Best Platformer games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated platformer games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free platformer games are available at the bottom of the page.
Airscape - The Fall of Gravity
Airscape is a fast-paced, ultra-challenging 60 level action platformer. You play a deep-sea octopus, kidnapped by a mechanical alien race. Jump, dodge, and swim through a skybound environment full of floating islands, water formations, and robotic terrors.Shadow Blade: Reload
Shadow Blade is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow!INK
INK is a fast-paced platformer about using colorful paint to uncover your surroundings. Defeat all enemies in the room and reach the goal! However, the terrain is invisible, so you need to discover the terrain by physically bumping into it, by performing a double jump or by, well, dying.PixelJunk™ Nom Nom Galaxy
Welcome to SoupCo, Astroworker! In Nom Nom Galaxy, construct and automate gigantic soup factories on unexplored planets throughout the universe, harvest flora and fauna to turn them into artisanal soups, and rocket your product into the gullets of the galaxy!The Swindle
The Swindle is a steampunk cybercrime caper about breaking into buildings, hacking their systems, stealing all their cash, and quickly running away again before the police show up.Legend of Kay Anniversary
10 years after its initial release, Legend of Kay - Anniversary is a thoroughly remastered version of the original game: high-resolution textures; new, more detailed character models; modern rendering techniques and crystal-clear surround sound give this great classic a new shine.TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT
Shell City is plunged into a state of emergency after coming under attack from the devastating forces of PHANTOM. As the National Army struggle to contain the terrifying war machines, they call upon the only thing that stands between Shell City’s obliteration and its salvation; the peanut chompin’, villain stompin’, TEMBO THE BADASS...Super Hipster Lumberjack
You can't beat this game!!! Noah attempts to make a game for the first time. He then gets trapped in his own creation.No Time To Explain Remastered
"I Am You From The Future! No Time To Explain, Follow m-OH CHRIST!" Chase your future self through time and alternate realities while fighting giant monsters, collecting hats, and eating cake! No Time To Explain Remastered is the remake of tinyBuild's debut game. Now with multiplayer!Odallus: The Dark Call
The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.Super Cyborg
Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!Marble Mayhem: Fragile Ball
Devilishly difficult but insanely rewarding physics puzzler. Play through 85 levels of diverse and ingenious physics-based challenges.The Adventures of Mr. Bobley
The Adventures of Mr. Bobley is a 3d platformer adventure game featuring physics based puzzles and challenges that also require you to drive vehicles and operate heavy machinery. Set at a skyscraper construction site. The game is all about physics and interaction with the environment.METAL SLUG
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!Super Chibi Knight
The Kingdom of Oukoku is threatened by the spicy influence of General Tso. Citizens have placed their hope in a small knight who fits the requirements of ancient legends. Which path will the Chibi Knight choose...Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio
Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio is an exciting, fast-paced action game.Help Tcheco the Adventure Boy to leave a mysterious castle full of deadly creatures! Be ready for a big challenge, full of nonsense humor and retro goodness.Tap Heroes
Welcome to the first puppet show RPG! Participate in battling a ton of foes, buy new upgrades, cast magic and recruit new Heroes. Or just sit back and enjoy the show as your Heroes fight on their own while you watch or do other things.Spooky Cats
Oh no! This cute little kitty cat is alone and lost in a haunted house! Only by collecting pennies and defeating monsters can she find the way out! Use your fast fingers to defeat this adorably dark and funny platform game.Alter World
Inspired by Stephen King’s book - “The Dark Tower”, Alter World is a 2D platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics. Player can pass on an alternative universe anytime and use an alternative realms to move to another level. Levels are unique, with puzzles. player will have to react quickly and assess when to move between the Worlds.BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition
With BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition, experience the multi-award-winning action adventure like never before - redesigned for Steam.Platformer games are a beloved genre in the gaming world, known for their engaging gameplay that often involves jumping, climbing, and navigating through various levels. These games challenge players' reflexes and problem-solving skills, making them a favorite among casual and hardcore gamers alike. On Steam, platformers have a huge following, thanks to their diverse styles and creative designs. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic 2D experience or a modern 3D adventure, there's something for everyone!
