Platformer Games for Android: Jump, Run and Dash APK

Platformers on a touchscreen

A platformer is about timing: jump, land, avoid the gap. On a phone there are no buttons under your thumbs, so the best mobile platformers either simplify the controls or build the game around them. This tag covers both the classic left and right, jump style and the endless dash style, so the games feel quite different.

If you like the fast side, check runner games. For stealthy acrobatics there is ninja, and for blocky retro art, pixel art. You can also look at everything in Games.

Platformers in this collection

• Red Ball 4 MOD APK: a physics puzzle platformer where you roll a red ball through levels.
• Dan the Man MOD APK: a side scrolling action platformer with brawling.
• Ninja Arashi 2 MOD APK: a ninja platformer about leaping and slicing through hazards.
• Vector MOD APK: a parkour runner about escaping across rooftops.
• Vector 2 MOD APK: the sequel to Vector, with more parkour movement.
• Incredible Jack MOD APK: a classic style jump and collect platformer.
• Super Mario Run MOD APK: a Mario game where the character runs by itself and you time the jumps.
• Lara Croft: Relic Run MOD APK: an endless runner featuring Lara Croft.

How to choose a platformer

Ask yourself whether you want to control the pace or let the game set it. In auto run games like Super Mario Run, one tap does everything, so they suit short sessions. In games like Dan the Man or Ninja Arashi 2 you move freely and fight, which gives more depth but needs two thumbs. Puzzle platformers such as Red Ball 4 reward patience.

Look at the art style too, since a clean, readable screen matters more than detail when you are timing jumps on a small display.

Before you install

Check the minimum Android version and the file size on each page. Most platformers are light, but some need extra data on first launch. Many play fine offline, though online features such as cloud saves or ads may need a connection. For MODs, the usual unlock is currency or lives, which helps with games that gate characters behind long grinding, but it can make a short game feel too easy. If a MOD crashes on launch, try the plain version first. More about installation is in guides, or browse every MOD in the store.