Long-Form Guides for Mapping Every Hidden Corner
Written by the Mansoura team, these deep-dive tutorials walk you through level design, secret passages, and boss gauntlets that define great metroidvanias.
Start ReadingGuides Worth Bookmarking
Tested walkthroughs and design breakdowns from a crew that maps every backtrack route by hand
Beginner's Guide to Metroidvanias
New to the genre? Learn how ability-gated progression works and why revisiting old rooms is half the fun, not a chore.
Reading a Map Like a Designer
We break down how strong level design hints at secret passages through visual cues, dead ends, and subtle environmental storytelling.
Cracking Boss Gauntlet Rooms
A walkthrough of how gauntlet sequences test everything you've learned, plus tips for reading attack patterns before you engage.
Sequence Breaking 101
An introduction to how skilled players bypass intended item gates, and why some routes reward experimentation over order.
Backtracking Without Burnout
Practical notes on pacing your exploration so revisiting the map feels rewarding instead of repetitive, with route examples included.
Spotting Fake Walls and Hidden Rooms
A close look at the visual tells developers hide in plain sight, drawn from maps we've annotated room by room.
Ready to Map Out Your Next Playthrough?
Browse our guides before you dive back into that gauntlet room you've been stuck on for weeks.