Top 15 best 2D platformers for iOS

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Updated by Jupiter Hadley on May 27th, 2025.

Discovering an exceptional 2D platformer game on iOS might require a considerable amount of effort and patience. With numerous options available in the App Store, it’s essential to sift through the many titles to find ones that truly merit your playtime. However, the question remains – which ones stand out?

Today, we will explore some top-notch 2D platformer games for iPhones and iPads currently available. Whether you prefer paid options or free ones, there’s a title that caters to various preferences in gameplay, visuals, and storytelling.

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.

Regarding what makes a good one, it’s safe to say that it can be quite intricate due to varying player preferences. Some players might favor action-packed platformers, while others may prefer more relaxed ones. To cater to this diversity, we’ve carefully selected several titles spanning various genres and difficulty levels (leaning slightly towards pixelated games). If you’re looking for a broader list of iOS platformers encompassing 2D, 3D, and everything in between, our top 25 list of platformers for iOS would be more suitable.

Ready to go? Pick up your iPad or iPhone and let’s gear up for some jumping, sliding, tapping, and running at your finest! We’re diving headfirst into the thrilling realm of 2D platformer games on iOS devices!

1 Shovel Pirate

In simpler terms, Shovel Pirate is a vibrant, oddball side-scrolling adventure where you gather peculiar trinkets! You’ll navigate using your map, uncover clues, and discover hidden gems. The music has a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic platformers, yet it incorporates fresh mechanics by guiding you to the buried treasures scattered throughout. Despite having just 15 levels, this compact game is packed with entertainment.

2 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Kick-starting our roster is a timeless gem – Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Regardless of whether you’re gaming on a console, a screen for presentations (if you’re brave enough), or an iPhone, this game shines brilliantly. Time has only enhanced its visual appeal, and its exceptional gameplay and storyline make it a worthy contender on every list it meets the criteria for.

If you’re unsure about why Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an exceptional game, here are a few compelling reasons for you to start playing it today. However, if you still need persuading, I recommend giving the Netflix adaptation a try – we strongly believe that once you see it, you’ll hop aboard the Castlevania excitement wagon with us!

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

3 Downwell

As a thrill-seeking gamer, I’d describe Downwell as an adrenaline-pumping, feisty downwards platformer that’s packed with action! It’s a roguelike game where you dive deeper into chaos, dodging enemies and landing punishing blows. Every step takes you further down, battling monsters along the way and experiencing explosions, hacks, slashes, and punch-filled encounters.

If you want to improve your skills at it, feel free to check out our suggestions for playing Downwell. We’ve compiled a few strategies that should be particularly useful during heated battles.

Be sure to take a look at our Downwell review, especially if you’re intrigued about the gaming experience of this exhilarating vertical platformer.

4 Dandara

This game features stunning artwork, transporting players into a world under oppression, complete with gravity-defying platforms and tasks. The aim is to revitalize the once-beautiful landscape. The game offers an engaging storyline and encourages active participation from the player.

This visually appealing game immerses players in a suppressed world, full of gravity-bending stages and challenges. The objective is to rejuvenate the beauty that was lost in this land. It’s an intriguing game with a captivating storyline and interactive gameplay.

Be sure to take a peek at our Dandara review! This game truly lives up to every bit of acclaim it receives, offering an exceptional experience that’s hard to describe. It stands out as a remarkable 2D platformer for iOS devices that you definitely won’t want to miss.

5 Dadish 2

A charming platformer titled Dadish 2, featuring an adorable radish dad seeking his lost offspring, has already garnered a substantial following upon its debut. It’s highly recommended that you give it a spin. In this game, you’ll take control of a unique hero – a dad who happens to be a radish. Your mission is to find your children who are also radishes. If this premise doesn’t pique your curiosity enough, let me elaborate more on its appeal.

In Dadish 2, the world is brimming with characters based on food items, ranging from the predictable like burgers and doughnuts, to the unexpected. Each element adheres to the overall food theme. But don’t let the charming presentation deceive you – the levels are challenging and may occasionally become frustrating. For a comprehensive review of the game, check out our Dadish 2 review. Alternatively, we have some helpful tips to guide you through the various stages.

