Best Platformer Games: 15 of The Best Games in The Genre

I genuinely appreciate the simplicity and pure fun this genre provides. So, I’ve made a list of the best platformers. I’ve included newer games and classic games to discover and possibly explore. This genre is teeming with so many good titles, it won’t matter too much if you’re new to them or not. You’ll probably find something special, so keep reading.

On a side note, I’ll also be including some links to great game deals if you’re feeling hyped to jump in ASAP.

Top Platformer Games of All Time

Let’s talk platformer games – the ones that keep us jumping, exploring, and hitting that sweet spot of challenge and fun. It wasn’t easy since the platformer genre spans decades, but we made it folks.

Astro Bot: Game of the Year Winner PLATFORMER This is the genre at its best. A sweet dive for any platforming fan.

Celeste

PLATFORMER

The story of Madeline’s climb, paired with tight platforming mechanics.

Hollow Knight

METROIDVANIA This is a Metroidvania masterpiece.

These are only the top 7 contenders but there are 15 games in the entire list, so stay with us.

I’ll go into more juicy details about why the game got its rank, how the gameplay and visuals are, and more.

What Makes a Great Platformer Game?

When it comes to platformers, there are a few things that separate the good from the legendary. Here’s what I think makes a platformer truly shine:

Level Design:

It’s all about flow. The best games guide you naturally without feeling too linear. Every nook and cranny has something exciting to discover.

Tight Controls:

Nothing kills the fun like clunky mechanics. Great platformers make every jump, dodge, and attack feel intuitive and precise.

Difficulty Progression:

The best games start simple, teaching you the ropes, and then gradually ramp up the challenge (

Hollow Knight

, anyone?). It keeps you hooked without overwhelming you. A game wouldn’t be fun if it were too difficult and it’s boring if it’s too easy as well. When devs find the balance, they make a great game that’s rewarding and exciting.

Visuals & Soundtrack:

Let’s be real: great graphics and music elevate the experience. Games like

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

are not just games; they’re art pieces.

I think platformers tap into that primal love for exploration and mastery. If you’re here for the challenge or just to vibe with some stunning visuals, the best ones deliver on all fronts. Let’s move on to our list and see which games embodied these elements and slayed.

Astro Bot

• [Best Showcase of Next-Gen Platforming
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 9.9/10
• PS5
• Team ASOBI

Astro Bot

• won Game of the Year
• because it’s a love letter to gaming that combines
• nostalgia, creativity, and sheer fun
• . The game’s
• 90 levels across six galaxies

offer a perfect balance of challenge and charm, with difficulty tailored to both casual players and hardcore fans. They really leaned into making it something families could enjoy too. The team did talk about creating a game kids would love.

What makes Astro Bot stand out is its brilliant use of the DualSense controller. You feel every surface through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, like squeezing water from a sponge or gripping vines. The visuals also serve. So squeaky clean and modern. With its playful platforming and clever design, this game will surprise you in many ways. This is the type of platformer that even non-fans of the genre would enjoy.

Celeste [Best Emotional Journey in a Platformer] Our Score Release year ⭐ 9.7/10 PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Maddy Makes Games Celeste hit me hard in all the right ways. This game is about reaching the top of a mountain AND it’s about battling your inner demons.

You play as Madeline scaling Celeste Mountain while facing anxiety, doubt, and fear. This is all cleverly woven into its narrative and mechanics. What stands out is how every part of the game mirrors Madeline’s emotional journey.

It’s one of those rare platformers that pulls you in with its heart, not just its gameplay. The controls are tight and the diverse difficulty options mean anyone can enjoy its story. Newbies and hardcore speedrunners are welcome. Plus, the stunning pixel art and that soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. If you want more confirmation, check out its over 100,000 reviews on Steam and its overwhelmingly positive reception.

• Hollow Knight [Best Exploration-Based Platformer
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 9.6/10
• PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Team Cherry
• A visual masterpiece of
• soulslike games

, Hollow Knight pulled me into the dark, enchanting world of Hallownest and refused to let go.

You’re a mysterious knight exploring a crumbling underground kingdom filled with secrets, danger, and intense battles.

What sets it apart?

The exploration. The map is huge, and every new ability unlocks hidden paths, rewarding curiosity. Add in a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and hand-drawn art, and it’s clear why this is one of the best platformer games out there. It’s no wonder the game sold over 3 million copies across platforms. If you’ve got a thing for lore-rich worlds and tough bosses then Hollow Knight is your golden ticket.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps [Best Artistic Pick] Our Score Release year ⭐ 9.5/10 PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of those platformer games that I genuinely can’t stop recommending. The story pulls you in immediately as Ori embarks on a heart-wrenching journey to save their best friend, Ku. What sets it apart for me are the lush visuals. They feel more like a painting in motion than a video game.

Every leap and bound through this mystical world is pure joy. The tight controls make the platforming feel intuitive and rewarding.

It has a breathtaking soundtrack that matches its ethereal dreamcore vibes. It has seamless difficulty progression and a thriving speedrunning community. But let’s get into the stats that back up the hype. This game boasts an average Metacritic score of 90+ across platforms and has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. It’s easy to see why this is a must-play.

