The 25 Best Indie Platformer Games On Steam

So, let’s be real for a minute: have you ever felt like AAA platformers are getting a bit… well, safe? We’re living in a world of massive, multi-million dollar productions that often play it safe, but the indie scene is where all the real magic happens.

When someone says “indie platformer,” your brain probably jumps straight to Hollow Knight or Celeste. But Steam is packed with incredible indie platformers that deserve just as much love. I’ve spent way too many hours bouncing, sliding, and occasionally faceplanting into spikes across Steam’s indie library.

Here are the 25 best indie platformers on Steam—plus a few honorable mentions because I just can’t help myself. Whether you’re into precision jumps, mind-bending puzzles, or just vibing with a chill aesthetic, there’s something here for you.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

• Developer: Playtonic Games
• Release Date: October 8, 2019

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair elevates the genre with its ingenious overworld design—a sprawling Metroidvania-style map filled with environmental puzzles that dynamically alter levels. Each expertly crafted stage introduces inventive new mechanics while maintaining perfect pacing. Backed by a stellar David Wise soundtrack and packed with meaningful collectibles that actually impact gameplay, this title stands as one of the most polished platformers of the past decade.

Why It's Worth Playing: For fans of 3D platformers, Impossible Lair proves Playtonic still possesses that signature Rare charm when focused, offering the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary design that makes it essential for any platforming enthusiast's collection.

Braid, Anniversary Edition

• Developer: Number None, Inc.
• Release Date: April 30, 2024

Braid, Anniversary Edition re-establishes a classic with a stunning, hand-painted art style and a fully orchestrated soundtrack. This remastered version of the seminal 2008 puzzle-platformer retains its core time-manipulation mechanics, where players reverse time to solve intricate puzzles and navigate a deeply personal story. The addition of developer commentary makes this edition a definitive experience, offering a unique look into the game’s philosophical and design underpinnings.

Why It's Worth Playing: If you missed the original Braid, or simply want to revisit it in its most beautiful form, Anniversary Edition is the version to play. It's not just a game; it’s a masterclass in game design and storytelling that continues to influence the indie scene to this day.

Trine 2: Complete Story

• Developer: Frozenbyte
• Release Date: June 6, 2013

Trine 2: Complete Story is an enchanting co-op platformer that stands out for its gorgeous fairytale visuals and clever, physics-based puzzles. Players can switch between three distinct heroes—a wizard, a thief, and a knight—each with unique skills essential for navigating the lush, vibrant environments. The game’s complete story package includes the “Goblin Menace” expansion, adding hours of content and new abilities to master. Its beautiful art and satisfying, cooperative gameplay make it a standout title for friends to enjoy together.

Why It's Worth Playing: Trine 2 is a masterclass in co-op design, where teamwork is not only encouraged but essential. The blend of puzzle-solving, combat, and platforming in a visually stunning world makes it an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for a magical adventure with friends.

FEZ

• Developer: Polytron
• Release Date: May 1, 2013

FEZ is a mind-bending puzzle platformer that challenges your perception of space itself. You play as Gomez, a 2D character who discovers he can see the world in 3D by rotating it, revealing hidden platforms, doorways, and secrets. This central mechanic is the foundation for a brilliant, non-linear adventure filled with cryptic clues, beautiful pixel art, and a serene, ambient soundtrack. The joy of FEZ comes from its a-ha moments, where a simple rotation changes everything you thought you knew.

Why It's Worth Playing: FEZ is a truly unique experience that pushes the boundaries of the platformer genre. It's a must-play for anyone who loves puzzle games and wants to explore a world that constantly rewards curiosity and a willingness to see things from a different perspective.

SteamWorld Dig 2

• Developer: Image & Form Games
• Release Date: September 22, 2017

SteamWorld Dig 2 perfects the formula of its predecessor, delivering a polished and deeply satisfying Metroidvania experience. You take on the role of Dorothy, a steambot armed with a pickaxe and a mission to find her lost friend. The core gameplay loop revolves around digging, as you carve out tunnels, unearth precious gems, and discover hidden caverns. This sense of constant progression is incredibly addictive, with new upgrades and abilities constantly changing how you approach the underground world. The game’s art style is vibrant, the soundtrack is catchy, and the controls are buttery smooth.

