10 jumps into adrenaline: the most exciting platformers on PC

Platformers do not forgive mistakes. A genre born in the arcade era has transformed into a tool of precision and game design accuracy. It does not rely on cutscenes and special effects — only movement, rhythm, and perfect timing.

Today, the most engaging platformers on PC combine aesthetics, emotions, and control, turning every action into a micro-performance. Here, it is important not just to complete a level, but to feel it. The genre continues to evolve — and remains truly hardcore even for experienced players.

Why platformers never go out of style: juggling the genre

Jumping arcades have not lost their relevance — they have redefined themselves. The genre has remained true to its core mechanics but has adapted to new demands. Today, the most engaging platformers on PC offer a fresh perspective on familiar elements.

Pixel classics exist alongside dark, branching worlds. Dead Cells, which combines platforming and rogue-like elements, has reached 5 million copies sold. Hollow Knight, a symbol of metroidvania, has gathered over 3 million players.

Quick starts, concise gameplay, and high engagement have made the genre popular on streams. Platformers stand out, especially where every moment requires maximum concentration.

Jumping games may seem simple on the surface, but they are multilayered inside. The most engaging platformers on PC turn familiar mechanics into a vibrant and deep gaming experience. We will discuss them below.

Overview of the best platformers: TOP-10

Precise mechanics, outstanding visuals, and game design accuracy make these games the benchmark of the genre. They shape the perception of what the most engaging platformers on PC should be.

Celeste
(2018, Matt Makes Games) — a story of personal struggle wrapped in minimalist pixel art. High difficulty, great music, and emotional delivery propelled the game to the top. Over a million copies sold — a result not by chance.

Hollow Knight
(2017, Team Cherry) — a prime example of metroidvania with a deep world, dark aesthetics, and responsive controls. Over 3 million players chose it for its scale and atmosphere.

Cuphead
(2017, Studio MDHR) — hand-drawn animation in the spirit of the 30s and a crazy level of difficulty. Every battle feels like a jazz improvisation. A true challenge in a vintage wrapper.

Ori and the Blind Forest
(2015, Moon Studios) — a touching visual fairy tale with precise jumps and unique musical dramaturgy. Harmony of design and emotions at every level.

Little Nightmares II
(2021, Tarsier Studios) — a disturbing platformer with horror elements. Visual metaphors and minimalism make the game a memorable adventure.

Rayman Legends
(2013, Ubisoft Montpellier) — rhythmic levels, dynamics, and cooperative play. The visual style and mechanics maintain their standard even after years.

Shovel Knight
(2014, Yacht Club Games) — retro inspiration enhanced by modern balance and design. Nostalgia without compromise and thoughtful upgrades.

Super Meat Boy
(2010, Team Meat) — a frantic pace, instant restarts, pure hardcore. One of the most popular engaging platformers.

INSIDE
(2016, Playdead) — a tense atmosphere, a silent plot, visual narrative. The game feels like an interactive art object.

Dead Cells
(2018, Motion Twin) — a blend of rogue-like and platformer, with lively animation and constant content. Participates in tournaments and speedruns.

Each of these games is not just good. These projects have set benchmarks that the most engaging platformers on PC still refer to.

Platforming horizons: the future of the genre

While major studios focus on graphics, the most interesting platformers on PC continue to surprise with fresh ideas. The genre is actively transforming — from mechanics to narrative delivery.

Dead Cells demonstrated a successful fusion of platforming and rogue-like elements. The game feels like a living comic book, where every fight requires reaction and precision.

The indie scene sets the direction. In 2023–2024, projects like Pizza Tower and Have a Nice Death showed that a platformer can be bold, ironic, and deep. One is chaotic and bright, the other is atmospheric and metaphorical.

Cooperativeness and psychological subtext are in focus. Cooperative play, flexible difficulty, visual allusions to inner experiences — all of this drives the genre forward. Today, platformers on PC are no longer just about jumping, but about feelings and meanings.

How to choose a platformer based on your mood

Platform games vary from relaxed to hardcore. To avoid missing out, it’s worth relying on your gaming pace and mood. Below is a simple guide to help you choose the most engaging platformers on PC for your current request.

Difficulty:

• for beginners: Rayman Legends, Ori and the Blind Forest;
• for challenge lovers: Super Meat Boy, Cuphead.

Style:

• pixel art: Celeste, Dead Cells;
• hand-drawn graphics: Cuphead, Shovel Knight;
• dark tones: Little Nightmares II, INSIDE.

Pace:

• dynamic: Hollow Knight, Dead Cells;
• meditative: INSIDE, Little Nightmares II.

The genre is diverse — it’s easy to find a game to your taste, whether it’s visual style, difficulty level, or mood.

Jumped in — didn’t regret: should you try platformers

These games captivate from the first minutes. Everything here is tied to movement, timing, and precision. Right from the start, Super Meat Boy or Hollow Knight shows: every detail is honed to the microsecond.

The genre teaches you to accept mistakes. Quick restarts, challenging levels, and speed puzzles develop attention and patience. Therefore, the most engaging platformers on PC not only entertain but also train.

Celeste turns the passage into a metaphor for struggle. Cuphead challenges you. INSIDE builds atmosphere without words. Games communicate through body, rhythm, and tension.

Platformers are honest. They do not make concessions but provide a sense of real progress.

It’s worth giving the genre a chance — and it will show you how to jump not only on platforms but also through emotions.