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.
Road to Ballhalla
Roll and be trolled on your journey to the legendary place called Ballhalla. Follow the beat to overcome deadly hazards in sync with the music. Style your balls and marble at awful puns in the roll playing game of the year!Headlander
Launch into the ultimate head trip as you blast through psychotic robots in a retro 70's sci-fi action adventure from Double Fine Productions. It is a world of automation, a utopia gone wrong in which all of humanity have transferred their minds into robotic imposter bodies and are ruled by a computer.Cats are Liquid - A Light in the Shadows
A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.Gravity Cat
Gravity Cat - it's a puzzle-platformer. You play as a cat who has an ability to change the gravity.Hiiro
Hiiro is a 2D platform game focused on ambient exploration and puzzle solving. Discover a grand world filled with mysterious artifacts and forgotten ruins. Become immersed in relaxing gameplay and meditative music. Remain observant as you unravel an explanation for your solitude.Song of the Deep
From the creators of Ratchet & Clank, Song of the Deep is a metroidvania-style action-adventure game following a young girl’s quest into the unknown to find her missing father. It combines underwater discovery, skill, and suspense with a powerful story.Tomato Jones
It’s just a red tomato wearing a silly hat. He tries to look like a cool tomb raider, rolling and jumping across the maps. Help him find all the treasures in the mystic castle, or watch him meet a variety of painful ends.Age of Barbarian Extended Cut
Age of Barbarian Ex is an action hack 'n 'slash game inspired to 80s, fantasy and sword-and-sorcery genre. Muscular barbarians, scantily clad girls, hordes of bloodthirsty monsters, a lot of gore, a pretty epic story and an addictive soundtrack! What's best in life?Dungeon Escape
Challenging 2D platformer with simple graphics and a great chiptune soundtrack.Dungeon of Zolthan
Dungeon of Zolthan is a casual, arcade-style metroidvania platformer where your goal is to defeat Zolthan; a powerful mage that lives inside the dungeon. Using an array of powerups and your own wit and guile, guide your character through Zolthan's Dungeon!Shadow Complex Remastered
ChAIR’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered. 10+ hrs of exploration and fast-paced combat from award-winning original game, updated with graphical enhancements, dynamic melee take-downs, and new Master Challenges.Spaceport Hope
A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.Angry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation
When a mysterious beam from space transforms the world into a game, the Angry Video Game Nerd must return to put the "ASS" in ASSimilation. Utilize new mechanics, power-ups, abilities, and collectible armor pieces to defeat your most powerful foe yet, and save the world!Jelly Killer
Jelly Killer - Retro Platformer The Adventures Of A Young Bioweapon. In this game you will act like the young bioweapon. You will encounter lots of traps and puzzles. You will have to possess human bodies to pass the game to the end. Good luck!LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias
With amazing new abilities, re-visit a land full of wonder on a new adventure in LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias - sequel to the award-winning ‘LostWinds’.Pharaoh Rebirth+
An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!Prison Run and Gun
The recent events in a state prison, involving Jake from Team Hot Guns was a perfect moment for some prisoners to escape - you are one of them.ChromaGun
Welcome to ChromaTec’s test lab! You’re here to test our state-of-the-art military-grade color-technology: The ChromaGun (patent pending)! Use it to solve our meticulously designed test chambers by painting the walls and droids. Remember how to mix colors from pre-school? Then you qualify!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 May 05th 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 409,900 reviews of which 397,764 were positive and 12,136 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 8,529 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 182,852 reviews of which 176,124 were positive and 6,728 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 2,188 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 430,909 reviews of which 425,266 were positive and 5,643 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. While seeing 1,731 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 52,324 reviews of which 47,472 were positive and 4,852 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,132 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played platformer games.5. 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 26,611 reviews of which 25,380 were positive and 1,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 561 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played platformer games.6. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,731 reviews of which 131,079 were positive and 4,652 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 554 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played platformer games.7. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a atmospheric, great soundtrack and metroidvania game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 27th 2016 has received 66,391 reviews of which 63,250 were positive and 3,141 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 534 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played platformer games.8. 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 25,169 reviews of which 22,437 were positive and 2,732 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 421 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played platformer games.9. 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 20,348 reviews of which 18,931 were positive and 1,417 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 403 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played platformer games.10. 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 47,786 reviews of which 45,813 were positive and 1,973 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 399 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 May 05th 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 792 reviews of which 638 were positive and 154 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 695 reviews of which 573 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 21,640 reviews of which 20,644 were positive and 996 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 1,445 reviews of which 1,298 were positive and 147 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. Cube Runner
Cube Runner is a 3d action platformer that's simple to learn, exciting to play, and deep enough to challenge even the greatest gamers. Cube Runner is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on December 13th 2016 has received 1,143 reviews of which 964 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for platformer games.6. 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 617 reviews of which 590 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 #6 position in the best deals for platformer games.7. 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 1,613 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 356 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 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. Blade Assault
Blade Assault is a 2D action rogue-lite platformer with beautiful pixel art set in a desolate sci-fi world. Fight against the corrupt military of Esperanza as part of the resistance force of the Undercity. Bring the corrupt to justice by becoming stronger and fighting alongside your trusty comrades. Blade Assault is a action, rogue-like and pixel graphics game developed by TeamSuneat and published by NEOWIZ. Released on January 17th 2022 has received 2,222 reviews of which 1,672 were positive and 550 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 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. Mail Time
It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure! Mail Time is a exploration, cute and platformer game developed by Kela van der Deijl and published by indie.io. Released on April 27th 2023 has received 1,363 reviews of which 1,153 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for platformer games.10. Little Orpheus
This definitive edition of the multiple-award-winning hit by master storytellers The Chinese Room is remastered for the big screen and includes all bonus content of the original. A HERO WILL EMERGE! Little Orpheus is a action, indie and adventure game developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode. Released on September 13th 2022 has received 534 reviews of which 355 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% 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 May 05th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play platformer games.