Top 15 best 2D platformers for Android
Seasoned players particularly love 2D platformers for Android because it reminds them of merrier times
The time has come to take a look at some of the best 2D platformers for Android. We're talking about games that inspired, frustrated, and kept us entertained for hours on end.
Platformers have been one of the staple games ever released, from the beginning of gaming as we know it. From the first arcade machines to the earliest console and PC games, platformers have fascinated, frustrated and kept us entertained - and I'm not talking about you and me, but millions of people worldwide.
Who doesn't remember the very first time they played Mario? Or one of the very first times you played through Donkey Kong?
It's been a truly great experience and journey over the years, and that leads us to the current day. With smartphones at arms reach or in our pockets, we can immerse ourselves into these wholesome games once again with just a couple of taps.
That's exactly what we'll look at today - a list of the best 2D platformers for Android that take us back decades and bring back memories. So, let's dive right in!
1
Dead Cells
In Dead Cells you can play an action-packed, pixelated and colourful adventure filled with roguelite action every step of the way. It's a progressive exploration game where you can use skills, destroy enemies and try out so many things that it would be a pity not to play it.
The game is not your typical platformer, where you have to progress a certain way. Instead, you can play it however you want, pass and unlock levels in unique ways and customise the character however you like - all in 2D!
It even has some cool DLCs, so make sure to check it out. You can read our Dead Cells review in the meantime!
Download Dead Cells
2
Downwell
While it's not your typical platformer, it's a game that knows more about them than many others. Downwell has intense (and we mean INTENSE) action that just doesn't give you a break. It's a game that progressively moves downwards and sees you jumping left and right to shoot and land in the right place.
If you want something simple, yet action-packed and fairly simple in terms of graphics, this is a great choice. It has massive retro vibes, so it's a wise pick to bring back memories.
Make sure to check our Downwell review if you're interested in learning more about the game, or even read some of our beginner tips - they'll come in handy, trust me.
Download Downwell
3
Evan's Remains
An Android 2D platformer that doesn't give too much information at the start can either be a good or a bad thing - in this case, it's something unexpectedly brilliant. Evan's Remains is a clever puzzle that sees you solving the case of a missing boy by using logic and platforming.
This Japanese-inspired game is pretty close to a visual novel from the narrative standpoint, but it's actually so much more than that. It looks and plays beautifully, and if you haven't heard of it yet, now is your chance to check it out because it's one of those games you really don't want to miss out on. Oh, and the best part? It's completely free!
Download Evan's Remains
4
Cat Bird
A beautiful 2D adventure cannot go wrong with cats, right? Cat Bird gives us even more reasons to support that, given that it is such a beautiful and detailed 2D platformer for Android. You play as a tiny white pixelated kitten, and your goal is to climb through the challenging levels, defeat the bosses and discover all the hidden secrets within the game.
It's a wholesome experience that comes packed with stunning levels and characters. You can read more in our Cat Bird review, but the takeaway is simple - this game has all the ingredients to make it a successful and stunning choice for Android 2D platformer enthusiasts.
Download Cat Bird
5
Rayman Adventures
You've probably heard of it and chances are you've already played one (or more) of the Rayman titles in the series. This game has you collecting heroes (hundreds of them, in fact) and exploring a vast world filled to the brim with new adventures. It's a wonderful game that can never disappoint you if platform games are your prefered genre.
Make sure to read our Rayman Adventures review if you are curious about our hands-on experience with the game, or skip right through to the Rayman Adventures beginner's guide - you can't go wrong either way!
Download Rayman Adventures
6
Dan the Man
Want a game that never gets boring, no matter how many similar platforms you jump and kick on? Dan the Man is the one. Want a game that has "action" as its middle name? Dan the Man is the one. Want... one of the best 2D platformers of all time? Clearly Dan the Man is the game you're looking for.
This game has multiple modes where you can pick your favourite character and kick the living hell out of pixelated bosses and nasty villains. Not only that, but you've also got a bunch of skins and levels to unlock, and in the multiplayer mode you can team up with friends (or foes?) and tackle everything together. It's an epic game that is worth checking out at least, especially if you want a classic action game with a lot of jumping!
Read our Dan the Man review if you're curious to learn more about this retro creation.
Download Dan the Man
7
Dadish 2
Dadish 2 is the continuation of Dadish - which, as many of you know, is one of the best platformers for foodies. Why foodies, you may ask? That's because Dadish is a radish dad - yep, a radish. This pixelated Android platformer has challenging levels, a pretty captivating story and so much more that adds to the quality of the gameplay. There's really nothing more fulfilling than playing through a few levels and then yelling your success story after passing that one tough stage.
You should read our Dadish 2 review if you want to read our honest opinion after playing the game, or read some beginner tips to get you through the veggie bonanza.