Why It's Worth Playing: It’s the perfect blend of exploration, platforming, and resource management. If you love Metroidvanias but want a fresh take on the genre with a unique core mechanic, SteamWorld Dig 2 will keep you hooked for hours. The feeling of digging into the unknown is a reward in itself.

Advent NEON

• Developer: CryoGX
• Release Date: July 18, 2025

Advent NEON is a neon-drenched, high-octane 2D platformer that prioritizes speed and combat above all else. This game is a love letter to classic action titles, but with a modern, slick feel. You play as a hero who dashes, wall-jumps, and attacks with lightning speed, chaining together moves to take down enemies and traverse levels. The pixel art is vibrant and stylish, and the synthwave soundtrack perfectly complements the fast-paced action. It’s a challenging but fair experience that rewards quick reflexes and mastery of its tight, responsive controls.

Why It's Worth Playing: For those who crave speed and stylish combat, Advent NEON is a must-play. Its "flow state" gameplay, where you're constantly moving and attacking, is incredibly satisfying and feels liberating. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a challenging platformer that doesn't hold back.

Nitro Express

• Developer: Grayfax Software
• Release Date: May 19, 2025

Nitro Express throws the rulebook out the window, blending high-speed platforming with chaotic, run-and-gun action. As a cute pixel-art heroine with a serious attitude and an even more serious arsenal, you blast your way through levels filled with enemies and environmental hazards. The game’s unique selling point is its 360° free aiming, allowing for acrobatic combat and creative solutions to challenges. With a wide variety of gadgets and weapons at your disposal, you can approach any situation with style and firepower. Who says platformers can’t be shoot-’em-ups?

Why It's Worth Playing: Nitro Express is the game for you if you're tired of platformers that are all jumping and no shooting. It’s fast, frantic, and incredibly fun, offering a unique and satisfying twist on the genre that will keep you on your toes.

Ruffy and the Riverside

• Developer: Zockrates Laboratories
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

Ruffy and the Riverside is a game that feels like you’ve stepped straight into a Saturday morning cartoon—complete with vibrant colors, quirky characters, and a sense of boundless fun. The levels are whimsical playgrounds packed with hidden secrets, clever platforming, and hazards that challenge without ever feeling unfair. Ruffy’s animations and expressive world design bring a nostalgic, retro-inspired vibe, while modern polish ensures the controls are tight and satisfying. Whether you’re bouncing on springs, dodging mischievous critters, or exploring the quirky riverside world, every moment is brimming with charm.

Why It’s Worth Playing: Ruffy and the Riverside nails the sweet spot between nostalgia and modern gameplay. It’s playful, visually delightful, and mechanically satisfying, making it perfect for anyone who loves platformers with personality. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again, hopping through a world that’s as silly as it is smart?

Snake Pass

• Developer: Sumo Digital
• Release Date: March 28, 2017

Snake Pass is a delightful and unique 3D puzzle platformer that completely reimagines what it means to move in a video game. As Noodle the snake, you navigate vibrant, colorful worlds without a jump button. Instead, your primary mode of traversal is slithering and coiling around objects, using your body and momentum to climb, grip, and reach new heights. This physics-based movement system is a bizarre but brilliant concept that requires a completely different way of thinking. It’s a game that’s all about the joy of movement, and mastering Noodle’s slithery locomotion is incredibly satisfying.

Why It's Worth Playing: If you’ve played enough jump-happy platformers to last a lifetime, Snake Pass is a breath of fresh, reptilian air. It’s a game that challenges your expectations and offers a unique, rewarding sense of discovery as you master its one-of-a-kind mechanics. And when you finally nail that perfect coil-and-climb maneuver? Pure satisfaction.

I Am Fish

• Developer: Bossa Studios
• Release Date: September 16, 2021

I Am Fish is a hilariously chaotic physics-based adventure from the creators of I Am Bread. You control four different fish—a goldfish, a pufferfish, a flying fish, and a piranha—each with their own unique abilities and quirks. Your goal is to navigate them from the confines of their glass bowls back to the open ocean, a journey filled with treacherous physics, dangerous obstacles, and a whole lot of spectacular failures. The game is a constant source of both frustration and laugh-out-loud moments as you struggle to control your wobbly, aquatic heroes.

