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Top 15 best 2D platformers for iOS

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Top 15 best 2D platformers for iOS

You'll love rummaging through our list of best 2D platformers for iOS

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Finding a great 2D platformer for iOS can be quite time-consuming, not to mention exhausting. The App Store has more titles than you can count, but sadly not all of them are going to be worthy of your time. So, which are? 

In today's article, we are going to take a look at some of the best 2D platformers for iPhones and iPads you can get your hands on right now, be it paid or free, there is a game that can match anyone's needs and wants in terms of gameplay, graphics, and narrative. 

What defines a good 2D platformer?

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a platformer. Since we're going to focus solely on 2D options, you won't find some of the bigger titles that feature heavily realistic graphics and motion. Instead, we'll list lots of pixelated games and Mario-like creations that will bring back memories. 

As for what defines a good one, you can probably imagine that it's quite complicated. Since many players prefer action-packed platformers while others like more casual ones, we've hand-picked a couple of titles from pretty much every genre and difficultly (with a little bias towards pixelated ones). Of course, if you want a more general list of iOS platformers (including 2D, 3D, and everything you could imagine) you should read our top 25 list of platformers for iOS

So grab your iPad or iPhone and get ready to jump, slide, tap and run as best as you can, because we're about to dive into the slashing world of 2D platformers on iOS!

Click Here To View The List »

1
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Publisher: Konami
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

We're going to start off the list with one of the classics. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the best 2D platformers you can play on any device, be it a console, a projector (if you dare), or an iPhone. This game looks fantastic even years down the line, and it has such amazing gameplay and narrative that it just begs to be featured on every single list it qualifies for.

If you're not sure why it's such a great game, then we have a few reasons why you should play Castlevania: Symphony of the Night right now. But if you're not convinced, you can always check the Netflix show to convince you - we're pretty positive that will make you immediately jump on the Castlevania hype train with us!

If you're curious how it plays, you should watch our hands-on gameplay video!

Download Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
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2
Downwell

Developer: Moppin
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, Platform
Find out more about Downwell
Downwell

A downwards platformer that is more feisty than most, Downwell is an action-packed roguelike platformer with lots and lots of booms, hacks, slashes and punches. You basically have to slay monsters as they come while trying to navigate from platform to platform and further down into the madness.

If you're trying to get better at it, you can read some of ourDownwell tips and tricks. We've got a couple of guides to really help you get better when it comes to intense brawls.

Don't forget to read our Downwell review if you are curious how it is to actually play this crazy vertical platformer.

Download Downwell
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3
Dandara

Publisher: Long Hat House
Available on: iOS + Switch
Genre: Platform, Shooter
Find out more about Dandara
Dandara

Another beautifully-drawn game that takes the player into an oppressed world, filled with gravity-defying platforms and challenges, all while trying to restore the beauty the land once had. It's an intriguing game that has not only an immersive narrative, but also a very hands-on play style.

We have a Dandara review, so you should make sure to check it out because this game is worth all the praise it can get. It's one of those unique 2D iOS platformers you can't really put into words.

Download Dandara
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4
Dadish 2

Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Platform
Find out more about Dadish 2
Dadish 2

A game that's already gained a massive audience with its first release, Dadish 2 is a must-play. This cutesy platformer will put you in charge of a radish dad (yeah, a radish that is a dad) trying to find his missing children. Radish children. If that's not enough to convince you to try it out, then let me explain further.

The world in Dadish 2 is filled with food-themed characters, anything you could (and couldn't) imagine - from burgers to doughnuts, everything will follow the food theme. However, you mustn't let that cutesy approach fool you. The stages are fairly difficult and they may even become frustrating at times. You can read all about that in our Dadish 2 review! Or you can read some useful tips to help you through the levels.

Download Dadish 2
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5
Nameless Cat

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action
Find out more about Nameless Cat
Nameless Cat

Moving on from the food-themed platformers to another adorable one, but with a cat as the main character - Nameless Cat is one of the very few games where you will find that the story isn't just a random blurb, but something that the entire game revolves around. In Nameless Cat you have even more adorable pixelated graphics that are absolutely stunning to look at.