What Makes a Great Platformer?
Level Design
Well-crafted levels that offer a mix of challenges and exploration keep players engaged. Look for games that introduce new mechanics as you progress.
Controls
Smooth and responsive controls are crucial. Players should feel in control of their character, making jumps and maneuvers satisfying.
Story and Characters
A compelling story or memorable characters can enhance the experience, drawing players into the game world.
Graphics and Art Style
Unique visuals can make a platformer stand out. Whether it's pixel art or stunning 3D graphics, the art style contributes to the overall vibe of the game.
Player feedback and reviews play a significant role in determining the best platformers. Games with high ratings and positive reviews often indicate a quality experience.
How to Find More Platformer Games
You can use the categories and filters to narrow down your search. Look for tags like "2D Platformer" or "Puzzle-Platformer" to find games that suit your taste. You can also sort by popularity to see which games are currently popular among players.
What are the best platformer games for beginners?
If you're new to platformers, consider starting with games like INSIDE or Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. These titles offer accessible gameplay and are designed to be fun for players of all skill levels.
What are the differences between 2D and 3D platformers?
2D platformers typically feature side-scrolling gameplay, focusing on jumping and dodging obstacles in a flat environment. Examples include Celeste and Katana ZERO. In contrast, 3D platformers, like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk allow for more exploration in a three-dimensional space, often incorporating puzzles and open-world elements.
Can I play platformer games with friends?
Absolutely! Many platformers offer multiplayer modes. Games like Cuphead and Broforce allow you to team up with friends for cooperative play, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Don't forget to explore the platformer category on our site to discover even more amazing titles. Check out user reviews and ratings to find the perfect game that fits your style!
Most played platformer games on Steam
Take a look at the top platformer games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 406,532 reviews of which 394,495 were positive and 12,037 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played platformer game, thanks to its 8,981 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. Cuphead
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Cuphead is a difficult, cartoon and co-op game developed and published by Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.. Released on September 29th 2017 has received 182,333 reviews of which 175,620 were positive and 6,713 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 2,244 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among platformer games based on player count.3. Portal 2
The "Perpetual Testing Initiative" has been expanded to allow you to design co-op puzzles for you and your friends! Portal 2 is a platformer, puzzle and first-person game developed and published by Valve. Released on April 18th 2011 has received 430,340 reviews of which 424,706 were positive and 5,634 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. While seeing 1,987 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among platformer games based on player count.4. Chained Together
From the depths of hell, climb chained to your friends through diverse worlds. Solo or co-op, try to reach the summit and discover what awaits you there... Chained Together is a co-op, adventure and casual game developed and published by Anegar Games. Released on June 19th 2024 has received 51,900 reviews of which 47,099 were positive and 4,801 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,693 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played platformer games.5. Minimalism
Minimalism - platformer with a lot of levels, made in minimalist style - which is a cube protogonist. The game is a kind of labyrinth consisting of levels, to go between them you need to open the doors with collected keys. Minimalism is a indie, casual and action game developed and published by PixelMouse. Released on February 08th 2017 has received 1,741 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 465 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 1,066 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played platformer games.6. Nine Sols
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm. Nine Sols is a metroidvania, souls-like and difficult game developed and published by RedCandleGames. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 26,322 reviews of which 25,103 were positive and 1,219 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 700 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played platformer games.7. Ultimate Chicken Horse
Ultimate Chicken Horse is a party platformer game where you build the level as you play, placing traps and hazards to screw your friends over, but trying not to screw yourself. Ultimate Chicken Horse is a multiplayer, party and funny game developed and published by Clever Endeavour Games. Released on March 04th 2016 has received 47,621 reviews of which 45,655 were positive and 1,966 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 483 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played platformer games.8. Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 builds upon the unique, randomized challenges that made the original a roguelike classic, offering a huge adventure designed to satisfy players old and new. Meet the next generation of explorers as they find themselves on the Moon, searching for treasure and missing family. Spelunky 2 is a platformer, 2d platformer and difficult game developed by Mossmouth and Blitworks and published by Mossmouth. Released on September 29th 2020 has received 20,283 reviews of which 18,867 were positive and 1,416 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 365 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played platformer games.9. Sonic Adventure 2