• Sonic X Shadow Generations [Best Nostalgic Experience
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 9.4/10
• PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
• Sonic Team
• If you’re
• new
• to
• Sonic games
• or just curious about Shadow’s backstory,

Sonic X Shadow Generations

• is a
• perfect entry point
• . It features Shadow the Hedgehog battling his old nemesis in a journey that spans iconic levels from the series. What’s great is how it
• switches between 3D platforming and classic side-scrolling action

. You get the best of both worlds.

You’ll appreciate the smooth controls and fun mechanics like Chaos Control. It lets you freeze time and find hidden paths. The hub world makes it easy to explore while getting used to new abilities. Plus, the DLC adds an epic level tied to the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie! There’s something extra for those looking to dive deeper. This is genuinely one of the best platformers of 2024. And don’t get me started on those crisp visuals. They serve.

Gris [Best Artistic Storytelling] Our Score Release year ⭐ 9/10 PC, Switch, PS4 Nomada Studio You know those games that stick with you long after you’ve played them? Gris is one of those rare gems. It’s about the gameplay and it’s deeply personal.

It’s an emotional ride.

You play as a young girl dealing with grief in a world that feels like a living watercolor painting. Every moment feels crafted to hit you right in the feels. Navigate through the puzzles, the platforming, or the quiet beauty of the story unfolding.

What blew me away was how Gris tells such a profound tale without a single word.

It’s all in the visuals, the music, and how you interact with the world.

The game is short, around 5 hours. But those hours are unforgettable. Gris has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam and is often praised as a masterpiece.

If you’re looking for something unique that’s about more than just gameplay, you’ve got to give this one a shot.

• Path of the Teal Lotus [Best Creative Mechanics
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 8.9/10
• PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• Squid Shock Studios
• “Path of the Teal Lotus” grabbed my attention with its hand-drawn visuals and whimsical Japanese-inspired lore. You play as a mysterious character. You
• navigate dreamlike landscapes, solve puzzles, and master graceful jumps

. It’s one of those indie games that hits a sweet spot:

simple on the surface but packed with depth.

This game aces platforming mechanics, blending precise movement with gorgeous visuals. The unique ability system lets you transform into tools like a fan or lantern to solve challenges. Plus, it’s got glowing Steam reviews for its replayability and creative-level design. Want a game where every leap feels satisfying? This is it.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

• [Best Indie Retro-Style Pick
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 8.7/10
• PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
• Yacht Club Games
• This game
• is the
• ultimate throwback to the golden era of platform games. You play as a shovel-wielding knight

. You battle quirky bosses and dig your way through beautifully crafted pixel-art worlds. This collection isn’t just a single game. It’s a full package of multiple campaigns. Each campaign features unique characters, abilities, and playstyles that make the experience feel complete.

What makes Shovel Knight shine is its genre-defining replayability. There’s treasure to dig up, elements of speedrunning challenges, secret stages, and hidden goodies for perfectionists. The game sold over 2.5 million copies globally. A massive win for retro platformers. Add in the critically acclaimed chiptune soundtrack and the responsive gameplay form, and you’ve got a modern classic that every gamer needs.

• Super Meat Boy [Best Intense Challenger
• ]
• Our Score
• Release year
• ⭐ 8.6/10
• PC, PS4, Xbox 360, Switch
• Team Meat
• Let’s talk about pain and glory. Super Meat Boy is
• the ultimate test of your platforming skills

.

You play as a cube of meat trying to save his girlfriend from the evil Dr. Fetus. Sounds weird, right? But trust me, it’s addictive. The game throws obstacles at you and it dares you to conquer them.

The controls are tighter than any game ever, at least that’s what everyone says.

Every level feels like a brutal puzzle but clearing it gives you that sweet rush of victory. No wonder it’s rocking a 90 on Metacritic and inspired a whole wave of tough-as-nails platformers. Oh, and the soundtrack slaps too.

SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake [Best Family-Friendly Pick] Our Score Release year ⭐ 8.5/10 PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch Purple Lamp If you grew up watching SpongeBob, you’ll adore The Cosmic Shake. It’s like stepping into an episode of the show but you’re in control.

You guide SpongeBob through wacky dimensions, solving puzzles and battling goofy enemies. Each level is a new adventure: from cowboy saloons to underwater karaoke battles.

The creativity here is off the charts and it’s perfect for gamers of all ages.

Casual players will enjoy the laughs, while completionists have plenty to explore with hidden collectibles. It’s already winning hearts on Steam with “Very Positive” reviews. Seriously, if you want lighthearted platforming fun, this is the game to grab.

Planet of Lana [Best Indie Cinematic Adventure] Our Score Release year ⭐ 8.4/10 PC, Xbox One and Series X Purple Lamp Planet of Lana is like stepping straight into a playable Studio Ghibli movie.

You guide Lana and Mui. You navigate through a cool alien world filled with clever puzzles and jaw-dropping landscapes. This isn’t just a pretty game. There’s real heart here and the emotional storytelling hits differently.

What really makes this game shine is the bond between Lana and Mui.

Every challenge feels natural and you’ll catch yourself smiling as you figure out each section together. The indie gaming community is obsessed. It’s already racked up 2 million downloads and glowing reviews from fans.

Is it criminally underrated?

You tell me.