The Best 10 Upcoming Highly Anticipated 2D Platformer Games of 2026

 The Best 10 Upcoming Highly Anticipated 2D Platformer Games of 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape of upcoming 2D platformers continues to look promising, with sequels to popular titles and fresh new experiences on the horizon.

1 - A Handful of Dust

Inspired by Salt and Sanctuary but with a stronger focus on Metroidvania elements, A Handful of Dust is a 2D action-adventure game with a pixel art visual style. The gameplay emphasizes faster-paced combat and more fluid movement abilities. Players will explore a vast and interconnected landscape comprising 19 distinct regions, battling hordes of enemies and challenging bosses. Progression involves acquiring, upgrading, and mastering new equipment, items, and abilities to unlock new combat and traversal options. The game promises a significant amount of content, estimated to be around 15-20 hours of gameplay. The inspiration from a well-regarded Metroidvania title like Salt and Sanctuary, combined with the promise of fluid movement and engaging combat, makes A Handful of Dust a noteworthy indie title to look forward to in 2026. .

2 -Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds

Combining the nostalgic feel of '90s arcade beat 'em ups with modern rogue-lite and RPG mechanics, Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds offers a unique 2D experience. A key feature is its time transition theme, allowing players to experience events in two different time periods, 20 years apart, simultaneously. The game supports solo play as well as online and offline co-op for up to four players. Players can choose from eight playable heroes, each with their own unique abilities. The visual style is inspired by comic books, with hand-drawn art and frame-by-frame animation bringing the world to life. The combination of classic beat 'em up gameplay with modern rogue-lite and RPG elements aims to provide a highly replayable and engaging experience. The game garnered significant support through a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting community interest. Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds is expected to release in 2026.

3 - Pocket Wheels

Described as a 3D platformer and racing game hybrid, Pocket Wheels draws inspiration from the collectathon games of the 1990s. Players control a toy car with various abilities, including jumping, gliding, and using a grappling hook, to explore a house filled with themed rooms. The goal is to collect coins and complete objectives, which include racing on tracks found within each room. Players can purchase new vehicles with the collected coins, adding to the collectathon aspect. The game features a mission-based structure, with each room presenting unique challenges. The premise of playing as a toy car exploring a house aims to capture the childhood dream of miniature adventures. The colorful courses and the variety of settings, including cities and spooky basements, contribute to the game's visual appeal. A demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to get a taste of the gameplay. Pocket Wheels is expected to launch in 2026.

4 - Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Marking the first new entry in the Onimusha series in two decades, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is an action-adventure game set in feudal Japan. While primarily focused on intense sword fighting with brutal finishers and parries, the game's 2D perspective and exploration within historical locations could incorporate platforming elements. The story unfolds in Edo-era Kyoto, which has been twisted by malevolent forces, and players will battle against demonic creatures known as Genma. The protagonist is the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, whose appearance is modeled after the iconic Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. The game aims to blend the survival horror atmosphere that the series is known for with engaging action combat. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is slated for release in 2026.

5 - Duskfade

Appearing as a colorful 3D action platformer, Duskfade draws inspiration from classic titles in the genre. Players will take on the role of Zirian, who is accompanied by his mechanical companion, Cuckoo. The central narrative revolves around Zirian's quest to save his sister from a mysterious Clock Tower that has cast the land into an eternal night. The gameplay involves jumping, swinging, and slashing through a fantastical world. A unique mechanic is that time itself seems to shatter with each jump the player makes. The game promises great graphics and a compelling story, aiming to evoke a nostalgic feeling for players who grew up with older platformers. Duskfade is currently anticipated for a release in 2026.