Why It's Worth Playing: If you enjoy games that are intentionally difficult and have a great sense of humor, I Am Fish is a perfect choice. It’s a ridiculous and charming adventure that will test your patience while simultaneously making you crack up with its silly premise and unpredictable physics.

Biped

• Developer: NEXT Studios
• Release Date: March 27, 2020

Biped is a delightfully quirky cooperative puzzle platformer that puts a hilarious spin on teamwork. You and a friend each control one of two cute little robots, Aku and Sila. The genius of the game lies in its control scheme: you each control one of your robot’s legs with a separate analog stick. This simple mechanic creates a surprising level of challenge and a constant need for communication and coordination. Solving puzzles, navigating platforms, and avoiding obstacles become a shared, often chaotic, and always amusing experience.

Why It's Worth Playing: This is the ultimate co-op game for a night in with a friend or partner. It’s a game that is genuinely fun and funny to play together, full of "oh no, we're going the wrong way!" moments that make it a standout for anyone who loves a good couch co-op experience.

Mind Over Magnet

• Developer: Game Maker’s Toolkit
• Release Date: November 13, 2024

Mind Over Magnet is a clever and charming puzzle platformer that uses a unique magnetic mechanic to great effect. You play as a little robot named Uni, who is accompanied by a sentient magnet named Magnus. Together, you use Magnus’s magnetic powers to manipulate the environment, moving platforms, attracting or repelling objects, and solving intricate puzzles. The game starts with simple concepts and gradually introduces new challenges that will really make you think. It’s a delightful adventure with a perfect balance of platforming and brain-teasing puzzles.

Why It's Worth Playing: Mind Over Magnet is a game for puzzle lovers who want a platformer with more substance. The magnetic mechanic is incredibly well-realized, and the puzzles are both challenging and satisfying to solve. It’s a true gem for anyone who enjoys a smart and charming indie experience.

GRIS

• Developer: Nomada Studio
• Release Date: December 13, 2018

GRIS is an experience that transcends traditional gaming, presenting a visually breathtaking platformer that feels more like an interactive painting. The game tells a wordless, emotional story of a young woman’s journey through grief, represented by her monochrome world gradually filling with color and life. As you progress, you unlock new abilities that not only help you navigate the beautiful watercolor landscapes but also symbolize her emotional growth. The lack of dialogue and failure states allows the stunning art and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to take center stage, creating a deeply personal and moving adventure.

Why It's Worth Playing: It’s a short but unforgettable journey that will touch your heart with its beauty and emotional depth. If you're looking for a game that is pure art, GRIS is it. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling in video games.

Planet of Lana

• Developer: Wishfully
• Release Date: May 23, 2023

Planet of Lana is a stunning cinematic puzzle-platformer with a hand-drawn art style that evokes the style of Studio Ghibli. The game follows a young girl and her loyal companion, a small creature named Mui, as they embark on a journey across a beautiful but hostile alien planet. The core of the gameplay is the symbiotic relationship between the two characters, as you must work together to solve environmental puzzles and navigate the world. The platforming is tight, the puzzles are clever, and the story is a heartfelt and emotional tale of friendship and survival.

Why It's Worth Playing: This is an absolutely beautiful and moving adventure that will capture your imagination. If you love games with a strong narrative, a unique art style, and clever puzzles, Planet of Lana is an unforgettable experience.

Unravel

• Developer: Coldwood Interactive
• Release Date: February 9, 2016

Unravel is an emotionally resonant puzzle-platformer starring Yarny, a tiny character made of a single strand of red yarn. The game’s world is a beautiful, photo-realistic representation of the Swedish countryside, and you traverse it by using your own body as a tool. You use your yarn to swing from branches, pull objects, and create bridges, all while slowly unraveling. The core mechanic is a brilliant metaphor for the game’s silent, powerful story about reconnecting with lost memories and a broken family. The visual presentation is breathtaking, and the journey itself is a deeply moving experience.

Why It's Worth Playing: Unravel is more than just a platformer; it’s an artistic and emotional journey. The unique yarn mechanic is clever and the story, told through visual metaphors, is one that will stick with you. If you appreciate a game that can evoke strong feelings without a single word, Unravel is a must-play.

