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.
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 June 15th 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 415,946 reviews of which 403,641 were positive and 12,305 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 5,918 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 186,835 reviews of which 179,894 were positive and 6,941 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 2,205 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 433,510 reviews of which 427,835 were positive and 5,675 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. While seeing 1,776 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 53,138 reviews of which 48,180 were positive and 4,958 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,201 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played platformer games.5. Caveman World: Mountains of Unga Boonga
Caveman World: Mountains of Unga Boonga is a retro inspired platformer adventure game set in fantasy prehistoric time. You play as a Caveman, exploring various levels and overcoming physical obstacles. Levels become increasingly more difficult as you encounter enemies, obstacles, traps and more! Caveman World: Mountains of Unga Boonga is a casual, indie and adventure game developed by GrabTheGames Studios and published by GrabTheGames. Released on April 26th 2016 has received 708 reviews of which 492 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 1,000 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played platformer games.6. 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 48,300 reviews of which 46,319 were positive and 1,981 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 427 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played platformer games.7. 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 136,690 reviews of which 131,989 were positive and 4,701 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 416 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played platformer games.8. 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 66,979 reviews of which 63,788 were positive and 3,191 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 413 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played platformer games.9. Super Meat Boy
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)! Super Meat Boy is a precision platformer, platformer and difficult game developed by Team Meat and published by . Released on November 30th 2010 has received 35,494 reviews of which 33,571 were positive and 1,923 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 364 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played platformer games.10. 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 20,485 reviews of which 19,062 were positive and 1,423 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 322 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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted platformer games.
1. 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 640 reviews of which 611 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for platformer category.2. 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 793 reviews of which 639 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in platformer games.3. 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! No Time To Explain Remastered is a indie, action and adventure game developed and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 17th 2015 has received 2,500 reviews of which 1,972 were positive and 528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in platformer games.4. Ultros
ULTROS is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play... Ultros is a metroidvania, adventure and platformer game developed by Hadoque and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 744 reviews of which 594 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for platformer games.5. 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 1,632 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for platformer games.6. 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 indie, action and adventure game developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode. Released on September 13th 2022 has received 543 reviews of which 359 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for platformer games.7. 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 4,824 reviews of which 4,640 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for platformer games.8. 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 7,581 reviews of which 7,243 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for platformer games.9. Tiny and Big: Grandpa's Leftovers
You are Tiny, a nerdy inventor, who tries to reclaim his most beloved possession - Grandpa's underpants! Tiny and Big: Grandpa's Leftovers is a indie, physics and platformer game developed and published by Black Pants Studio. Released on June 19th 2012 has received 4,111 reviews of which 3,766 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for platformer games.10. My Memory of Us
My Memory of Us is a moving fairy tale about friendship and hope in the darkest moments of our times. Enter a hand-crafted, gorgeously animated 2D world full of adventure, exploration, stealth and puzzles. Meet the kids brought up in different worlds and help them survive during times of occupation. My Memory of Us is a relaxing, action and world war ii game developed by Juggler Games and published by IMGN.PRO. Released on October 09th 2018 has received 876 reviews of which 809 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% 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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play platformer games.