6 - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed

The sequel to the popular indie hit SpeedRunners, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed aims to bring back the beloved competitive 2D platforming action with several enhancements. Known as the "Mario Kart of 2D platformers," the original game fostered a thriving community, and the sequel looks to build upon that foundation by supporting up to 8 players in both online and local races. Players will once again race through intricately designed 2D platformer levels, utilizing running, jumping, climbing, and sliding to gain an edge. The core gameplay involves collecting power-ups to sabotage opponents and secure victory. SpeedRunners 2 promises improved netcode for smoother online play and vibrant high-definition graphics, enhancing the visual experience. New features include built-in tournaments, matchmaking systems, and leagues, catering to the competitive spirit of the game. Players can choose from a cast of eccentric superheroes, featuring both returning favorites and new additions. The development is being handled by Fair Play Labs, the studio behind Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, with the original developers at DoubleDutch Games providing advice and feedback to ensure the sequel stays true to the spirit of the original while introducing meaningful improvements. While the PC version is slated for a 2025 release, console versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch are expected to follow in 2026.

7 - The Eternal Life of Goldman

Promising a vibrant yet dark adventure, The Eternal Life of Goldman is a 2D platformer that weaves together elements of legends, fairy tales, and myths within a breathtaking hand-drawn Archipelago. The game's most striking feature is its classic frame-by-frame animation, reminiscent of beloved 16-bit platformers, creating a visually stunning experience. 

Players arrive at the Archipelago on a strange mission: to kill the Deity, a mystical creature spoken of but never seen. To achieve this, they must explore the vast and interconnected islands, delving into their many secrets. Gameplay involves upgrading the protagonist's cane with new parts to unlock new abilities, allowing for exploration of hidden corners and encounters with incredible creatures. The game is described as a challenging platformer that demands precision but also rewards improvisation and ingenuity. 

The soundtrack is composed by Yasunori Nishiki, known for his memorable work on the Octopath Traveler series, further enhancing the game's appeal. The unique art style and intriguing premise have positioned The Eternal Life of Goldman as a highly anticipated indie 2D platformer slated for release in 2025.

8 - Sacre Bleu

Sacre Bleu is a 2D platformer game with hack-and-slash mechanics. Developed by Hildring Studio and published by Noodlecake, the game is set in a steampunk version of Revolutionary France. Players take on the role of the captain of the French Musketeers, who must escape from the prison of La Bastille after being falsely accused. The gameplay combines bullet-time combat, steam-powered platforming, and puzzle-solving elements.

Key features include:

A unique steampunk blunderbuss weapon that enables movement and combat in creative ways.

Exploration of diverse environments like armories, sewers, and kitchens to build an airship for escape.

Combat against zombie-like enemies and monstrous bosses.

Speedrunning support via LiveSplit integration.

The game emphasizes vibrant visuals and dynamic mechanics inspired by animation styles such as Looney Tunes. It releases on April 17, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC

9 - Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends

Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends is indeed a 2D platformer game. It combines elements of the Metroidvania genre with a family-friendly approach, featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they navigate through a mysterious island to restore balance by collecting three legendary tomes. The game is known for its polished presentation, tight controls, and expansive level design, making it suitable for players of all ages. It also includes local co-op multiplayer for up to four players, enhancing the gameplay experience with additional abilities like healing and rescue mechanics.

While it is primarily a 2D platformer, some critics note that the game's mechanics could be deeper and that it lacks the complexity of other Metroidvania titles, making it more accessible but less challenging for seasoned players. Despite this, it remains a charming and enjoyable experience, especially for fans of Mickey Mouse and Disney.

10 - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed

SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed is indeed a 2D platformer game, but it incorporates elements that make it more akin to a competitive multiplayer experience. The game is often referred to as the "Mario Kart of 2D platformers" due to its fast-paced racing and competitive nature, where players can knock each other off-screen using various power-ups like missiles and grappling hooks.

While it retains the core 2D platforming mechanics, such as running, jumping, and climbing, SpeedRunners 2 enhances these elements with modern graphics and supports up to eight players in multiplayer mode. The game is set to release on PC in 2025, with console versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch following in 2026.

Thus, while SpeedRunners 2 is based on 2D platforming, it is more accurately described as a competitive multiplayer platformer with strong racing elements.