Searching for the best platformer games creates a difficult question. Does "best" mean the smoothest movement, the most creative levels, the hardest challenge, the strongest co-op experience, or the classic that influenced everything that followed?
My rule for this list is simple: every game needs more than historical importance. It should still feel good to control, offer a clear reason to play it now, and be reasonably accessible on current hardware.
Some of these choices belong in any discussion of the best platformer games of all time. Others are newer games that push 2D, 3D, puzzle, precision, and cooperative platforming in different directions. I have also included the main limitation of each game, because not every great platformer is right for every player.
Top Platformer Games at a Glance
The table below compares each game by its strongest quality, style, difficulty, and main platforms. Platform availability was checked in July 2026, but regional stores and subscription access may differ.
Quick comparison of the best platformer games to play in 2026:
| Game | Best for | Style | Difficulty | Main platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Most players | 2D side-scroller | Easy–moderate | Switch, Switch 2 |
| ASTRO BOT | Inventive 3D stages | 3D platformer | Easy–moderate | PS5 |
| Celeste | Precise movement | 2D precision | Hard, adjustable | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Open exploration | 3D collectathon | Easy–moderate | Switch |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Destructible exploration | 3D action-platformer | Moderate | Switch 2 |
| Rayman Legends | Local multiplayer | 2D side-scroller | Moderate | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Fluid exploration | 2D platform-adventure | Moderate–hard | PC, Switch, Xbox |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | Carefully built levels | 2D side-scroller | Moderate–hard | Switch |
| It Takes Two | Two-player co-op | 3D platform adventure | Moderate | PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | Combat and traversal | 2.5D Metroidvania | Moderate–hard | PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile |
| Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Relaxed exploration | Puzzle-platformer | Easy | Switch 2 |
| Sackboy: A Big Adventure | Family co-op | 3D level-based | Easy–moderate | PC, PS4, PS5 |
| Psychonauts 2 | Story and creativity | 3D platform adventure | Moderate | PC, PS4, Xbox |
| Sonic Mania | Speed and replay | Retro-inspired 2D | Moderate | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time | Demanding stages | Linear 3D platformer | Hard | PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Pizza Tower | Fast movement and scoring | 2D indie platformer | Moderate–hard | PC, Switch |
| INSIDE | Atmospheric puzzles | 2.5D puzzle-platformer | Moderate | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS |
| Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | Retro action | 2D action-platformer | Moderate–hard | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series | Approachable 2.5D play | 2.5D platformer | Easy–moderate | PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Super Mario World | A playable classic | 2D side-scroller | Moderate | Switch and Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online |
I considered movement and controls, level design, originality, difficulty balance, replay value, accessibility, current availability, influence, and how well each game has aged.
The order is not a scientific score. A demanding precision game and a relaxed cooperative adventure serve very different players. These are editorial recommendations based on what each game offers, not a claim that I completed every challenge or tested every available port.
Best Platformer Games to Play in 2026
Platformers now cover many different styles, from precise 2D challenges to open 3D exploration, puzzle-platformers, and cooperative adventures. If you are new to the platformer genre, our complete genre guide explains how platformers differ from action, puzzle, adventure, and other game types.
1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Best for: A first modern platformer
- Type: 2D side-scrolling platformer
- Main platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
This is my safest recommendation for most players. The basic movement is easy to understand, but Wonder Flowers constantly change the rules of a stage. Gravity may shift, pipes may begin moving, or a familiar run may suddenly become a timed event.
Badges provide different movement options, while characters such as Yoshi and Nabbit reduce the pressure for beginners. The Switch 2 Edition also adds new content and multiplayer activities. Experienced players may find the main path forgiving, but optional goals offer more demanding tests.
2. ASTRO BOT
- Best for: Inventive 3D stages
- Type: 3D platformer
- Main platform: PlayStation 5
ASTRO BOT builds short stages around tactile powers, visual surprises, and mechanics that rarely stay long enough to become repetitive. It is easy to enjoy in short sessions, but secret levels give experienced players something sharper to master.
I would recommend it to PS5 owners who want joyful movement without a large open world or complicated progression system. Its biggest weakness is simple: it remains tied to one console.
3. Celeste
- Best for: Difficult but learnable precision platforming
- Type: 2D precision platformer
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Celeste creates remarkable depth from running, climbing, jumping, and one air dash. Its rooms are compact, failures restart quickly, and each obstacle teaches a movement idea that becomes useful later.
