Best 2D Platformer Games For Beginners

Summary

• 2D platformers offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of gamer, from casual to challenging.
• Games like Inside prove 2D platformers can have gripping, mysterious stories without colorful visuals.
• Titles like Super Mario World and Shovel Knight offer accessible, nostalgic experiences for beginners.

One of the very best and easiest to get into gaming genres is the platformer, specifically 2D platformers. This area of gaming has been around since the early days with the likes of Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. As the industry has evolved over the decades, the market has become flooded with countless 2D platformers. There is sure to be an option for every type of gamer, whether you are looking for a casual experience or a punishing one.

For those new to the 2D platforming scene, the harvest is ripe for the picking. With the combination of the likes of Nintendo and the renaissance of indie games, 2D platformers are easier to jump into than ever. The following games are some of the best to pick up and play if you are new to this beloved genre.

Updated December 25, 2024, by Branden Lizardi: With 2024 coming to a close, we have the good fortune of looking back and assessing what the best games of the year were, which ones were platformers, and which ones would be a good introduction to newcomers. With that in mind, we’ve updated this list to have the best selection of 2D platforming games for beginners.

Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown

One of the oldest platformers of all time was the original Prince of Persia. With (at the time) stunning animations and an interesting premise, it paved the way for 2D platformers for ages to come. And with The Lost Crown being a return to form, we can experience a similar magic in the modern age.

Blending stylized 3D graphics with the 2D gameplay format, it provides a nice blend of retro design and modern quality. While the combat might be a bit tough for some newcomers, it will provide a fantastically engaging experience for beginners looking for just the right amount of challenge.

Inside

There’s a common misconception that a casual, easy, or beginner friendly game has to be colorful, happy, and cheerful. That’s not the case. Some folks are looking for more gripping and grim stories, and have avoided 2D platformers as a result. Inside is a beautiful example of how any genre can be a good fit for any gameplay format.

This shorter experience follows a young boy as he sneaks inside of a strange technological facility in the middle of nowhere. The deeper inside he gets, the more drastic the secrets he uncovers becomes. This game is a great blend of environmental storytelling, strong ambiance, and clever puzzles. It’s easy to control and not very difficult, making it a fantastic introduction to 2D platforming that takes a more mysterious tone.

Even though Inside uses 3D graphics, you move along a 2D, side scrolling axis. While not an “official” term, this is often refered to as a 2.5D game.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Easily one of the most charming and wholesome 2D platformers is the Nintendo Wii exclusive Kirby’s Epic Yarn. If the name alone doesn’t give it away, this fresh outing in the voracious pink blob’s long-running series is all centered around yarn, knitting, and crafted items. Even if the gameplay didn’t hold up (which it unequivocally does), the aesthetic alone will keep you glued to the screen during this positively enjoyable adventure.

What makes this title stand out from other Kirby games is that our puffy character can’t actually use his inhaling ability due to the fact that he has been turned into yarn. This 2D sidescrolling platformer is fantastic for beginners to the genre since it gently guides you through new stages with Kirby’s yarn moves unlocking at specific intervals. Plus, the game can easily and seamlessly be played in local two-player co-op for added fun and whimsy.

Spelunky 1 And 2

A long-time indie king, the Spelunky games feature a charming blend of Super Mario Bros, Tomb Raider, and randomly generated roguelike. In both games, you control an intrepid adventurer as you dive deeper and deeper underground. Armed with a whip and some good jumping skills, you need to fend off monsters, unearth treasure, and discover untold mysteries. Each run will be different from the last, providing near-endless entertainment.

The controls are simple, and the rules are clear: everything hurts you. The try-and-die nature of roguelikes means that failure is a normal part of the experience, too. So even the newest of gamers will be able to get the hang of Spelunky in no time. It also supports up to four players in co-op mode, allowing you or another experienced player to act as a helpful guide along the way.

Dadish

Have you ever wanted to play a 2D platformer as a plump radish who also just so happens to be a dad? The answer to that oddly specific question should absolutely be yes since Dadish, as well as its two follow-up games, needs to be experienced for fans of the genre. The first Dadish is easily the best game to play for those who happen to be new to the genre.

Dadish is a fairly bog standard 2D platformer where your ultimate goal is to hop, jump, and bounce on baddies to make it to the end of each stage to rescue one of your radish children. Sure, the game’s design and overall mechanics are simple as you move from stage to stage on a world map. However, the game’s surprisingly witty and humorous writing makes this one stand out from similar games of its ilk.

Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania, apart from being one of the best 2D Sonic games, is a literal treasure trove of nostalgia, charm, and enticing gameplay. If, for some reason, you missed out on the 90s era of Sonic games, then you owe it to yourself to try out the incredibly polished, fan-inspired Sonic Mania. This game takes the blazing speeds of Sonic and fast-paced ring collecting with perfectly tuned levels, some of which are updated versions of their 90s-era counterparts.

Sonic Mania oozes style and substance, with the developers clearly understanding what makes Sonic fans enjoy the 2D version of his games, namely, the frantic and speedy nature of the gameplay. Beginners to the genre have a lot to enjoy here since the game ramps up the difficulty as the stages progress.

Wunderling

If you haven’t heard of the 2D platforming indie darling Wunderling, then worry not. You will find out why this game is perfect for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Wunderling stars an adorable yellow creature who must navigate colorful puzzle-like stages. However, the unique gameplay premise comes in the form of your character constantly moving either left or right, with you, the player, having to navigate his movements through intricate levels.

