Parkour is an exhilarating discipline that involves moving through an urban environment swiftly and efficiently, using a combination of running, jumping, and climbing. With its focus on freedom of movement and skillful traversal, parkour has become a popular feature in many video games.
In this article, we will explore the 20 best parkour games that offer players the opportunity to experience the thrill of this extreme sport.
Mirror’s Edge Series
The Mirror’s Edge series, developed by DICE, has become a cornerstone in the parkour game genre, offering a unique blend of first-person action and adventure.
Set in the dystopian city of Glass, players assume the role of Faith Connors, a specialized “Runner” who uses her agility to navigate a world under strict government control.
With sleek rooftops and maze-like alleys as your playground, the game challenges you to elude surveillance in a city where personal freedoms are severely restricted.
One of the standout features of the series is its remarkable visual style. A minimalist color palette marked by vibrant primary colors against stark white architecture creates a futuristic yet oppressive atmosphere. These color choices aren’t just aesthetic; they also serve a functional role by highlighting routes and obstacles, thereby aiding in player navigation.
Players are encouraged to embrace the art of parkour, mastering a variety of movements that feel both fluid and natural. Wall-running, sliding under barriers, and leaping between buildings are just some of the actions that allow for seamless traversal across the cityscape.
The series consistently engages players by offering a mix of challenges, ranging from evading capture to solving environmental puzzles and even participating in high-stakes combat scenarios.
Beyond its action-packed gameplay, Mirror’s Edge adds another layer of depth through its narrative. The story delves into Faith Connors’ personal journey, exploring the complexities of her role in a resistance movement against an oppressive regime.
This narrative thread weaves in themes of freedom, individual agency, and the fight against corruption, adding emotional weight to your in-game actions.
Mirror’s Edge series offers a well-rounded gaming experience that captivates players with its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, visually arresting design, and a thought-provoking narrative.
Dying Light
Dying Light elevates the survival horror genre by masterfully blending parkour and combat within a meticulously crafted, zombie-ridden world. Players step into the shoes of Kyle Crane, an undercover agent sent to explore a sprawling quarantine zone. The setting—a vast, detailed cityscape filled with crumbling apartments and eerie shopping malls—immerses players in an environment teeming with both danger and history.
The visual storytelling is paired with innovative gameplay mechanics, most notably the parkour system. Players can leap and climb across rooftops, effortlessly dodging zombies lurking below. This fluid parkour movement system doesn’t just serve as a thrilling method of evasion; it’s also a captivating way to traverse the decaying city.
Yet evasion isn’t your only option. The game offers a brutal, tactile combat experience where players fend off zombies using an arsenal of weapons. The combat feels impactful and dynamic, with each encounter demanding strategic engagement and quick reflexes. This balance between combat and parkour creates a rhythm of tension and release that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Adding another layer of intensity is the game’s day-night cycle. As darkness falls, the zombies grow more aggressive and formidable. This shift ratchets up the tension and pushes players toward tactical decisions: seek shelter or brave the increased dangers for higher rewards? The cycle infuses the game with a unique, heart-pounding dynamic that sets it apart from other titles in the survival horror arena.
Players gradually unravel a conspiracy within the quarantine zone, meeting a cast of well-developed characters along the way. This adds emotional stakes to the survival challenges, making you genuinely invested in the unfolding story.
Dying Light offers a riveting experience by merging fluid parkour, visceral combat, and a compelling story—all set within a beautifully harrowing world.
Assassin’s Creed Series
The Assassin’s Creed series needs no introduction. With its historical settings and captivating narratives, this franchise has consistently delivered memorable parkour experiences.
Players assume the roles of skilled assassins, such as Ezio Auditore and Bayek, as they navigate sprawling cities and perform death-defying stunts. The Assassin’s Creed series is a true testament to the art of parkour.
Each game takes place in a specific time period, such as the Renaissance in Italy or ancient Egypt, and the developers painstakingly recreate these settings with incredible accuracy. From the architecture to the clothing, every element is meticulously researched and designed to transport players to a different era.
As you traverse the cities in Assassin’s Creed, you’ll be immersed in a rich and vibrant world that feels incredibly authentic.
The gameplay itself is a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience. As an assassin, you’ll have access to a wide range of weapons and tools, allowing you to approach each mission with your own unique style.
Whether you prefer stealthily taking out your targets from the shadows or engaging in intense combat, the choice is yours. The parkour mechanics in Assassin’s Creed are also a standout feature, allowing you to effortlessly scale buildings, leap across rooftops, and perform jaw-dropping acrobatics.
With each new installment, the Assassin’s Creed series continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming. From the stunning visuals to the immersive gameplay, it’s no wonder that this franchise has become a household name.
