Platformer games are where it all started. Who else remember playing Super Mario Bros on the console? Well, if you remember that, you aren’t that young! Jokes aside, platformer games are a fine break from the modern AAA games and really let you embrace that nostalgic feeling. A huge influence on the game market can be seen with the platformer games, so we still have some very decent games of this type. Needless to say, platformer games are very important for us gamers, so today, I’m going to give them a proper homage. The list of 22 Best Platformer Games for PC is below.
What are Platformer Games for PC?
Controlling a character through a series of multiple levels or stages that are frequently seen from a side-scrolling or 2D perspective is the main objective of platformer video games. The gameplay mechanics of “hopping” or “platforming,” which is a crucial element of many games, is where the term “platformer” comes from.
Players control a character in platformer games who must overcome numerous challenges, adversaries, and riddles in order to complete each level. The player must jump on or cross platforms with varied heights and widths in order to advance through the stages. As players must avoid stepping through dangers like spikes or pits and defeat or evade foes along the way, precise timing and coordination are essential.
Top Platformer Games for PC
For platformer game lovers, we have handpicked some of the best titles out there. Have a look at this list of the top platformer games for computers.
1. Cuphead
When Cuphead came out, it took the gaming community by storm. Who would expect such a good game from a small development team of just a couple of people? Well, look at that game now. It has everything you need from a serious platformer game, and it’s downright challenging! This run-and-gun platformer is about Cuphead who has the ability to shoot bullets out of his finger in order to kill the enemies and bosses. There is a lot of platforming here and the game requires you to be patient, but also react quickly. The best of all is that it supports co-op play, so your friend can jump at any moment.
2. Getting Over It
These days the internet went crazy with this game. What the hell is Getting Over It? Is it some sort of movie, a motivational speech or a very challenging game? You wouldn’t guess, but it’s a game. Getting Over It is developed by Bennett Foddy, and this lad is here to make your life harder and so frustrating that you’ll go crazy with this game. It’s about climbing a huge, messy mountain with your hammer as your lower body is trapped in a huge cooking bowl. As he said, Bennett Foddy made the game for a certain kind of person in order to hurt them, so have it your way!
3. Spelunky
Spelunky is an old-school platforming game that resembles the setting of Super Mario, but it’s quite different. In this 2D game for PC, you are a spelunker, a person that digs deep to find treasure. Of course, it isn’t all milk and honey down there and our hero will face some problems. These problems are usually the platforming sections and haunting monsters trying to prevent him from collecting his reward and save the princess. Spelunky is a game of thinking and patient playstyle that’s highly rewarding.
4. Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja is a masterpiece when it comes to the PC stealth genre. This epic game set some bars when it was released, in terms of gameplay, graphics, and story-telling. Mark of the Ninja is a story about a ninja, who is on a path to vengeance as he sneaks and fights his way through the levels. However, in this 2D game, it’s not about fighting, but carefully slipping away from your enemies unnoticed. The lower the chaos, the better rewards. Are you ready to leave your mark?
5. Icy Tower
Oh, how good those times were when I was a careless child playing Icy Tower and complaining about how I could finish it! Truth be told, Icy Tower is an endless climbing game where you just need to climb, climb, climb and… well, climb! Back in the days, Icy Tower was the shit. This game took everyone by surprise and every one of my friends played it. It’s so crazy, and jumping from one platform to another leaves you with a big feeling of satisfaction. As you climb higher, the platforms start to change and it was so much fun back in the day.
6. Super Mario XP
Super Mario XP makes this list complete. I could literally stop here and tell you to go and play Super Mario, even if you played it for dozens of time. I’m done, go play it. Bye. Just kidding, Super Mario XP is a game that needs no special introduction. This Italian mustache dude with a hat is more badass than you’ll ever be and he is on his way to save the princess. Oh, you princess you make our lives so hard! Super Mario XP is a fan-developed game, and the best of all is that it’s free for you to play! Download it, you won’t regret it!
7. Inside
I’ve always impressed with how well Inside looked. I mean, the game isn’t colorful and it doesn’t offer amazing godrays and graphics. However, Inside manages to drag you into its world the second you start playing it. Inside eats, breathes and shits the depression and despair as you overcome various obstacles in order to complete the game. Strange things are happening, and you are just a little boy who must proceed in order to survive. Inside is very cheap, yet provides hours of fun and intense gameplay.
8. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is another 2D game that shines like a sun. I would say diamond, but diamonds don’t shine- they reflect! This Metroidvania action-platformer came out this year and it’s a refreshing, colorful and old-school action game. The game is very hard to beat, especially if you are new to this type of games. The fact that there aren’t checkpoints is even more terrifying and you’ll be on your own as you fight to live another day. I wish you luck in this game. You’ll need it.
9. Shovel Knight
A tribute to the classic 8-bit platform games is Shovel Knight. In this retro-inspired game, you play as the valiant Shovel Knight, a warrior with a sturdy shovel as a weapon. Your quest aims to defeat the evil Enchantress and rescue your mate. The game is a pleasure to play thanks to its precise controls, appealing pixel art graphics, and fun blend of platforming, action, and puzzle-solving. Shovel Knight’s nostalgic appeal and superb level design make for a pleasant experience with endearing characters and challenging gameplay.
10. Hollow Knight
Much like Dead Cells, Hollow Knight is another 2D fighting game that’s very immersive and beautiful-looking. Released in February of 2017, Hollow Knight has a modern, yet very old-school feeling to it due to its cartoonish artwork and gameplay. It’s a very simple game when it comes to combat, but you’ll sweat your palms a little bit, to finish it. It’s about exploring caves, fight terrifying monsters and be an ultimate and fearless Hollow Knight. Let’s slash some heads!
