25 BEST Platformer Games of 2022

Platformers are getting a renaissance this year with a ton of great new anticipated releases. If you enjoy these types of games, check out some of these thrilling upcoming releases for 2022. This year is shaping up to be a big one for the video game industry. Just as long as there are no delays that end up pushing these games past 2022, we should see each title in the marketplace before the year wraps.

Disclaimer: Afterimage, My Father My Son, REPLACED, Curse of the Sea Rats, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Planet of Lana, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum was removed due to being delayed into 2023.

#25 The Darkest Tales

Developer: Trinity Team
Publisher: 101XP
Platform: PC Xbox One Switch October 13, 2022
Release Date: PS4 December 10, 2022

Do toys have feelings about their owners? In The Darkest Tales, the answer is yes. For a teddy bear named, uh, Teddy, he goes on a quest to save his former owner from a dark world of fantasies and dreams. He’s the only one who can save her and will go all out to do so.

Classic fairy tale creatures exist in this distorted world. But they’re not as you remember them. You must be wary of who you meet, as many will seek to hurt Teddy.

But within the struggle for survival lies deep questions about life, how we get through it, and what we leave behind. So be prepared for the dark journey that lies ahead.

#24 Space Tail: Lost in the Sands

Developer: Enjoy Studio S.A., Longterm Games S.A.
Publisher: Longterm Games S.A.
Platform: PC
Release Date: August 12, 2022

When humanity first set its eyes on entering space, it sent animals in the first vessels to see what would happen if we went up there. As you can imagine, it didn’t end well for the animals more times than not.

In Space Tail: Lost in the Sands, you’ll play the dog Bea, who managed to survive all those trials and now finds herself in unfamiliar worlds. As Bea, you’ll wander around in a dog-like way and make it from planet to planet and see all it has to offer.

What will each world hold, and what dangers will it through at Bea? You’ll have to play the game to find out.

#23 Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef

Developer: Rogueside/Crazy Monkey
Publisher: Rogueside/Crazy Monkey
Platform: PC Switch October 20, 2022 | Xbox One XSX|S October 25, 2022
Release Date: PS4 PS5 Deember 02, 2022

The best part of the Warhammer 40K universe is that there are near-infinite ways to interpret the characters, factions, and battles that take place. The only question is, “What kind of genre do you want to put it in?”

For Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, the answer is a 2D side-scrolling shoot’em up adventure with you going to a planet full of enemies and mowing them all down. Why? Because an enemy took a certain item from you, and such things cannot stand!

So load up and blast your way through the enemy ranks to take back what’s yours! Your honor demands it!

#22 Islets

Developer: Kyle Thompson
Publisher: Armor Games
Platform: PC Xbox One XSX|S Switch
Release Date: August 24, 2022

Islets is a unique title that embraces both the Metroidvania style of worldbuilding and gameplay but also has a deeply emotional story connecting it. In the title, you play Iko, who wants nothing more than to reconnect his world’s islands.

To do this, he will travel from island to island and attempt to activate magnetic machinery to bring everything back to where it once was.

But it won’t be a simple journey. Iko must fight many monsters and solve obstacles to get through this massive world. Along the way, he’ll meet unique characters that’ll help him expand his reach. So dive deep into the islands and see what they hold!

#21 Blind Fate: Edo no Yami

Developer: Troglobytes Games
Publisher: 101XP
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S September 15, 2022
Release Date: Switch September 22, 2022

What happens when a futuristic samurai loses his sight yet must still serve his shogun? Simple, he uses technology to be his eyes and help him see the world like never before!

In Blind Fate: Edo no Yami, you play as the death-dealing right hand of the Shogunate, and must use unique technologies to interpret the world around you so that you can continue to be useful. When you combat enemies, you’ll detect their weak areas and then deal with them in turn.

Your senses will also help you detect the past and show you the lore of this cyber-samurai world. So what secrets will you uncover on your journey?

#20 SpiderHeck

Developer: Neverjam
Publisher: tinyBuild Games
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S Switch
Release Date: September 22, 2022

Spiders are already pretty dangerous and scary. But in SpiderHeck, they get a double dose of both because someone thought giving them weapons would be a great idea!

The twist is that you’ll be one of the weapon-wielding spiders and must do battle against others to survive! You can play the game in various modes, including taking everyone on solo or teaming up to show how spider-style-teamwork is done.

You can even mod the game to create your own modes!

Every level in the game offers different challenges to the spiders. So wield your weapons and abilities well so you can move around perfectly and get the job done!