6 Dan the Man

You might be familiar with the popular game, Dan the Man. This game has been talked about quite a bit due to its engaging gameplay. It’s particularly appealing because it harks back to the challenging platformers of yesteryears, brimming with action and combat. The storyline or graphics aren’t the main highlights here; instead, the game offers a lively experience similar to those classic retro platformers from decades past.

Not everyone may find it appealing, but if you’re searching for a specific game, Dan the Man could be your pick. It offers multiple characters, each with distinct abilities, allowing you to engage in combat, dodge, leap, and hurl items at enemies and pesky obstacles that can be quite vexing at times!

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

7 Dead Cells

Hey there fellow gamer! Have you ever experienced a game so mind-blowingly good that it’s stuck with you like an unshakable memory? If not, then I’ve got news for you – you haven’t played Dead Cells yet! Now, this gem was initially dropped in 2017, but let me tell you, it hasn’t lost a bit of its brilliance or freshness. This iOS platformer is more than just a game; it’s an addictive roguelite masterpiece that’ll keep you hooked on your device for hours on end.

With its breathtakingly beautiful pixelated graphics and vibrant color palette, Dead Cells offers a visually stunning world to explore. But don’t be fooled by the beauty – this game is tough! You’ll find yourself battling through hordes of enemies or strategizing your way to victory. It’s a thrilling ride that you won’t want to miss!

The aim is quite clear – it’s about uncovering the mystery behind the now-desolate thriving territory. You are free to enhance your character, pick your own path for advancement, and generally enjoy the experience.

Although we haven’t posted a review for the mobile version yet, we do offer a review for Dead Cells on the Nintendo Switch. Give it a read; it’s quite similar to the mobile experience! In case you encounter any difficulties, feel free to browse through our guides for assistance.

8 Nyan Cat: Lost In Space

It might surprise you that the meme that dominated the internet turned out to be one of the most entertaining and challenging platformers from 2021 – Nyan Cat: Lost in Space. This game offers an exciting adventure, loads of fun, vibrant colors, and high-speed platform jumps. It’s likely going to be a great pick for enthusiasts of platformer games.

This game offers a multitude of options for personalizing Nyan Cat’s look, and you can choose from five distinct game modes to explore. If you enjoy endless runners and platformers on your mobile device, you’ll find that there’s always something new to experience. If you haven’t given this game a try yet, I highly recommend doing so without further delay!

9 Cookie Run: OvenBreak

The game Cookie Run is undeniably delightful; I couldn’t put it any simpler. This fast-paced infinite running platformer lets you choose your preferred cookie character (from the sweet to the spicy) and strive to accumulate as many jellies as possible, all while growing your collection and forging connections with them. It’s a game that has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why – it’s entertaining, captivating, and you can play it for hours on end without feeling bored.

Here are a few different versions of the original text for you to consider:

1. Since there are several Cookie Run games available, it’s worth exploring them all if you enjoy this one! In my opinion, Cookie Run: OvenBreak is one of the finest 2D platformers on iOS. If you’re looking for some free items, make sure to check out our regularly updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

2. Given that multiple Cookie Run games have been launched, it’s a good idea to try them all if you like this one! From my perspective, Cookie Run: OvenBreak is an exceptional 2D platformer on iOS. If you’re searching for some freebies, be sure to look at our frequently updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

3. With several Cookie Run games out there, it’s worth giving them all a shot if this one appeals to you! In my view, Cookie Run: OvenBreak is an outstanding 2D platformer for iOS. If you’re on the hunt for some free items, make sure to check our regularly updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

4. Since there are numerous Cookie Run games to choose from, it’s a great idea to experience them all if this one catches your interest! In my opinion, Cookie Run: OvenBreak is an exceptional 2D platformer on iOS. If you’re after some freebies, don’t forget to look at our regularly updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

5. With several Cookie Run games in existence, it’s worth checking them all out if this one appeals to you! In my view, Cookie Run: OvenBreak is a fantastic 2D platformer on iOS. If you’re keen on some free items, be sure to look at our frequently updated Cookie Run: OvenBreak codes!

