Top Ten 2D Platformers To Play If You Want A Challenge

So, you’re looking for a challenge in your 2D platformer, eh? Don’t like the Z-Axis? Well, look no further, because here are the top ten 2D platformers to play if you want a challenge. Please don’t break your controller on this article.

10. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

If only the portly plumber would get on this monkey’s level. The Donkey Kong series is definitely a hodgepodge of quality, but no one can deny the sheer quality of its Country games. From the Super Nintendo Entertainment System to the Nintendo Switch 2, they’ve pushed the envelope and put Mario to shame for decades. Returns HD is an amazing game, too, and while it occasionally feels a bit generic compared to its successor, it’s still really good, and the Switch 2 version is peak. Oh, don’t worry. The K-levels are easy. Yeah, just go for ’em.

9. Mega Man 2

It’s in 2D. It has platformingg. It counts! Gaining upgrades and beating bosses might be the main things people look for in these Mega Man titles, but the platforming still has a huge learning curve. Of course, when you actually learn the game, it’s as easy as pie, so that’s why it’s not closer to number one. 

8. Cuphead

Ooh, pretty. Cuphead might be lacking in its gameplay variety, but those bosses will still kick your butt no matter what. These fights are so intricately detailed, which was great to see when the video game industry is getting way too comfortable giving players too many options.

7. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Some of the platforming Silksong asks you to do is genuinely insane, but that’s why it’s awesome. For such a small team like Team Cherry, it always blows our minds how they made everything feel so tight. It feels so good to overcome it, too. This game and Cuphead are the cream of the crop when it comes to indie 2D platformers.

6. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts

You like old school hard? Well, this one’s got that in spades. Sorry to hate our beautiful boy Mario again, but the industry keeps outshining his more play-it-safe efforts. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts has amazing sprite work for the time and Dark Souls-level trickery. Did we mention Arthur not having a traditional life bar? Seriously, though, it’s still really good.

5. Duck Tales (NES)

Who would’ve thunk it? A licensed 2D platformer being good in the 1980s? What do ya know! Oh yeah, right, it’s hard. But still quite fun, and thankfully on modern platforms Duck Tales has rewinds, but that’s not really the same. Wow, consistently pogoing on top of enemies can actually be fun? What a surprise.

4. Contra (NES)

Running and shooting and running and shooting. It’s so fun. Contra has a tried-and-tested formula that has stood the test of time. Especially the NES game, because there’s something nice and simple about it.

3. Spelunky 2

Much like how Silksong is the game everyone picks for Metroidvanias, Spelunky 2 is the one everyone thinks of for rougelikes. It didn’t create the genre, but this game and its predecessor game popularised the freaking heck out of it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a game of this price that offers both incredible value and mind-numbing difficulty.

2. Blasphemous 2

Jeez, there really is a pattern here, isn’t there? Blasphemous 2 might have been a bit overshadowed by the contemporaries that came out after it, but we couldn’t let it slip by any longer. One of the greatest modern Metroidvanias in recent years, with some awesome platforming to boot.

1. Celeste

Yeah, you knew it was coming. So, no need to linger on it because what else is there to really say? Celeste is in the top two 2d platformers ever made. Seriously. It controls like a dream, and tells a touching story through design. Just go play it already — c’mon!

So, there you have it. Ten 2D platformers that will have either your controller or coffee table trembling in fear. Did we miss any? Is the Z-Axis underrated? Let us know!