Big-budget AAA games are great, but some of the most unforgettable gaming experiences come from 2D titles.
They’re often cheaper, run smoother on more PCs, and still deliver top-tier action, storytelling, and challenge.
Best 2D Games You Can’t Stop Playing (Even in the AAA Era)
Below you’ll find a curated list of the best 2D games—platformers, metroidvanias, roguelikes, indies, and stealth gems—that can easily steal dozens (or hundreds) of hours.
Quick Navigation
- Super Meat Boy
- Hollow Knight
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Terraria
- Mark of the Ninja
- Celeste
- Dead Cells
- Cuphead
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
- Katana ZERO
- INSIDE
- Stardew Valley
Super Meat Boy
If you love pure skill-based platforming, Super Meat Boy is a classic that still hits hard.
Super Meat Boy Forever
Release Date: January 10, 2021
Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
You play as the titular Meat Boy on a chaotic rescue mission through brutal, trap-filled stages where one mistake means instant death. The good news? Respawns are immediate, so the “just one more try” loop is dangerously addictive.
Fast, punishing platforming that turns frustration into obsession
Tight controls, short levels, and ruthless hazards make every clean run feel earned.
It’s perfect for players who want quick sessions that spiral into hours of speedrun attempts and precision mastery.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a modern 2D masterpiece: hand-drawn visuals, haunting atmosphere, and a massive underground kingdom to explore.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Release Date: September 04, 2025
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
You play as a silent Knight wandering Hallownest, discovering hidden paths, deadly enemies, and lore that unfolds slowly through the world itself.
A metroidvania world so deep it feels endless
The map rewards curiosity with secret bosses, upgrades, and optional challenges.
Combat is simple to learn but difficult to master, and boss fights are among the most memorable in the genre.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest blends emotional storytelling with gorgeous animation and smooth platforming.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Release Date: April 27, 2016
Genres: Platform, Adventure
You play as Ori, a young forest spirit, in a journey full of escape sequences, puzzles, and exploration across stunning environments.
A beautiful, emotional platformer with a soundtrack that sticks
The movement feels graceful, the world feels alive, and the music does a lot of heavy lifting to make every moment land.
It also adds light RPG-style progression, giving you meaningful upgrades as you grow stronger.
Terraria
Often called “2D Minecraft,” Terraria is a sandbox adventure where exploration, crafting, and combat blend into one giant playground.
Terraria
Release Date: May 16, 2011
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Indie
You dig deep, mine rare resources, build bases, craft gear, and fight your way through increasingly dangerous biomes.
A sandbox that quietly turns into a boss-fighting epic
Every world is randomly generated, so discovery never gets old.
It starts chill, then ramps up into boss battles, powerful builds, and late-game content that can keep you busy for a very long time.
Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja is a slick 2D stealth game where staying hidden matters more than brute force.
Mark of the Ninja
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
You play as a member of a secret ninja clan, infiltrating enemy compounds with tools like smoke bombs, darts, traps, and silent takedowns.
Stealth-first gameplay that makes you feel genuinely clever
Direct combat is risky, so you’re encouraged to plan routes, manage noise, and strike at the perfect moment.
It’s ideal if you love stealth games but want something fast, readable, and satisfying.
Celeste
Celeste is one of the best modern platformers: responsive controls, smart level design, and a story that hits harder than you expect.
Celeste
Release Date: January 25, 2018
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
You climb Celeste Mountain as Madeline, facing both brutal platforming challenges and personal obstacles along the way.
Precision platforming with a story that actually matters
The difficulty is high but fair, and the game constantly teaches you new mechanics without feeling overwhelming.
Optional B-sides and extra chapters offer a serious endgame for players who want to push their skills.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a fast, fluid action roguelike with tight combat and endless replay value.
Dead Cells
Release Date: May 10, 2017
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
Every run throws you into a shifting map full of enemies, weapons, and upgrades—so you’re always adapting on the fly.
One of the smoothest 2D combat systems ever made
Builds can change completely from run to run: ranged, melee, traps, status effects—whatever drops becomes your strategy.
It’s perfect for players who want fast action, constant progression, and “just one more run” energy.
Cuphead
Cuphead is famous for its hand-drawn 1930s cartoon style and its boss-rush intensity.
Cuphead
Release Date: September 29, 2017
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Indie, Arcade, Adventure
You control Cuphead (or Mugman) through a series of beautifully animated fights where patterns, timing, and patience matter more than anything.
Boss fights that look charming and hit like a truck
The visuals are stunning, but the game is not “cute and easy.”
It’s a top pick if you want a challenge that feels old-school, rewarding, and visually unforgettable.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a love letter to classic 8-bit action platformers—polished, modern, and packed with content.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Release Date: June 26, 2014
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
The core campaign is great, but the bundle shines because it includes multiple campaigns with different playable characters and styles.
Retro energy with modern design and tons of value
Great stage variety, memorable bosses, and satisfying movement make it easy to recommend.
It’s one of those games that feels “classic” without being outdated.
Katana ZERO
Katana ZERO is a stylish 2D action game built around fast kills, instant death, and rewinding mistakes.
Katana ZERO
Release Date: April 18, 2019
Genres: Platform, Strategy, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
You play as a deadly assassin slicing through enemies with perfect timing, while the story slowly reveals darker layers underneath the neon vibe.
Speed, violence, and precision wrapped in a slick narrative
Every room becomes a short, lethal puzzle: you learn the layout, execute the plan, and clear it in seconds.
If you like “perfect run” gameplay and sharp style, this one hits hard.
INSIDE
INSIDE is a dark 2D cinematic puzzle-platformer where atmosphere does most of the talking.
INSIDE
Release Date: July 07, 2016
Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
You guide a boy through a disturbing world of control, experimentation, and silent terror—without exposition dumps or obvious answers.
A short game that leaves a long aftertaste
The puzzles are smart, the pacing is excellent, and the presentation is unbelievably polished.
It’s perfect if you want a focused experience that feels mysterious from start to finish.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley proves a 2D game can be pure comfort—and still keep you hooked for months.
Stardew Valley
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Indie, Adventure
You inherit an old farm and build a new life: plant crops, raise animals, mine for resources, craft items, and befriend (or romance) townsfolk.
The ultimate “one more day” game in 2D form
It’s relaxing when you want it to be, but also surprisingly deep if you chase optimization, upgrades, and long-term goals. A perfect pick if you want cozy gameplay with endless progression.
Closing thoughts
2D games prove that you don’t need massive file sizes or photorealistic graphics to get a top-tier experience.
Whether you want punishing platformers, deep exploration, endless roguelike runs, or cozy farming comfort, these titles are some of the best places to start.