Pixel art is a staple of the industry, going back to the NES era. For more than a decade, this visual style defined the gaming industry, with Nintendo and Sega's early consoles making great use of 8-bit and 16-bit graphics to tell engaging stories and deliver addictive gameplay. Eventually, pixel graphics fell out of fashion with AAA developers as 3D visuals became the norm; however, the best pixel games on the SNES and Genesis have generally aged far better than most of the 3D projects that were considered high-tech during the '90s.
Although major companies still delve into this art type on occasion, pixel games are nowadays primarily kept alive by the indie sector. Every week seems to produce at least a couple of projects that make use of this style, and they can sometimes threaten to blend. That said, let's highlight the greatest pixel graphics games on the market.
The focus is on "modern" games, so classics like Chrono Trigger, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Street Fighter, and most GBA games will not be mentioned. These masterpieces have beautiful pixel art.
Updated March 25, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2025 has been pretty great so far, even if pixel graphics games have not particularly stolen the limelight. However, quite a few exciting projects are aiming to debut by the end of the year; consequently, the section dedicated to upcoming pixel art games has been expanded. Also, a two-part game series has been added, one that contains "milk" in the titles.
1 Animal Well
Gorgeous & Atmospheric Metroidvania That Focuses On Puzzles
Animal Well
- Released
- May 9, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Shared Memory
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania, Puzzle
A Metroidvania with pixel art graphics and a heavy focus on puzzles over story, on paper, Animal Well sounds like the most prototypical indie project ever. And, in many ways, it delivers exactly that type of experience; however, Shared Memory reassembled a slew of well-worn pieces to create something that feels surprisingly fresh despite sharing so many similarities with other titles found on Steam. While fairly niche as an overall experience, Animal Well is arguably the perfect representative of the type of game it is trying to be. Not everyone will like it, but a lot of people will love it.
7 Great Metroidvania Games Like Animal Well
Animal Well is an unusual, intriguing Metroidvania game; however, there are a few games that scratch the itch for players looking for s similar title.
Set in a reasonably large world that is easy to navigate due to a decent map and well-placed markers, Animal Well is primarily a puzzle game, with basically every single screen challenging players to use a small but versatile assortment of tools to trigger switches and open doors. These brain-teasers get difficult quite quickly as they require some lateral thinking and the game rarely presents obvious hints. Beyond the puzzles, Animal Well is a pretty decent platformer, in the sense that the cute protagonist controls well. Finally, the visuals are fantastic, atmospheric, and periodically creepy.
2 Dave The Diver
Blends Restaurant Sim & Fishing To Create A Quirky & Lengthy Delight
Dave the Diver
- Released
- June 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mintrocket
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Adventure
Making good use of a stretch in early access, Dave the Diver transformed into a fully fleshed-out experience that was among 2023's best games, which is saying something as that year was packed with great AAA and indie releases. While taking a few ideas from popular genres and projects, Dave the Diver combines its ingredients to create a tasty and, more importantly, unique dish. The eponymous Dave has to make sure his sushi restaurant is stocked with all sorts of fishy goodness, and he takes it upon himself to explore the Blue Hole waters in search of new menu items.
The game is split into two parts: restaurant management and deep-sea exploration. The former is a surprisingly in-depth sim with a satisfying sense of progression; meanwhile, the latter holds many surprises and its share of challenges. Individually, these elements could carry a game on their own, but together they combine to create a project with few peers in terms of quality.
3 Stardew Valley
The Standard Setter For Indie Farming Sims
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
The classic Stardew Valley may be one of the most beloved pixel art games of all time. In this RPG, the goal is to build a farm and restore Stardew Valley. Players can grow crops, raise animals, cook meals, go fishing (a profitable endeavor in all manner of titles, including Red Dead Online), and craft items they need. The pixel style adds to the charm of living a wholesome farm life.
Also, the main character can interact with NPCs and even start a family. It's like living in a pixelated world. Besides that, players can complete bundles for currency or resources. The only consequence here is getting too tired, which then reduces earnings. It's also possible to play with friends and build a farm together or share resources, so that's a bonus.
4 Dead Cells
Challenging & Addictive 2D Soulslike Roguelike
Dead Cells
- Released
- August 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Motion Twin
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike
Another popular pick, Dead Cells is a Metroidvania-style game with eye-catching animation. Its super-addictive rogue-like structure creates a challenge for players with permadeath, which means a lot of what is earned will be lost on death. This fast-paced game keeps gamers' hearts pumping with the scare of permadeath and merciless enemies. In short, the game feels incredibly thrilling.
The goal is to cautiously escape the castle and to complete each dungeon successfully. Dead Cells isn't so ruthless, though, since players get permanent upgrades to help them throughout their journey. Also, the nonlinear progression enables access to different paths to reach the destination. Players can go for paths that seem the most fitting for their play style.
5 Undertale
Very Replayable And Exceptionally Well-Written RPG
Undertale
- Released
- September 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Many fell in love with Undertale and it's no surprise why. The story revolves around a young child who falls into the Underground and is introduced to a world of monsters. For a game set in a deadly place, it's quite endearing, with humor, eccentric monster personalities, and the main character's ability to be friends with all the enemies.