11. Celeste
A critically regarded independent platformer called Celeste combines precise controls, difficult gameplay, and an intensely individualized story. You take on the role of Madeline, a young girl who decides to ascend Celeste Mountain while battling her inner demons. The game’s sophisticated platforming mechanics call for cunning and perseverance to succeed.
It also examines issues related to mental health and self-discovery, which makes it a profoundly moving experience. Celeste is a must-play for fans of tough and emotionally stirring platformers because of its pixel art aesthetic, endearing characters, and richness of undiscovered secrets.
12. Portal 2
When you think about platformer games, you probably think about 2D games where you jump over various obstacles or on moving platforms. These games are very interesting and engaging, but what about first-person platformers? Well, Portal 2 is here to answer the question. This game is brilliant! It’s a combination of great platforming sequences, puzzles and amazing voice acting from the game’s characters. It’s famous for its Portal Gun usage, and this allows for shooting blue or orange portal which must be used in order to progress through the game. All in all, Portal 2 is a masterpiece and every platformer enthusiast needs to play it.
13. Mirror’s Edge
Another first-person platformer is Mirror’s Edge. Although it’s primarily an action game, Mirror’s Edge relies a lot on parkouring thus being a great example of a game with platforming elements. The game features a female protagonist called Faith and she is a runner, which means that she is very skillful when it comes to running and parkouring. The whole game is set on the tallest buildings, so if you are afraid of heights.., be prepared to be scared even more! It’s a very satisfying experience and an authentic game. Try Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst if you liked this one.
14. Limbo
Remember that game called Inside? Well, the developers of that game have one more game before Inside and it’s Limbo. If you know what Limbo is, you know it’s going to be terrifying and you are goddamn right! Limbo puts you in a role of a boy who is surviving his worst nightmares as he is in his search for his sister. It’s a brutal platformer game that features really disturbing sequences and artwork, so it isn’t for those with depression. Seriously, Limbo can suck you in its dark atmosphere really fast and scare the living hell out of you.
15. Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania will hit you with nostalgia like Muhammad Ali. Those pixelated graphics, quality sound design, and poor animations are everything you need for your platformer. I know it sounds stupid, but the game is simply a diamond. Sonic Mania recreates the feeling that everybody loved and brings back that sense of speed and fun. The gameplay is classic, landscapes are beautiful and there are even boss fights that you can participate in. Needless to say that this game is lots of fun.
16. Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug series is a very overlooked game series for consoles. I remember abusing my PlayStation as a kid so I could play my favorite game. Thankfully, our PCs will now suffer as we have Metal Slug 3. The game isn’t that beautiful nor it’s a reflection of AAA production, but it offers a smooth gameplay and lots of action. You’ll be shooting enemies and dodging bullets before you even learn how to play it! Metal Slug 3 isn’t for everyone, especially for those who aren’t shooting fans. Get in co-op with your friend and raise hell!
17. Braid
Braid is a colorful and beautifully-animated computer game that puts a focus on platforming and solving puzzles. It’s nice when you have a platformer that forces you to think about your moves and that’s very cool. Furthermore, Braid allows you to manipulate the flow of time thus solving various puzzles and getting over obstacles. The goal of the game is to save an abducted princess. Sounds cliche? I’m sure I know from which game they took the inspiration.
18. Brawlhalla
If you go to Valhalla and do some brawling isn’t it Brawlhalla? Oh, I see; clever name! Brawlhalla is an intense, epic and badass fighting game for you and your friends. And guess what? It’s free, folks! It’s a platformer fighter that boasts a varied environment, nice visuals, and very simple gameplay. Brawlhalla is made for multiplayer, so you’ll be fighting versus the other players and trying to earn a name for yourself. You are either a champion or you are dead- nothing in between! Grab this game now.
19. Starbound
I’ve always loved the games that could grab me by my hand and drag me into their world. Starbound is such game. The game relies on both pixelated graphics and pre-rendered background visuals to bring you a fantastic platformer adventure experience. Starbound is set in space and it’s about exploration, as you ship is broken and you need to get it working again. You’ll explore the planets and various places to find what you need in order to survive. It’s simple but very fun and immersive. Oh, and it’s just a couple of bucks.
20. Broforce
Broforce is an authentic game that brings back that MAME 32 feeling. Do you remember that emulator? We had tons of games like this in it. Pixelated graphics, action gameplay, and interesting characters are what you should expect from it. Broforce is a game about an overpowered paramilitary organization that kills everything that moves. No mercy and no sparing lives. Use your guns, tanks, and grenades to exterminate every enemy that stands in your way.
21. Risk of Rain
My forecast says that there is a slight risk of rain, and they are right because it’s time for Risk of Rain. The game lets you play as far as you can, so there isn’t an end. However, there is a trick and it’s called permadeath. So, if you get killed, and you will get for sure, you’ll be returned to the beginning. On top of that, the enemies spawn randomly, the bosses are very hard and the whole game is built to screw you. Are you ready for the challenge? Bring it on and let’s show them how it’s meant to be played.
22. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within was ahead of its time. This hack-and-slash adventure game combined puzzles, platforming, great story-telling and even multiple endings! Being released about 13 years ago, that was some impressive stuff right there! The soundtrack in this game rocks and the action is intense and heart-pounding. It’s a shame that this series died a long ago, but the Assassin’s Creed series took its place. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is one of the greatest games of all time. Well done, Ubisoft, you nailed it!