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
A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986
A Summer's End is a visual novel set in 1980s Hong Kong. It tells of a love story between two women. Lush and vibrant visuals, the game features over 400 unique hand-drawn artwork inspired by Asian cinema and 1980s anime.
Super Bit Blaster XL
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Mainframe Defenders
MAINFRAME DEFENDERS - Turn-based tactics centered around gear and unit customization. It offers simple combat, high replayability, and tons of loot. Items don't just provide stats boost, but also offer distinct mechanics that can be combined into powerful builds.
Drift Of The Hill
In DOTH you will have to master the art of drifting in the mountain passes!
Black Future '88
Black Future ’88 is a Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter. Vertically climb an always evolving procedural tower to reach the top and kill its insane owner…before your heart explodes. Shoot, slash, dash and upgrade yourself to survive the endless waves of Homicidal AI, Traps & Colossal Wardens.
Knights And Bikes
Saddle up for a bike-riding, frisbee-throwing, goose-petting, friendship-building, treasure-hunting, story-driven adventure for 1 or 2 players!
198X
Part 1 of arcade epic 198X. A coming-of-age story told through multiple games and genres. Experience the thrill of shooting, driving, jumping, fighting and role-playing in 5 full-blown arcade stages – combined with cinematic pixel-art storytelling.
Duck Season PC
An experimental first person narrative sending you back to Summer 1988 and you have a one day rental of Duck Season. Dive into the mystery and work through the hidden secrets spilling out of the cursed cartridge. The full hit VR game playable on your traditional flat screen!
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
American Fugitive
FREE UPDATE; STATE OF EMERGENCY, OUT NOW! Framed for your father’s murder, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to unveil the real culprit. Tackle thrilling missions for the criminal underworld - just don’t let the cops track you down!
Neon Boost
Neon Boost is a frenetic First Person Platformer based on mechanics like Rocket-Jump or Wall-Run. Run across 3 different worlds to get the best times!
Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Konami's Castlevania Anniversary Collection traces the origins of the historic vampire franchise. Included is a unique eBook with details provided by developers, artists and others inspired by the Castlevania legacy which sheds a fresh light into the world of Castlevania.
Micro Mages
Micro Mages is a platformer developed for the original 8-bit NES console. Now on Steam! ROM included. Play solo or with up to 4 players simultaneously. Compete over score or cooperate to overcome challenging levels.
Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Generation Zero®
Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter where you wage guerilla warfare against lethal mechanical enemies. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish Cold War era, take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op.
Castle Break
Breakout game + physics + shooting + building. Use your mouse like in air hockey to kick enemy bombs back into the evil Black Castle! Destroy enemy towers rockets and lasers. Build your base to protect your little dudes - you need them to win![The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/963450/header.jpg)
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is a remake of the original "ETERNAL CASTLE" from 1987, with additional game mechanics, sophisticated sound design, polished 2-bit CGA animated graphics, and modernized game design.
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.
Maximum Action
MAXIMUM Action is a brutal and satisfying physics-based first person shooter influenced by Hong Kong cinema, heroic slow motion bloodshed, and old-school FPS ACTION.
Verlet Swing
Verlet Swing brings you energetic swinging in a world that would be best described as a fever dream. Swing fast, don't crash and reach the goal as fast as possible!
Ding Dong XL
A fast-paced, neon-infused arcade game with simple one-button controls! Addictive, easy to learn, and perfect for quick sessions—challenge yourself to beat your high score while waiting in queue for another game!
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Celebrate Street Fighter’s historic legacy with the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. In this collection of 12 Street Fighter games, four groundbreaking titles let you hop online and relive the arcade experience through the online Arcade Mode or play with friends.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 16th 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
43
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
15
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
12
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
11
players
5. 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. Bot Wars is a early access, action and strategy game developed by Frompy Games and published by Big Play Games. Released on September 10th 2021 has received 700 reviews of which 617 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.3
617
83
6
players
6. Castle Break
Breakout game + physics + shooting + building. Use your mouse like in air hockey to kick enemy bombs back into the evil Black Castle! Destroy enemy towers rockets and lasers. Build your base to protect your little dudes - you need them to win Castle Break is a action, arcade and 1980s game developed and published by Pauloondra. Released on February 19th 2019 has received 579 reviews of which 496 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.0
496
83
6
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
821
79
5
players
8. 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 478 reviews of which 424 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.3
424
54
5
players
9. Hyper Jam
Battle it out local and online in this neon-soaked arena brawler full of lethal weapons, stackable perks, furious combat and a killer synthwave soundtrack. Hyper Jam is a action, indie and multiplayer game developed and published by Bit Dragon. Released on February 12th 2019 has received 490 reviews of which 460 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.7
460
30
4
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.3
269
75
4
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 16th 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. Crossing Souls
California, 1986: A group of friends discover a mysterious pink stone that allows travel between two realms. This gang will live the summer of their lives in an adventure that will get them involved in a government conspiracy. Control five kids with special skills while fighting and solving puzzles. Crossing Souls is a pixel graphics, adventure and 1980s game developed by Fourattic and published by Devolver Digital. Released on February 13th 2018 has received 1,477 reviews of which 1,166 were positive and 311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.6
1,166
311
-85%
14.53€
2.18€
5. 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 691 reviews of which 508 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 #5 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.0
508
183
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.6
15,372
2,119
-75%
14.99€
3.74€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
6.9
292
113
-67%
3.03€
1.00€
8. 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 478 reviews of which 424 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.3
424
54
-66%
19.41€
6.60€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
9.3
14,503
679
-50%
2.99€
1.49€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
9.1
2,015
87
-50%
9.99€
4.99€
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 16th 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
3
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