Undertale: 8 Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting The Genocide Route
The genocide route in Undertale can be as difficult as it is emotionally devastating without a bit of knowledge going in.
However, friendship isn't necessary. In combat, it's possible to spare enemies or kill them, which results in different consequences. The goal of the game is to find a way back to the surface. The journey involves a handful of perplexing puzzles and unique combat through the dark and unsophisticated pixel world. Undertale is a game that will bring a smile to anyone's face.
6 Celeste
Challenging & Emotional Platformer
Celeste
- Released
- January 25, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Extremely OK Games
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Celeste is a story of self-discovery for the main character, Madeline. This narrative platformer is about helping Madeline fight her way to the top of Celeste Mountain. With arduous challenges and stimulating platforming, Celeste feels worthwhile. The 8-bit style, exploration, uniquely designed secret rooms, and progression of the game feel quite wholesome.
The controls are simple and easy to learn, but that doesn't mean the game won't be challenging. Players should be prepared for countless deaths while they make their way up to the summit. The deaths aren't discouraging, urging players to maintain a trial-and-error mindset. Celeste isn't just about platforming; the story is as engaging as the action.
7 Balatro
Clever Twist On Poker
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
The first few months of 2024 produced quite a few notable projects. Palworld, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Rise of the Ronin, just to name a handful of major releases that caught the attention of players. For the most part, these games were highly anticipated and known quantities that managed to live up to (or surpass) expectations; however, one of 2024's biggest video game success stories came somewhat out of nowhere. Dropping onto consoles and Steam, Balatro became an overnight sensation, taking the gaming world by storm through its unique roguelike take on Poker.
7 Games You Should Play If You Like Balatro
Balatro is a truly unique deckbuilder. That said, those looking for a similar experience have several options available to them.
Similar to other card-builders, Balatro's loop revolves around taking on a string of opponents while gradually building a stronger deck of cards. The core concept is tried-and-true, and Balatro adds a host of flavorful enhancements that make for a well-rounded and addictive experience. Accessible but also packed with depth and just enough randomness to keep things feeling constantly fresh, LocalThunk's game is very difficult to put down and really nails that "one more turn" appeal.
8 Pizza Tower
Chaotic, Energetic, & Hilarious Platformer
Pizza Tower
- Released
- January 26, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tour De Pizza
- Platform(s)
- PC, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
The Wario series has had a cult following for some time thanks to the clever and engaging way it handled platforming. Like a mixture of Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros., the Wario games were much wackier and a bit more eclectic than their flagship Mushroom Kingdom cousins. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn't done much on the Wario front, specifically concerning the platforming releases. There has been a new Wario Ware release, but nothing to satiate the fans craving the iconic platforming gameplay.
Thankfully, there are still fans (and game designers) out there who are keeping the "style" alive, even if it's not the same Wario they know and love. Pizza Tower is a great addition to the platformer genre, featuring some amazing art and gameplay elements that feel right at home with Wario and the Earthworm Jim series. Those craving a traditional platformer that oozes a pixelated retro style need to put this release at the top of their list.
9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Loving Tribute To TMNT & Just An All-Around Awesome Beat 'Em Up
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
- Released
- June 16, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tribute Games Inc.
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Beat 'Em Up
A beat 'em up designed by a team called Tribute Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge seems like an obvious throwback to yesteryear, especially since the franchise had a great run of games during the '90s. However, this project is not that much of an old-school retreat in terms of gameplay, and the "tribute" element mostly comes through the campaign's many, many references to TMNT's history. Rather than a celebration of beat 'em ups, Shredder's Revenge is a love letter to the Turtles' legacy, and it is fantastic.
6 Best Mods for TMNT: Shredder's Revenge
Players looking to get even more out of TMNT: Shredder's Revenge should check out these great mods currently on offer.
Even before getting to the action, the graphics instantly pop off the screen with vibrant colors and impressive backdrops oozing with charm and personality. The playable heroes, foot clan, and bosses are consistently detailed, and the same can be said for their smooth animation. While very much a beat 'em up, Shredder's Revenge might just have the smoothest combat in the genre, to the point of almost coming across like a hack and slash game at times.
10 Sheepy: A Short Adventure
A Shockingly Great Free-To-Play Pixel Game
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
- Released
- February 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- MrSuicideSheep
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Steam does not lack free-to-play games, and most of them are designed around multiplayer. While these titles have a lot to offer, most of them are meant to be played daily or require significant commitment from players; however, there are a couple of games that opt for different types of experience. Sheepy: A Short Adventure might not attract the same attention as something like The Finals or Apex Legends, but it serves as a fantastic example of what a free project can encompass.
A single-player project that lasts roughly an hour, the campaign guides players through an underground dystopian hellscape as an adorable protagonist gradually finds recordings and notes that shine a light on the events that led to this situation. Primarily a platformer, Sheepy sticks to the genre's basic formula, which makes sense for such a short runtime. However, the gameplay is responsive and enjoyable, and the player's moveset even grows throughout the story. Visually, Sheepy is shockingly gorgeous, at least for an indie title with limited funds.