Titanfall Series
The Titanfall series may be known for its fast-paced mech combat, but it also incorporates parkour mechanics into its gameplay. Players can seamlessly transition between running on foot and piloting enormous Titans, creating a unique blend of parkour and futuristic warfare.
The combination of fluid movement and explosive action makes the Titanfall series a standout in the parkour genre.
In addition to the traditional horizontal movement found in most first-person shooters, players can scale walls, leap across rooftops, and perform death-defying acrobatics. This adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to navigate the battlefield with unparalleled freedom and creativity.
The parkour mechanics in the Titanfall series are not just limited to the player’s character. The Titans themselves are equipped with advanced mobility systems, enabling them to traverse the environment with ease. These massive mechanical behemoths can effortlessly leap over obstacles, dash through the air, and even wall-run, mirroring the agility of their human pilots.
But the parkour elements in the Titanfall series are not just for show. They serve a strategic purpose as well. Players who master the art of parkour can gain a significant advantage on the battlefield.
By utilizing their mobility to outmaneuver opponents, players can quickly close the distance, flank enemies, and take them by surprise. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, rewarding players who are willing to master the intricacies of the parkour mechanics.
Ghostrunner
Ghostrunner is a first-person cyberpunk game that offers a pure parkour experience. Set in a dystopian future, players control a cyber-enhanced assassin as they ascend a massive tower and confront its tyrannical rulers.
With its lightning-fast gameplay and challenging platforming sections, Ghostrunner pushes players’ parkour skills to the limit.
Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2 presents players with an open-world rendition of the vibrant city of San Francisco.
As a skilled hacker named Marcus Holloway, players can effortlessly traverse the cityscape using parkour moves and gadgets.
The game’s seamless integration of parkour and hacking mechanics provides a unique and enjoyable parkour experience.
Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive is a colorful and zany game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic open world. Players must navigate the city of Sunset City using extreme parkour skills to escape from hordes of mutants.
With its over-the-top traversal mechanics and humorous tone, Sunset Overdrive offers a refreshing and entertaining take on the parkour genre.
Infamous: Second Son
Infamous: Second Son is an action-adventure game that allows players to explore a vibrant and realistic rendition of Seattle.
As the protagonist Delsin Rowe, players can utilize superhuman abilities such as teleportation and wall-running to navigate the city with ease. The game’s creative use of parkour mechanics adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Prince of Persia Series
The Prince of Persia series is a classic franchise that has consistently showcased fluid and acrobatic parkour sequences. From the Sands of Time trilogy to the rebooted Prince of Persia, each game in the series offers players a chance to step into the shoes of the agile prince and embark on thrilling parkour adventures in ancient and mystical worlds.
Brink
Brink is a first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork and movement in its gameplay. Set in a dystopian future, players can choose between various character classes, each with their own unique parkour abilities. The game’s focus on fast-paced, freerunning action makes it a standout title in the parkour genre.
Hover: Revolt of Gamers
Hover: Revolt of Gamers is an exhilarating parkour game that often goes unnoticed in the gaming world, but it truly deserves more recognition. This hidden gem immerses players in a mesmerizing futuristic city where the very concept of freedom is under constant threat.
As you step into the shoes of a rebellious graffiti artist, you’ll find yourself navigating through the vibrant and colorful streets, effortlessly running, grinding, and leaping across rooftops.
The beauty of Hover: Revolt of Gamers lies in its seamless and fluid movement mechanics. Every jump, every slide, and every dash feels incredibly satisfying, giving you a sense of freedom and empowerment as you traverse the urban landscape.
The developers have truly mastered the art of parkour in this game, ensuring that the controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to effortlessly execute complex maneuvers.
The open-world nature of Hover: Revolt of Gamers ensures that there is always something new to discover. Hidden collectibles, secret areas, and side missions are scattered throughout the city, beckoning you to explore every nook and cranny.
Hover: Revolt of Gamers is a true gem in the world of parkour games. Its fluid movement mechanics, vibrant world, and diverse gameplay options make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Vector Series
If you’re looking for a minimalistic and stylish parkour game, look no further than the Vector series. In this series, you play as a free-runner who escapes the confines of a dystopian world. You’ll have to master the art of precise jumps, slides, and wall-runs as you evade the oppressive regime.
Each level is a puzzle that requires you to find the most efficient route through the obstacles. With its immersive atmosphere and satisfying gameplay, the Vector series is a must-play for any parkour enthusiast.
The game utilizes simple swipe gestures to perform various parkour moves, allowing for seamless and responsive gameplay. Whether you’re leaping across rooftops or sliding under barriers, the controls feel incredibly smooth and precise, giving you a true sense of freedom and agility.