Download Dadish 2
8
Cookie Run: OvenBreak
One of the few Cookie Run titles that shook the meta (together with Cookie Run: Kingdom), Cookie Run: OvenBreak sees you controlling GingerBrave right through the kitchen, outside the oven (after all, it is an oven break - like a prison break) and exploring the vast and mysterious outer worlds. There are so many cookies to collect and tend to, many stages to ace and delicious characters to discover.
The game is an endless runner, so you have to pass the stages by collecting coins and eating jellies. It all sounds simple, but in fact, it's going to get difficult pretty quickly. Don't despair though, because we have some sweet Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes to help you out!
Download Cookie Run: OvenBreak
9
Nameless Cat
Retro platformers have nothing on Nameless Cat, this stunning retro-looking game sees you controlling a kitten through all manner of dangerous locations. The thing that makes Nameless Cat such a great game, though, is not only the playstyle (which is arguably tougher than average) - instead, it's the narrative that so blatantly makes you want to fast-forward through the levels and just read it all in one go.
If you want a tough Android 2D platform game, this one is a must-play. The relaxing music and immersive gameplay make it one of the few that will make you want to replay it right away. It's one of my personal favourites, and the colour scheme for the levels is oh so lovely!
Download Nameless Cat
10
Dere Evil Exe
An arguably weird pick, but it's a great one nonetheless. Dere Evil Exe is one of the games that want to break through the fourth wall so badly that it might get injured - what that means, in fact, is that this game falls onto the odd side more so than it might want to. It's beautiful, it's retro, it's a 2D platformer, but the genre is a tad mixed.
While it wants to give off a chilling vibe, it also wants to put a smile on your face and give you some of that blood-pumpin' action you love so much from the original Mario. Overall, it's a game that looks and feels great but comes with its own share of challenges. You can read our Dere Evil Exe review though because we're sharing more info about our experience playing it there.
Download Dere Evil Exe
11
Apple Knight
A knight that loves apples is what Apple Knight is all about. You go about your knightly business, slaying monsters and eating apples, and generally have a good time. There's something about this game that puts a smile on my face - maybe it's the fact that you have a challenge neatly disguised as a casual game of collecting apples.
Apple Knight isn't for everyone though. If you love this niche, chances are you'll absolutely love it. Otherwise, the number of enemies charging at you unexpectedly can easily overwhelm you. So, what's the takeaway?
If you love a challenge and want an action-packed 2D platformer for Android, this is a great choice. Otherwise, you should try Cat Bird or Evan's Remains.
Download Apple Knight
12
Nyan Cat: Lost In Space
Nyan Cat is the ultimate internet celebrity. In Lost in Space you have the same fluffball, but with a ton of brand new looks and challenges ahead. You have an endless runner platformer, and your task is to collect candy and other sweet goods while avoiding danger. It's similar to Rayman Adventures or Cookie Run: OvenBreak, but with Nyan Cat.
While it's not a classical jumper with swords and gruesome monsters charging at you, it does offer the same experience (but with arguably more adorable visuals). It's a fine addition for everyone who loves memes as much as they love 2D platformers!
Download Nyan Cat: Lost In Space
13
Super Phantom Cat
Another cat-themed game? You bet! This game cleverly combines retro ideas and concepts and delivers them in a brand new packaging that looks absolutely brilliant. This is one of the best 2D platformers for Android you can play even in 2021 since it's such a well-balanced creation.
You have the 8-bit and 16-bit elements that bring back memories, and then you have the colourful neon approach that places it straight into the contemporary gaming niche. It's one of the games you'll find it easy to fall in love with, especially if Mario was one of your go-to games back in the day.
Download Super Phantom Cat
14
Mangavania
A retro game that looks a lot like a mash of Downwell, old Gameboy Mario and a generic manga (or anime, whichever you prefer) - Mangavania is one of those games that managed to come up with something rather unique. When you think of 2D platformers you don't often picture this, but hey - here it is!
We were not exactly impressed with it (as we've also mentioned in our Mangavania review), but it doesn't change the fact that it does exactly what it advertises - it's a game where you jump from platform to platform, slashing through enemies, avoiding traps and discovering hidden secrets. In a way, it has some Castlevania vibes (maybe because of the title?).
Download Mangavania
15
Yeah Bunny 2
An adorable game with a bunny as the main character is the best choice to finish off our list, don't you think? It's basically one of the quintessential games when you even mention the genre. Yeah, Bunny 2 looks great and has plenty of levels to keep any platformer enthusiast at arms' length.
There is even a little (love) story in the game that is subtly told through cutscenes and the narrative, but it doesn't overwhelm you. For every player that is looking to play a simple and easy-to-learn platformer, Yeah Bunny 2 is as good as it gets.
Download Yeah Bunny 2
