After what feels like 84 years, Australian indie developer Team Cherry says Hollow Knight: Silksong is actually releasing on September 4! …I’ll believe it when I see it. Regardless, Hollow Knight fans have spent 7 years eagerly anticipating the sequel to one of the most beloved indie games of all time. In fact, the original Hollow Knight took the prestigious 2nd place spot on our Top 100 Indie Games of All Time roundup! If you’ve already played Hollow Knight to death and are twiddling your thumbs waiting for Silksong to finally drop (this still feels like a fever dream), I’ve gathered 10 indie games here that you may enjoy. I can personally guarantee you have not previously heard of a few of these.
10. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a stunning Metroidvania that brings together smooth traversal, unique combat, and a striking art style to transport players to a world based in Japanese folklore. Those who enjoyed Hollow Knight‘s hand-drawn art will find a lot to love in these visuals, even if the level design doesn’t quite stack up to Team Cherry’s masterpiece. In our review, Sarim writes: “Bō does a lot of things right. The art style is incredibly striking, and so easy to get lost in. Taking inspiration from Japanese folklore, Bō offers pretty environments aplenty, perfectly complemented by charming NPCs to meet and greet. There’s potential for something truly great here, but as is, this isn’t quite the right path.”
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
9. Blue Fire
You’re probably sick of hearing indie games described as “Zelda meets Dark Souls“, but uh… Blue Fire‘s atmosphere, tone, and dungeon design is pretty reminiscent of Zelda meets Dark Souls. This incredibly difficult 3D action-platformer game will appeal to those who enjoyed Hollow Knight’s difficulty and combat style, which are recreated in 3D in this Metroidvania. And yes, it brings the brutal difficulty that I know you’re looking for. In our review of the game, John writes: “The world is memorable, the 3D platforming sections are addictive and satisfying and it just feels like a really well done take on the genre as a whole. If you’re a fan of 3D platformers but are looking for a different aesthetic to shake up what we’re generally accustomed to, Blue Fire might just be the game for you.”
Blue Fire is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
8. The Legend of Tianding
If you are tired of the usual underground settings of many Metroidvanias, The Legend of Tianding should immediately catch your eye. From Taiwanese indie developers CGCG, The Legend of Tianding has players take control of the real-life historical figure Liao Tianding (AKA the Taiwanese Robin Hood). While not a Metroidvania, Tianding brings flashy and quick 2D side-scrolling action akin to Hollow Knight as well as memorable NPCs to meet, special collectibles to hunt, and epic boss fights that will test your mettle. The Legend of Tianding isn’t quite as punishing as the other games on this list, but still provides a solid challenge with more focus on telling a great story about a real life historical figure who fought to free his people from the oppressive colonial rule of Japan in the 1800s.
The Legend of Tianding is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and iOS.
7. SteamWorld Dig 2
SteamWorld Dig 2, perhaps more than any other game in history, is the shining example of what a sequel can and should be. Every single aspect of this game is improved up on from its predecessor. Gameplay mechanics, upgrade systems, characters, dialogue, economy, music, art, substance, emotional impact… While this game does directly follow the events of SteamWorld Dig, no knowledge of the previous game is required to understand the story or engage with the world. The upgrade system is perfectly balanced so you’re never over or under powered. The characters are fun, goofy, and memorable. The gameplay is smooth and satisfying, and use of mobility tools like the grappling hook adds a great pleasure to traversal akin to Hollow Knight. This action-packed Metroidvania will tug at your wanderlust and heartstrings in equal measure, and has earned a spot as one of my favorite indie games of all time.
SteamWorld Dig 2 is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, and MacOS.
6. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Ender Magnolia is a sequel to the strongly Hollow Knight-inspired Ender Lillies, with vastly improved combat, movement, and exploration. This mystical Metroidvania benefited greatly from its run in Early Access, and the fully finished product is so delightful it earned a 9/10 in our glowing review. Reviewer Tim writes ” Lilac awakens in an abandoned research facility, missing significant portions of her memory but knowing she was sent there for her safety by someone important to her. After a brief sojourn – during which she is helpless to defend herself from crazed husks – she finds a Homunculus, Nola, who likewise has gaps in her memory. With rich visuals, a compelling mystery, intriguing characters, tons of places to explore and combat that is brutal but adjustable to your needs, Ender Magnolia: Bloom In The Mist is absolutely a game worth devoting your time and attention to.”
