Games like You Have to Win the Game on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like You Have to Win the Game are available at the bottom of the page.
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La-Mulana
LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.
La-Mulana 2
The long-awaited sequel to La-Mulana, La-Mulana 2 follows Lumisa Kosugi as she explores the ancient ruins of La-Mulana. Desperate to find the cause of the recent slew of monsters appearing from the ruins, Lumisa discovers the "other" La-Mulana: the ruins known as Eg-Lana.
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Volgarr the Viking
Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.
Axiom Verge
Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.
Super Win the Game
Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!!
Cyber Shadow
The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.
Primal Light
Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.
Wings of Vi
Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.
Cave Story+
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Odallus: The Dark Call
The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.
The Mummy Demastered
A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.
BUTCHER
BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.
Environmental Station Alpha
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Exit the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
Electronic Super Joy 2
Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.
Out There Somewhere
You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.
The Messenger
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Horace
"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!
Most played games like You Have to Win the Game on Steam
Take a look at the top games like You Have to Win the Game that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Geometry Dash
Similarity 56% Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer! Geometry Dash is a difficult, music and level editor game developed and published by RobTop Games. Released on December 22nd 2014 has received 410,026 reviews of which 383,002 were positive and 27,024 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like You Have to Win the Game, thanks to its 17,188 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
383,002
27,024
17,188
players
2. Hollow Knight
Similarity 63% Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 406,532 reviews of which 394,495 were positive and 12,037 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 7,650 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like You Have to Win the Game based on player count.
9.6
394,495
12,037
7,650
players
3. Rain World
Similarity 64% You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,460 reviews of which 38,104 were positive and 2,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 1,898 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like You Have to Win the Game based on player count.
9.2
38,104
2,356
1,898
players
4. Dead Cells
Similarity 60% Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat. Dead Cells is a adventure, action roguelike and pixel graphics game developed and published by Motion Twin. Released on August 06th 2018 has received 166,220 reviews of which 161,389 were positive and 4,831 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,580 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.6
161,389
4,831
1,580
players
5. Celeste
Similarity 72% Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain. Celeste is a precision platformer, difficult and pixel graphics game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on January 25th 2018 has received 117,917 reviews of which 114,924 were positive and 2,993 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,402 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.6
114,924
2,993
1,402
players
6. Blasphemous
Similarity 64% Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation. Blasphemous is a metroidvania, pixel graphics and souls-like game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on September 10th 2019 has received 50,243 reviews of which 45,250 were positive and 4,993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 623 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.9
45,250
4,993
623
players
7. Pizza Tower
Similarity 61% Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack. Pizza Tower is a great soundtrack, 2d platformer and fast-paced game developed and published by Tour De Pizza. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 65,802 reviews of which 64,735 were positive and 1,067 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 466 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.7
64,735
1,067
466
players
8. Skul: The Hero Slayer
Similarity 62% Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages. Skul: The Hero Slayer is a indie, action and action roguelike game developed by SOUTHPAW GAMES and published by NEOWIZ. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 54,353 reviews of which 50,712 were positive and 3,641 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 441 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.2
50,712
3,641
441
players
9. UFO 50
Similarity 58% UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design. UFO 50 is a indie, pixel graphics and action game developed and published by Mossmouth. Released on September 18th 2024 has received 6,092 reviews of which 5,836 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 278 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.3
5,836
256
278
players
10. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Similarity 60% Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,371 reviews of which 130,741 were positive and 4,630 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 264 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.5
130,741
4,630
264
players
Best deals on games like You Have to Win the Game on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like You Have to Win the Game available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like You Have to Win the Game.
1. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Similarity 64% Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, exploration and metroidvania game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.6
1,023
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. TowerFall Ascension
Similarity 59% TowerFall Ascension is the definitive version of the hit archery combat game. Inspired by classics from the golden age of couch multiplayer, it's a 4-player local party game centering around hilarious, intense versus matches. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, but hard to master and combat is fierce. TowerFall Ascension is a local multiplayer, indie and 2d fighter game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on March 11th 2014 has received 3,398 reviews of which 3,225 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.1
3,225
173
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. Blazing Chrome
Similarity 62% In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,752 reviews of which 1,537 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.4
1,537
215
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
4. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Similarity 68% Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed and published by WayForward. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 2,814 reviews of which 2,616 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.9
2,616
198
-91%
20.78€
1.87€
5. ScourgeBringer
Similarity 62% ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity. ScourgeBringer is a indie, action and adventure game developed by Flying Oak Games and E-Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on October 21st 2020 has received 2,946 reviews of which 2,573 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.4
2,573
373
-91%
17.89€
1.61€
6. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Similarity 61% Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity! Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a metroidvania, rpg and female protagonist game developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 39,238 reviews of which 36,771 were positive and 2,467 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.2
36,771
2,467
-90%
41.30€
4.13€
7. Slime-san: Superslime Edition
Similarity 62% Slime-san was minding his own business when suddenly… A giant worm appeared and gobbled him up! Deep within the worm’s belly, Slime-san has to face a decision: Be digested by the incoming wall of stomach acid... Or jump, slide and slime his way through the worm and back out its mouth! Slime-san: Superslime Edition is a platformer, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed by Fabraz and published by Headup. Released on April 07th 2017 has received 314 reviews of which 267 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
7.9
267
47
-90%
14.99€
1.49€
8. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Similarity 68% A legend returns in stunning new detail with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Fire up your power bracelet and relive a platforming classic alongside new modes, levels and features! Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is a precision platformer, 2d platformer and difficult game developed by Merge Games and Jankenteam and published by Merge Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 792 reviews of which 625 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
7.5
625
167
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
9. Aeterna Noctis
Similarity 62% Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre. Aeterna Noctis is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Aeternum Game Studios S.L. Released on December 14th 2021 has received 1,715 reviews of which 1,314 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
7.4
1,314
401
-90%
30.60€
3.06€
10. ITORAH
Similarity 56% Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague! ITORAH is a 2d platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed by Grimbart Tales and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on March 21st 2022 has received 720 reviews of which 542 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like You Have to Win the Game.
