Best Steam Deck Games (Metroidvania)
Published: Wed Oct 02 2024
Table Of Contents
What are the best Steam Deck games in the metroidvania genre?
Metroidvania, a beloved sub-genre of action-adventure platformers, typically features a 2D or 2.5D perspective and emphasizes non-linear exploration. In this blog, we dive into the best Metroidvania games that are also among the best Steam Deck games, offering an unparalleled portable gaming experience. These titles showcase sprawling maps with distinct biomes and areas, where certain paths are initially inaccessible due to ability gating – a hallmark of the genre. As we explore these games, we’ll rank them based on metrics unique to the Metroidvania genre, helping you find your next favorite adventure for the Steam Deck. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Metroidvanias or new to the genre, this list of the best Metroidvania games for Steam Deck is sure to have something for everyone.
| ✓ Story | ✓ Exploration | ✓ Combat | ✓ Ability Gating |
| ✓ Replayability |
Ori and the Will of the Wisps 4.6
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
- Steam Deck
- PC
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- Nintendo Switch
Game Features
- Single Player
- Stunning hand-painted visuals
- Emotional narrative
- Fluid platforming and combat
Ori and the Will of the Wisps stands as a pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre, offering a breathtaking journey that’s perfectly suited for the Steam Deck’s portable prowess.
Story
The narrative of Ori and the Will of the Wisps weaves an emotional tapestry that captivates from start to finish. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the game tells a tale of hope, sacrifice, and the bonds that tie us together. The story unfolds organically through environmental storytelling and poignant cutscenes, never interrupting the flow of gameplay. This seamless integration of narrative and action creates an immersive experience that’s ideal for the pick-up-and-play nature of the Steam Deck.
Exploration
Venturing through the lush, hand-painted world of Niwen is a joy that showcases the Steam Deck’s vibrant display. Each area feels distinct and alive, teeming with secrets and hidden paths that beckon to be uncovered. The game’s masterful level design encourages thorough exploration, rewarding curious players with upgrades, lore tidbits, and breathtaking vistas. The sense of discovery is palpable, making every play session feel like a new adventure.
Combat
Ori’s combat system is a ballet of light and motion, perfectly tuned for the Steam Deck’s controls. The fluid, acrobatic battles require quick reflexes and strategic thinking, offering a satisfying challenge that never feels unfair. As players progress, they unlock an array of abilities that seamlessly integrate into both combat and exploration, creating a sense of constant growth and empowerment. The responsive controls of the Steam Deck enhance this experience, making every encounter feel precise and exhilarating.
Ability Gating
The progression system in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterclass in ability gating. New skills are introduced at a steady pace, each one opening up previously inaccessible areas in a way that feels natural and rewarding. The game strikes a perfect balance between guiding the player forward and allowing for backtracking to discover secrets with newly acquired abilities. This design philosophy enables players to make meaningful progress in both short bursts or long sessions alike.
Replayability
While the main story of Ori and the Will of the Wisps can be completed in a relatively short time, the game offers numerous reasons to return to its enchanting world. From speed-running challenges to collecting every last secret, there’s always something new to discover. The addition of Spirit Trials and combat shrines provides extra challenges for players seeking to test their skills. These elements, combined with the game’s emotional impact, make it a title that players will want to revisit time and time again on their Steam Deck.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a testament to the potential of Metroidvania games on the Steam Deck. Its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and touching story create an experience that’s both deeply immersive and perfectly suited for portable play.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night 4.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available on:
- Steam Deck
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- iOS
- Android
Game Features
- Single Player
- Local co-op
- Vast castle to explore
- RPG elements and crafting
- Multiple playable characters
- Regular content updates
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night brings the classic Castlevania formula into the modern era, offering a robust Metroidvania experience that shines on the Steam Deck.
Story
The narrative of Bloodstained weaves a dark tale of alchemy, demons, and revenge. While it may not break new ground in storytelling, the game’s plot provides a solid foundation for its gothic adventure. Character interactions and boss encounters are well-written, offering enough intrigue to keep players invested as they explore the sprawling castle. The story’s pacing aligns well with the exploration-based gameplay, making it an engaging experience where players can easily pick up where they left off.
Exploration
Bloodstained’s castle is a labyrinthine marvel, filled with secrets and hidden areas that reward thorough exploration. The diverse environments, ranging from opulent halls to eerie laboratories, create a sense of constant discovery. The game’s map system is intuitive and well-suited to the Steam Deck’s screen, allowing players to easily track their progress and plan their next move. The joy of uncovering new areas and shortcuts is a core part of the Metroidvania experience, and Bloodstained delivers this in spades.
