10 Best Platforming Games on PlayStation Plus (2024)

For a while there, platforming games followed the Super Mario and Donkey Kong formula. However, with 3D technology and a touch of imagination, platforming games have expanded to feature lots of variety. Whether dark, eerie Metroidvanias or 3D adventures inspired by Disney World, platforming games have it all. And the PlayStation Plus is the best way to access multiple games via a one-month subscription. Here are the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus you absolutely must try.

What is a Platforming Game?

A platforming game involves walking, running, or jumping from point A to B. You may come across vertical platforming challenges, too, that require climbing or swinging using grappling hooks. You may also fight enemies while evading obstacles. Always, the environment will be filled with uneven and moving platforms that pose platforming risks.

Best Platforming Games on PlayStation Plus

Among the platforming games on PlayStation Plus, here are the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus that make it to the top of the list.

10. Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

The main character in Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition is, quite surprisingly, an insectoid warrior. But don’t let his size fool you. He’s brutal in combat, fighting to save Hallownest. The kingdom has been run over by a supernatural plague. It’s up to you to journey to the ends of the kingdom, fighting other hostile insectoids and restoring order back to your home. Being a Metroidvania, you’ll indulge in quite a decent chunk of back-and-forth exploration. However, it proves all well worth the effort when you finally beat the game.

9. Rayman Legends

Strictly local co-op, Rayman Legends packs lots of ways to indulge in pure joy and happiness. With a team of four, you’ll each journey across diverse locations, collecting lums, defeating enemies, and freeing adorable Teensies. By freeing Teensies, you’ll discover whole new worlds that open up your playthrough to more wild possibilities. Depending on the character you choose, whether Rayman, Globox, the Teensies, or Barbara, you’ll have a blast grappling with different skills and abilities.

8. Sonic Frontiers

The Sonic video game series has held fast to its thrilling gameplay, injecting blistering speeds into the platforming world. Playing as Sonic, you’ll run across the Starfall Islands like lightning, collecting the Chaos Emeralds. Meanwhile, your friends are lost through a wormhole, adding to a captivating story and an immersive open world. From battling enemies to completing challenging levels, the platforming gift of Sonic Frontiers never stops giving.

7. Ratchet & Clank

You probably remember Ratchet & Clank from way back in 2002. However, the first game quickly spawned an entire series that has been running till 2023. We even have a film adaptation launched in 2016. Anyway, you don’t need to worry about outdated graphics and gameplay, as the series has received a remaster. So, now, you can dive back into the sci-fi universe following Ratchet and Clank’s shenanigans across space and time. You’ll save the universe once again from destruction, scooping up the series’ famous over-the-top weapons and gadgets as you please.

6. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time features the titular Crash and his sister Coco. The duo embark on a new quest to retrieve the Quantum Masks from evil Doctors Neo Cortex and Nefarious Tropy. You can check this one out if the multiverse fever hasn’t run out for you just yet. Or if you’re a fan of globe-trotting across multiple alternate dimensions, discovering exciting secrets, and running into copies of familiar folk like Crash’s old girlfriend Tawna.

5. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

If you’re more keen on modern-day platforming, feel free to check out Sackboy: A Big Adventure. It efficiently and creatively adopts 3D platforming to convey a world brimming with content. Since you’re no longer simply moving from left to right, 3D movement kicks the challenge up a notch for you. Better still, the more you play, the more stages you unlock that pose an even greater challenge.

4. It Takes Two

Or perhaps take It Takes Two out for a spin, especially if you want to play with a partner. The title of the game could not be any more direct, as literally everything you do is dependent on teamwork and collaboration. The puzzles you solve and the way you unravel the story all involve both parties agreeing (or disagreeing) with each other, all for your entertainment, of course.

3. Oddworld: New ‘n' Tasty

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty puts a new coat of paint to 1997’s Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee. The two games are more or less the same. The only difference is revamped graphics and smoother controls. Still, the core experience remains an absolute thrill, with an interesting story and high replay value.

2. The Messenger

Play as The Messenger, tasked with an important mission of delivering a scroll. But the game’s most intriguing element is its time travel mechanic. You start the game playing across a linear 8-bit style. However, the sound and visuals soon change to reflect a 16-bit presentation. Besides the seamless transition of gaming history, it also represents the main character’s transformation from his past into his future self in ways that will blow your mind. Then, the latter stages of the game change into a Metroidvania-style, signifying an eventual journey back to the past to learn from mistakes and grow.

1. The Pedestrian

The Pedestrian is a sidescroller that features a walking stick figure’s adventure through a busy New York City. You direct the character using exit signs, toilet signs, traffic lights, and more. However, the levels soon grow more complex, including switches and buildings. Suddenly, you have to carve pathways through multi-level buildings that require jumping, dropping several floors down, picking up items, and interacting with doors. Meanwhile, the signs grow complex, too, adding trampolines and retractable platforms.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top 10 best platforming games? Are there other platforming games on PlayStation Plus that you think are the best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!