metroidvania
/mɛˌtrɔɪdˈveɪniə/
CommonA game genre combining interconnected map exploration with ability-gated progression, where new powers unlock previously inaccessible areas.
Beloved by hardcore gamers for the sense of world mastery it delivers. Sometimes criticized for confusing backtracking or poor map design.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Hollow Knight is the best metroidvania in years, the map alone is incredible | The game's world design exemplifies the genre at its best. | reddit, 2023 |
| 02 | got the double jump and half the map just opened up | Acquiring a new ability revealed a large portion of the game world that was previously blocked. | x, 2024 |
| 03 | the backtracking in this one is annoying because the map is confusing | The game's exploration loop is frustrating due to poor map layout. | reddit, 2024 |
| 04 | every indie metroidvania lately is just Hollow Knight trying to happen | Many new games in the genre feel like imitations of one influential title. | x, 2024 |
Use it when
- Describing a game where exploration is gated by unlockable abilities.
- Recommending games with interconnected worlds and backtracking loops.
- Discussing the genre's signature design of rewarding map memory.
Do not use it when
- The game has a big map but no ability-gated progression.Use “open-world” instead.
- You mean a 2D platformer with no exploration depth.
Metroidvania vs roguelike
metroidvania
Metroidvania has a fixed, handcrafted map designed for deliberate backtracking and discovery.
VS
roguelike
Roguelikes use procedurally generated layouts that change every run.
Origin and context
A portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania, two series that defined the genre's key mechanics. Coined by fans in internet discussions during the late 1990s and early 2000s to describe games combining both series' design philosophies.
- First seen
- late-1990s
- Confidence
- high
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/metroidvaniaUpdated: 2026-08-28License: CC BY 4.0