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
Dungeons of Dreadrock
An immersive puzzle dungeon adventure in the spirit of 1980's home computer games. Dig your way through 100 levels into the ancient depths of Dreadrock Mountain. Winner of Google Indie Games Festival / Indie Clash 1st prize / PocketGamer People's Choice Finalist / GDWC best indie game nominee.
The Legend of The Sacred Stone EX
An adaptation of the movie. And the voice was presented by Vincent Huang, a genius of the eight categories musical instrument in Chinese ancient orchestra.
Tiny Combat Arena
Tiny Combat Arena is an approachable combat flight simulator sporting a stylized look and various game modes. Dogfight your way in the Arena and in Quick Action or craft your own scenarios and take part in a vast war with objectives and friendly armies to support.
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?
Engine Evolution 2021
Engine Evolution is a multiplayer racing game that uses principles similar to those of the World of Tanks. With each PvP race against 11 other players, you gain experience and credits, which you can use to buy various upgrades or unlock the next motorbike.
MOTHERED - A ROLE-PLAYING HORROR GAME
An immersive first-person horror adventure where you play the role of LIANA - a young girl who arrives home after major surgery and is met with a strange mannequin claiming to be her mother.
Martial Law
Martial Law is a game about difficulties that came with Communism in Poland. The story is shown from the perspective of a man who is abandoned because of his low social status. He tries his best to be there for his daughter despite the difficulties.
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.
Dragon Fist: VR Kung Fu
First-Person VR kung fu fighter with high-fidelity, physics-based combat, and an artistic style that pays homage to the golden era of martial arts films. Play with friends in Co-Op mode, challenge others in PvP battles, or embark on epic single-player adventures.
After the Fall®
From the team that brought you Arizona Sunshine® comes an epic VR action FPS with intense co-op gameplay at its core. Team up with friends and take on a hostile VR world filled with ferocious undead--mutated and twisted by the relentless cold.
The Slaverian Trucker
The Slaverian Trucker is a Survival/Truck/Life simulator game. Make enough money to survive and expand your wealth in the harsh semi-post apocalyptic lands of Slaveria, doing legal and illegal work, while maintaining, fixing, building, repairing, tuning your trucks, cars and other vehicles.
Andy's Apple Farm
Play minigames and discover the hidden truth in this retro-style horror game
Moonglow Bay
Embark on a journey as a rookie angler in Moonglow Bay, fulfilling your partner's final wish. Team up with friends, family, and neighbours to hone your fishing skills, nourish relationships, and restore a remote town's fractured community in this slice-of-life fishing RPG!
DUSK '82: ULTIMATE EDITION
DUSK '82 is a simple but addictive action-puzzler demake of the cult shooter DUSK, inspired by classics like Chip's Challenge and Sokoban.
Poppy Playtime
You must stay alive in this horror/puzzle adventure. Try to survive the vengeful toys waiting for you in the abandoned toy factory. Use your GrabPack to hack electrical circuits or nab anything from afar. Explore the mysterious facility... and don't get caught.
Project Nightmares Case 36: Henrietta Kedward
Project Nightmares is a survival horror game with a procedural structure, creating unique scares every time you play. A machine will induce you into a dream state, throwing you into a living nightmare firsthand in order to discover the story of Henrietta Kedward, an old woman with a dark past.
UnMetal
UnMetal is a 2D stealth action-adventure that pays homage to the classics with a healthy dose of humor and satire. You play as Jesse Fox, who is definitely NOT an elite commando, under arrest for a crime he didn't commit, and must escape a covert military base using his wits and fists.
Bright Lights of Svetlov
Bright Lights of Svetlov is a short, story-focused first person quest about a Soviet family facing harsh trials. Set in a fictional provincial town, it carefuly recreates the atmosphere and vibe of mid 1980s.
Bot Wars
Bot Wars is an action RTS about managing a squad of kill-bots and their bases as you work to take over all the capture points across the map. Featuring corporate kill bot armies, ranging from a firearms and beverage manufacturer to a lovecraftian burger cult.
Lake
It's 1986 - Meredith Weiss takes a break from her career in the big city to deliver mail in her hometown. How will she experience two weeks in beautiful Providence Oaks, with its iconic lake and quirky community? And what will she do next? It's up to you.
Blaster Master Zero 3
The Pinnacle of Mutant Blasting Action Is Here! — Blaster Master Zero 3's hybrid of sidescrolling and top-down action is back for its 3rd chapter, and more intense than ever before!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