10 best platformer games: Vibrant worlds to explore in 2026
The best platformer games are those that manage to challenge the player while still telling a compelling story. Platformers of this quality can be found in all sorts of interesting niches and subgenres, ranging from cozy adventures to unnerving pixel horror.
If you’ve been looking for a new world to explore, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of the top 10 best platformers of all time to pick up and pogo through in 2025. We’ll be including some relaxed experiences along with some precision platformers that’ll test your mettle.
10 best platformer games to play in 2026
The platforming game genre is vast, encompassing both cozy, laidback experiences and hardcore, unforgiving titles. Whether you prefer to leap through games and get lost in mesmerizing stories or test your skills with precision platformers, there’ll be a solid game to pick up and try this year.
10. It Takes Two (2021)
While platformers might be thought of as a typically single-player experience, there are some solid examples of co-op platforming games on the market. One of the most memorable co-op platformers is the unique It Takes Two.
It Takes Two is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It’s a narrative-rich experience with surprisingly emotional story beats and solid puzzles, and the various levels it offers have jaw-dropping artwork.
9. Astro Bot (2024)
Without a doubt, Astro Bot is one of the best platformer games on PS5. Made in celebration of the PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this charming platformer has an instantly recognizable aesthetic, and it pays homage to a slew of other legendary games.
Astro Bot has an overwhelming number of gorgeous locations to explore – 50+ worlds in total – each with its own unique aesthetic and set of challenges to tackle. It’s a light-hearted romp that celebrates the history of PlayStation; as a result, it’s only available on PS5.
8. Super Mario Odyssey
Widely considered to be one of the best 3D platformer games of all time, Super Mario Odyssey is vibrant, whimsical, and packed to the brim with memorable levels. It’s a strikingly different style of platformer from its predecessors, but it still encapsulates the joy of a Super Mario title.
Available only on the Nintendo Switch at the time of writing, Super Mario Odyssey is a great place to start if you’re new to the world of platformers. It does present some challenges for more experienced players, but it’s an approachable and joyful experience.
7. Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Donkey Kong Bananza has been a hot topic in the platforming world – as it should be, it’s a great game – but it arguably doesn’t hold a candle to the earlier games in the series. One of the best examples is Donkey Kong Country, with an incredibly memorable gameplay loop and an enticing world to run through.
Donkey Kong Country can be enjoyed on the SNES, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance, along with the Nintendo Switch Online services.
6. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Choosing just one Sonic game to include in this list was a nigh impossible task, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 eeks out a win as one of the most memorable titles in the franchise. Its influence can still be felt in modern platformers to this day.
Originally available on the SEGA Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can now be enjoyed via the Nintendo Switch Online services or in its remake form on Android or iOS. If you can still access it on the SEGA Genesis, though, it’s well worth the effort. The game is vibrant and punchy, with an entertaining story to experience while zipping through the world.
5. Super Meat Boy (2010)
While the discussion of what the best platforming game usually revolves around franchises like Mario and Sonic, it’s important not to leave indie games out of the conversation. Super Meat Boy is an iconic name in the precision platformer scene, and it’s still giving people grief ten years later.
Available on Xbox 360, PS Vita, PS4, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this gritty 2D gem is a must-play if you like tricky games that’ll make you gnash your teeth. It’s simple yet beautifully challenging, with plenty of fun levels to tear through.
4. Hollow Knight (2017)
Is Hollow Knight a classic platformer? By definition, it’s a Metroidvania – but this list would be incomplete without it. Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight has been considered the gold standard in the world of Soulslike Metroidvanias since its release in 2017, but it arguably had a monumental influence on the wider platforming world.
Taking place in the ruinous world of Hallownest, the game pits the tiny Vessel against legions of enemies and colossal bosses, all set against striking, hand-crafted backdrops. It’s available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
3. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (2019)
The name Shovel Knight will be instantly familiar to any indie platformer lovers. The Treasure Trove release from 2019 is arguably the best way to experience this iconic series for yourself. It’s colorful and vibrant, and packed with rewarding challenges.
Treasure Trove is technically a compilation and not one game, but it’s still a worthy contender for this list. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.
2. Celeste (2018)
Maddy Makes Games Inc./Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
Arguably one of the best platformer games on Xbox, Celeste manages to strike a balance between being utterly beautiful and deeply challenging. It’s a precision platformer with a steep skill curve – but once you master it, it’s a joy to play.
With mesmerizing pixel artwork and an emotional story, there’s a lot to love with this title; there’s a reason it’s a cult classic, after all. It’s available on PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)
Is it cheating to include several Metroidvanias in this list? Absolutely. Whichever way you slice it, though, Silksong has set the bar at an astronomical height for any other new platforming game that comes out after it.
This indie darling from Team Cherry is packed full of brutally challenging platforming segments, vivid boss fights, and a multitude of beautiful regions to explore. It’s available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
The platforming genre is vast, encompassing everything from cozy and comforting adventures to blood-splattered horror titles. Whatever your genre of choice is, chances are that you’ll be able to find an exceptional new title to test your skills with, especially if you spend some time browsing the latest indie hits in the niche on sites like Itch.io.
FAQs
Are there VR platforming games?
Yes, there are some incredible virtual reality platforming titles. One of the best platformer titles to pick up as a VR user is Grab, a multiplayer parkour gem. Astro Bot Rescue Mission is another solid VR pick in the niche.
What are the best platformer games on Switch?
There are plenty of mesmerizing Switch platformers to choose from, ranging from legendary titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to more modern picks like Donkey Kong Bananza.
What is the most popular platformer?
The most iconic series in the platformer niche could be a title for Super Mario, Sonic, or Donkey Kong. Banjo-Kazooie is another exceptional platformer that’s still incredibly popular to this day, having left a monumental impact on the genre.
Which platform game has the best story?
The Hollow Knight series – both the first game and Silksong – has deep, rich stories with immaculate world-building. Another solid example of narrative work in the platformer/Metroidvania space is Blasphemous.
Are platformers good for your brain?
While there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove that platformer games can benefit your brain conclusively, precision platformers could theoretically benefit a person’s hand-eye coordination and improve patience.
What is the hardest platformer ever?
While games like Super Meat Boy and Celeste are often thought of as some of the best 2D platformer games in history, they are often also referred to as some of the hardest in the niche.
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