Experience two unique adventures featuring both long-time heroes and new and returning villains as they battle for the fate of the world! Sonic Adventure 2 is a action, great soundtrack and 3d platformer game developed and published by SEGA. Released on November 19th 2012 has received 25,068 reviews of which 22,339 were positive and 2,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 365 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played platformer games.10. BlazBlue Entropy Effect
Enjoy action-packed flashy combat with incredibly satisfying combos and responsive controls! Numerous characters, each with completely unique playstyles and loads of unlockable moves & upgrades! This action roguelike sets the bar for fluid fast-paced action. BlazBlue Entropy Effect is a action roguelike, action-adventure and 2d game developed and published by 91Act. Released on February 14th 2024 has received 29,341 reviews of which 27,875 were positive and 1,466 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 362 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played platformer games.Best deals on platformer games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of platformer games available on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted platformer games.
1. DEPLOYMENT
Deployment is an intense competitive top-down shooter game. Infosoldiers, made of pure information, fight in an endless war between governments and megacorporations to rule over the digital systems that control the world. Deploy your troops from up to five different classes! DEPLOYMENT is a action, racing and multiplayer game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on April 10th 2018 has received 789 reviews of which 636 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for platformer category.2. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 692 reviews of which 570 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in platformer games.3. Trine 2: Complete Story
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op. Trine 2: Complete Story is a puzzle-platformer, platformer and adventure game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on June 06th 2013 has received 21,624 reviews of which 20,629 were positive and 995 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in platformer games.4. Hell Pie
Hell Pie is an obscene 3D platformer that takes bad taste to the next level! Hell Pie sees you grab the horns of Nate, the ‘Demon of Bad Taste’. He is given the honorable task of gathering the disgusting ingredients for Satan’s infamous birthday pie! Hell Pie is a comedy, third person and platformer game developed by Sluggerfly and published by Headup. Released on July 21st 2022 has received 1,431 reviews of which 1,285 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for platformer games.5. New Super Lucky's Tale
Jump, burrow, and tail swipe your way to victory in this love letter to classic 3D platformers! New Super Lucky's Tale is a adventure, 3d platformer and action-adventure game developed and published by Playful Corp.. Released on August 21st 2020 has received 612 reviews of which 585 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for platformer games.6. Narita Boy
Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world! Narita Boy is a action, retro and adventure game developed by Studio Koba and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2021 has received 1,608 reviews of which 1,254 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for platformer games.7. GIGA WRECKER
Become more than human and save mankind from total annihilation! From legendary developer Game Freak comes an action adventure like no other - manipulate the world around you and smash the evil Ajeet to smithereens! GIGA WRECKER is a action, adventure and female protagonist game developed by GAME FREAK inc. and published by Rising Star Games. Released on February 06th 2017 has received 714 reviews of which 555 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for platformer games.8. Yoku's Island Express
Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure! Yoku's Island Express is a pinball, metroidvania and adventure game developed by Villa Gorilla and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on May 29th 2018 has received 4,774 reviews of which 4,589 were positive and 185 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for platformer games.9. SteamWorld Dig 2
SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a adventure, metroidvania and indie game developed and published by Image & Form Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 7,487 reviews of which 7,149 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for platformer games.10. Hue
Hue is a vibrant, award-winning puzzle-adventure, where you alter the world by changing its background colour. Hue is a indie, puzzle and adventure game developed by Fiddlesticks Games and published by Curve Games. Released on August 30th 2016 has received 10,400 reviews of which 9,619 were positive and 781 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for platformer games.Free platformer games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play platformer games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play platformer games.