Platform games have been around for almost as long as video games themselves.
One of the most popular genres, there have been hundreds – if not thousands – of excellent platform games over the past 30 years. The popularity of the genre may have been driven by Mario and Sonic, but they are far from the only platform heroes out there. Over time, numerous other platform games have carved out their own paths. Even today, PS5 has its fair share of the best platform games. But what are they?
Well, they come in all shapes and sizes. Platform games can be side-scrolling, or they can be 3D, in a huge open world. It doesn’t matter what type of platformer you prefer, hopefully there’s one you’ll enjoy on PS5. Read on to see our pick of the best platform games on PS5, all available to play now, and all with native PS5 versions.
Want to play more platform games? Click here to see our list of the best platform games on PS4.
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This list was first published in April 2022 and has been updated regularly since then.
1. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
While there is much more Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart than just a platformer, it’s still arguably one of the best platformers on PS5. Since it was made specifically to harness the power of Sony’s latest console, it looks absolutely phenomenal. But it’s also a lot of fun to play.
Is it a platform game or an action adventure? Well, in our opinion it’s a bit of both. While battle and action scenes play a big role Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, platforming is perhaps the most important element. Jumping around and traversing the environment has always been an important aspect of the Ratchet & Clank series, and it’s no different here. But this time, platforming is more fun than ever by being able to run against the wall, using jet-powered boots and a chain to jump from one canyon to another.
Read our review of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
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2. Sackboy: a great adventure
Remember the LittleBigPlanet games from the PS3 days and their adorable mascot Sackboy? Well, he’s back – and this time he’s on an adventure of his own. Sackboy: a great adventure launched alongside the PS5 and offers one of the best platforming experiences on the console. It makes up for so many things: challenging levels, a beautifully designed world – and even voice acting from the likes of Dawn French and Richard E. Grant.
This is a pretty big game, with several worlds to navigate your way through, each with its own unique design. You control Sackboy and run, jump and swing your way over platforms and obstacles, taking on enemies and solving environmental puzzles. Each level is slightly different: maybe you just have to reach the end, or maybe you have to reach a goal while you’re at it. And with the option to play in co-op – not to mention the addition of dressing up Sackboy in a range of outrageous and gorgeous outfits – there’s a lot to love here.
Read our review of Sackboy: a great adventure
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3. Astro’s Playroom
No doubt, Astro’s playroom is one of the best platform games on PS5. Heck, it could even be the best. And to top it off, it’s completely free. Correct: Astro’s playroom comes bundled with every new PS5. And so if you own a PS5, just go to the store and download it for free. You will have no regrets.
Besides being a fantastic platform game in its own right, Astro’s playroom is also a celebration of all things PlayStation. You’ll encounter characters from your favorite Sony games and collect items to display in a digital PlayStation museum. But before you can enjoy the relics of the past, you must first find them. And that means you’ll have to work your way through a number of levels, all designed to utilize the full functionality of the PS5 and its DualSense controller.
Whether you’re swinging from branches like a monkey, or running around like an AstroBot, one thing’s for sure: you’ll have a lot of fun. It’s just a shame it only lasts a few hours. We would love to play a full version of Astro’s Playroom. Make it happen, Sony.
4. Little Nightmares II
If you find your platformers a little creepy, they’re not much better than Little Nightmares II by Bandai Namco. It might be one of the best platformers on PS5, but we’d recommend not jumping into it unless you can put up with a few fears along the way.
Little Nightmares II puts you in control of Mono, a kid with a bag over his head. He’s joined by Six – who you’ll recognize when you’ve played the first one Little nightmares. You don’t have to enjoy it to the full Little Nightmares II although; this is a perfect standalone game. As Mono, you make your way through a series of terrifying levels, where you are chased by nightmarish creatures out to get you. Few games create an atmosphere as imposing as Little Nightmares II, and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much. But it also nails platforms, and moving through its environments is nothing but a joy. Terrifying, sure. But a joy nonetheless.
Read our review of Little Nightmares II
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5. Solar axis
solar axis may be the most unusual game on our list of the best platform games on PS5, but it’s also one of the most deserving. Developed by Heart Machine, solar axis puts you in control of Rei, a Voidrunner. Her job? To keep the planet from falling apart. Not a big deal.
As Rei, you spend your time traversing a ruined yet beautiful (and incredibly stylish) 3D world. Figuring out how to get from one area to another feels like a puzzle, but that’s the beauty of it solar axis. Like the best platform games out there, using a range of skills such as grinding rails, using grappling hooks, and sliding from one high platform to another is the key to success. It’s not always easy, but it’s always a pleasure.
solar axis is incredibly smooth to play, and you’ll get a huge kick out of exploring the environments. Even if you have trouble reaching the next location. Perseverance is always the key.
Read our review of solar axis
6. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s about time
We have a love-hate relationship with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s about time. The Crash series has undoubtedly given way to some of the best platform games ever made. And so it was really exciting to see everyone’s favorite marsupial return for more. But Crash Bandicoot 4 is difficult. Ridiculous, on points. And while this may be one of the best platform games on PS5, it’s certainly not for the faint of heart.
Crash Bandicoot 4 combines side-scrolling platforming with 3D sections, on-rails levels and more, meaning it always keeps you on your toes. It uses a range of interesting mechanics such as phase shift, gravity switch and massive spin jump, all designed to crash 4world as varied as possible. They succeed in that, but they also make it rock hard. You need to have quick reflexes to get past some of the trickier parts of the game. In the end, though, it’s worth it; this is a great looking game and it feels good to be in control of Crash again.
Read our review of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s about time
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