#19 Shovel Knight Dig

Developer: Nitrome
Publisher: Yacht Club Games
Platform: PC Switch
Release Date: September 23, 2022

It’s time to be the Shovel Knight once again! But in Shovel Knight Dig, your goal isn’t to go as far to the right as possible. Instead, it’s about going as deep as you can without dying to get your treasure back!

Drill Knight, one of your many enemies, has stolen and taken your treasure underground. You’ll go after him and attempt to withstand the many enemies and traps in your way!

The best part of the game is the replay value. The team at Yacht Club Games worked hard to ensure that every playthrough was different. So see how far you get, and then see how far you get the next time!

#18 Moonscars

Developer: Black Mermaid
Publisher: Black Mermaid
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S Switch
Release Date: September 27, 2022

There are many games out there that focus on “death making you stronger.” In Moonscars, you’ll have that feeling in spades as you play as a clay warrior seeking to find the answers about her existence.

Your goal is simple, “Find The Sculptor.” But doing so won’t be easy. You’ll travel through a non-linear area full of monsters, and you’ll have to sculpt yourself over time to become even stronger.

The combat is deep in the title, as you’ll use various weapons and witchcraft to overcome obstacles. Will you learn the truth about why you’re alive? Will the truth be what you hope it to be?

#17 Falling Out

Developer: PolyCrunch Games
Publisher: Firestoke Games
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S Switch
Release Date: October 05, 2022

Don’t you hate when you have a plan for your vacation, and then it doesn’t go as you hoped? In Falling Out, you’ll have the opposite feeling as your vacation becomes the adventure of a lifetime!

You’ll play as one of two characters who must work their way through a procedurally-generated world to get out alive and get treasure along the way. Whether you play alone or in co-op, you’ll need to use these characters wisely to get through the challenges that lie ahead.

With every level of the game being different from the last, you won’t have to worry about variety. Instead, trudge ahead and see how well you do!

#16 Ghost Song

Developer: Old Moon
Publisher: Humble Games.
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One Switch
Release Date: November 03, 2022

Life is meant to be about purpose. But what can you do when you have certain abilities but don’t know your purpose? Ghost Song will help you explore that question as you awaken on a moon of a distant world devoid of true memory and purpose.

You are a “Deadsuit” armed with weapons and other abilities to help you weave through danger. But why do you have these in the first place?

You’ll descend deep into the moon and attempt to learn the truth. Unfortunately, you aren’t alone in this place, as many monsters will attempt to destroy you. Upgrade your powers to overcome them, and fight to learn what you truly are.

#15 RWBY: Arrowfell

Developer: WayForward Technologies
Publisher: Arc System Works
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S Switch
Release Date: November 15, 2022

When it comes to video games based on anime, they typically have no impact on the overall world. But RWBY: Arrowfell is an example of the opposite.

The game is set in canon to the beloved Rooster Teeth series, making it a game that fans must play.

Set within Volume 7, you’ll play as the four members of Team RWBY as they attempt to keep the land of Atlas safe from various threats. The game features the return of all the classic voice actors from the show and intense combat that reflects the abilities of the mighty Huntresses.

So are you ready for a new adventure?

#14 Somerville

Developer: Jumpship
Publisher: Jumpship
Platform: PC Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: Noveember 15, 2022

Those who enjoy games like Inside or Little Nightmares might want to check in on Somerville. This is a science fiction sidescroller that tosses you into a world that’s become desolate. An alien invasion has left humanity on a struggle for survival, and you’re taking the role of a young man. Separated from his family, players will be guiding this man through all sorts of horrors, whether it be rough environmental terrains or the alien creatures themselves. Throughout the game, you’ll have several puzzles to solve and dangerous encounters. How you decide on what to do in difficult situations will pave the narrative ends, as there are multiple endings to unlock. 

#13 Freedom Planet 2

Developer: GalaxyTrail
Publisher: GalaxyTrail
Platform: PC
Release Date: September 13, 2022

Freedom Planet has an exciting start. The franchise was initially crafted to be a Sonic the Hedgehog fan game before the development team opted to make a brand new IP. This first installment was released back in 2014, but in 2022 we finally received a sequel. Since the game takes great inspiration from Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog, you can see plenty of gameplay similarities. This is a fast-paced platformer, and the narrative for the sequel puts our heroes of Avalice to the test. Within the game, a new ancient horror has awakened. Within the depths of the ocean arises Merga, a water dragon that will unleash havoc onto the world. However, our heroes become at odds with each other leaving it a fight to preserve friendships and save the day once again.