The main goal is to discover how you can return to your owner, all while defeating challenging bosses and dashing through the countless levels ahead. It's a brilliant game that is as adorable as it is sad, in a way. It's definitely worth playing if you want a platformer filled with action and story.

Download Nameless Cat
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6
Dan the Man

Publisher: Halfbrick Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Fighting, Film/TV tie-in, Platform
Find out more about Dan the Man
Dan the Man

Dan the Man is a game you've probably heard of so many times. Well, that's because it is definitely worth playing, especially since it stays true to the challenging platformers filled to the brim with action and battles. The main focus in Dan the Man is not the narrative or even the graphics - instead, you've got a game that feels as alive as the retro platformers used to decades ago.

That might not be something that will appeal to everyone, but if that's what you're looking for, Dan the Man is the game you want. You can choose from a number of characters, each with unique perks, and fight, dash, jump and throw everything you have at the enemies and frustrating traps ahead. And yeah, they do get frustrating at times!

Did you know we've got a Dan the Man review? Check it out if you're curious!

Download Dan the Man
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7
Dead Cells

Developer: Motion Twin
Publisher: Motion Twin
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Switch
Genre: Action, Adventure
Find out more about Dead Cells
Dead Cells

Have you ever played a game so brilliant it stayed with you for years? If not, then you clearly haven't played Dead Cells yet - while this game was released back in 2017, it's still as brilliant and fresh as ever. In this iOS platformer, you have a roguelite masterpiece designed to keep you glued to your device for hours. Through stunning pixelated and colourful graphics and plenty of challenging levels, you must slash your way through waves of enemies or find the right tactics to defeat them.

The goal is pretty straightforward - you must discover what happened to the once prosperous land. You can upgrade your character, choose whichever way you want to progress, and overall just have a good time.

While we don't have a review for mobile, we do have a Dead Cells review for Switch - check it out, it basically plays the same! Or you can check some of our guides in case you get stuck.

Download Dead Cells
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8
Nyan Cat: Lost In Space

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Arcade, Platform
Find out more about Nyan Cat: Lost In Space
Nyan Cat: Lost In Space

Who could've guessed that the meme which took over the internet makes up one of the most fun and challenging platformers in 2021? Nyan Cat: Lost in Space is a game of adventure, fun, colour and hyper platform jumps that will most likely be a fun choice to most platformer enthusiasts.

You can even change the appearance of Nyan Cat since there are so many customisations, and pick from five different game modes to adventure in. It really never gets boring if endless runners and platformers are your mobile genre of choice. And if you haven't tried this game yet, you should do so ASAP!

Download Nyan Cat: Lost In Space
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9
Cookie Run: OvenBreak

Publisher: Devsisters
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Endless running
Find out more about Cookie Run: OvenBreak
Cookie Run: OvenBreak

Cookie Run is a sweet game, to say the least. In this intense endless running platformer, you can pick your favourite cookies (anything from sweet to spicy) and try to collect as many jellies as you can, while expanding your collection and forming bonds with them. It's a game that has gained massive popularity and rightfully so - it's fun, engaging and you could play it for hours without getting bored.

There are a few Cookie Run games released, so if you like this one, you should check them all out! Cookie Run: OvenBreak is one of the best iOS 2D platformers ever in my opinion, and if you're trying to get some freebies, you should check our regularly updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

Download Cookie Run: OvenBreak
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10
Dere Evil Exe

Available on: iOS
Genre: Platform
Find out more about Dere Evil Exe
Dere Evil Exe

A game that hasn't exactly made it to many players' devices, Dere Evil Exe is actually quite interesting. You have to complete various puzzles by running through the platforms and defeating arguably creepy monsters? Well, they're not really creepy, to be completely honest. The graphics are stunning though, so I'll let it pass.

You control the main hero named Knightly, and your task is simply to survive and escape the pixelated nightmare you found yourself in. There are instances where the game is trying to break the fourth wall, and that gives it an element of unicity that you cannot find in many other mobile games, especially ones belonging to this genre.

