Platformer games never really go out of style. There's just something about the fast-paced action, creative level design, and the satisfaction of finally clearing a stage or level. It's genuinely one of the most fun gaming genres out there — even if we end up raging in the process. That said, these 15 mobile games prove that platformers can thrive on phones and tablets just as well as anywhere else.
15. Levelhead
Levelhead is a great platformer for those who love classic 2D platformers and don't mind forking out some money. The game has a strong single-player campaign that's filled with various stages, but the real highlight is the community-made levels. This means there's basically an unlimited amount of levels available, which gives it a sort of Geometry Dash feel. We should add that the controls are pretty smooth, the graphics are clean, and the art style is vibrant.
(Image Credit: Butterscotch Shenanigans)
14. Leo's Fortune
Leo's Fortune has been a beloved mobile platformer for years, despite being released over a decade ago in 2014. You play as a fluffy little creature, known as Leo, rolling through beautifully designed environments in search of gold that was stolen from him. The physics-based movement feels smooth, and the levels are filled with all sorts of obstacles, such as traps and puzzles. Leo's Fortune has a charming personality that makes the entire adventure feel relaxing.
(Image Credit: 1337 & Senri)
13. Swordigo
Swordigo is an interesting 3D platformer that may look simple at first, but it's actually one of the most enjoyable action-platformers on mobile right now. It combines side-scrolling platforming with RPG mechanics, where you control a player as they explore various locations and take on enemies. Speaking of which, the combat is straightforward but easy to master, and the world has an impressive scale to it. Swordigo has a bit of a retro feel to it, and may remind some of classic Zelda and Castlevania games.
(Image Credit: Touch Foo)
12. Limbo
Limbo is an incredibly absorbing puzzle-platform game where the game is set in a liminal black-and-white world. The game is definitely less concerned about flashy visuals and more about building a terrifying atmosphere. The mix of mystery and high-stakes puzzles (that are quite clever) creates an air of tension that makes you worry about the boy protagonist and whether he's able to survive to the end. The platforming itself can feel basic at times, but it's extremely polished for a game that was launched in 2010.
(Image Credit: Playdead)
11. Fancy Pants Adventures
Yes, we know this is a stickman game, but hear us out. Fancy Pants Adventures stands out because of its super fluid movement system, where you can run, slide, and bounce through levels with different types of obstacles. As a whole, the game feels smooth in a way few platformers manage. The hand-drawn art style also gives the game a pretty unique personality. It's a more lighthearted experience overall, but the gameplay mechanics are genuinely decent.
(Image Credit: Brad Borne / Over the Top Games)
10. Super Cat Tales 2
Super Cat Tales 2 feels like a modern throwback to retro platformers, thanks to its pixelated art style. The graphics and color palette are charming, the music is catchy, and the gameplay keeps things simple in the best way possible. Instead of relying on complicated controls, the game focuses on creating great levels and an engrossing world environment. You can also swap between different types of cats as you navigate the game's storyline, where tin soldiers have invaded Cat Land.
(Image Credit: NEUTRONIZED)
9. Super Mario Run
Super Mario Run simplifies Mario's classic platforming formula into a side-scrolling auto-runner format. Still, it manages to capture a lot of the series' charm. Timing jumps, wall kicks, and coin collection remains intact, and the levels are cleverly designed to be enjoyable on mobile. It may not have the freedom of traditional Mario games, but it works decently well as a mobile adaptation. The colorful visuals and sleek gameplay make it one of Nintendo's strongest mobile releases.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
8. Reventure
Reventure is somewhat of an underrated 2D platformer that combines action-adventure elements with humor and absurdity. The entire adventure revolves around discovering different endings (there are 100 possible endings) — many of which are ridiculous, unexpected, or intentionally dumb. The ultimate goal is to save the princess from the evil Dark Lord. The platforming itself is straightforward, but the real fun comes from experimenting to see what weird outcome happens next.
(Image Credit: Pixelatto)
7. Oddmar
Oddmar is one of our personal favorites. You play as the titular character, Oddmar, as you attempt to redeem yourself and earn a slot in Valhalla. The gameplay involves a bunch of combat and puzzle-solving, which rarely feels stale as you play through. But what we really appreciate about this platformer is its attention to its world design. Each level and stage feels meticulously designed with a lot of detail to even background elements. This makes the game feel super immersive and vibrant.
(Image Credit: MobGe Games)
6. Ninja Arashi
Ninja Arashi's intense platformer action, coupled with its RPG elements, delivers quite a thrilling experience. The game, where you control a silhouetted ninja known as Arashi, features stealth and fast-paced combat. The smooth movement between different stages is smooth, and the detailed environments are rather impressive. The levels are also packed with traps and enemies, which force you to stay alert at all times. The game can get pretty difficult later on, but the challenge feels fair enough that it stays fun rather than frustrating.
(Image Credit: Black Panther)
5. Dan the Man
Created by the same developers behind Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, Dan the Man mixes platforming with beat-'em-up combat. Altogether, it creates a chaotic action game that's packed with personality. The levels are filled with enemies, hidden paths, and ridiculous weapons, while the pixel-art visuals give everything a fun retro vibe. In terms of combat, it feels and slightly tactical, especially once you unlock more moves and abilities later in the game. It also has a goofy sense of humor that keeps the entire experience light and entertaining.
(Image Credit: Halfbrick Studios)
4. Geometry Dash
Geometry Dash is technically a rhythm game, but its in-your-face platforming elements are a huge reason why it became so popular. The gameplay is brutally difficult at times, as you'll need near-perfect timing to survive. What makes this game so addictive is how quickly you restart after failing. We've been there before, and it's not joke. The massive community also keeps the game alive because Geometry Dash allows players to create their own custom levels that can range from fun to absolutely insane.
(Image Credit: RobTop Games)
3. Dandara Trials of Fear Edition
The Trials of Fear Edition of Dandara will change the way you'd normally look at platformers. Instead of the usual running and jumping movements, you launch yourself between surfaces in fast bursts of movement. It sounds strange at first, but once you get used to it, the game becomes incredibly intuitive. The design of its world (known as "Salt") is unique, and the art style is quite memorable. It's arguably one of the most unique platformers on mobile. If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, then this might be for you.
(Image Credit: Long Hat House / Raw Fury)
2. HAAK
HAAK is a self-described metroidvania-platformer that combines exploration and complex puzzle-solving. Set in a stylish post-apocalyptic setting where you're on the hunt for your lost brother, the movement and item system are the game's strongest features. There's a certain element of strategy that comes into play once you dive deeper into the cyber-wasteland. It feels like a proper premium indie platformer rather than a typical mobile game.
(Image Credit: Blingame)
1. Apple Knight
Apple Knight is a platformer RPG with responsive controls, satisfying combat, and levels that are filled with hidden mystery. Its retro-inspired pixelated look doesn't feel outdated, and the game's pacing, with its near-endless number of levels and boss fights, keeps things moving quickly so you never really have a dull moment. Another thing worth pointing out about Apple Knight is that there are various ways to customize your control layout, which is an interesting feature for a platformer.
(Image Credit: Limitless)
Platformer games never really go out of style. There's just something about the fast-paced action, creative level design, and the satisfaction of finally clearing a stage or level. It's genuinely one of the most fun gaming genres out there — even if we end up raging in the process. That said, these 15 mobile games prove that platformers can thrive on phones and tablets just as well as anywhere else.
