Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

---

Metroidvania DNA comes from three design decisions: exploration-gated upgrades, ability-gated exploration and ability-driven backtracking. These adventure elements run on real-time locomotion abilities, creating the classic explore-upgrade-explore loop that sets the genre apart from RPGs.

In Godot, disable the starting air jump, add a pickup that flips a switch to unlock it, then place a gate requiring that upgrade. Players must explore, find the ability and backtrack, turning any simple platformer into a Metroidvania with almost no extra code.

Get the free assets and join the Level Design Workshop:
🎁ludonauta.itch.io/txy3rfhunt

Support the production of the Godot 2D Platformer Essentials Course:
💰itch.io/s/198078/godot-2d-platformer-essentials-course-funding-campaign

Follow me on itch.io for Godot Engine asset packs and courses:
🎮ludonauta.itch.io

Deckbuild your next game with the Gameplay Library:
🃏ludonauta.itch.io/gameplay-library

The Essential Guide to Creating Multiplayer Games with Godot 4:
📙amzn.to/3Sy0ZvD

Game Development Patterns with Godot 4:
📙amzn.to/4g5IxSH

---

Chapters:
00:00 - I. Turning Platformer into Metroidvania
01:27 - II. X Post and Signature Debate
02:22 - III. Exploration Gated Upgrade
03:19 - IV. Ability Gated Exploration
04:38 - V. Ability Driven Backtracking
05:35 - VI. Action vs Adventure Dimensions
08:48 - VII. Implementing in Godot
11:11 - VIII. Disabling and Unlocking Air Jump
14:56 - IX. Creating the Progress Gate
16:23 - X. Adding Ability Driven Backtracking
17:19 - XI. Level Design Workshop Offer
19:14 - XII. Crowdfunding and Outro