Assist Mode can slow the game and reduce punishment, so the main story is more approachable than its reputation suggests. Optional B-Sides and later stages are far more severe. I recommend the campaign widely, but full completion is only for players who enjoy repeated practice.
4. Super Mario Odyssey
- Best for: Free-form 3D exploration
- Type: 3D collectathon
- Main platform: Nintendo Switch
Odyssey rewards curiosity more than perfect execution. Mario's cap throw expands his movement, while the capture system lets him temporarily use the abilities of enemies and objects.
A strange rooftop, distant ledge, or unusual landmark often hides a reward. That makes it one of the easiest 3D platformers to explore for hours. Players who prefer tightly ordered stages may find its many small collectibles less satisfying than a focused level sequence.
5. Donkey Kong Bananza
- Best for: Destruction-driven exploration
- Type: 3D action-platformer
- Main platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Bananza stands out because the environment becomes part of the move set. Donkey Kong can smash through terrain, dig toward hidden areas, and create routes rather than simply following a fixed trail of platforms.
I would choose it for players who enjoy discovery, physical interaction, and a little chaos. The destruction can feel less exact than a traditional obstacle course, and occasional camera or performance issues may bother players who value perfect technical consistency.
6. Rayman Legends
- Best for: Energetic local multiplayer
- Type: 2D side-scrolling platformer
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Rayman Legends moves through stealth sections, vertical air currents, underwater routes, and musical levels where jumps match the rhythm. Rayman's glide and generous hang time make movement expressive without becoming difficult to read.
Up to four local players can join, which makes it one of my strongest recommendations for a group. More players also create more screen chaos, and the story is forgettable. The changing level ideas remain the real reason to play.
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Best for: Fluid movement in an interconnected world
- Type: 2D platform-adventure and Metroidvania
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Ori connects dashes, wall movement, launches, and enemy-assisted leaps into long, flowing routes. New abilities open previously blocked paths, giving the game more exploration and progression than a traditional stage-based platformer.
It is a strong choice for players who want movement, combat, and discovery in one game. Escape sequences can create sudden difficulty spikes, and anyone seeking pure run-and-jump stages should know that this is closer to a Metroidvania.
8. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- Best for: Carefully staged 2D levels
- Type: 2D side-scrolling platformer
- Main platform: Nintendo Switch
Tropical Freeze develops each level around a clear idea. Mine carts, moving scenery, camera shifts, collapsing structures, and animal partners change the rhythm without making the route impossible to read.
Donkey Kong's momentum takes time to understand, and the standard difficulty can be demanding. Funky Mode offers a more forgiving route. I would recommend it to players who value authored level design more than open exploration.
9. It Takes Two
- Best for: A dedicated two-player experience
- Type: Cooperative 3D platform adventure
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox
Each area gives both players different tools, then asks them to coordinate movement, puzzles, or combat. The mechanics change frequently, so the campaign avoids relying on one repeated co-op idea.
Friend's Pass allows an online partner to join when one player owns the game. However, it cannot be played alone. The relationship-focused story may also feel more dramatic than some pairs expect from a colorful co-op platformer.
10. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Best for: Acrobatic movement mixed with combat
- Type: 2.5D action-platformer and Metroidvania
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile
The Lost Crown combines air dashes, wall jumps, time powers, traps, parries, and fast sword combat. Its map supports exploration, while memory markers help players remember routes that cannot yet be opened.
I would pick it for someone who wants platforming to share the stage with bosses, upgrades, and combat. Players seeking linear jumping challenges may find that backtracking and fighting take up more time than they want.
11. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
- Best for: Relaxed exploration and younger players
- Type: 2D puzzle-platformer
- Main platform: Nintendo Switch 2
This is the most relaxed recommendation on the list. It focuses on exploring illustrated environments, observing creatures, solving light puzzles, and discovering hidden collectibles rather than testing exact movement.
I would recommend it to families or players who want a gentle platforming game without constant failure. Experienced players may find the difficulty too low, and the repeated exploration structure will not satisfy anyone looking for high-speed action.
12. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Best for: Family-friendly cooperative play
- Type: Level-based 3D platformer
- Main platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
Sackboy uses fixed-perspective stages, material-based obstacles, musical levels, and cooperative challenges that work well with up to four players. The early campaign is gentle, while later optional trials demand more exact movement.
