Best Platformers on Steam: Unlock Hidden Gems and Epic Adventures

In a world where platformers reign supreme, Steam stands as the grand marketplace of pixelated dreams. Gamers everywhere are jumping, dashing, and wall-running their way through vibrant landscapes, all while trying to avoid the dreaded pit of despair—or just a really annoying spike trap. With a plethora of choices, finding the best platformers can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, or worse, a rogue mushroom in a sea of Goombas.

Fear not, platforming enthusiasts! This guide dives into the crème de la crème of Steam’s platforming gems. Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunner or a casual explorer, there’s something here to tickle your fancy and keep your thumbs on high alert. Get ready to leap into adventure with titles that promise to challenge your skills and tickle your funny bone. Let’s find that perfect game that’ll have you saying, “Just one more level!” for hours on end.

Best Platformers On Steam

Steam offers an impressive range of platformers that capture the essence of fun and challenge. Celeste stands out with its tight controls and poignant storytelling. Players navigate through challenging levels, tackling both platforming mechanics and personal narratives. Hollow Knight combines exploration, combat, and platforming in an expansive underworld filled with distinct characters and rich lore. The stunning hand-drawn visuals enhance the immersive experience.

Shovel Knight pays homage to classic platformers while introducing modern design elements. Gamers appreciate its engaging gameplay and charming pixel art style. Ori and the Blind Forest captivates with its breathtaking graphics and emotional storytelling, offering a platforming experience that is both touching and challenging. Players find joy in the beautifully crafted world as they solve puzzles and discover secrets.

Katana ZERO features a unique blend of fast-paced action and clever platforming. Players engage in time manipulation abilities as they navigate through intricately designed levels. Super Meat Boy delivers a hardcore platforming challenge, with quick resets and precise controls promising endless entertainment. The quirky humor and diverse level designs keep gamers engaged.

Cuphead brings its distinctive 1930s-style animation into the platforming genre, presenting a blend of challenging gameplay and memorable boss battles. Many players enjoy its cooperative multiplayer mode, making it enjoyable for friends. Each title on this list demonstrates the diversity and creativity present in platformers available on Steam, ensuring captivating experiences for all types of gamers.

Top 5 Platformers You Should Play

Discover thrilling platformers that captivate and challenge players. Each title on this list promises engaging gameplay and memorable experiences.

Game One Overview

“Celeste” stands out with its precise controls and a touching narrative that tackles themes of mental health. Players climb a mountain, facing challenging levels filled with clever mechanics. The game’s pixel art style enhances its charm, while the soundtrack boosts emotional depth. Collecting strawberries and hidden gems adds an extra layer of exploration, making each run unique.

Game Two Overview

“Hollow Knight” enriches the platforming genre through its vast, interconnected world. Setting out as a silent knight, players traverse beautifully eerie landscapes teeming with intricate enemies. Meticulous map design allows exploration and discovery, rewarding players with abilities that open new pathways. The atmospheric sound design and hand-drawn visuals draw players deeper into its enchanting, dark universe.

Game Three Overview

“Shovel Knight” pays tribute to classic 8-bit platformers while introducing modern mechanics. As players assume the role of a knight wielding a shovel, they navigate through creatively designed levels. Engaging in platforming challenges and battling quirky bosses remains a highlight. The charming pixel art and catchy chiptune soundtrack evoke nostalgia while appealing to new players.

Game Four Overview

“Ori and the Blind Forest” captivates with stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. Players embark on a journey through a vibrant forest filled with life and danger. Fluid movement mechanics allow for expressive platforming, while puzzles challenge players’ problem-solving skills. The hand-painted artwork combined with a hauntingly beautiful score creates a totally immersive experience.

Game Five Overview

“Katana ZERO” offers a unique blend of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay. Players control a samurai assassin navigating levels with precision and style. Time manipulation mechanics enable thrilling combat sequences, allowing players to plan moves and avoid danger. The neo-noir style and intriguing storyline enhance the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Hidden Gems in the Platforming Genre

Several hidden gems await discovery among the platforming titles on Steam. These games provide unique experiences that can captivate any player.

Indie Titles Worth Checking Out

“Celeste,” although popular, sits alongside indie titles like “A Short Hike” and “Yoku’s Island Express.” Both games offer distinct gameplay mechanics that enhance the exploring you do in charming worlds. “A Short Hike” encourages exploration and relaxation as players hike, climb, and glide through a beautiful island. “Yoku’s Island Express” combines platforming with pinball mechanics, creating engaging puzzles that challenge players in innovative ways. Each indie title brings originality and creativity, ensuring memorable gaming experiences.

Lesser-Known Classics

Players searching for lesser-known classics might enjoy “Dustforce” and “VVVVVV.” “Dustforce” focuses on precision platforming, allowing players to master their movement while cleaning up various environments. The art style and soundtrack further enhance its unique appeal. Alternatively, “VVVVVV” features a minimalist design but offers deep, challenging gameplay with gravity-defying mechanics. Both games stand the test of time, earning their place among the classics despite being overshadowed by larger titles.

Features That Make Platformers Great

Platformers feature distinct elements that elevate the gaming experience. Engaging level design and unique mechanics are pivotal aspects that contribute to their appeal.

Engaging Level Design

Level design captivates players by offering intricate environments filled with challenges. Designers incorporate verticality, platforms, and obstacles to create engaging pathways. Players navigate these landscapes while discovering secrets and shortcuts, heightening their sense of achievement. Well-crafted levels often lead to varied gameplay experiences, where players encounter distinct challenges that require different strategies. Dynamic backgrounds enhance the artistic feel, immersing players within the game world. Frequent updates and expansions maintain interest, keeping the gameplay fresh over time.

Unique Mechanics

The platforming genre on Steam offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all types of gamers. With a mix of critically acclaimed titles and hidden gems there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each game brings its own unique mechanics and engaging level designs that challenge players while providing hours of entertainment.

Whether it’s the emotional journey of “Celeste” or the nostalgic charm of “Shovel Knight” players are bound to find captivating adventures that resonate with them. The diversity within the platforming genre ensures that gamers will always have new worlds to explore and challenges to conquer. It’s time to jump into these thrilling experiences and discover the best platformers Steam has to offer.