8-bit and 16-bit pixel art have a timeless charm. While some modern pixel art games will make players feel nostalgic because of their retro style, some expand on what the aesthetic can be in new ways. Pixel games prove time and time again that realistic-looking visuals aren't necessary to convey messages, stories, atmosphere, and emotions.

Pixel art is what defined video games in their early days, but it's still prevalent in games created in recent years. Here is a rundown of the best pixel games that any fan of this art style should play.

Updated April 6, 2024: Pixel art games have become a cornerstone of the indie scene, with each month producing quite a few notable releases. For instance, March 2024 had Necrosmith 2, Slice & Dice, Terra Memoria, and Holo X Break, and that list is hardly exhaustive.

Only "modern" games will be highlighted, so classics like Chrono Trigger, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Street Fighter, and most GBA games will not be mentioned. Obviously, these masterpieces have beautiful pixel art.

1 Dave The Diver

Metascore: 90

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.

2 Stardew Valley

Metascore: 89

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.

3 Dead Cells

Metascore: 91

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.

4 Undertale

Metascore: 93

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.

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.

5 Celeste

Metascore: 94

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.

6 Balatro

Metascore: 90

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.

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.

7 Pizza Tower

Metascore: 89

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.

8 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

Metascore: 85

Warhammer 40K has a long and storied history in video games, but the franchise is not especially known for first-person shooters. Boltgun tries to remedy that by providing a budget option that harbors back to retro shooters from the '90s. As the game wears its influences unabashedly on its sleeve, it risks feeling tired since recent years have produced more than their share of Doom and Blood throwbacks. Although perhaps not the greatest modern retro shooter, Boltgun is nevertheless an absolute blast to play.

The player is cast as a Space Marine who is assigned missions that basically boil down to "kill everything and make it flashy." Boltgun has very little time or patience for a story, opting instead to throw players into the thick of things and keep them there for as long as possible. The game nails its movement and weapons, both of which are as empowering as they should be considering the protagonist. While there isn't much of a narrative to speak of, Boltgun makes up for it through its environmental design.

9 Cassette Beasts

Metascore: 84

Monster-collecting RPGs are not exactly impossible to find, they just seem that way since the subgenre is completely dominated by one name: Pokemon. Over the decades, Game Freak's franchise has not only produced its share of fantastic titles but also inspired other developers to follow suit. Bytten is one such company, and the studio's Cassette Beasts is among the most refreshing modern takes on the monster-taming formula. Utilizing a cute and detailed pixel art style that harbors back to the Nintendo DS, the RPG features a well-realized island setting that is essentially an open-world, albeit obviously presented from an isometric angle rather than in third-person.

The game does a good job of establishing its own identity through a mystery-laden plot featuring NPCs who, by and large, have only begun to piece together their situation. Cassette Beasts' turn-based combat goes out of its way to ensure it stands out of the crowd while still offering a fairly accessible core loop. The protagonist and their partners can transform into beasts they have recorded in their cassette players, and the human characters level up rather than the monsters (although the latter have their own progression system). These mechanics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Cassette Beasts' fresh ideas.

10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Metascore: 87

Tribute Games clearly knows its TMNT gaming history as Shredder's Revenge is not only a glorious throwback to the franchise's beat 'em up heyday but also chock-full of nods to previous games. With the Foot Clan looking to once again spread chaos across New York's streets, the Turtles are left with no choice but to head to the surface to deliver some justice. This time, they are accompanied by Master Splinter, April O'Neil, and Casey Jones.

All the playable characters in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge are unique, coming with their own weapons and moves that set them apart from the crowd. The roster greatly expands the campaign's replay value since it encourages mastering each fighter. Shredder's Revenge makes splendid use of its pixelated graphics to craft a visual style that feels both nostalgic and modern.

11 Sheepy: A Short Adventure

Steam User Rating: 99%

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 commitments 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. The pixel graphics and the overall art style appear to be inspired by Ori, which is ambitious.

12 Triangle Strategy

Metascore: 84

Square Enix released quite a few new IPs in 2022, and Triangle Strategy was arguably the publisher's strongest release of the year. A turn-based tactics game inspired by classics such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Triangle Strategy tells a mature story revolving around a war stemming from a shortage of crucial resources. Narratively, this game is dense, both thematically and in terms of characters. The same can be said for the gameplay, which takes from the genre's classics while still forming its own style and voice.

Triangle Strategy's pixel graphics are nothing short of awe-inspiring. While it might not have the same budget as some more mainstream Square Enix RPGs, this game features detailed character models and stunning locations. When it comes to pixel art, few releases compare to Triangle Strategy​​​​​.

13 Papers, Please

Metascore: 85

Papers, Please is a weird recommendation since its visuals are not exactly beautiful. However, the 2013 release left a huge mark on the indie scene, and it was arguably among the most important projects of the early 2010s. While the pixel graphics are simplistic and monotonous, they complement the gameplay and story.

