Best Castlevania-Like Games: Exploration, RPG, Gothic Horror

The top pick for a Castlevania-style blend of exploration, RPG progression, and gothic horror is Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. It was directed by Koji Igarashi, the same mind behind the classic Symphony of the Night, and it delivers the exact same formula: a sprawling castle to explore, unlockable abilities that open new paths, and a deep crafting/leveling system. If you want one game that feels like a true spiritual successor, this is it.

What to Look For

When searching for Castlevania-likes, focus on these four pillars rather than just the genre label:

• Exploration over linear levels: The best games give you a large interconnected map with shortcuts, secret rooms, and locked areas that require abilities you earn later. If the game is purely level-by-level, it’s missing the Metroidvania core.
• RPG progression that matters: Look for experience points, level-ups, equippable weapons/armor, and maybe crafting. The feeling of getting stronger and returning to an early area to smash enemies is essential.
• Gothic horror atmosphere: Expect dark castles, churches, crypts, and demons. The art direction, music, and enemy design should lean into classic horror tropes—not just generic fantasy.
• Tight combat with variety: Whether it’s whips, swords, or spells, combat should have weight and allow for different builds. Sub-weapons or magic systems add the depth that keeps replayability high.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Strengths: This is the closest thing to a modern Symphony of the Night. The castle is huge, the shard system lets you absorb enemy powers (essentially spells), and crafting weapons/armor is deep. It has multiple endings, a hard mode, and even a roguelike mode. The pixel-art style is gorgeous, and the soundtrack is by Michiru Yamane, who scored several Castlevania games.

Trade-offs: The 3D backgrounds can feel dated, and the voice acting is campy. The late-game difficulty spikes, and some bosses require heavy grinding. It’s also not as tightly balanced as the classics.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants the most authentic modern Castlevania experience without emulating old hardware. It’s the safest bet for a first purchase.

Hollow Knight

Strengths: The exploration is unmatched—the map is enormous, hand-drawn, and full of secrets. The progression is ability-gated rather than stat-gated, so you feel smarter as you unlock new movement tools. The gothic horror is more subtle (insectoid ruins, abandoned kingdoms), but the atmosphere is oppressive and beautiful.

Trade-offs: There’s no leveling or equipment; you only get new abilities and charm upgrades. The difficulty is brutal, especially the optional DLC bosses. The story is cryptic and told through environmental details.

Who it’s for: Players who prioritize exploration and challenge over RPG systems. If you loved the map-opening thrill of Super Metroid more than the RPG side of Castlevania, this is your pick.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Strengths: This sequel adds a real RPG layer (shards, upgrades, side quests) to the already-perfect platforming of the first Ori. The hand-painted art and orchestral score create a melancholic, fairy-tale gothic mood. Combat is fast and fluid, with a spirit weapon that levels up.

Trade-offs: The horror is much lighter—it’s more emotional fantasy than gothic dread. The RPG elements are shallow compared to Bloodstained. It’s also shorter, around 10-15 hours.

Who it’s for: Players who want a gorgeous, accessible Metroidvania with light RPG touches and a moving story. Great for those who find Castlevania’s horror too dark.

Dead Cells

Strengths: It’s a roguelike, but the exploration and gothic atmosphere are spot-on. Each run has you exploring a decaying island with dungeons, sewers, and castles. The combat is the best-in-class—fast, responsive, with dozens of weapons and skills. Progression is meta: you unlock permanent blueprints and upgrades that carry between runs.

Trade-offs: The map is procedurally generated, so you don’t get the handcrafted castle feel. Death resets all your gear, which can be frustrating if you prefer steady RPG growth. The horror is more grotesque than elegant.

Who it’s for: Players who love Castlevania’s combat and aesthetic but want high replayability and a challenge. If you don’t mind restarting after death, this is a fantastic pick.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (via Requiem or on modern platforms)

Strengths: The original that defined the genre. It has the perfect castle layout, iconic gothic art, and a leveling system that feels great. The inverted castle doubles the game length. It’s available on PS4/PS5 via the Requiem collection (with Rondo of Blood) and on mobile.

Trade-offs: The voice acting is famously bad, the 4:3 aspect ratio might bother some, and the difficulty is low by modern standards. The Requiem collection lacks the original Saturn content.

Who it’s for: Purists who want to see where it all began. If you’ve never played it, this is essential gaming history.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Strengths: This indie gem nails the gothic horror—a ruined kingdom, a silent priestess, and grotesque bosses. The combat is unique: you control spirits that fight for you, each with different moves. The atmosphere is bleak and beautiful, and the soundtrack is haunting piano and choral pieces.

Trade-offs: The RPG progression is light (just leveling and relic upgrades). The map is smaller than others, and the difficulty can spike suddenly. The story is told through item descriptions, which some find too vague.

Who it’s for: Players who want a dark, atmospheric, and emotional Metroidvania with a unique combat twist. If you prefer indie art to pixel art, this is a strong choice.

How to Choose

Budget: If you can only buy one, go with Bloodstained—it’s the most complete package. Hollow Knight and Dead Cells are often cheaper and offer hundreds of hours. Symphony of the Night is the cheapest if you just want the classic, but it’s dated.

Use case: For a relaxed evening, pick Ori or Ender Lilies. For a hardcore challenge, Hollow Knight or Dead Cells. For a long, deep RPG experience, Bloodstained is the answer.

Common trade-offs: Handcrafted maps vs. roguelike replayability. RPG depth vs. combat fluidity. Gothic horror vs. emotional story. Decide which axis matters more to you, and that will narrow the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these games on Switch?

Yes—all of the above are available on Nintendo Switch, except Symphony of the Night which is on PS4/PS5 and mobile (not on Switch natively).

Which one is the most like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night?

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the direct spiritual successor, with the same director, composer, and gameplay loop. Hollow Knight is a close second in exploration feel but lacks RPG stats.

Do I need to play Castlevania games first?

No. These are standalone titles. If you want the original experience, Symphony of the Night is a good starting point, but it’s not required.

Which has the best story?

Ori and the Will of the Wisps has the most emotional narrative. Ender Lilies is also story-rich but told in fragments. Bloodstained has a campy but fun plot.

Are any of these co-op?

No, all are single-player. Dead Cells has a multiplayer beta, but it’s not the focus.

Which is the hardest?

Hollow Knight is widely considered the hardest, especially its DLC bosses. Dead Cells is also challenging but fair. Bloodstained is moderate.

Bottom Line

If you want the closest thing to a new Castlevania, buy Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. If you want the best exploration and don’t mind a challenge, get Hollow Knight. For a cheaper, replayable option, Dead Cells is excellent. And if you’ve never played the original, Symphony of the Night is a must-experience classic. Any of these will scratch the gothic horror exploration itch.

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