Progression
Best Level-based Games
Discrete levels or stages
48 games ranked by level-based intensity
Hollow Knight
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingSkill masteryOpen worldExplorationMelee combat
Blasphemous 2
Windows
PlatformingSkill masteryPixel artFantasy mythologyExploration
Terraria
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldSandboxExplorationPixel artPlatforming
ROUNDS
WindowsmacOS
Melee combatLocal multiplayerDeck buildingPlatformingSkill mastery
Duck Game
Windows
Local multiplayerPlatformingCompetitive rankedWhimsicalPixel art
Risk of Rain (2013)
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingPixel artLocal multiplayerCo-op chaosSkill mastery
Spelunky 2
Windows
PlatformingLocal multiplayerSkill masteryCo-op chaosRoguelike loops
Spelunky
Windows
PlatformingLocal multiplayerSkill masteryRoguelike loopsSolo contemplative
Brawlhalla
WindowsmacOS
Melee combatPlatformingLocal multiplayerSkill masteryPick-up-and-play
10 Second Ninja X
Windows
PlatformingSkill masteryFranticSolo contemplativePuzzle solving
Portal
WindowsLinux
PlatformingShootingPuzzle solvingSolo contemplativeSci-fi technology
Celeste
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingSkill masteryExplorationPixel artSolo contemplative
Ori and the Blind Forest
Windows
PlatformingOpen worldExplorationLinear storyFantasy mythology
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Windows
PlatformingSkill masteryOpen worldExplorationSolo contemplative
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
WindowsmacOSLinux
Cosmic horrorTenseExplorationMeditativeSolo contemplative
FINAL FANTASY® XIII
Windows
Turn-based combatLinear storySolo contemplativeFantasy mythologyExploration
Papo & Yo
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingExplorationLinear storyPuzzle solvingSolo contemplative
STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™
Windows
Skill masteryOpen worldPlatformingExplorationMelee combat
Katana ZERO
WindowsmacOS
PlatformingMelee combatPixel artLinear storySci-fi technology
UNCHARTED™: Legacy of Thieves Collection
Windows
StealthPlatformingExplorationLinear storySolo contemplative
Hi-Fi RUSH
Windows
PlatformingAnime/mangaSkill masteryMelee combatSolo contemplative
Geometry Dash
WindowsmacOS
PlatformingTenseSkill masterySolo contemplativePick-up-and-play
Blasphemous
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingPixel artSkill masteryExplorationMelee combat
No Time To Explain Remastered
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingLocal multiplayerExplorationWhimsicalSkill mastery
Dust: An Elysian Tail
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingAnime/mangaExplorationLinear storySolo contemplative
BioShock Infinite
WindowsmacOSLinux
ShootingLinear storySolo contemplativeExplorationSci-fi technology
Pizza Tower
Windows
PlatformingFranticWhimsicalSolo contemplativePixel art
ScourgeBringer
WindowsmacOSLinux
Pixel artPlatformingFranticExplorationSkill mastery
Seen
Windows
PlatformingTenseExplorationLinear storySolo contemplative
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
WindowsmacOS
TenseOpen worldExplorationMeditativeSolo contemplative
Genesis Noir
WindowsmacOS
PlatformingPuzzle solvingExplorationLinear storyStylized 3D
Crab Champions
Windows
PlatformingDialogue choicesShootingCo-op chaosFrantic
Antichamber
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingPuzzle solvingExplorationSolo contemplativeMinimalist
Tomb Raider Game of the Year
WindowsmacOS
StealthPlatformingExplorationLinear storySolo contemplative
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingLocal multiplayerPixel artExplorationSolo contemplative
Fall Guys
Windows
Local multiplayerMMO socialPlatformingCompetitive rankedWhimsical
Max Payne
Windows
Mystery and detectiveShootingLinear storyTenseSolo contemplative
Max Payne 3
Windows
Open worldShootingLinear storySolo contemplativeExploration
LIMBO
WindowsmacOS
PlatformingMinimalistPuzzle solvingTenseExploration
INSIDE
Windows
PlatformingMinimalistTenseLinear storySolo contemplative
Sonic Generations Collection
Windows
PlatformingFranticSolo contemplativeExplorationPick-up-and-play
Sonic Forces
Windows
PlatformingAnime/mangaExplorationLinear storyFrantic
Little Nightmares
Windows
StealthPlatformingTenseExplorationLinear story
Magical Delicacy
Windows
PlatformingPixel artCraftingFantasy mythologyExploration
A Little to the Left
WindowsmacOS
Pixel artPuzzle solvingMeditativeWholesome friendshipPick-up-and-play
Botany Manor
Windows
Puzzle solvingExplorationMeditativeSolo contemplativeLinear story
GRIS
WindowsmacOS
PlatformingAnime/mangaMeditativeExplorationLinear story
Portal 2
WindowsLinux
PlatformingShootingPuzzle solvingLinear storyWhimsical