#12 Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: HAL Laboratory
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Release Date: March 2022

The seventeenth entry into the Kirby series sees players going on an adventure through the Forgotten Land to rescue the Waddle Dees. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a brilliant platformer that Nintendo fans will love, as well as newcomers to the franchise. The game can be played in single-player and multiplayer on the Switch, making it a platformer with great escapism potential. In terms of visuals, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is as brightly engaging as you’d expect from a Nintendo platformer and its kooky colorful levels give a fresh feel to the abandoned, post-apocalyptic setting that is the Forgotten Land. This is a challenging but enjoyable game that platformer fans will love exploring.

#11 Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2

• Developer: Inti Creates
• Publisher: Inti Creates
• Platforms: PS4, PC, PS5, XBO, X/S, NS
• Release: 2022

Fans of the Gunvolt franchise are getting two games this year. One of those is Gunvolt: Chronicles Luminous Avenger iX 2. It’s a long title, but if you enjoyed Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX back in 2019, you might be interested in picking this one up. This new standalone story will put players into a parallel world that’s become a wasteland filled with only robots. Here we find that Copen comes with a few new tricks to slash through enemies and zip around the map at new record-breaking speeds. Fans of the franchise will even find that this installment will feature a full English voiceover for the very first time in the series.

#10 OlliOlli World

• Developer: Roll7
• Publisher: Private Division, Take-Two Interactive
• Platforms: X/S, PS4, XBO, PC, NS, PS5
• Release: February 8, 2022

The OlliOlli series has been around since 2014, and this year will be getting the third major installment. OlliOlli World is another simple to play skateboarding platform game where players take to Radlandia. You’ll pull off insane tricks, explore the area, compete for high scores, interact with characters, and complete side quests. Past installments have brought in quite a few fans as the gameplay controls were easy to learn.

#9 Salt and Sacrifice

• Developer: Ska Studios, Devoured Studios
• Publisher: Ska Studios
• Platforms: PS4, PC, PS5
• Release: 2022

Fans of Salt and Sanctuary will be receiving a brand new game installment this year. Salt and Sacrifice offers players a new Souls-like 2D platformer, but this time we’re tossed into a new area and even a new protagonist. Players are stepping into the role of the Marked Inquisitor, a condemned prisoner that is getting a second chance at life. When the kingdom and land are suddenly in chaos thanks to the mages’ war, our protagonist vows his life to help end the terrifying war. While this is a brutal game, players won’t have to venture through the campaign alone. Instead, Salt and Sacrifice offers online multiplayer support. So, you and a friend can join together and fight off the mages or partake in some PvP.

#8 Stray

• Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
• Release: 2022

Stray is a platform adventure game that puts players into a cyberpunk future. In this strange, unfamiliar world, we’re taking the role of a stray cat. Your goal is to make your way through the world and find your family. However, the world is full of androids, and during your exploration, there are a series of puzzles to complete. You’ll have to figure out how to get around obstacles and interact with the environment to further progress. Fortunately, aiding you along the way is an android drone named B12 who can assist you when interpreting what is being said by other androids and getting around some of the more complex environmental puzzles.

#7 Astral Ascent

• Developer: Hibernian Workshop, MP2 Games
• Publisher: Hibernian Workshop, Maple Whispering, Limited Run Games
• Platform: PC, PS4, XBO
• Release: NA

Astral Ascent is an upcoming title that puts players into a modern fantasy world. In this game, players are taking the role of a hero of their choosing. Players will be presented with four heroes, each with their own personalities. Meanwhile, the goal of this game is to escape The Garden, which is essentially an astral prison. Guarded by twelve powerful zodiac bosses, players will need to grind their character to unlock new powers and builds as they attempt to throw down each guardian standing in their way. So far, the game is described as a rogue-lite, and the narrative comes out through various replays. The stronger you get, the more you’ll uncover different backstories or characters. Right now, the game is slated to release through early access, and you’ll even gain access to some multiplayer, which will support both local and online.

#6 Hidden Deep

• Developer: Cogwheel Software
• Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
• Platform: NS, PC, XBO
• Release: January 24, 2022 Early Access

Hidden Deep puts players into a future where a mining team uncovers strange readings from the depths below. Soon a group of scientists ventures to the depths below to find out what exactly is causing these strange signals. However, when communications from the team suddenly drop, you’re forced to recon and recover. You’ll lead troops down below and uncover some nasty creatures to battle against. So far, the game has been released as an early access title, so you will see updates come out as the development team progresses through the project for its official launch.

#5 A Tale of Paper

• Developer: Open House Studio
• Publisher: Gammera Nest, Digerati
• Platform: X/S, PS4, XBO, PC, NS, PS5
• Release: NA

A Tale of Paper follows a character made entirely of paper called Line. Within this game, players take the role of Line, which can transform into different origami shapes. Each transformation comes with its own set of pros and cons. For instance, transforming into a frog will give you the ability to jump at great heights. Meanwhile, taking the form of a paper plane will give the character the ability to soar through the skies. Each level is said to have a narrative, free of text but unveils a heartfelt story. Players can expect to explore, complete challenges, solve puzzles, and escape the different environmental dangers that pop up within the world.

