10 Best Platforming Games on PlayStation Plus (July 2024)

Platforming games are no longer a journey from point A to B on a side-scrolling screen. They’ve evolved to include intricate detail 3D worlds that spin long-winding adventures. The PlayStation Plus, in particular, offers a myriad of options for gamers of all types. Whether you’re craving heavy doses of nostalgia or venturing out into immersive fantasy worlds, these best platforming games on PlayStation Plus will be sure to scratch that itch for you.

10. Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

The Voidheart Edition is simply the Hollow Knight version for consoles. In a world of insectoid warriors, you’re tasked with descending to the depths of twisted caverns and deadly wastelands. You’ll explore ancient cities as you take on tainted and dangerous creatures. But some strange creatures will also become your closest allies as you unravel a compelling story and uncover the mysteries of the kingdom.

9. Rayman Legends

Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies are at it again. Or should we say the Glade of Dreams is in trouble again? Rayman Legends won over millions of hearts worldwide with its charming tales. It features legendary paintings, all virtual playable worlds with distinct secrets, environments, bosses, and more. You can bring along friends for the ride in a four-player local co-op mode. With over 80 levels, you’ll be spoiled for choice when hosting a game night.

8. Sonic Frontiers

The fastest hedgehog returns in Sonic Frontiers. Collect the Chaos emeralds once again to save the world from destruction. The worlds are colliding with one another, and the missing Chaos emeralds are the key to survival. Often, though, you’ll throw caution to the wind as you explore the breathtaking surroundings around you. You’ll feel the heat rise in intense battles against hordes of powerful foes. But also sit and relax as the charming creatures of the Starfall Islands wash over you.

7. Ratchet & Clank

The Ratchet & Clank series is a show stopping force of nature. It crafts a globetrotting adventure across the universe, with the Lombax and the robotic sidekick duo being at the front and center of the action. Explore thriving planets and face off against formidable bosses. Learn new flight sequences as you enjoy a fresh and deeper origin storyline for the books.

6. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

NeoCortex and Dr. N. Trophy have broken out of their interdimensional prison and are planning to take over all dimensions. So, it falls upon Crash and Coco to once again put the evil villains in their place, this time for good. For fans of the series, you’ll be happy to return to N. Sanity Beach. But also, newcomers and veterans alike will appreciate the quality of life changes made to the art style and overall gameplay.

5. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy may have kicked off his adventure in the LittleBigPlanet series. However, he’s become big enough to star in his own show. Check out Sackboy: A Big Adventure, following Sackboy’s grapple with danger and peril. He navigates a jaw-dropping world packed with charming creatures and bursting with color. You’re not just braving the challenging 3D platforming for the sake of it. Vex, a mythical being, has kidnapped your friends. He’s forcing them to complete the Topsy Turver, which will turn the world into the stuff of nightmares. It falls upon you and your friends, if you prefer, to save the world from doom.

4. It Takes Two

A couple going through a rough patch are turned into dolls. To return to their lives, they must find a way to work together. Fortunately, they have a self-proclaimed guru, Dr. Hakim, to help them work through their issues. Alongside mending a broken relationship, Cody and May strive to overcome the platforming obstacles on their journey to freedom. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition that intertwines platforming and storytelling brilliantly, so much so that the game has won several game awards, including Game of the Year.

3. Oddworld: New ‘n' Tasty

Oddworld: New' n' Tasty remakes Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee from the ground up. It features relatively the same storyline. Abe escapes from an abusive boss. However, he has to return to rescue his workmates, leading them through challenging platforming sections to safety. With updated graphics and more seamless controls, newcomers can discover what made Oddworld: New' n' Tasty so special. Moreover, depending on the number of workmates you manage to save, the story has a different ending. It gives you more reason to engage in multiple playthroughs to discover all the endings.

2. The Messenger

In The Messenger, you’re tasked with delivering a scroll through a cursed world. The scroll is the key to saving your clan and the world from destruction. A neat twist in the game is that it shifts from an 8-bit to a 16-bit style of presentation. It introduces elements of time travel, infuses nostalgia, and gives a nod to retro gaming. The transition is also executed beautifully, ensuring a seamless playthrough. You’ll still encounter villains and bosses while also making new friends. Moreover, you’ll use acrobatic gameplay to evade obstacles and unlock new abilities to take on more difficult branching paths. All along, you’re often taken by surprise as your adventure reaps unexpected humor and thrills.

1. The Pedestrian

The Pedestrian’s concept is rather simple. While walking on the pedestrian path, use the road signs you come across to navigate the world. However, the more you play, the more the road signs become complex. At some point, you’ll be rearranging and reconnecting broken pathways using public signs. It’s like a puzzle game, except each puzzle teaches you a new skill useful in the latter stages. Despite the increase in complexity, the learning curve is smooth enough for you to find your way. Once you’ve created a connected path or building, you’ll proceed to explore the game’s 3D world, packed with engaging content.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other platforming games on PlayStation Plus that you think are the best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!