10 Dere Evil Exe

A game that hasn’t yet gained widespread popularity, Dere Evil Exe, surprisingly offers an engaging experience. In this game, you navigate through platforms and solve a series of puzzles while battling somewhat unsettling creatures. To clarify, they aren’t truly creepy, but I can see why people might feel that way. However, the graphics are impressive, which makes it easier to overlook their eerie appearance.

In this game, you take on the role of Knightly, the principal character. Your objective is straightforward: stay alive and make your way out of the pixelated world you’ve been thrust into. What sets this mobile game apart from many others in its category is its occasional attempts to breach the fourth wall, which adds a unique touch that’s hard to find in similar games.

If you prefer such methods, it might be beneficial for you to give it a go. For further insights, you may want to check out our Dere Evil Exe review.

11 Silly Sausage

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

Next up, we’ve got not one but two selections for you, as we found it challenging to choose merely one. Although they are variations of the same game featuring distinct aesthetics, we thought it would be fair to bring up both options!

Let’s begin by expressing this: What’s not to love about those charming little sausage dogs, or Dachshunds as they’re affectionately known? In the game Silly Sausage, you take on the role of one of these delightful creatures in a distinctive platformer. Your mission is to extend, elongate, and then stretch even further to dodge obstacles and gather prizes.

This game isn’t your standard 2D platformer, but it shares similar gameplay. It’s incredibly enjoyable and visually appealing as well! Plus, there are games like Silly Sausage and Silly Sausage: Doggy Dessert, where you explore a world filled with sweets instead of the usual meat-themed setting!

To truly appreciate the greatness of these games, I recommend checking out either our Silly Sausage review or Silly Sausage: Doggy Dessert Review.

12 Super Phantom Cat

In the pixelated realm of Super Phantom Cat, you’ll meet some top-tier platforming action, boasting fantastic retro graphics and an engaging gameplay style tailored for mobile devices. The characters are delightfully cute, effortlessly traversing blocks, and the music complements the atmosphere beautifully.

In various popular video games like Donkey Kong and Sonic, you can step into different worlds, and this is just part of the enjoyment. Essentially, it’s a game that stirs up anticipation for playing a modern 2D platformer in the year 2021.

13 Yeah Bunny 2

This game might just be one of the cutest ever made! Yeah Bunny 2 takes inspiration from classic Mario games but updates them with a modern, pastel-colored design. You control an endearing white rabbit character who gathers coins, items, and defeats bosses as your mission.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, this game feels like a dream with its effortless one-finger controls and clever level design that flows seamlessly. If you’re craving a vibe similar to Super Mario Run but with a 2D, pixelated twist, look no further! With over 50 levels waiting for you, there’s no shortage of challenges to conquer!

14 Cat Bird

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

In this vividly pixelated universe, you guide a creature that resembles both a cat and a bird in appearance. While we can’t definitively say if it’s one or the other, let’s call it a ‘cat-bird.’ On a humorous note, though! When it comes to the gameplay mechanics and controls, they follow standard conventions. The game is visually stunning, and its narrative is captivatingly engaging.

In this game, you encounter challenging surfaces for jumps or flights. Occasionally, your avian character, despite your best efforts, might meet an unfortunate end, either by falling into nothingness or colliding with a wall of spikes. Yet, the desire to keep trying and ultimately triumph is strong within you. It’s this very persistence that seems to be the key to the game’s popularity. I’d say it’s definitely worth giving it another go!

15 GRIS

As a gamer, I’ve been blown away by GRIS and its breathtaking visuals, which tell an engrossing story without needing words. This 2D platformer is simply amazing. The narrative centers around a young girl who’s wandering through her own world, dealing with the emotional turmoil she’s experienced in life. As I delve deeper into this game, I gradually acquire new abilities that reflect my changing emotions as I journey through it.

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2025-05-27 17:20