7.2
542
178
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
Free games like You Have to Win the Game on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like You Have to Win the Game you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like You Have to Win the Game.
1. StarBreak
Similarity 59% StarBreak is a unique skill-based action platformer MMO where you explore strange sci-fi worlds alongside dozens of other players, kill legions of dangerous aliens and fight epic boss battles. StarBreak is a free to play, action roguelike and roguevania game developed and published by Crunchy Games. Released on May 10th 2016 has received 1,273 reviews of which 1,003 were positive and 270 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
7.5
1,003
270
56
players
2. I Wanna Maker
Similarity 69% I Wanna Maker is a precision platformer with a robust level editor and online level sharing, based on I Wanna Be The Guy fangames. Create complex levels using a variety of objects, a powerful events system, and customizable visuals. Browse levels online, take on challenge modes, and more! I Wanna Maker is a precision platformer, level editor and free to play game developed and published by The Elephant Crew. Released on November 09th 2023 has received 4,789 reviews of which 4,544 were positive and 245 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.1
4,544
245
36
players
3. Bloody Hell
Similarity 56% A short but sweet game about an Angel on a Bloody Bullet-hell mission to kill Satan! Dash, Double Dash, Grapple & Blast your way through Hell to fulfill your Holy Mission. Will you be able to kill Satan? Or will you fail to master your abilities and DIE in this BLOODY HELL? Bloody Hell is a bullet hell, metroidvania and pixel graphics game developed and published by Pun Intended. Released on January 27th 2023 has received 5,807 reviews of which 5,685 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.4
5,685
122
25
players
4. Chip's Challenge 1
Similarity 59% Before Chip can join the Bit Busters computer club and hang out with the girl of his dreams, Melinda the Mental Marvel, he must solve all 144 challenging puzzles. Your bird's-eye view can help Chip rush through the puzzles and mazes before he's deleted by monsters, traps and the passage of time. Chip's Challenge 1 is a puzzle, sokoban and reboot game developed and published by Niffler Ltd.. Released on May 28th 2015 has received 871 reviews of which 781 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.5
781
90
20
players
5. Outcore: Desktop Adventure
Similarity 57% All you wanted was a nice game. But now you find yourself opening Windows apps like Paint & Notepad to solve puzzles, and searching for files on your computers that you didn't put there... Who is she? Why did she appear on your desktop? Let's dive into her memories and find out. Outcore: Desktop Adventure is a adventure, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by Doctor Shinobi. Released on September 26th 2022 has received 14,818 reviews of which 14,422 were positive and 396 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.5
14,422
396
19
players
6. The Expendabros
Similarity 59% The Expendabros have assembled and set their sights on the forces of ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks in the forests of Eastern Europe. The Expendabros is a free to play, action and pixel graphics game developed by Free Lives and published by Devolver Digital. Released on August 05th 2014 has received 18,165 reviews of which 17,655 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
9.5
17,655
510
18
players
7. Deepest Sword
Similarity 57% Venture deep into the Cavern of Longing in this short-yet-challenging physics platformer. Plunge your sword deep into the dragon's heart! How deep is your resolve? Deepest Sword is a pixel graphics, 2d platformer and side scroller game developed and published by Cosmic Adventure Squad. Released on June 09th 2021 has received 10,325 reviews of which 8,972 were positive and 1,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.5
8,972
1,353
18
players
8. Super Crate Box
Similarity 70% Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can. Super Crate Box is a free to play, indie and platformer game developed and published by Vlambeer. Released on August 29th 2012 has received 6,483 reviews of which 5,767 were positive and 716 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.6
5,767
716
6
players
9. Janosik
Similarity 78% Challenging retro pixel graphics action-platformer. Become a legendary rogue Janosik and explore the big mountain castle level full of secrets. Available for FREE! Janosik is a action, adventure and platformer game developed by Onix Games and published by Retrovibe. Released on September 25th 2020 has received 628 reviews of which 588 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.7
588
40
3
players
10. The Desolate Hope
Similarity 58% On a distant edge of an unknown planet, an abandoned structure sits in silence. Constructed by an unmanned research vessel sent from Earth, the Lun Infinus station was designed to run simulations for a five year period, exploring possibilities of human colonization in the case that Earth became uninhabitable. The Desolate Hope is a rpg, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on May 05th 2014 has received 1,616 reviews of which 1,486 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like You Have to Win the Game.
8.7
1,486
130
3
players