Wavetale

• Developer: Thunderful Development
• Release Date: December 12, 2022

Ever wanted to surf the waves in a beautiful, post-apocalyptic world? Wavetale lets you do just that. You play as Sigrid, a young girl with the ability to glide on water. The game is a fast-paced and fluid 3D platformer that’s all about speed and momentum. The movement feels fantastic, and exploring the open world is a joy. The art style is vibrant and charming, and the story is surprisingly touching.

Why It's Worth Playing: The pure joy of movement is the main draw here. If you love games that prioritize a fantastic, momentum-based traversal system, Wavetale is a must-play. It's a game that feels good to play and has a wonderful, heartwarming story to boot.

Refunct

• Developer: Dominique Grieshofer
• Release Date: October 16, 2015

Need a quick, relaxing game to de-stress? Refunct is a minimalist first-person platformer that’s all about flow. There’s only one level, but it’s a beautiful, serene experience where you activate switches to bring color and life back to the world. It’s a short but sweet game with a focus on fluid movement and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for when you have an hour to kill and just want to feel good.

Why It's Worth Playing: Refunct is pure zen. Its focus on smooth parkour, a gentle soundtrack, and a beautiful visual transformation makes it an ideal title for unwinding. It proves that you don't need a massive world to create a deeply satisfying and memorable experience.

Penny’s Big Breakaway

• Developer: Evening Star
• Release Date: February 21, 2024

From the creative minds behind Sonic Mania, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a high-speed 3D platformer that harks back to the golden age of the Sega Dreamcast. You play as Penny, an aspiring street performer who accidentally angers the Emperor and a relentless army of penguins. Armed with your trusty yo-yo, you use a unique, momentum-based movement system to swing, dash, and propel yourself through vibrant, kinetic levels. While the controls have a learning curve, the sense of speed and liberation you feel once you master them is incredibly satisfying.

Why It's Worth Playing: This game offers a fantastic blend of nostalgic charm and modern design. If you love fast-paced platformers and are looking for a unique movement system to master, the incredible sense of momentum and style in Penny's Big Breakaway makes it a must-play.

Marble It Up! Ultra

• Developers: Blueteak, The Engine Company, Shapes and Lines, Arcturus Interactive, The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild
• Release Date: Nov 16, 2018

Marble It Up! Ultra is a modern marble platformer with mind-bending levels, tight controls, and a serious competitive streak. You’ll rocket down gravity-defying tracks, thread impossible gaps, and fling yourself off ramps with the kind of reckless optimism only a shiny sphere can muster. Every stage dares you to go faster, tighter, and cleaner, turning even casual runs into full-blown speedrunning experiments. The physics feel buttery-smooth, but mess up your line and you’ll be respawning faster than you can mutter “one more try.” The levels are beautifully designed, and the multiplayer is a blast.

Why It's Worth Playing: This is the ultimate competitive marble game. The physics are spot-on, the levels are challenging and creative, and the satisfaction of nailing a perfect run is immense. Whether you’re here for chill rolling or white-knuckle time trials, Marble It Up! Ultra is a fantastic game for both solo speedrunners and friends looking to prove who is the best marble master.

Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom

• Developer: Panik Arcade
• Release Date: April 10, 2024

Ever wanted to drive a car and platform at the same time? Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is a hilarious and chaotic platformer where you control a sentient yellow taxi. You’re bouncing off walls, ricocheting between hazards, and pulling off moves you swear were pure luck. The levels feel like a fever dream of speedrun routes, each one begging you to take just a little more risk for that perfect line. It’s loud, it’s unpredictable, and it’s the kind of fun that has you grinning even as you crash spectacularly. The game is full of silly physics, strange power-ups, and a ton of charm.

Why It's Worth Playing: Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s a perfect mix of physics-based chaos, clever level design, and a lighthearted sense of humor. If you're looking for a platformer that breaks the mold and that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is the one to grab.

