Indie platformers have been a treasure trove of creativity, offering some of the most unique and engaging gaming experiences. While titles like Hollow Knight and Celeste have rightfully gained mainstream recognition, there are plenty of hidden gems that deserve your attention. Here are some of the best indie platformers you’ve probably never played, but absolutely should.
1. A Short Hike
At first glance, A Short Hike might not seem like a traditional platformer, but its open-ended climbing mechanics and charming world make it a must-play. You control Claire, a small bird exploring Hawk Peak Provincial Park, soaring, gliding, and climbing through a peaceful yet engaging world. It’s a relaxing experience that still rewards precision and exploration.
2. Super Fancy Pants Adventure
If you grew up playing the Fancy Pants flash games, you’ll love this expanded version. Super Fancy Pants Adventure takes the fluid, fast-paced movement of the originals and brings it into a full-fledged platformer. With tight controls, stylish visuals, and a sense of speed that rivals even Sonic the Hedgehog, it’s an underrated gem.
3. Gonner
This roguelike platformer combines minimalist visuals with hardcore difficulty. Gonner is all about fluid movement and fast-paced shooting, featuring a procedurally generated world and eerie atmosphere. If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay, this one’s for you.
4. Shovel Knight: King of Cards
While Shovel Knight is already a well-loved indie hit, its King of Cards expansion is often overlooked. Playing as King Knight, this spin-off features a mix of platforming and card battles, making it one of the most unique entries in the series. Its humor and clever level design make it an absolute joy.
5. Bitsky and the Lost Levels
One of the lesser-known but fantastic indie platformers, Bitsky and the Lost Levels blends pixel-perfect jumping challenges with an atmospheric world. With a mix of puzzle-solving and intense platforming, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
6. The Messenger
A love letter to classic NES-era platformers, The Messenger starts as a straightforward action-platformer but evolves into a mind-bending Metroidvania. Its tight controls, witty writing, and unique time-travel mechanic make it one of the most surprising indie titles in recent years.
7. Iron Bank’s Shadow
A mysterious and deeply atmospheric platformer, Iron Bank Shadow combines stealth mechanics with intricate level design. With a dark, intriguing storyline and challenging gameplay, it’s a must-try for fans of narrative-driven platformers.
Final Thoughts
Indie platformers continue to push the boundaries of what the genre can offer. Whether you love fast-paced action, deep narratives, or unique mechanics, there’s always an underrated gem waiting to be discovered.