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
5. The Last Faith
If you’re looking for a Metroidvania with a unique change of style, the Gothic horror-inspired The Last Faith might be just what you need. For the most part, The Last Faith has flown under the radar for a litany of gamers who would certainly enjoy it. Fans of the worlds of Bloodborne and Castlevania will find a lot to love here, but don’t call it derivative – The Last Faith builds a name all for itself. In our own GameLuster review, Sarim writes: “With fates fulfilled and great beasts slain, The Last Faith stands tall as a brilliant indie offering that more than lives up to its genre standards and thematic inspirations. Tight combat kept me hooked, while fun exploration makes for great moment-to-moment gameplay. Level design is a crucial pillar of any Metroidvania. It’s one thing to have a complex, sprawling, interconnected map—it also needs to be used well. The Last Faith leans into the supernatural side of its themes to do just that.”
The Last Faith is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
4. Animal Well
I’m not going to pretend this is some hidden gem. You’ve probably heard about the sensational indie hit Animal Well from solo developer Billy Basso and VideoGameDunkey’s publisher BigMode Games. Nevertheless, this list would be unforgivably incomplete without my favorite Metroidvania of all time. In our perfect 10/10 Review, Nirav writes: “Animal Well is very simply a Metroidvania with no combat. Explore, complete puzzles, and move on to the next set of rooms, finding some secrets along the way. End of gameplay loop. Animal Well has shattered my understanding of game design, both in the simplicity of its execution and the complexity it allows players to bring to it. It is not only my favorite Metroidvania of all time, but flat out one of the best games I have played in years. Most games will try to exhibit an innovative concept or else mastery of a familiar concept. Animal Well somehow does both. Solemn, delightful, and haunting, you simply must discover it yourself.”
Animal Well is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
3. Grime
If you came to this list looking for a “hidden gem”, so to speak, this is probably it. Grime flew pretty under the radar when it released back in 2021, but has since garnered a lot of love from Metroidvania fans looking for a new game to punish themself with. Grime brings sweat-inducing difficulty, a surprisingly interesting story, and an ominously catchy soundtrack to a labyrinthine adventure that will have you second guessing every turn. Grime is one of those famous games where the more time, blood, and sweat you put into it, the more you get out of it, so this game should appeal to many fans of Hollow Knight. While the environments are a little repetitive at the beginning, after a few hours the world begins to expand and showcase a wealth of intriguing settings.
Grime is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
2. Neversong
Neversong is another hidden gem that’s never gotten a fraction of the attention it deserves. This solo-developed adventure is unlike any I’ve gone on before, showcasing the worst elements of the human experience alongside the best ones in pursuit of proving we are more than our baggage. This short 5-hour Metroidvania sends a teenage boy through a strange, Tim Burton-esque world occupied by creatures that look straight out of James and the Giant Peach to find his missing girlfriend. Neversong boasts the same fast-paced action combat at Hollow Knight, but with a more moderate difficulty and much bigger focus on story. Neversong is an adventure that will resonate with anyone who has experienced true, unadulterated guilt. Even though I only receive blank stares even to this day when I talk about how beautiful it is and how poignant its messaging is, I insist that anyone who loves a strong story must give this a shot.
Neversong is available on PC, iOS, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
1. Nine Sols
If Hollow Knight is the crown jewel of Metroidvanias, Nine Sols is the golden scepter that sits proudly by its side. Set in a one-of-a-kind Sino-futuristic world, this gratingly difficult game was crafted by Taiwanese developer Red Candle Games, famous for their story-driven games Devotion and Detention. Mixing together the mythology of ancient China and the cybernetics of a wholly unique future world, Nine Sols is guaranteed something you’ve never seen before. In his passionate 9/10 GameLuster review, Sarim writes: “I cannot recommend Nine Sols enough. It will challenge you, it will intrigue you, and it will make you smile in the ways only a good Metroidvania can. In a year already stacked with great titles, and no shortage of Soulslikes or indies of this ilk, you owe it to yourself to give Yi and company a moment of your time. Written dialogue is tight and impactful, hitting its emotional beats well while absolutely selling a more understated, charming humour. Nine Sols strikes true in everything it does, and stands out among its peers in almost every genre it touches.”
Nine Sols is available on PC, MacOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Even if you’re reading this in the future and already got your grubby paws on Hollow Knight: Silksong, there’s still no reason not to add every one of these games to your wishlist right now. Each one of these indie games is worth exploring for fans of Metroidvanias and 2D action games, so pick whichever tickles your fancy and dive into the labyrinth of your choosing. Did we miss your favorite game reminiscent of Hollow Knight? Let us know in the comments below!