While that premise may sound complicated on the surface, it actually makes for a smooth platforming experience, one that sort of acts as an auto-runner but with slower, more methodical movements. The game has a plethora of diverse stages with tons of secrets, collectibles, and goofy moments.

Rayman Origins

Rayman Origins was originally released in 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii, with other platforms the following year. While its sequel, Rayman Legends, seems to get more acclaim, Origins is easily the best Rayman game to hop into for beginners to the 2D platforming genre. Even a decade on, Rayman Origins provides thoughtful level design, a difficulty level that ramps up as you master your platforming skills, and some of the best visuals in the medium.

Rayman Origins features some traditional platforming stages where you run and jump, find collectibles, and simply make it to the end of the stage. However, you can also play more challenging rhythm-based stages, which will really test your mettle once you get to grips with the game’s mechanics. Either way, Rayman Origins offers up a fantastically crafted 2D experience that newcomers will find quite welcoming.

Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is the 2D follow-up to the original Yooka-Laylee. The original game was a 3D platformer and provided a lot of nostalgic fun for fans of Banjo-Kazooie or Super Mario 64. Interestingly, developers Playtonic decided to mix up the formula for their second outing with the titular duo. The Impossible Lair is a 2D platformer with some downright creative stages, puzzles, and an enjoyable overworld area to explore.

While you might be scared off by the impossible lair moniker in the game’s title, there’s no need to worry. The majority of the game has you platforming across a diverse array of stages while collecting butterflies. These butterflies essentially give you an extra hit from enemies or traps if you decide to take on the lair. Fortunately, and due to the punishing difficulty of the lair, Playtonic updated the game to make this final zone much easier to tackle with plenty of assists, and you can avoid it altogether if you want.

Celeste

As deceptive as it may sound, Celeste makes for an amazing 2D platformer for those new to the genre. You play as a young woman trekking to the top of a mountain in a soul-searching journey. With wonderfully designed levels, a stunning pixel art style, and some excellent music, it hits all the right notes for an outstanding platformer.

While the game offers a long and challenging experience by default, it also has an impressive range of accessibility options to make it more approachable. It’s a brilliant example of how accessibility options aren’t just for those with disabilities; they can help curate a game’s overall experience for people of any skill level. This ensures that you enjoy the most of the game, even as a beginner.

Super Mario World

Super Mario World might be the oldest game on this list, but it’s for good reason. This landmark release from the Super Nintendo still remains one of the very best 2D platformers to date. For the uninitiated, Super Mario World follows up from the outstanding Super Mario Bros 3. This entry features a more robust overworld map, tons of innovative new stages, and the inclusion of Yoshi.

Super Mario World is a fantastic place to start if you are looking to learn about the importance of the genre in the games industry as a whole. This game slowly teaches you how to navigate through each new world, collect coins, save Princess Peach, and ultimately defeat Bowser. Yes, the later stages can be downright brutal at times. However, you are given plenty of time to get to grips with the moves Mario and Yoshi have to offer you. Simply put, don’t miss this one if you are new to the genre.

The Adventure Pals

Have you heard of The Adventure Pals? If you answered no, you need to add this game to your wishlist immediately, especially if you are a newcomer to the 2D platforming genre. The Adventure Pals is a highly enjoyable and easy platforming game starring a young boy, Wilton, his pet rock, and a zany giraffe with a whirly tongue. If all that sounds silly and bonkers, then you would be right.

Underneath the silliness lies a heartwarming story of the importance of family, facing your fears, and overcoming the odds. Plus, the platforming in this game combines fast-paced movement, light environmental puzzle solving, some tasty boss fights, and the ability to collect cupcakes to obtain hats for your lovable characters. The Adventure Pals was crafted with so much care, and it’s a game that takes its time to teach you the ropes and then eventually lets you fly free.

Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze

Okay, the Donkey Kong platforming games might not be known for being the most accessible platformers. However, Tropical Freeze is both an incredible game and accessible to newcomers. The game started out life on the Wii U but was later ported to the Nintendo Switch, where many more people discovered its platforming magnificence.

The reason Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze is a great game for platforming beginners is that it always gives you the tools to make it through each stage. Plus, you can buy items to give you an advantage, and when all else fails, you can play the game in Funky Kong mode to really make it a breeze to navigate through.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

The platforming king is alive and well. And Mario hasn’t seen a makeover this prominent since Super Mario 64. Super Mario Bros Wonder is everything that the Mario series is known for and is given a fresh coat of paint. Every character has all new designs and animations, the world has a vibrant style, and every song and sound effect is beautifully orchestrated, often with real instruments (every jump is a guitar twang, for example).

Best of all, Wonder includes the option to play as Yoshi, who is immune to damage from enemies. With his long tongue and damage immunity, he’s a perfect choice for anyone who struggles more with platforming games than others. You get the best of what any platformer has to offer, now with less stress.

This is also the first game that Charles Martinet is no longer the voice of Mario, having since retired to become a Mario Ambassador.

Shovel Knight

If you want a 2D platforming experience that’s equal parts unique and nostalgic, then you want Shovel Knight. This indie platform adventure game follows the exploits of the titular Shovel Knight as they use their armor and ‘weapon’ to explore the land to rescue their partner, Shield Knight. It has creative characters, an engaging plot, and a tremendously satisfying level design perfect for players of all levels of experience.

The art and music are based on the original king of consoles, the Nintendo Entertainment System, offering a tremendously authentic retro style with modern design quality. Between the art, music, writing, and gameplay, it’s almost impossible to escape this game’s powerful charm. It even offers a co-op mode for those who don’t want to play alone.