The Best PlayStation Platformers to Rediscover Your Love for Jumping

9 June 2025

Remember when jumping over gaps, wall-running, and collecting shiny stuff used to be the peak of your gaming joy? If you're craving that fun, bouncy gameplay again—platformers are where it's at. There's something magical about platforming. It’s like gaming comfort food. And when it comes to platformers, PlayStation has been a haven for some of the best.

Whether you're a PS5 newbie or an OG who grew up on a dusty PS1, the PlayStation library is packed with platforming gems that’ll make you fall in love with jumping all over again.

So grab your controller, tighten your virtual shoelaces, and let’s dive into the best PlayStation platformers to reignite that spark.

What Makes Platformers So Addictive?

Before we get to the goods, let’s talk about why we keep coming back to platformers in the first place.

Platformers are simple, yet challenging. They’re colorful, fast-paced, and all about timing. They test your reflexes in a way few other genres do. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about pulling off a perfect double jump or nailing a tricky sequence of moves after a dozen fails.

They’re the digital playgrounds where our inner kids run wild—and PlayStation has perfected that playdate.

1. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)

Let’s kick things off with an absolute banger.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart isn’t just a platformer—it’s a portal into another dimension (literally). This PS5 exclusive takes the platforming formula and cranks it to eleven. The movement feels smooth, the jumps are precise, and the world-hopping gimmick? Mind-blowing.

You’re not just hopping across platforms; you're tearing through entire dimensions in real-time. And the best part? It’s not all fluff. The game is built around tight platforming challenges, creative gadgets, and satisfying combat.

It’s like playing inside a Pixar movie—with a jetpack.

2. Astro’s Playroom (PS5)

Don’t let its size fool you—Astro’s Playroom is tiny but mighty.

Pre-installed on every PS5, this charming little platformer doubles as a love letter to PlayStation history. The jumping puzzles are delightful, and the DualSense controller integration? Next level. You'll literally feel every hop, skid, and power-up in your hands.

It’s slick, joyful, and brimming with nostalgia. If you're looking to fall back in love with platformers, this is the perfect warm-up act.

3. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (PS4/PS5)

Platforming pain never felt so good.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is brutal, beautiful, and brilliantly balanced. It sticks closely to the old-school formula while adding fresh mechanics like time manipulation and dimensional shifts. Expect a serious challenge here—it’s no cakewalk.

But that’s part of its charm. Every level is a test of patience, reflexes, and timing. And when you finally land that perfect jump after 27 retries? Chef’s kiss.

If you loved the classics, this one hits the sweet spot between retro and modern.

4. Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS4/PS5)

This one's a hug in game form.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure trades in LittleBigPlanet’s creation tools for pure platforming bliss. It’s bright, cheerful, and ridiculously fun—especially in co-op. The levels are packed with inventive mechanics and musical surprises (there’s a level set to Bruno Mars. Yes, really.)

The controls are tight, the design is clever, and the whole vibe is just...good vibes. This is a stress-free platformer that’s perfect for winding down or bonding with friends.

5. LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4)

Hold up—just because Sackboy moved on doesn’t mean we should leave this gem behind.

LittleBigPlanet 3 is still a brilliant platformer, especially if you love the idea of creating your own levels. It’s platforming with a creative twist. You can play through the story mode or go wild with community-made content (there are thousands of crazy levels out there!).

It's like infinite platformers in one game. If you ever wanted to jump through a level made of cheese or bounce on cupcakes, this is your moment.

6. Spyro Reignited Trilogy (PS4)

Ah, the purple dragon of our childhood dreams.

Spyro’s back, baby—and better than ever. The Reignited Trilogy takes the original PS1 classics and gives them a shiny new coat of paint without losing their charm. These games are pure, joyful platforming. Running, gliding, collecting gems, flaming sheep—it’s all here.

Spyro’s movement is smooth, the worlds are massive, and the platforming is the perfect blend of chill and challenge. If you're feeling nostalgic, this trilogy delivers in spades.

7. Rayman Legends (PS4)

Rayman may not have limbs, but boy, can he jump.

Rayman Legends is often overlooked, but make no mistake—it’s one of the best platformers of the last decade. The controls are spot-on, the level design is insanely clever, and the visuals are flat-out stunning. Plus, the music levels? Pure gold. It’s like playing inside a rhythm game.

Every level feels like a hand-crafted piece of art, and the co-op play is an absolute blast. Don’t sleep on this one—it’s platforming perfection.

8. Horizon: Call of the Mountain (PS VR2)

Okay, hear me out—this one’s not a “classic” platformer, but it’s got jumps, climbs, and a whole lot of motion.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain lets you scale virtual cliffs and leap between ledges in VR. And trust me, it’ll get your heart racing. The immersive nature of PlayStation VR2 takes platforming to dizzying heights, literally.

If you're open to something new and you’ve got the gear, this will redefine how you look at jumping in games.

9. Tearaway Unfolded (PS4)

From the makers of LittleBigPlanet comes another under-the-radar gem.

Tearaway Unfolded wraps charming platforming inside a world made of paper. Literally. Every jump, glide, and puzzle feels like you’re flipping through a storybook.

What makes this one special is how it uses the DualShock controller in creative ways—tilting and flicking your way through imaginative levels. It’s quirky, innovative, and totally one-of-a-kind.

10. Knack 2 (PS4)

Surprised? Don’t be.

Knack 2 might have flown under the radar, but it's actually a solid, underrated platformer. It’s packed with combat, co-op options, and clever platforming sections. Plus, it’s got that Saturday-morning-cartoon vibe that makes it easy to sink hours into.

Think of it as the underdog of the PlayStation platformer family. It won’t blow your mind, but it’ll definitely make you smile.

Retro Throwback: Honorable Mentions from the PS1 & PS2 Eras

If you really want to reconnect with old-school platforming magic, there’s a goldmine of retro hits to dig into.

- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy – The remasters of the originals that started it all.
- Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy – Platforming meets open-world exploration.
- Sly Cooper Collection – Stealth and platforming in perfect harmony.
- Tomba! – An offbeat classic worth tracking down if you love quirky charm.

Grab a PS Plus Premium subscription or break out your old hardware—these classics are worth every nostalgic jump.

Final Thoughts: Jump Back In!

Platformers might not always be front-and-center these days, but they’re far from dead. In fact, they’re thriving—especially on PlayStation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who hasn’t double-jumped in years, these games are guaranteed to rekindle your love for the platforming genre.

So next time you’re overwhelmed by open-world fatigue or endless battle passes, pop in one of these platformers. Because sometimes, all you need is a well-timed jump, a few floating platforms, and a whole lot of heart.

Now go ahead—start jumping again.