Some of the greatest games of all time are platformers. With an emphasis on tight controls and well-designed worlds, there are few genres that are as fun to run around in, beating baddies and collecting... well, collectibles. And like most fun activities, platformers are usually more fun with a friend.
There are plenty of single-player platformers that stand as incredible experiences with or without the inclusion of co-op, including the games on this list. But including the option to indulge in these mechanically brilliant titles with a partner in tow would undoubtedly give you even more options to enjoy your time with them, adding new dimensions to the experience. Here are the single-player platformers we wish we could play with a pal.
7 Dead Cells
The beloved rogue-lite Dead Cells is a game that's tough to put down. The constantly rewarding experience sees your headless main character continuously collecting new weapons and abilities as you power your way through its dangerous worlds, hoping to progress further each time you respawn.
Adding co-op to the Dead Cells formula would give you and a friend the option to not only team up on some of the game's tougher moments, but race toward the end goal of each level. With its occasionally branching paths and countless pickups, two players could begin a run on the same path but finish with completely unique builds and play styles.
6 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
The brilliant and beautiful Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a Metroidvania-style platformer that any fan of the genre should experience. Like its predecessor, Ori and the Blind Forest, this game sees Ori exploring a vast and gorgeous natural environment that's aglow with personality.
Both Ori games are a treat to explore and adventure throughout, and the second game in particular is an absolute spectacle throughout your journey. Although you're able to race other players in The Will of the Wisps, exploring this serene, engaging platformer with a friend would no doubt be a pleasure.
5 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
The Ratchet & Clank series has been going strong through multiple console generations, with the adventures of Ratchet the lombax and Clank the robot seeing a wide range of variations over the years. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, introduces a ton of new characters, weapons, and the interesting gameplay mechanic of rift holes, allowing you to seamlessly travel through them to access new areas and worlds.
Rift Apart stands tall as a wonderful single-player adventure, but a co-op mode could add to the chaotic fun of the game's wacky weapons and abilities. The series has already experimented with the idea in games like Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, so the idea isn't as out-there as it may seem, especially considering the fact that the game introduces us to two excellent companions in the form of Rivet and Kit.
4 Hollow Knight
One of the most gorgeous, atmospheric, and challenging platformers ever, Hollow Knight combines elements from rogue-lites, souls-likes and Metroidvanias to deliver an unforgettable experience. As The Knight, you'll delve deep into Hollownest, discovering secrets and evolving your abilities until you're strong enough to challenge the most powerful foes around.
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, but it's also a fairly challenging game. Having a second Knight along for the ride could not only help to overcome some of the more difficult enemies, it would give yo someone to experience the beautiful world with.
3 Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair
The Yooka-Laylee games have never hidden their inspirations, instead displaying them proudly. While the original title in the series is clearly inspired by Banjo-Kazooie, its sequel, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, is clearly modeled after the Donkey Kong Country series. It's a side scrolling platformer with fantastic gameplay, intriguing puzzles and some of the most vibrant and colorful worlds around.
The Donkey Kong Country games that inspired The Impossible Lair are perfectly fun alone, but they're even more enjoyable when played with co-op multiplayer, and we'd wager that Yooka-Laylee would be much the same. Taking control of your own dynamic duo of animals and joining in on the platforming fun would add new depth to the already enjoyable experience.
2 Celeste
Celeste is a truly unique platformer in a number of ways. The game doesn't have any combat, with a focus instead falling on brilliantly designed exploration and traversal. It's also one of the most narrative-focused platformers ever, examining the main character Madeline's struggles with her own mental health and her personal goals.
While Celeste is a wonderfully introspective adventure, it cannot be denied that it is also a mechanical marvel from a gameplay perspective. The game is an absolute joy to play, with jumps and dashes growing ever more complex as you make your way up the mountain. Attempting to make your way to the peak with another player adventuring along with you would certainly be a blast.
1 Rogue Legacy 2
The sequel to one of the most essential roguelike platformers around, Rogue Legacy 2 plays out much like its predecessor, with your character trudging through a procedurally-generated castle and fighting through waves of enemies. After each death, you'll select from one of your character's offspring, complete with random genetic traits that alter your run in a variety of ways. The second game in the series introduces new classes and abilities in the mix, further increasing your options for each run.
But who says that your next-of-kin needs to be an only child? Allowing multiple players to join in on a run could involve each of you selecting a different successor, with even more variation in the effects and skills you bring along with you as you make your way toward your end goal.