16 May 2025
Platformers are like the comfort food of gaming—they're fun, satisfying, and perfect for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone picking up a controller for the first time, platformers offer a unique kind of joy that’s hard to match. But diving into a new genre can feel intimidating, right? Don’t worry! If you’re looking to get started with platformers, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best platformers for beginners. They’re simple enough to ease you in, but packed with enough charm and excitement to keep you hooked.
So, grab your controller, stretch those thumbs, and let’s jump right into it—pun intended.
The genre saw its golden age in the 1980s and 1990s, with games like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog dominating the scene. But don’t worry—platformers today are just as thrilling. In fact, they’ve evolved into a more diverse and accessible genre, offering something for everyone.
Now that we’ve got an understanding of what platformers are, let’s check out some fantastic games that’ll help you dip your toes into this genre.
Why?
For starters, it’s insanely forgiving. You don’t get punished too harshly if you mess up a jump. The mechanics are super intuitive, and the game allows you to experiment without fear of failure. Plus, its vibrant, open-ended levels appeal to everyone, whether you’re 8 or 80.
The main twist here is Mario’s magical cap, “Cappy,” which adds a layer of depth to the usual run-and-jump formula. You can use it to possess enemies or solve puzzles, which is as fun as it sounds. And don’t get me started on the soundtrack—it’s pure joy wrapped in catchy tunes.
If you own a Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey should be the first game in your library. Period.
Unlike other hardcore platformers, Celeste doesn’t punish players for failing. Instead, it gently encourages you to try again. The game even has an “Assist Mode” that lets you tailor the difficulty to make it beginner-friendly.
What makes Celeste special isn’t just its controls or level design—it’s the story. You play as Madeline, a young girl trying to climb a mountain while battling her inner demons. The narrative is heartfelt, touching, and surprisingly relatable.
So, if you don’t mind a bit of a challenge wrapped in a deeply meaningful package, give Celeste a shot.
The game’s colorful art style feels like stepping into a living cartoon. And the levels? They’re a perfect blend of fun and creativity, with some designed to sync up with the game’s incredible soundtrack. (Seriously, the rhythm-based levels are chef’s kiss!)
Another bonus? It’s great for co-op play. If you’re new to platformers, playing with friends or family will help ease that learning curve.
The gameplay leans more towards exploration and puzzle-solving, which makes it a bit slower-paced than some of the other games on this list. That’s perfect for beginners who like to take their time figuring things out.
But here’s the standout feature: Ori teaches you patience. Some sections might seem tricky at first, but they’re designed to help you learn and adapt. And trust me, the feeling of pulling off a challenging section is incredibly rewarding.
This title is known for its polished gameplay and clever level design. Each stage introduces fun mechanics or quirky themes (like underwater levels). It’s creative, engaging, and packed with hidden secrets to discover.
For newcomers, the “Funky Mode” makes things more accessible. By playing as Funky Kong, you get extra abilities, like double jumps and infinite breathing underwater. Think of it as having training wheels while still being part of the main show.
The controls are simple, which makes it beginner-friendly, but the real thrill lies in the game’s sense of momentum. Speeding through loops and bouncing off springs while collecting rings is exhilarating.
Also, the game gives you multiple characters to choose from, each offering a slightly different playstyle. It’s a great way to test the waters and find what feels best for you.
What makes this game so unique is its diorama-style levels, where everything looks like it’s made from arts and crafts. The gameplay is laid-back, and you can even revisit levels to play them in reverse, uncovering hidden collectibles.
Oh, and did I mention it’s co-op? Grab a buddy, and you’ll have twice the fun exploring Yoshi’s quirky world together.
The standout feature here is the ability to rotate the perspective of the game world. This mechanic adds a clever layer of complexity to the puzzles without feeling overwhelming for newcomers.
It’s a chill game overall, with no enemies or time limits to stress you out. If you’re looking for something more cerebral than action-packed, Fez is a solid pick.
Plus, platformers are timeless. They’re the kind of games you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re in the mood for a quick run or a deep dive into collectibles and secrets.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a game, press start, and jump into the fun. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try platformers sooner.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Platformer GamesAuthor:
Tina Fisher
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3 comments
Penelope Fisher
Great article! It provides an excellent selection of platformers that are perfect for newcomers. Looking forward to exploring these titles!
May 27, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Tina Fisher
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the article and found the selections helpful. Happy gaming!
Indie Scott
Great article! It’s fantastic to see a selection of platformers that cater to beginners. Your recommendations offer a perfect mix of fun and accessibility, making it easy to start exploring the genre.
May 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Tina Fisher
Thank you! I'm glad you found the recommendations helpful for newcomers to the genre!
Gabriella McMahan
This article offers a fantastic starting point for newcomers to platformers. However, it would benefit from highlighting the unique mechanics or storytelling elements that set these games apart. By doing so, readers could better understand the genre's diversity and find their perfect entry point.
May 19, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Tina Fisher
Thank you for the feedback! I'll consider incorporating unique mechanics and storytelling elements in future updates to help showcase the genre's diversity.