The best games that mix platforming and exploration

Important takeaways

• Platformers blend 2D and 3D perspectives and emphasize exploration to create engaging gaming experiences.
• Some games prioritize exploration over platforming, including
  Starbound
  ,
  PIG, FEZ,
  and
  Ori And The Will Of Wisps.
• Games like
  Hollow Knight, a hat in time,
  &
  Terraria
  focus on exploration while incorporating platforming elements.

Platform player has been one of the most famous genres in video games, with a long history and many titles that take a shot at being the best. Being an older genre, the wide variety of games naturally allows for unique experiences and innovations to emerge, doing more than just following the same gameplay loop it started with.

Although there have been various ways to mix up the gameplay of platform games, exploration is one such path that can provide a very engaging game. These days, the worlds of video games and the exploration that comes with them can make for satisfying experiences, but don't always translate to success. Small or large worlds to explore can develop such experiences and can help platformers continue to see the success the genre has seen, whether in 2D or 3D games.

7 Starbound

A game with extensive exploration but limited platforming

Some platform games that feature exploration focus more on one of these aspects than the other. Starbound is an example of this. It is a game that allows players to explore openly but with less refined gameplay on the platforming side.

However, it's still a beloved game that fans of platformers should check out. With process generation at the core of the worlds players can explore, there are many planets to visit, with many differences between them. There is also a large modding scene that can further enhance the enjoyment of exploring. The platforming may not be as fluid as some other games, but the exploration makes up for it.

6 PIG

Uses Exploration to immerse players in its beauty

Platformer games don't always push exploration as a core concept of gameplay. PIG relates its exploration to gameplay, as players will travel to different stages and complete different puzzles.

But the highlight of the game is the beauty of the world's visuals that are present when exploring. It leads players to keep making their way through the platforming sections just to witness the mind-blowing art displayed in the landscape. The visuals also play into the platforming at times, such as through symmetry.

5 FEZ

A twist on platforms that emphasize exploration and discovery

Platform games are usually considered 2D thanks to Mario series. FEZ is a game that plays on this, is a 2D game that allows the player to rotate the world between four 2D views, essentially making it 3D as well.

The ability to rotate the world allows the player to complete puzzles and explore the different sections in a unique way. The exploration aspect may not be as grand as some platformers, though FEZ strongly emphasizes discovery, with the core element of rotating the world allowing for endless discovery. The rotation creates a unique gameplay element that is simple, but surprisingly, changes how players travel through a 2D platformer.

4 Ori And The Will Of Wisps

Giving players open world exploration in an already acclaimed series

Metroidvania games and platformers go hand in hand due to the similar nature of their gameplay; move around a level with platforms at different heights in a (usually) 2D style. Such a game, Will of Ori and the Wispers, is a title for not only platform fans to experience, but for everyone given its high praise.

Players will travel through an open world with a focus on exploration. Many items and upgrades can be found throughout the world, where the player can unlock abilities that grant access to previous areas they would otherwise be unable to reach. The game's colorful art style also helps encourage exploring the world.

3 Hollow Knight

A title that focuses on its platform and exploration in equal measure

Hollow Knight is one of the most acclaimed games ever made, and its world is one of the reasons behind its success. As a platformer, its difficulty is often commented on, as it is unique to the genre, but the game also emphasizes exploration.

There are many areas to explore that are connected to each other but not all of them are necessary to travel through. Players can venture into almost any area they wish; if they have the opportunity to cross such places, at least. Some are blocked by obstacles that the player can get past via abilities or items. All exploration takes place through platforming, with aspects of a Soulslike in the combat and progression mechanics, providing a unique experience as you travel through the world.

2 A hat in time

A simple thing for those who want a platformer focused on exploration

A hat in time originally started as a Kickstarter game and blossomed into an instant classic when it was released in 2017, becoming a must-have for fans of platform games. It is played in a 3D style, with players controlling Hat Kid across different worlds through platforming dating back to Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

This platforming style allows players to explore different areas, from traditional linear levels to large open world locations. Within the worlds, players go on a collect-a-thon and get Time Pieces as the main goal of the game. Created with a cute aesthetic, A Hat In Time's the platform exploration game is a whimsical experience for anyone looking for a simple but fun game of any kind.

1 Terraria

A well-known platformer with a strong focus on exploration

Terraria seemingly needs no introduction, as it is now one of the most popular games ever created. Game off Terraria focuses on exploring a randomly generated world of three different sizes; small, medium or large, and fight many enemies while collecting materials to help you progress.

Platforming is another accent of the game, with the game in a 2D view. There are times when platforming is more present than others, like in the underworld, or when creating arenas to fight different bosses. But when paired with the worlds, it becomes an incredible experience to explore via platforming that shows why it's such a beloved game.