Get started with platformer games

When you hear “platformer”, maybe you think of Mario, or Celeste, classics of the genre that are considered among the best for their level design and innovation. Platformers are a real test of your reflexes and skills, requiring you to jump, dodge, and execute precise movements at the correct time.

It’s a beloved genre that’s stood the test of time, but is also constantly evolving to attract more players. From the easiest to the most hardcore experiences, there’s a platformer out there for everyone. We’re here to help you find the one that strikes your ideal balance between fun and challenging.

Basic mechanics tend to stay the same across platformers: jump at the right time, and avoid obstacles to reach the finish line. But there’s a great degree of variability across the genre that keeps things interesting.

Jumping may involve more intricate techniques like wall jumps and double jumps – and you may have to slide, crouch, or dash through the air to get across a tricky pitfall. Obstacles in your way can include anything from spiky traps to prowling enemies, and mechanics like gravity, light, and dimensions all play an important role.

Platformers are often fused with other genres. There are platformers centered around deep narratives, some that include puzzles or other roguelike elements. There are also horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and even comedic platformers. The infinite possibilities within the genre make it worthwhile to explore and see what resonates with you.

Platformers can seem intimidating to casual gamers, since one tiny mistake can mean losing a life and going back to the start of the level. Luckily, there’s a wide selection of games within the genre, with many offering a more forgiving and laid-back experience. No need to sweat if you don’t want to!

But if you love a challenge, you’ll find platformers uniquely gratifying. This genre is the definition of easy to learn, hard to master – and there’s no better feeling than finally clearing a level that’s been trying your patience for hours.

Don’t know what to play first? Take a gander at our hand-picked selection of platformer games to find a starting point.

Crank up the action with this fast-paced 2D “roguevania” platformer. Dying is a core part of the fun. Each consecutive run you embark on is a chance to learn new combat abilities and weapons to help you reach the final boss.

You need razor-sharp reflexes and an ability to dissect patterns to succeed in this game. Each time you die, you’ll pick up on something new to help you progress in your next attempt. The stunning pixel art, killer soundtrack, and varied enemies all lend themselves to a thrilling experience you’ll want to try again and again.

Dadish 3 has everything you could want in an adorable action platformer: a leaping radish, colorful levels, and cutely menacing obstacles standing in your way to the finish line. Your task is to help Dadish rescue his children from a field trip gone awry – a heroic journey that’ll take you through deserts and seascapes alike to reunite your family.

Dadish 3’s charm comes through in just how delightfully wholesome it is, while still offering a genuine challenge for platformer veterans. With its wacky humor and lovable characters, it’s a game that’s ripe for fun.

Join PAWS, a crack team of secret-agent kitties tasked with saving Neko Land. After the Bandits steal PAWS’ top-secret data, it's down to you to recover it and take them down in this pawsome action platformer.

With its many levels, bosses to best, and secrets to find, Super Cat Tales: PAWS is bursting at the seams with content. It also has a multitude of minigames and daily quests you can embark on for short and sweet bursts of fun. With its quirky sense of humor and beautiful pixel-art graphics, this game is a purrfect platformer.