Best Platformers for Beginners to Dive Into the Genre

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.

What Exactly Are Platformers?

Before we dive into games, let’s clear up the basics. Platformers are action games where players navigate through levels by running, jumping, and climbing to overcome obstacles and enemies. Think of them as a digital obstacle course, often sprinkled with collectibles, puzzles, and adorable characters.

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.

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Let’s be real—no discussion about platformers is complete without mentioning Mario. Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best modern entries in the series and an ideal starting point for beginners.

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.

2. Celeste

Now, you might’ve heard that Celeste is tough as nails—and you’re not wrong. But hear me out: it’s worth it.

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.

3. Rayman Legends

Okay, let’s take a moment to appreciate how ridiculously good Rayman Legends is. Picture this: vibrant visuals, toe-tapping music, and some of the smoothest platforming mechanics you’ll ever experience.

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.

4. Ori and the Blind Forest

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more emotional, Ori and the Blind Forest will tug at your heartstrings. This visually stunning platformer is like stepping into a magical painting that moves.

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.

5. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

If you think platformers are all cutesy and easygoing, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is here to prove otherwise. But don’t let that scare you—it’s a fantastic challenge for beginners who are ready to step up their game.

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.

6. Sonic Mania

If speed is your thing, Sonic Mania is the way to go. This love letter to the classic Sonic games brings back all the nostalgia of 16-bit graphics with modern upgrades.

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.

7. Yoshi’s Crafted World

If you’re a fan of cute, wholesome games, Yoshi’s Crafted World is right up your alley. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly platformers out there, and its adorable aesthetic will charm your socks off.

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.

8. Fez

Fez is one of those games that’ll make you go, “Wait, what just happened?” It’s a puzzle-platformer where you play as Gomez, a little creature navigating a 2D world with a 3D twist.

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.

Why Start with These Games?

Starting with beginner-friendly platformers is like learning to ride a bike with training wheels. These games ease you into the genre without throwing you head-first into frustration. They strike the perfect balance between fun and challenge, making them ideal for players of all skill levels.

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.

Tips for First-Time Platformer Players

- Take Your Time: There’s no rush. Focus on mastering the controls and enjoy the ride.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new moves or explore hidden areas. Most of the fun lies in discovery!
- Watch Others Play: If you’re stuck, watching gameplay videos can give you tips and tricks.
- Don’t Fear Failure: Missing a jump or losing a life isn’t the end of the world. Platformers are all about learning through trial and error.

Final Thoughts

Platformers are a fantastic genre to dive into—whether you’re new to gaming or just looking for a breezy, feel-good experience. The games on this list are beginner-friendly, but they’re also masterfully designed, ensuring you’ll have a blast no matter your skill level.

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.