It is easy to recommend for families and mixed-skill groups. Its movement is less flexible than Mario or Celeste, so solo players who value advanced techniques may find the controls slightly restrained.
13. Psychonauts 2
- Best for: Story-led platforming and unusual settings
- Type: 3D platform adventure
- Main platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox
Psychonauts 2 turns the minds of different characters into themed stages. Psychic powers support traversal, puzzles, and combat, while the environments reveal details about each character's fears and memories.
I recommend it more for its writing and imaginative places than for pure platforming difficulty. Combat occasionally slows the pace, and players who only want demanding jumps may find the story sections too prominent.
14. Sonic Mania
- Best for: Speed, route learning, and replay
- Type: Retro-inspired 2D platformer
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Sonic Mania works because its stages support both quick reactions and repeated route discovery. Momentum, slopes, springs, and character abilities create several possible paths through each zone.
It preserves Sonic's unusual physics instead of turning the game into a standard platformer with faster running. That also creates its main limitation: first attempts can feel messy when speed sends you into hazards you could not yet see.
15. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
- Best for: Dense and demanding stages
- Type: Linear 3D platformer
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox
Crash 4 builds long obstacle sequences around phase-shifting platforms, altered gravity, time control, and alternate characters. Modern Mode removes limited lives, making normal progress less punishing than older Crash games.
The campaign is easier to recommend than the completionist route. Hidden crates, long stages, and strict perfection requirements can become exhausting for players who feel compelled to collect everything.
16. Pizza Tower
- Best for: Fast movement and score attacks
- Type: 2D indie platformer
- Main platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch
Pizza Tower encourages players to build momentum, smash through obstacles, and learn fast routes. Each level eventually reverses into a frantic escape, while higher rankings reward players who preserve speed and avoid mistakes.
I would recommend it to anyone who finds careful precision platformers too slow. Its loud animation and deliberate visual chaos are part of its identity, but they can also make the action harder to read.
17. INSIDE
- Best for: Atmospheric environmental puzzles
- Type: 2.5D puzzle-platformer
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and iOS
INSIDE uses simple movement, physical puzzles, stealth, and wordless staging to create tension. It is short and carefully paced, making it a strong choice for players who want a focused experience without large maps or collectible lists.
The platforming is intentionally basic, so this is not the right choice for movement mastery. Its unsettling imagery and dark tone also make it unsuitable for anyone looking for a cheerful or relaxing game.
18. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
- Best for: Retro action with substantial variety
- Type: 2D action-platformer collection
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Treasure Trove contains several campaigns with different movement and combat systems rather than simple character swaps. The original campaign mixes shovel bouncing, compact levels, secrets, bosses, and readable retro-inspired design.
Knockback and bottomless pits can feel intentionally old-fashioned. Frequent checkpoints reduce the frustration, making this a better introduction to retro action-platforming than many actual games from the 8-bit era.
19. KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series
- Best for: A gentler and less obvious classic
- Type: 2.5D platformer collection
- Main platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox
Klonoa follows a 2D path through 3D environments. Captured enemies can be thrown as projectiles or used to create an extra jump, supporting puzzles, secrets, and simple but satisfying platforming.
Adjustable difficulty makes the two-game collection welcoming to newcomers. Movement is less flexible than in modern platformers, and the stages are mostly linear. I still think its clear rhythm makes it worth recommending.
20. Super Mario World
- Best for: A classic that still teaches through play
- Type: 2D side-scrolling platformer
- Main platforms: Switch and Switch 2 through Nintendo Switch Online
Super Mario World remains easy to understand because enemies, blocks, secret exits, and movement possibilities are introduced through the levels instead of long tutorials. Yoshi and the cape add expressive movement without overloading the controls.
It lacks modern accessibility settings, but the Nintendo Classics version provides save states and rewind. Access also requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. For players curious about the foundations of modern platforming, it remains one of the easiest classics to recommend.
