Best if you want an ultra-approachable 3D platformer that welcomes everyone from first-time gamers to parents sharing adventures with young kids—no frustration, pure charm.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land delivers Nintendo's signature polish in a cheerful 3D platformer designed to minimize stress and maximize smiles. This is the rare game that truly earns the "accessible" label: generous health systems, forgiving checkpoints, and clear visual language mean you're exploring and experimenting instead of replaying failed sections. The core loop revolves around inhaling enemies to copy their abilities—Sword, Ice, Hammer, and more—then using those powers to both pummel foes and solve light environmental puzzles. What makes it click is how each ability feels distinct and useful beyond combat. The Drill burrows underground to find secrets, the Ranger targets distant switches, and the signature Mouthful Mode transforms let you control cars, vending machines, and other oversized objects for creative traversal challenges. Levels are structured as bite-sized stages perfect for 20-30 minute sessions, each packed with optional objectives that encourage replay without demanding it. You'll naturally revisit earlier areas once you've unlocked new abilities, but the game never gates progress aggressively. The difficulty curve is gentle with optional harder modes (Wild Mode, post-game content) for anyone seeking more bite, though even these lean friendly compared to precision platformers. Co-op shines for mixed-skill households. Player one controls Kirby with full ability-copying freedom, while player two takes Bandana Waddle Dee—a simpler spear-wielding support character. This asymmetry works brilliantly when pairing experienced gamers with kids or newcomers, since the helper role is genuinely useful but harder to mess up catastrophically. Both local couch play and online co-op run smoothly through the full campaign. Depth comes less from mechanical mastery and more from completionist goals: finding hidden Waddle Dees, completing stage challenges, upgrading abilities at the in-game shop. The runtime sits around 10-12 hours for a casual playthrough, stretching to 20+ if you're chasing 100%. Post-game challenge stages and a tougher arena mode add replay value, though veterans of twitchy platformers may find even these relaxed. The abandoned-civilization aesthetic gives levels personality—navigating a derelict mall or overgrown amusement park feels distinct from generic platformer worlds—without ever demanding you parse lore or follow complex narratives. You're here to feel good exploring colorful spaces, and Forgotten Land delivers that consistently.
2 local
Kirby and the Forgotten Land does not support crossplay, supports up to 2 players locally, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • Local Couch Co-op • Shared Screen
Supports 2-player local co-op only: Player 1 controls Kirby and Player 2 controls Bandana Waddle Dee on the same screen. No online multiplayer and no LAN play. Co-op is for the main adventure (story stages); other modes like minigames are not the primary focus. Requires additional controller for player 2 (e.g., Joy-Con pair, Pro Controller).
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Extremely beginner-friendly with generous health, clear visual cues, and multiple difficulty options including an easier Spring-Breeze Mode. Co-op allows a stronger player to carry less experienced partners. Camera and controls are intuitive with minimal precision timing required.
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If you enjoyed Kirby and the Forgotten Land, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Expansive alternatives to Kirby and the Forgotten Land featuring larger worlds, deeper progression systems, and extended campaigns for players seeking more content.
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A full 3D platforming adventure with distinct themed worlds, snappy movesets, and lots of charming collectibles—great if you want more stages and longer arcs.
Three classic 3D platformers in one package: bright worlds, simple combat, and steady collectible goals—an easy way to scale up content without losing charm.
Colorful action-platforming with light exploration and satisfying gadget variety; the bigger campaign and set-piece spectacle scratch a similar upbeat adventure itch.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Shared-screen co-op 3D platforming with clear goals, forgiving revives, and fast stage resets; Bowser’s Fury adds a small open area for teamwork and roaming.
Two-player co-op platforming built for low pressure: slower pace, generous health, and lots of hidden items. Perfect for younger players or relaxed sessions together.
Great couch co-op once Gooigi joins: coordinated puzzle-solving and gentle ghost-busting in themed hotel floors, ideal for families who want teamwork over stress.
Couch co-op platforming with tight controls and hilarious chaos; players can revive each other, and stages are bite-sized, making it great for mixed-skill groups.
Social multiplayer games perfect for game nights and group gatherings, building on the party-friendly aspects of Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Instant party energy with local multiplayer, smart assists for newcomers, and plenty of courses. Great when you want the same friendly vibe without platforming.
Chaotic couch multiplayer that scales from casual items-on brawls to competitive rulesets. Quick matches and big character variety keep groups rotating happily.
Fast, funny cooperative chaos where communication matters; short levels, escalating gimmicks, and easy drop-in/out make it ideal for lively couch co-op nights.
Games that capture the essence of Kirby and the Forgotten Land with a gentler learning curve and more forgiving difficulty, perfect for newcomers to the genre.
Classic Kirby cheer and copy abilities in a simpler 2.5D format, with friendly difficulty and strong co-op support—great entry if you want less 3D complexity.
We've included this game in 2 articles.
This polished 3D platformer delivers smooth, accessible online co-op across its full campaign. Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee each bring distinct movesets, with the asymmetric design working beautifully for families and mixed-skill groups. Connection stability is solid and the low-stress gameplay welcomes all ages. While shorter than epic RPGs, its approachable Nintendo charm and seamless online implementation make it ideal for groups seeking worry-free teamwork.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land excels as an entry-level couch co-op experience. The second player joins as Bandana Waddle Dee in a support role, making it perfect for parents introducing young kids to gaming or for mixed-skill pairs. Generous health, forgiving difficulty, and clear visuals ensure everyone can contribute without frustration, though the asymmetric design keeps it just outside the top tier.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Very forgiving by design—generous health, frequent checkpoints, and optional easier modes. Even the post-game challenges are accessible compared to hardcore platformers. Perfect for building confidence.
10-12 hours for a casual playthrough of the main story, stretching to 20+ hours if you're collecting everything and tackling post-game content. Stages are bite-sized for short sessions.
Excellent for kids. Player two's Bandana Waddle Dee is simpler to control, and the game never punishes mistakes harshly. Works both locally and online, making it ideal for family play.
Not at all. Forgotten Land is Kirby's first full 3D adventure and stands completely alone. No prior knowledge needed—just jump in and start exploring.
Moderate replay through collectibles, ability upgrades, and post-game challenge stages. Not endless, but completionists will find 20+ hours of content. Best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