It's worth giving it a try if you're into that sort of approach. You can read more in our Dere Evil Exe review though!

Download Dere Evil Exe
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11
Silly Sausage

Publisher: Nitrome
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Silly Sausage
Silly Sausage

Up next, we actually have two entries, because it was too difficult to pick just one. While it's essentially the same game but with different visuals, we decided to mention both!

We'll start by simply saying, who doesn't love sausage dogs? And by that, we mean those adorable Dachshunds that are oh-so-adorably called sausage dogs - in Silly Sausage you have a unique platformer where you play as one, and your goal is to stretch, stretch and then stretch some more in order to avoid obstacles and collect rewards.

It's not exactly your typical 2D platformer, but it plays similarly. It's super fun and it looks great too! Furthermore, there's Silly Sausage and Silly Sausage: Doggy Dessert where you have a dessert-filled world instead of a meaty one!

However, you need to read our Silly Sausage review or Silly Sausage: Doggy Dessert review to really understand just how awesome these games are!

Download Silly Sausage or Download Silly Sausage: Doggy Dessert
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12
Super Phantom Cat

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Platform
Find out more about Super Phantom Cat
Super Phantom Cat

In the blocky world of Super Phantom Cat, you encounter some of the best of all-time platformer genre - great retro pixelated graphics and a contemporary play style that feels so great on mobile. You have adorable characters that smoothly glide from block to block, and a background music to perfectly capture the mood.

There are multiple worlds from famous games that you can immerse into (such as the ones in Donkey Kong and Sonic), and that's only partly where the fun comes from. Overall, it's a game that will make you excited to play a (retro) 2D platformer in 2021.

Download Super Phantom Cat
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13
Yeah Bunny 2

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Platform
Find out more about Yeah Bunny 2
Yeah Bunny 2

If this is not one of the most adorable games of all time, I don't know what is. Yeah Bunny 2 pays homage to old school Mario games but gives them a fresh new look and pastel graphics to set the mood. You play as an adorable white rabbit, and your goal is to collect coins and goods and defeat bosses.

It's actually pretty straightforward but feels extremely smooth with its one-finger controls and level design. Actually, if you want something which strongly resembles Super Mario Run, but in a more 2D and pixelated format, this is the perfect game. There are over 50 levels to dive into, so plenty of challenges await!

Download Yeah Bunny 2
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14
Cat Bird

Publisher: Raiyumi
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Cat Bird
Cat Bird

Cat Bird is probably one of the best 2D platformers on iOS ever created. Ever!

In this beautifully pixelated world you control an animal... is it a cat? is it a bird? Nobody could tell, so it's probably a cat bird. Jokes aside, when it comes to the actual gameplay and controls, everything is by the book - the game looks outstanding and the narrative is very compelling.

You have challenging platforms to jump or fly on, and although sometimes you'll end up sending this pretty cat bird straight into oblivion (or into a wall of spikes to be more precise), you'll find yourself wanting to try again and again until you succeed. That must be what makes Cat Bird such a successful game, I suppose. Definitely worth a shot!

If you're curious to read more about it, make sure to check out our Cat Bird review.

Download Cat Bird
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15
Rayman Adventures

Publisher: Ubisoft
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platform
Find out more about Rayman Adventures
Rayman Adventures

Rayman Adventures is the game you will find so easy to adapt to, and so hard to put down. It's one of those iOS 2D platformers that looks and feels great, and that always seems to come up with a new challenge in any new stage you try. The game has hundreds of characters (a.k.a. Incrediballs) to collect, and so many challenges and game modes that you will never have time to get bored.

You should read our Rayman Adventures review for a full overview of our gameplay, or you can jump straight into the beginner's guide. We also have a guide to show you how to reach high scores in each level type, so make sure you don't miss that one either.

Download Rayman Adventures
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Cristina Mesesan
Cristina Mesesan
Cristina is a lifelong gamer who also loves digital art, she's worked as an animator and tried some game level designing in Unity. Her biggest passion is pixel games (Stardew, To the Moon), and she adores writing and sharing her knowledge about games.