Best Platformer Games by Player Type
Recommended starting platform games for different platformer players:
| Player type | Best starting choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Clear controls, forgiving characters, and optional challenges |
| Precision fan | Celeste | Exact movement, fast restarts, and deep optional stages |
| Co-op pair | It Takes Two | Designed entirely around two-player coordination |
| Local group | Rayman Legends | Fast and varied stages for up to four local players |
| Explorer | Super Mario Odyssey | Open-ended movement and frequent discoveries |
| Relaxed player | Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Low-pressure exploration with light puzzles |
| 3D platformer fan | ASTRO BOT | Focused stages with constantly changing mechanics |
| Puzzle-platformer fan | INSIDE | Concise environmental puzzles and strong pacing |
| Retro fan | Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | Classic structure with several distinct campaigns |
| Classic-curious player | Super Mario World | Influential level design with convenient modern tools |
How to Choose the Right Platformer Game
Choose Between 2D and 3D Movement
Choose a 2D platformer when you want a clear side view and tightly measured jumps. Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Celeste, and Tropical Freeze are good examples. If this style inspires you to build something, read our beginner guide on how to make 2D games.
Choose a 3D platformer when you prefer spatial exploration, hidden areas, and more freedom in how you approach an objective. Odyssey, ASTRO BOT, and Bananza are stronger choices.
Decide How Much Difficulty You Want
Wonder, Yoshi, Sackboy, and KLONOA provide gentler introductions. Celeste, Crash 4, Tropical Freeze, and high-rank Pizza Tower runs require more practice and precision.
Choose Linear Levels or Open Exploration
Rayman Legends and Tropical Freeze guide you through carefully authored stages. Odyssey and Bananza reward wandering. Ori and The Lost Crown combine platforming with interconnected maps, upgrades, combat, and backtracking.
Check the Multiplayer Requirements
It Takes Two requires two players. Rayman Legends and Sackboy work alone but become more playful in local co-op. ASTRO BOT, Celeste, Wonder, and Pizza Tower are easier to enjoy in short solo sessions.
Curious about how jumping, gravity, and collision work behind the scenes? SoonLab also has a separate guide showing how to make your own platformer in Scratch . That guide focuses on game creation, while this article remains focused on games worth playing.
How to Create Your Own Platformer Game
You can use SoonLab to turn a simple platformer idea into a playable browser game without writing code.
STEP 1 Describe Your Platformer
Explain the character, movement, platforms, hazards, goal, and win condition. Start with one short level when you make a platformer game .
STEP 2 Generate and Play
Enter your prompt into SoonLab and generate a playable version. Test the controls, jump height, platform spacing, and level goal directly in your browser.
Turn your idea into aplayable game
Describe the game you want to make, and SoonLab will help you start building it.
STEP 3 Edit and Share
Use follow-up prompts to change the difficulty, obstacles, enemies, checkpoints, or visual style. The platformer game maker lets you playtest each update and share the finished game online.
You can try out the platformer that I created using SoonLab in just 10 minutes:
FAQs
What is considered the best platformer game of all time?
There is no single answer for every player. Super Mario World remains an influential and highly playable 2D classic, while Super Mario Odyssey is one of the strongest choices for open 3D platforming. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the safest modern recommendation for new players.
What are the best platformer games for beginners?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, ASTRO BOT, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series are good starting points. They teach movement clearly and do not require severe precision to make progress.
What are the best 2D platformer games?
Choose Celeste for precision, Rayman Legends for local co-op, Tropical Freeze for level design, Super Mario Bros. Wonder for accessibility, and Sonic Mania for momentum and route learning.
What are the best 3D platformer games?
ASTRO BOT is strongest for focused stages, Super Mario Odyssey for open exploration, and Donkey Kong Bananza for destructible environments. Sackboy is a better choice when family-friendly co-op matters.
Which platformer games are the hardest?
Celeste's optional stages, Crash Bandicoot 4's completion goals, and high-ranking Pizza Tower runs require the most precision on this list. Tropical Freeze can also be demanding in its standard mode.
Are platformer games still popular in 2026?
Yes. Modern releases and updated editions continue to appear alongside indie games, remasters, and subscription-based classics. The genre now includes 2D, 3D, co-op, puzzle, precision, exploration, and action-focused experiences.
What platformer game should I play first?
Start with Super Mario Bros. Wonder for an approachable 2D game, ASTRO BOT for creative 3D levels, Celeste for precise movement, or It Takes Two when you have a co-op partner. Your available hardware and preferred difficulty matter more than any universal ranking.
Conclusion
I would not declare one platformer perfect for everyone. Start with Super Mario Bros. Wonder if you want an inviting modern 2D game, ASTRO BOT for inventive 3D stages, Celeste for precision and challenge, or It Takes Two when you have a co-op partner.
The best choice is the game whose movement, level structure, and difficulty make you want to attempt one more stage.