JellyCar Worlds

• Developer: Walaber Entertainment
• Release Date: November 22, 2022

Remember the old JellyCar games? JellyCar Worlds brings the wobbly physics back in a big way. This game is all about driving a squishy car through a world of soft, bouncy objects. The controls are intentionally imprecise, which makes for some truly hilarious and challenging moments. Every bump, bounce, and ridiculous tumble feels satisfying, and the freedom to create your own levels makes the replay value practically infinite. It’s a game that embraces chaos and is perfect for a dose of nostalgic, low-stakes fun.

Why It's Worth Playing: JellyCar Worlds is the perfect game for a lighthearted session of physics-based mayhem. The simple premise and chaotic gameplay make it a blast to play, and the feeling of navigating a world made of jelly is a uniquely fun experience. It’s messy, it’s clever, and it’s impossible not to smile while you’re rolling through it.

Celaria

• Developer: Lewa
• Release Date: October 12, 2019

Celaria is a fast-paced, first-person parkour platformer that will push your reflexes to the limit. In this game, you sprint, wall-run, and slide through a series of vibrant, abstract levels, all with a single goal: to beat the clock. The movement is fluid, the controls are tight, and the sense of speed is exhilarating. With a built-in map editor and multiplayer, you can challenge friends or create your own custom courses, making for a highly replayable experience.

Why It's Worth Playing: If you're a fan of speedrunning or just love the feeling of mastering a fast-paced movement system, Celaria is an essential pick. It’s a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master, and the community features ensure you'll always have a new challenge waiting for you.

PaperKlay

• Developer: WhyKev
• Release Date: May 27, 2025

Ever wanted to explore a world made of paper, cardboard, and clay? PaperKlay is a delightful 3D platformer where you play as a chick and a nugget. The game has a unique visual style and a collect-a-thon feel, but the core mechanic of unfolding and rotating the world adds a whole new dimension to the puzzles. It’s a charming and creative adventure that feels truly handcrafted.

Why It's Worth Playing: PaperKlay is a game for those who appreciate unique art styles and clever puzzle design. The handcrafted feel and inventive world-bending mechanics make PaperKlay a charming and memorable adventure that stands out in a crowded genre.

Frog Jump

• Developer: SlugShot Games
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

Frog Jump is exactly what it sounds like: a challenging vertical platformer where you, as a frog, must jump, climb, and reach the top of a giant castle. The controls are simple, but the challenge is real. It’s a rage-inducing but rewarding experience, especially with the added bonus of being able to sabotage your friends in multiplayer. Did someone say “tongue kick”?

Why It's Worth Playing: This game is for masochists and competitive friends alike. The satisfying but brutal difficulty, combined with a great multiplayer mode that lets you mess with your buddies, makes Frog Jump a blast to play and replay.

Webbed

• Developer: Sbug Games
• Release Date: September 9, 2021

Finally, we have Webbed. This game is a platformer where you play as a little spider named Buddy. The core mechanic is creating webs to swing, build bridges, and solve puzzles. The physics-based web-slinging feels amazing, and the world is full of friendly bugs and fun secrets to discover. It’s a beautiful, charming, and unique game that’s an absolute blast to play. It’s rare to find a platformer that nails movement this perfectly.

Why It's Worth Playing: The web physics feel intuitive yet endlessly versatile, turning every swing into a mini adventure. Combine that with a charming story and a vibrant world, and you’ve got a truly one-of-a-kind game. FYI, if you have arachnophobia, this game might not be for you.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many more great platformers out there! These games couldn’t make the list, but they deserve a shoutout for being awesome.

Conclusion

Indie platformers keep proving that you don’t need a massive budget or a marketing army to make something unforgettable. Small studios punch way above their weight, delivering worlds that feel handcrafted, characters you actually care about, and gameplay that sticks in your brain long after you’ve logged off. They experiment without fear—mixing genres, bending physics, and turning “what if” ideas into games you can’t put down.

And honestly, that’s why they keep stealing the spotlight. They’re not just filling a gap left by the big publishers; they’re redefining what the genre can be. One game might hit you with a story that quietly wrecks you, while another pushes your reflexes to the limit in the best possible way.

And the best part? This is only the beginning. If indie devs keep raising the bar like this, the next platformer to steal your heart could come from a bedroom studio on the other side of the planet. That’s the beauty of it—the future of platformers is wide open, and it’s in very good hands.