#4 MultiVersus

• Developer: Player First Games
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Platform: PS4, XBO PS5, X/S, PC
• Release: 2022

MultiVersus is a new upcoming platform fighter that you might be interested in. If you’re not familiar with this type of game, you can look at Super Smash Bros. along with Brawlhalla as prime examples of what to expect. The game will have players going through a 2D fighter where the main goal is to knock opposing players out of the level boundaries. Typically, this is done through various combo moves and a slew of item drops that give players buffs. MultiVersus is confirmed to be a free-to-play title that features crossover franchises in a grand battle. So far, some of the franchises we know will be featured in this game include DC Comics, Adventure Time, Scooby-Doo, Steven Universe, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, and Tom and Jerry.

#3 Sonic Frontiers

• Developer: Sonic Team
• Publisher: Sega
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S, NS
• Release: November 8, 2022

Sonic Frontiers is a game we’ve seen rumored and supposedly leaked about before its reveal. However, during The Game Awards 2021, we finally got the big unveiling. This game puts players into the role of the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog character but in a brand new style of gameplay. While the game will be a platformer, the big change-up is that players will be going through an open-world 3D game as Sonic. It’s a different take from what fans might be used to, but there are various interesting biomes and locations to visit. In fact, most fans have started to compare this entry to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t have a ton of information right now. Instead, we’re waiting for Sega to unveil the premise here and what new thrilling changes we can expect this time around.

#2 Shovel Knight Dig

• Developer: Yacht Club Games
• Publisher: Yacht Club Games
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
• Release: 2022

Shovel Knight was released in 2014, and it became a huge hit. This classic 2D side-scrolling platform game thew players into 8-bit style gameplay. However, we have started to see more content added to the game over the years, such as various expansion campaigns. We now have a new title in the works called Shovel Knight Dig. For the most part, if you enjoyed the original game and its line of campaigns, you’ll likely get more of the same kind of content here. There’s a brand new story where Drill Knight bursts into the scene and steals all of the precious loot Shovel Knight has collected. Now Shovel knight will begin his descent into the ground, searching for Drill Knight and his nefarious gang. As you likely already expected, the upcoming installment will bring in new characters, locations, and even enemies as you progress through the campaign.

#1 Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course

• Developer: StudioMDHR
• Publisher: StudioMDHR
• Platforms: PC, XBO, PS4, NS
• Release: June 30, 2022

Cuphead caught quite a few players’ eyes from the visuals alone. Inspired by the iconic early 1930s cartoons, developers Studio MDHR brought fans an impressive run and gun platformer experience. In the game, players followed Cuphead and Mugman as they attempted to repay the debt owed to the Devil. While the game launched in 2017, we’ve known that a DLC expansion has been in the works for quite some time. The Delicious Last Course is an upcoming DLC pack that would bring players even more levels, boss battles, and a new playable character addition, Ms. Chalice. This game is known for delivering some thrilling and tough boss battles. We’re expecting nothing less with the upcoming DLC, and hopefully, we’ll be getting our hands on the content at some point this year.

Bonus

Bonus Dying Light 2: Stay Human

• Developer: Techland
• Publisher: Techland
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX/S
• Release: February 4, 2022

Dying Light 2: Stay Human is an incredibly anticipated title, and while it’s a first-person zombie shooter, it will have some platforming elements. Players in this game will be tossed into a new protagonist. You’re still dealing with the ongoing threat of undead hordes breaking into the city. However, there’s more of a challenge here. You have new factions to deal with, plenty of choices to make, and, as mentioned, platforming to get through. A major component of the game franchise is parkour. Players will use their parkour skills to quickly traverse the city so you can fully expect to vault over objects and attempt to land on rooftops as you sprint away from or towards danger.

Bonus Horizon Forbidden West

• Developer: Guerrilla Games 
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS4, PS5
• Release: February 18, 2022

Horizon Forbidden West is another game with some platforming elements but is not necessarily a platform title. Players here will once again step into the role of Aloy, who has a new journey waiting for her. A new deadly plague has sprung up and reached the tribe’s land. It’s quickly killing off all living life, and the only means to stop it would be for Aloy to find its source. Here, players will be venturing to the west coast into new uncharted territory. You’ll find new mechanical beasts to take down along with different hostile tribes. Horizon Zero Dawn was a fast-paced game where Aloy could easily climb, jump, vault, and make her way through a few obstacles.