Combat
The combat system in Bloodstained is deep and satisfying, offering a wide array of weapons and abilities to master. From swords and whips to magical shards, players have a vast arsenal at their disposal. The variety of enemy types and challenging boss battles keep the combat engaging throughout the game. The Steam Deck’s controls handle the action smoothly, making even the most intense encounters feel responsive and fair. The addition of RPG elements, such as leveling and equipment crafting, adds further depth to the combat experience.
Ability Gating
Bloodstained excels in its approach to ability gating, gradually introducing new powers that open up previously inaccessible areas. The acquisition of abilities feels meaningful, with each new power significantly expanding the player’s options for both exploration and combat. The game encourages backtracking without making it feel tedious, as new abilities often reveal exciting secrets in familiar areas.
Replayability
With multiple playable characters, a New Game+ mode, and regular content updates, Bloodstained offers substantial replay value. The game’s crafting system and shard abilities provide numerous ways to approach combat and exploration, encouraging experimentation across multiple playthroughs. Additionally, the inclusion of challenge rooms and boss rush modes offers extra content for players seeking to test their skills. These features make Bloodstained a game players can return to time and time again, always finding something new to discover.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night offers a deep and engaging Metroidvania experience that’s perfectly suited for the Steam Deck. Its combination of classic gameplay elements with modern refinements creates a game that both honors its roots and pushes the genre forward.
Castlevania Advance Collection 4.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
- Steam Deck
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Game Features
- Single player
- Collection of three classic Castlevania games
- Enhanced with modern features
- Multiple playable characters
- Rewind and save state functions
- Art gallery and music player
The Castlevania Advance Collection brings three beloved Game Boy Advance titles to the Steam Deck, offering a nostalgic yet refined Metroidvania experience.
Story
While the narrative depth varies across the three games, each title in the collection offers a compelling gothic tale. From Aria of Sorrow’s innovative soul system to Harmony of Dissonance’s exploration of the Belmont legacy, the stories provide enough intrigue to drive the action forward. The collection’s ability to save progress at any point makes it easy for Steam Deck users to engage with the narratives in short bursts, perfect for on-the-go gaming.
Exploration
Exploration is at the heart of these classic Castlevania titles, and the Advance Collection shines in this regard. Each game features intricately designed castles filled with secrets and hidden areas. The Steam Deck’s screen perfectly showcases the detailed pixel art, making navigation through the labyrinthine levels a joy. The addition of a map overlay feature enhances the exploration experience, allowing players to easily track their progress without interrupting gameplay.
Combat
The combat in the Castlevania Advance Collection is a testament to the series’ enduring appeal. Each game offers a unique twist on the classic whip-based combat, from Circle of the Moon’s DSS card system to Aria of Sorrow’s soul absorption mechanic. The variety of weapons and abilities across the three games provides a rich combat experience that remains engaging throughout. The Steam Deck’s controls handle the precise movements required for Castlevania combat with ease, making boss battles and enemy encounters feel responsive and satisfying.
Ability Gating
Ability gating is a cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre, and the Castlevania Advance Collection exemplifies this mechanic. Each game in the collection features a well-paced progression system, gradually introducing new abilities that open up previously inaccessible areas. The satisfaction of returning to earlier sections with new powers is a key part of the Metroidvania experience, and these games deliver that feeling in spades.
Replayability
The Castlevania Advance Collection offers exceptional replay value, with three full games to explore. Each title features multiple endings, encouraging players to replay with different strategies or to uncover all the secrets. The inclusion of additional features like a music player and art gallery adds to the collection’s value. The ability to rewind gameplay and create save states at any point makes it easy for players to experiment with different approaches or tackle challenging sections without frustration.
The Castlevania Advance Collection is a must-have for Metroidvania fans. It offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern convenience, bringing three classic titles to life in a format that’s ideal for portable play.
Blasphemous 4.2
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
- Steam Deck
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Game Features
- Single Player
- Dark, gothic atmosphere
- Punishing combat
- Rich lore and symbolism
Blasphemous brings a unique, dark fantasy twist to the Metroidvania genre, offering a challenging and atmospheric experience that’s well-suited to the Steam Deck.
Story
Blasphemous weaves a cryptic tale steeped in religious symbolism and gothic horror. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, character interactions, and item descriptions, rewarding attentive players with a rich, layered plot. While the story can be obtuse at times, its mysterious nature encourages exploration and interpretation, making it an engaging experience for Steam Deck users who can delve into the lore at their own pace.
Exploration
The world of Cvstodia is a haunting, beautifully crafted landscape that begs to be explored. Each area is distinct, filled with hidden paths, challenging platforming sections, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The game’s map system is comprehensive, aiding navigation without holding the player’s hand. The Steam Deck’s portable nature complements this aspect of the game, allowing players to easily pick up where they left off and continue their exploration of this intricate world.
