summary
– Hollow Knight Silksong is a highly anticipated metroidvania sequel that has sparked discussions about game difficulty.
– The article suggests several alternative metroidvania games for players who might not enjoy Silksong for various reasons.
– Astalon: Tears of the Earth is recommended for its pixel art and chiptune music, offering a retro metroidvania experience.
– Islets provides a more accessible difficulty level than Silksong while maintaining engaging boss fights and platforming.
– La-Mulana is highlighted for its extreme challenge, focusing on complex puzzles and demanding combat rather than accessibility.
The wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has become something of a legend in gaming circles, sparking excitement and debate in equal measure. While anticipation continues to build, many players are searching for experiences that capture that same sense of exploration and challenge without the extended development cycle. For those eager to dive into rich, interconnected worlds filled with secrets, there’s no shortage of brilliant alternatives ready to fill the void.
Should you crave pixel art and chiptunes, Astalon: Tears of the Earth stands as a remarkable tribute to the classics. Its visual style channels the spirit of 8-bit era games while delivering intricate level design packed with hidden pathways. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its understanding of what makes exploration compelling is second to none. The castle setting feels deliberately game-like, embracing its retro roots with pride. For fans of this aesthetic, Castle in the Darkness also comes highly recommended.
If Silksong’s difficulty feels overwhelming, Islets offers a more forgiving, but still engaging, adventure. Boss fights remain thrilling and require skill, but the frustration of lengthy retries is significantly reduced. Platforming challenges are present but less punishing, making it an excellent choice for players who want tension without constant setbacks. Crypt Custodian is another title worth exploring for a similar balanced experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you find Silksong too tame, La-Mulana awaits. This game is notorious for its brutal puzzles and unforgiving design, demanding not just reflexes but careful note-taking and problem-solving. Combat may feel simpler compared to modern titles, but the real test lies in deciphering its labyrinthine clues and surviving its deadly traps. Both La-Mulana and its sequel are essential for masochistic metroidvania enthusiasts.
For those who prefer puzzles over combat, Animal Well provides a refreshing change of pace. This atmospheric title removes combat entirely, focusing instead on environmental interaction and clever puzzle design. Its layered world invites deep investigation, with secrets unfolding long after the initial playthrough. The art style is hauntingly beautiful, making every discovery feel meaningful.
Rain World takes minimal guidance to another level, offering a world that feels truly alive and indifferent to your survival. As the Slugcat, you must navigate a hostile ecosystem where creatures behave unpredictably and the environment itself is a constant threat. There are no tutorials or waypoints, everything is learned through trial, error, and observation. It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding experience.
Blasphemous 2 delivers a heavy dose of religious cynicism wrapped in stunning pixel art and brutal combat. Its world is grim, beautiful, and filled with monstrous bosses that test your reflexes and resolve. While platforming takes a backseat to combat, the challenge remains fierce, appealing to those who enjoy high-stakes confrontations.
Ultros offers a more meditative approach, blending exploration with light gardening mechanics. Instead of fighting through hostile territories, you nurture the environment to open new paths and solve environmental puzzles. It’s a peaceful, visually striking game that emphasizes thoughtfulness over tension.
Dead Cells may be tagged as a metroidvania, but its heart lies in fast-paced, fluid combat and roguelite progression. Levels are procedurally generated, encouraging repeated playthroughs with different builds and weapons. While its world isn’t permanently interconnected, the sheer variety of gear and upgrades provides a powerful sense of discovery.
Finally, Nine Sols combines precise, parry-based combat with a striking aesthetic and compelling narrative. Its boss fights are among the best in the genre, demanding timing and strategy rather than sheer repetition. Though its world is smaller than Silksong’s, its focus on tight, satisfying combat makes it an easy recommendation, especially for Sekiro fans.
Each of these titles brings something unique to the table, ensuring that whether you’re after challenge, atmosphere, innovation, or pure action, there’s a metroidvania waiting to capture your imagination.
(Source: PC Gamer)
