2026 Is a Big Year for Platformer Games

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Since its arcade debut in 1981 with Donkey Kong, the platformer genre has consistently been a major part of the video game world. Early on, platformers were perfect because they were simple to create with the technology available, and they were incredibly fun to play. While 3D games and different perspectives became popular as technology improved, platformers remained relevant. Today, they’re still incredibly successful, with new Super Mario games and titles from both large and independent developers continuing to thrive.

2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for platformer games! Lots of exciting titles are on the way, offering a great mix of experiences for fans. While some upcoming games have already generated buzz, many are still under the radar. We’ve put together a list of the most anticipated platformers coming in 2026 to showcase the variety available. We couldn’t include every new platformer, but we’ve selected a few we think will be both popular and enjoyable.

2026 Will Be a Great Year for Platformers

The year got off to a rocky start for the genre with the release of God of War: Sons of Sparta, which received mixed reviews and a score of 65 on Metacritic. While not terrible, the game felt too slow-paced to fit within the God of War series. However, there are plenty of platformers coming out in 2026, and we’re particularly excited about Replaced (shown above). Developed by Sad Cat Studios and launching on April 14, 2026, this fast-paced 2.5D platformer boasts stunning visuals and beautifully crafted levels. Its impressive design rivals that of major AAA action games, and we can’t wait for its release next year.

Two exciting platformer games are coming soon! Relooted, which launched on February 10, 2026, is a heist game with a unique premise: players recover African artifacts from Western museums, all within a futuristic setting. But the most anticipated 2.5D platformer of 2026 might be Darwin’s Paradox! Developed by ZDT Studio and published by Konami on April 2, 2026, this adventure game puts you in control of Darwin, an octopus trying to escape from a large industrial complex and return to the ocean, using his special abilities to do so.

Fans of Platformers Have Plenty to Look Forward to in 2026

Platformer games are consistently popular, which means classic titles like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Flashback are still readily available to play on today’s consoles and devices. But the genre hasn’t just relied on nostalgia – it’s continued to evolve with new releases. The continued investment from game studios proves platformers remain enjoyable for gamers of all ages. 2026 looks especially promising, with a diverse lineup including 3D adventures like LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and more traditional 2D or 2.5D games such as Mariachi Legends, A Sister’s Journey, and many other exciting titles.

So, anyone else getting hyped for all the platformers coming out in 2026? Let’s chat about them over on the ComicBook Forum – come join me and let’s discuss!

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2026-03-07 17:15