Combat
Combat in Blasphemous is brutal and unforgiving, requiring precision and timing. The Penitent One’s sword combat is supplemented by a variety of unlockable abilities and prayers, offering depth and strategy to encounters. Boss battles are particularly challenging, serving as intense tests of skill and patience. The Steam Deck’s responsive controls are well-suited to the game’s demanding combat, allowing for precise movements and parries. While the difficulty may be off-putting to some, those seeking a challenge will find the combat deeply satisfying.
Ability Gating
Blasphemous takes a unique approach to ability gating, focusing more on items and relics that grant access to new areas rather than traditional power-ups. This system encourages thorough exploration and adds a layer of puzzle-solving to progression. The game strikes a balance between guiding the player and allowing for non-linear exploration, a design choice that works well with the Steam Deck’s pick-up-and-play nature. Discovering a new relic and immediately being able to access previously blocked areas is a rewarding experience that keeps the gameplay fresh.
Replayability
With multiple endings, a New Game+ mode, and various side quests and secrets to uncover, Blasphemous offers significant replay value. The game’s challenging nature encourages players to refine their skills across multiple playthroughs. Additionally, post-launch content updates have added new areas and gameplay modes, further extending the game’s longevity. These features make Blasphemous a game that players can return to repeatedly, always finding new challenges or uncovering missed secrets.
Blasphemous stands out in the Metroidvania genre with its unique aesthetic and punishing gameplay. Its dark, atmospheric world and challenging combat make it a compelling choice for Steam Deck users looking for a more hardcore Metroidvania experience.
Rain World 3.8
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
- Steam Deck
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
Game Features
- Single Player
- Unique ecosystem simulation
- Procedurally generated weather
- Stealth and survival elements
- Minimalist storytelling
Rain World offers a distinctive take on the Metroidvania formula, blending survival elements with open-ended exploration in a harsh, living world.
Story
Rain World’s narrative is subtle and environmental, told primarily through the player’s interactions with the world and its inhabitants. While the story may lack the depth of other Metroidvania titles, its minimalist approach creates a sense of mystery that encourages players to piece together the world’s history. The game’s focus on survival and exploration aligns well with its sparse storytelling, making it an intriguing experience for players who enjoy uncovering narrative threads at their own pace.
Exploration
Exploration in Rain World is both its greatest strength and most significant challenge. The game’s vast, interconnected world is filled with diverse environments, from industrial ruins to lush ecosystems. Each area feels alive, with dynamic weather systems and a complex food chain that operates independently of the player. The Steam Deck’s portability enhances the exploration experience, allowing players to navigate this harsh world in short bursts or extended sessions. However, the lack of a traditional map system and the game’s unforgiving nature may frustrate some players, leading to a lower score in this category.
Combat
Rain World’s approach to combat is unconventional, focusing more on evasion and environmental manipulation than direct confrontation. As a small, vulnerable creature in a hostile world, players must use stealth and quick thinking to survive. While this system creates tense, memorable encounters, it may not satisfy players looking for more traditional Metroidvania combat. Whilst the Steam Deck’s controls handle the game’s precise movements well, the challenging nature of survival in Rain World’s ecosystem can be frustrating at times.
Ability Gating
Unlike many Metroidvania games, Rain World’s progression is less about acquiring new abilities and more about learning to navigate and survive in different environments. While players can discover new tools and techniques, the game’s open-ended nature means that skill and knowledge are the primary gates to progression. This approach fits well with the Steam Deck’s portability, allowing players to gradually improve their understanding of the world across multiple play sessions. However, the lack of traditional ability gating may disappoint some Metroidvania purists.
Replayability
Rain World’s procedurally generated elements and multiple endings offer significant replay value. Each playthrough can offer a unique experience, with different weather patterns and creature behaviors affecting the player’s journey. The game’s challenging nature encourages multiple attempts, with each run potentially revealing new secrets or strategies. Additionally, the inclusion of different playable creatures in post-launch updates adds further variety to subsequent playthroughs. These features make Rain World a game that Steam Deck owners can return to repeatedly, always finding new challenges in its harsh, beautiful world.
Rain World stands as a unique entry in the Metroidvania genre, offering an experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. Its focus on survival and ecosystem simulation sets it apart from more traditional titles, making it an intriguing choice for players seeking a different kind of Metroidvania adventure.
In conclusion, the five Metroidvania games highlighted offer a rich variety of experiences that showcase the genre’s depth and creativity on the Steam Deck. Each title excels in its own right, whether through stunning visuals, engaging combat, or intricate exploration, making them perfect for both casual and dedicated gamers. The Steam Deck’s portability enhances these experiences, allowing players to dive into expansive worlds filled with secrets and challenges at their convenience. Whether you’re seeking emotional storytelling or challenging gameplay, these games provide unforgettable adventures that are ideal for on-the-go gaming!