Stationed at a border checkpoint between two countries that are constantly in conflict, players must decide who they let crossover or not. Along with allowing people to pass, they must also catch people who are lying or pose a threat to the nation. Telling a tense and human narrative that constantly requires difficult choices to be made, Papers, Please is an unforgettable experience with quite a bit of replay value, even if it is not necessarily fun to play in a traditional sense.

14 Prodeus

Metascore: 84

Pixel art is synonymous with 2D platformers and isometric adventure games that pay homage to the SNES era; however, exceptions do exist. Prodeus is a first-person shooter ripped right out of the '90s, particularly in terms of gunplay and level design. The main thing that separates this release from the crowd is its graphic style as there are not many FPSs that utilize pixel art.

This aesthetic allows Prodeus to honor its retro roots while simultaneously still coming across as a proper modern experience. Bounding Box Software, the developer behind the game, also included a range of graphic options so that players can tweak Prodeus' visuals to match their preferences.

15 Potion Permit

Metascore: 81

Life sims are hardly in short supply on modern consoles, but Potion Permit distinguishes itself by focusing on medicine rather than farming. Cast as a chemist sent to a village that is not receptive to outsiders, players will need to work extra hard to get in the good graces of their new home's citizens. This means completing quests, creating potions for all sorts of illnesses, scouring for resources by heading out of the village, and striking a few friendships.

Potion Permit is a fun life sim that does not offer much of a challenge, which is generally fine for the genre. Graphically, the game's pixel style is warm, detailed, and lively. The sim does a great job of ensuring each of the map's areas has a distinct flavor, and the same extends to the NPCs and enemies.

16 Sanabi

Metascore: 83

After a stint in early access, Sanabi finally made its official debut in November 2023, coming out on both PC and the Nintendo Switch. An indie platformer set in a dystopian hellscape, the game might not sound particularly unique on paper, but it does shake up the status quo quite a bit through its presentation and story. For one thing, the latter takes center stage, often even eclipsing the gameplay. The campaign has plenty of long stretches dedicated to cutscenes, and while these sections might not be to everyone's tastes, they do a good job of highlighting the characters and establishing the world.

Sanabi follows a retired soldier who is forced to take part in another mission, a standard setup for an action story. Thankfully, the game goes to enough fresh places to make the journey worth it. The gameplay is also rock-solid and develops quite a bit throughout the experience thanks to a non-static moveset. Visually, Sanabi looks impressive in basically every area.

17 Octopath Traveler 2

Metascore: 86

Square Enix's Octopath Traveler was released in 2018 and served as a throwback to old-school turn-based JRPGs, albeit with a twist. The game follows eight protagonists as they go on disconnected adventurers. While they act as party members during their companions' stories and interact together to an extent, their stories are standalone.

Octopath Traveler 2 largely sticks to the same formula, but it does alter a handful of things along the way. Once again, the game features eight playable characters, all of whom are the protagonists of their own storylines. Players are given the freedom to pick who they want to start with as well. While the franchise's structure is not for everyone, Octopath Traveler is undoubtedly a polished experience, both visually and mechanically. The turn-based combat adheres to the past while still incorporating modern conventions; meanwhile, the game's pixel art is nothing short of stunning.

18 To The Moon

Metascore: 84

There are approximately a billion RPG Maker games, so a project needs to be extra special to stand out from the plethora of (good) titles out there. To the Moon breaks away from its RPG roots by opting against the use of a combat system, prioritizing puzzles and story progression above everything else. Later on, To the Moon received a Unity facelift, and it looks better than ever now.

Atmospheric and heartfelt, To the Moon does what it sets out to do very well. Its pixel art hits a sweet spot between (relative) realism and dream-like fantasy.

19 Vampire Survivors

Metascore: 95

OK, Vampire Survivors is hardly the most visually stunning pixel art game on the market; in fact, it looks quite simplistic for the most part. However, this title gets by comfortably on its gameplay and replayability. After picking a character, players take on wave after wave of enemies, a process that rewards Survivors with new items.

Even as the screen fills with destruction and mayhem, Vampire Survivors rarely becomes frustratingly overwhelming, so death typically just fuels a new restart. The combat is deceptively deep as well, with each character requiring considerable time investment to master.

20 Boneraiser Minions

Metascore: N/A (7.7 User Score)

Boneraiser Minions follows in the footsteps of Vampire Survivors, and it is not the only indie project to burst into existence following that game's success. However, it is among the best iterations of this roguelike subgenre's formula. As is the case with these types of games, the goal is to survive as long as possible while surrounded by hordes of enemies; in this case, players take charge of a Boneraiser who is trying to stay out of arm's reach of armies of heroes. In service of this task, they must summon minions, who come in a wide range of classes and fight independently.

Visually, Boneraiser Minions features character models and backgrounds that are fairly simple, which makes sense since the game tries to fill the screen with as much chaos as humanly possible. In the midst of a fierce war, the battlefield will be filled with all sorts of ghouls, warlocks, doppelgangers, pumpkin heads, and vomiters. A Boneraiser can also execute spells that are usually flashy and satisfying.