Best 1980s games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated 1980s games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free 1980s games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
Cursed Digicam | 呪われたデジカメ
You receive a cursed digital camera that captures ghosts from a strange website. The website allows you to liberate your loved ones by uploading images of their spirits using the camera. You decide to go to the nearest park where your girl was last seen.
Creeper World IXE
The unstoppable alien force known as The Creeper has returned, devouring thousands of worlds in its path, and yours is next. Battle against the Creeper fluid in a groundbreaking pixel-level simulation to prove that humanity will rule the galaxy forever!
Relic Dudes
Defeat hordes of enemies, alone or with up to 4 friends! Work together or mess with them on this online multiplayer survivors style roguelike, where you create unique builds that can change the fate of your team.
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.
The Happyhills Homicide
Welcome to Happyhills, the town where you can indulge your deepest desires, make your wildest dreams come true, and slaughter anyone in your path. In this case, all three of these are the same. Welcome the citizens of Happyhills in your way!
Karate Survivor
Become a martial arts master in this survivor-like roguelite inspired by action movies of the ‘80s. Use your fists, feet, and the environment to fight off relentless thugs. Master powerful combos, enhance your skills, and remember: everything around you is a weapon!
The World of Kungfu: Dragon and Eagle
Make a name for yourself in this old-school Wuxia RPG. Explore the chaotic lands of ancient China and engage in challenging turn-based battles to change the world of kungfu forever.
Sniper Killer
Eliminate your victims as a serial killer dubbed ‘The Sniper Killer’. Terrorize the city with your keen eye and thirst for blood while staying one step ahead of a detective hell bent on bringing you to justice.
Engine Evolution 2023
Your favorite racing MMO is back with amazing tracks, more entertaining physics, and much more! Enjoy multiplayer racing action more intensely than ever before!
Victory Heat Rally
Welcome to VHR! Unlock the secrets of speed in this turbocharged neo super scaler arcade racing experience. Dominate the track & drift your way to the finish line on the road to becoming the VHRC champion.
UFO 50
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.
Caravan SandWitch
Embark on a journey across vast landscapes in Caravan SandWitch, a captivating narrative-driven exploration adventure.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit
Survive five nights of terror in this chilling adventure game. Travel between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threat relentlessly pursuing you. Move swiftly and stay hidden, and you may just survive. But be careful—it's not just your own life that’s on the line this time.
Sword of Convallaria
Fantasy Tactical RPG revitalizing the beloved Japanese turn-based & pixel art genre. Collect & train a roster of mercenaries, customize your squad, and use your own strategy to save the nation of Iria. Journey through a world of plot twists where every choice you make will reshape your destiny.
Commando Collection
A reboot of classic 2D side-scrolling shooters, featuring a new Survival Mode and Workshop system. Fight as a WWII Allied soldier across diverse battlefields with imaginative weapons. Survival Mode brings fresh enemies, epic bosses, and new challenges—relive childhood memories with a twist!
Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe!
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game
Plan your own alien invasion and harvest humans as the iconic Killer Klowns, or gather a team of survivors to fight the extraterrestrial threat, in a game based on the ‘80s cult classic movie. Welcome to a new, craazzy take on the asymmetrical multiplayer horror experience!![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap
Clap Clap is a short indie horror game that puts you in the shoes of a house sitter, experiencing strange occurrences in a seemingly ordinary home.
WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.
DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Pampas & Selene: The Maze of Demons
Join Pampas and Selene as they overcome monsters, demons, and the Dark Priest with the help of the gods themselves! Explore this co-opvania 8-bit platformer alone or with a friend. This retro game is a loving tribute to an MSX2 masterpiece from the creator of UnEpic, Ghost 1.0, and UnMetal.Most played 1980s games on Steam
Take a look at the top 1980s games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon
Far Cry® 3: Blood Dragon is THE Kick-Ass Cyber Shooter.Welcome to an 80’s vision of the future. The year is 2007 and you are Sargent Rex Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando. Your mission: get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon is a fps, 1980s and comedy game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on May 01st 2013 has received 17,491 reviews of which 15,372 were positive and 2,119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
15,372
2,119
49
players
2. Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,456 reviews of which 10,782 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.2
10,782
674
41
players
3. Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer! Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll is a visual novel, anime and 1980s game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on August 04th 2022 has received 6,825 reviews of which 5,474 were positive and 1,351 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.8
5,474
1,351
36
players
4. Retrowave
Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, '80s supercars speeding down an endless highway... Welcome to the world of Retrowave! Retrowave is a racing, 1980s and indie game developed and published by RewindApp. Released on May 06th 2022 has received 15,182 reviews of which 14,503 were positive and 679 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.3
14,503
679
12
players
5. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 403 reviews of which 373 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
373
30
7
players
6. Indiana Jones® and the Last Crusade™
Europe, 1938: The lost Ark was just a warm-up! Now Adolf Hitler is after the most powerful talisman of all - the Holy Grail. A few brave men stand in his way. Fortunately, one of them is Indiana Jones, and this time he has his dad with him. Indiana Jones® and the Last Crusade™ is a point & click, adventure and pixel graphics game developed by LucasArts and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on July 08th 2009 has received 344 reviews of which 269 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.3
269
75
6
players
7. Nitro Kid
Synthwave roguelike deckbuilder set in the neon 80's. Pick your agent. Build your deck. Hit card combos and fight through the floors of INFINITY tower. Featuring 30+ fresh Synthwave tracks by LudoWic, Tonebox and Jules Reves. Nitro Kid is a indie, roguelike deckbuilder and isometric game developed by Wildboy Studios and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 18th 2022 has received 477 reviews of which 423 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.3
423
54
5
players
8. Christmas Massacre
Christmas is coming and Larry's got a big problem - his Christmas tree is telling him to KILL! Lead him through his murder rampage. Christmas Massacre is a action, violent and horror game developed and published by Puppet Combo. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 900 reviews of which 821 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
821
79
4
players
9. Computer Tycoon
Computer Tycoon is a fairly complex Business Grand Strategy game about Computer Evolution. Start in the 70s, invent until 2034, create the best computer systems, upgrade your infrastructure, lead a team, and alter computer history! It is time to "Think Different" Computer Tycoon is a early access, retro and funny game developed and published by Progorion. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 963 reviews of which 821 were positive and 142 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.1
821
142
3
players
10. Cannibal Abduction
The family is hungry and he must provide, VHS slasher survival horror. Cannibal Abduction is a horror, retro and mystery game developed by Tomás Esconjaureguy and published by selewi. Released on January 13th 2023 has received 309 reviews of which 296 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.8
296
13
2
players
Best deals on 1980s games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of 1980s games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 1980s games.
1. Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,456 reviews of which 10,782 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 1980s category.
9.2
10,782
674
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
2. I am not a Monster: First Contact
Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures. I am not a Monster: First Contact is a turn-based tactics, strategy and sci-fi game developed by Cheerdealers and published by Alawar. Released on September 27th 2018 has received 1,255 reviews of which 965 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 1980s games.
7.4
965
290
-91%
11.11€
1.00€
3. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 403 reviews of which 373 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 1980s games.
8.6
373
30
-86%
33.50€
4.69€
4. 80's OVERDRIVE
80's OVERDRIVE is a 2D pixelart racing game, designed to take you back in time to when 8 and 16 bit consoles and arcade games ruled the world. Compete against opponents in career mode to unlock new races, buy new cars and upgrade them with state-of-the-art technologies! 80's OVERDRIVE is a racing, retro and pixel graphics game developed and published by Insane Code. Released on November 19th 2020 has received 690 reviews of which 507 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.0
507
183
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
5. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon
Far Cry® 3: Blood Dragon is THE Kick-Ass Cyber Shooter.Welcome to an 80’s vision of the future. The year is 2007 and you are Sargent Rex Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando. Your mission: get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon is a fps, 1980s and comedy game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on May 01st 2013 has received 17,491 reviews of which 15,372 were positive and 2,119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.6
15,372
2,119
-75%
14.99€
3.74€
6. Gold Rush! Classic
Gold Rush! takes you back to the year 1849, when gold was discovered in California. It was certainly one of the most exciting times in American history. Gold Rush! includes the three routes tens of thousands took to the gold regions. Become Jerrod Wilson and experience each trek as you travel from New York to California. Gold Rush! Classic is a adventure, action and pixel graphics game developed by The Software Farm, Sunlight Games and Sierra Entertainment and published by Sunlight Games. Released on July 25th 2014 has received 405 reviews of which 292 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
6.9
292
113
-67%
3.03€
1.00€
7. Retrowave
Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, '80s supercars speeding down an endless highway... Welcome to the world of Retrowave! Retrowave is a racing, 1980s and indie game developed and published by RewindApp. Released on May 06th 2022 has received 15,182 reviews of which 14,503 were positive and 679 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
9.3
14,503
679
-50%
2.99€
1.49€
8. Murder House
A local news team breaks into an abandoned house to chase a salacious ghost story... until a MANIAC chases them! ...VHS era 80's slasher. PS1 style survival horror! Murder House is a horror, 1980s and retro game developed and published by Puppet Combo. Released on October 22nd 2020 has received 2,102 reviews of which 2,015 were positive and 87 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
9.1
2,015
87
-50%
9.99€
4.99€
9. Christmas Massacre
Christmas is coming and Larry's got a big problem - his Christmas tree is telling him to KILL! Lead him through his murder rampage. Christmas Massacre is a action, violent and horror game developed and published by Puppet Combo. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 900 reviews of which 821 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.6
821
79
-50%
6.59€
3.29€
10. Retrowave World
Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, chrome robot women, speeding 80s supercars... Welcome to Retrowave World! Retrowave World is a early access, racing and action game developed and published by RewindApp. Released on May 10th 2024 has received 345 reviews of which 272 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 30% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.4
272
73
-30%
9.99€
6.99€
Free 1980s games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play 1980s games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play 1980s games.
1. The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam
YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a recording of a training protocol. By answering questions and resisting jumpscares, can you beat the Entity Exam? The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam is a horror, action and text-based game developed by Jeremy Fischer and published by Jflyer Games. Released on February 05th 2024 has received 439 reviews of which 397 were positive and 42 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free 1980s games on Steam.
8.4
397
42
1
players
2. Mega Serval
Serval's friends are in danger and it's up to her to save the day! Progress through 12 action-packed platforming stages in this "Kemono Friends Project" derivative work! Mega Serval is a action, singleplayer and adventure game developed and published by Syaxamaphone. Released on November 30th 2022 has received 315 reviews of which 309 were positive and 6 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free 1980s games on Steam.
9.0
309
6