1
DC
Dead Cells
PlaydigiousAction PlatformerPaid
A roguelike-Metroidvania hybrid with razor-sharp combat and permadeath runs. Unlock permanent abilities to reach new areas; the mobile port is now feature-complete with DLC.
Home › Metroidvania Games on iPhone
Last updated 21 June 2026
Best Metroidvania Games on iPhone
The best Metroidvania games for iPhone in 2026 — interconnected worlds full of secrets, abilities and backtracking, from Dead Cells to Castlevania.
By Mustafa Bilgic, Editor · Sourced from the Apple App Store
Metroidvanias build a single sprawling map you slowly unlock as you gain new abilities, and the iPhone hosts a surprisingly strong lineup. The best of them combine tight platforming, satisfying combat and that addictive “I can finally reach there” loop. This guide ranks current iOS Metroidvanias and notes the price model for each — most are premium pay-once titles, with a couple of free-to-start options.
These games sit between action and exploration, so they pair well with our best platformer games and best roguelike games guides. Several support MFi controllers for a console-like feel.
Our 11 Best Metroidvania Games on iPhone
Ranked by our editors. Every title below is a current App Store release.
1
DC
2
CS
3
GR
4
DT
5
BR
6
IT
7
DD
8
SO
9
HA
10
AF
11
TE
Metroidvania Styles on iPhone
Combat-heavy Metroidvanias like Dead Cells and Castlevania anchor the genre on iOS, with exploration-first picks such as Dandara and Afterimage, and puzzle-led platformers like Teslagrad offering a slower, cerebral pace.
How to Choose a Metroidvania
- Most picks are premium, pay-once games that play offline with no ads.
- Dead Cells is the standout for fast, replayable combat and the deepest content.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the essential classic and an affordable entry point.
- Dandara and Grimvalor were designed with touch controls in mind, so they feel great without a controller.
- If you own an MFi or Bluetooth controller, nearly every game here supports it for a console-like experience.
If you want one to start with, Dead Cells offers the most depth and replay value, while Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the must-play classic that defined the genre.
Start Exploring Today
Every game above is a current App Store release. For more side-scrolling action see our best platformer games guide, and for run-based combat visit best roguelike games.
Play Free Browser Games Right Now — No Download
Want to play instantly on your iPhone with zero install? These run in Safari in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Metroidvania on iPhone?
Dead Cells leads for combat and replay value, while Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the genre-defining classic. Both are premium one-time purchases on the App Store.
Can I play Metroidvanias offline?
Yes. The titles on this list are single-player and play fully offline once installed, making them excellent for travel and commutes.
Do I need a controller for these games?
No. Games like Dandara, Grimvalor and Dead Cells include well-designed touch controls. That said, most support MFi and Bluetooth controllers if you prefer physical buttons.
Are there free Metroidvania games on iPhone?
Grimvalor is free to start, with a one-time in-app purchase to unlock the full game. Most other top Metroidvanias are premium pay-once titles.