8 Reasons Why Metroidvanias Are Still Thriving (Even If You Haven't Heard of Them)
Metroidvanias have quietly dominated the indie scene for years, but lately they struggle to grab headlines. Two stunning new entries on Steam—Shattered Divinities and Clockwork Ambrosia—were overshadowed by Subnautica 2 and Mixtape buzz. Yet beneath the surface, these games prove the genre is alive and kicking. Here are eight things you need to know about the state of the metroidvania in 2025.
1. Two Under-the-Radar Releases Demand Attention
Last week, Steam welcomed Shattered Divinities, a Chinese-developed fantasy romp, and Clockwork Ambrosia, a pixel-art marvel. Both are high-quality search-action platformers, but you’d be forgiven for missing them amid the noise. Clockwork Ambrosia especially deserves a spotlight—its gorgeous chrome-and-steampunk aesthetic evokes Iconoclasts and Owlboy. If you crave handcrafted worlds, these are two you cannot skip.
2. Clockwork Ambrosia: A Visual Feast
I’ve spent about five hours with Clockwork Ambrosia, and its pixel art is nothing short of breathtaking. The game blends sci-fi chrome with blue-sky steampunk cheerfulness, creating a dreamy atmosphere that’s a joy to explore. Every screen feels lovingly detailed, reminiscent of top-tier indie classics. Its combat may borrow from Mega Man, but the visual world is pure personality.
3. Deep Combat Customization Sets It Apart
Unlike standard gunplay, Clockwork Ambrosia offers a robust modding system for its four main weapons. Found loot lets you tweak your loadout—like firing missiles vertically instead of horizontally, or splitting pulse rifle shots into three. This constant fiddling, especially before bosses, gives the game an Armored Core-like feel. Even in the first quarter, I was never stuck with a dull gun.
4. The Genre Has Lost Its Buzz Factor
Back in 2015–2019, metroidvanias like Axiom Verge, Hollow Knight, and Ori generated massive excitement. Today, even stellar entries struggle for attention. Clockwork Ambrosia would have been a sensation a decade ago. Now, it slips under the radar. That’s not a quality complaint—it’s a sign of how crowded and fickle the indie landscape has become.
5. Other Gems Are Being Overlooked
It’s not just Clockwork Ambrosia. Few players heard of MIO: Memories in Orbit or realized that Grime got a sequel this year. Both are top-tier—MIO’s art style alone would have marketed itself in the genre’s heyday. These games are as polished as anything from the ’90s or 2010s, but they’re competing for eyes in a market saturated with retail sims and early access behemoths.
6. Sales Data Tells a Tough Story
The last metroidvania to crack Steam’s top 50 was Animal Well (debut at #10, second week at #29). Others like Blasphemous 2 (August 2023: debut #9, second week #28) and Nine Sols (May 2024: debut #29, second week #86) show a steep drop-off. This data underlines how hard it is to sustain momentum, even for acclaimed titles. Note: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was an Epic/Ubisoft exclusive at launch, so it’s excluded.
7. Genre Cycles Are Cruel—But Normal
Every style enjoys its moment in the sun before receding. The current King’s Field-like craze will fade, just as retail simulators will eventually cool. The metroidvania’s decline in buzz is a natural market cycle. But it also shows how risky indie development is. When Clockwork Ambrosia launched its Kickstarter in 2018, it looked like a deadset winner. Today, its success is uncertain.
8. Should You Still Play Metroidvanias?
Absolutely. The genre isn’t dead—it’s just less hyped. Games like Clockwork Ambrosia, MIO, and Grime 2 offer experiences as rich as any from the golden age. If you skip them because they’re not trending, you’re missing out on masterful level design, deep combat, and stunning art. The world may have moved on, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
In the end, the metroidvania’s quiet persistence is a testament to the passion of indie developers. While the spotlight shifts, these games continue to deliver the tight exploration and customization that fans love. So go ahead—dig into the forgotten gems. They’re still worth your time.