As you progress through the levels, you’ll encounter a variety of obstacles that will test your parkour skills to the limit. From towering skyscrapers to narrow alleyways, each environment presents its own unique challenges.
With its combination of stunning visuals, intuitive controls, challenging gameplay, and immersive narrative, the Vector series is a true gem in the world of parkour games.
Get to the Top Although There Is No Top!
Get to the Top Although There Is No Top! is a unique parkour game that defies conventions. This game takes place in a surreal dream world where the laws of physics and gravity are constantly shifting. As you traverse the floating landscapes, you’ll need to adapt to the changing environment and find your way to the top.
The mind-bending level design and the sense of wonder make Get to the Top Although There Is No Top! a mesmerizing experience. It’s not just about reaching the highest point; it’s about the journey and the discoveries you make along the way.
Along your journey, you’ll encounter hidden treasures and secret passages. These hidden gems offer glimpses into the history and lore of this mysterious realm. You’ll uncover ancient artifacts and decipher cryptic messages left behind by those who came before you.
Get to the Top Although There Is No Top! is not your typical parkour game. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a test of your physical and mental abilities, and an exploration of a world that defies logic.
Hot Lava
Remember your childhood games of “the floor is lava”? Hot Lava brings that concept to life in a thrilling parkour adventure. In this game, you’ll navigate through various environments, from school hallways to ancient temples, all while avoiding the deadly lava below.
Hot Lava captures the essence of parkour with its precise movement controls and clever level design. You’ll need to jump, swing, and climb your way to safety, all while watching out for obstacles and hidden shortcuts. With its nostalgic charm and challenging gameplay, Hot Lava is a blast to play.
FreeJack
If you’re a fan of racing games and parkour, FreeJack is the perfect blend of both genres. In this online multiplayer game, you’ll compete against other players in intense foot races through urban environments. The parkour elements add a unique twist, as you’ll need to use your agility to gain an edge over your opponents.
FreeJack offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to personalize your character and explore different playstyles. Whether you prefer speed or tricks, this game has something for everyone. Strap on your running shoes and get ready to race in FreeJack.
Refunct
Refunct is a parkour game that focuses on relaxation and exploration. In this tranquil world, you’ll jump and climb your way through a series of floating islands. The goal is not to rush or compete, but to appreciate the beauty of the environment and the fluidity of the movement.
Refunct stands out for its minimalist design and calming atmosphere. It’s a game that you can immerse yourself in after a long day, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the simplicity of the parkour mechanics. With its serene soundtrack and stunning visuals, Refunct is a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Super Cloudbuilt
Are you ready for a fast-paced parkour adventure? Super Cloudbuilt is a high-energy game that will push your reflexes to the limit. In this futuristic world, you play as a young soldier who must navigate a series of deadly obstacles and enemies.
Super Cloudbuilt shines with its tight controls and adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Each level offers a unique challenge, requiring you to think on your feet and react quickly. With its breathtaking visuals and heart-pounding soundtrack, Super Cloudbuilt delivers an intense parkour experience like no other.
To The Top
If you’re looking for a virtual reality parkour game, To The Top should be at the top of your list. This game takes full advantage of VR technology to immerse you in a thrilling parkour world. With the help of your motion controllers, you’ll jump, climb, and soar through the virtual environment.
To The Top offers a wide variety of levels, each filled with creative obstacles and challenges. The sense of presence and the freedom of movement make this game an exhilarating experience. Strap on your VR headset and get ready to defy gravity in To The Top.
Windlands Series
Windlands takes parkour to new heights, quite literally. In this series of games, you’ll swing through the air using grappling hooks, propelling yourself to distant platforms and hidden treasures. The freedom of movement and the sense of momentum make Windlands a joy to play.
Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or soaring through lush landscapes, Windlands offers a truly immersive parkour experience. The responsive controls and the breathtaking vistas make this series a must-play for any fan of the genre.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute
Imagine combining parkour with rhythm-based gameplay. That’s exactly what BPM: Bullets Per Minute does. In this unique game, you’ll navigate through dungeons filled with enemies, all while moving to the beat of the music.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute stands out for its challenging gameplay and the seamless fusion of parkour and shooting mechanics. Each action you take must be timed perfectly to the rhythm, adding an extra layer of intensity to the experience. With its rocking soundtrack and addictive gameplay, BPM: Bullets Per Minute will keep you on your toes.
Conclusion
These 20 parkour games offer a wide range of experiences, from fast-paced action to peaceful exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned free-runner or just starting your parkour journey, there’s a game on this list that will cater to your tastes. So don’t wait, put on your running shoes, and get ready to defy gravity in these exhilarating virtual worlds.
