Best Action 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 action games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free action games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
8-Bit Armies
8-Bit Armies is a retro Real-Time Strategy game. With a colorful, blocky voxel art style, 8-Bit Armies is Petroglyph's most fast-paced, friendly, and accessible RTS game to date. Featuring a campaign of 25 single-player missions, 12 co-op missions, multiplayer and skirmish modes.
Don't Starve Together
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve.
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada is the RTS videogame adaptation of Games Workshop’s classic tabletop game, pitting the Chaos, Imperium, Eldar, and Orks against each other in visceral space-battles.
Frederic: Resurrection of Music Director's Cut
New version of cult game with new levels and exclusive Steam online multiplayer! Frederic Chopin – a long time deceased classical compositor – returns back from beyond the grave to fight intense musical duels. In his way stand some of the worlds greatest pop stars charmed with enormous profits that wild commercialization provides
Rogue Stormers
An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players.
Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses.
ARCADE GAME SERIES: PAC-MAN
First released in arcades in 1980, the masterpiece PAC-MAN comes to Steam! Move PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: Ms. PAC-MAN
Developed in America and first released in 1981, Ms. PAC-MAN finally comes to Steam! Move Ms. PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: DIG DUG
First appearing in arcades in 1982, Dig Dug finally comes to Steam! Control Dig Dug to make underground tunnels and inflate or crush the enemies!
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
The final episode of the series, "MELTY BLOOD Actress Again Current Code" is now on Steam!
IS Defense
„IS Defense” is a game set in politically-fictional 2020 – where the expansion of ISIS went out of hand. The player takes the role of NATO’s stationary machine-gun operator, deployed to defend the shores of Europe.
SpeedRunners
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play.
Battlezone 98 Redux
One of the greatest sci-fi strategy games of all time returns with remastered visuals, online multiplayer and near unlimited mod content from Steam Workshop. Experience thrilling first person action and acclaimed RTS in this explosive alternate vision of the 1960s space race.
Pang Adventures
The Pang series is a beloved collection of arcade video games from the early 90s. Guide two brothers on a quest around the world to save humankind from a massive alien invasion!
Inexistence
Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.
Spaceport Hope
A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.
Zombie Training Simulator
Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse? We've done the research and want to make sure you're prepared. When the news reports the zombies are here and your friend gives you a call, "They're here. I need you," how will you respond? That's right, you'll say "On my way. We've got this thanks to ZTS!"
METAL SLUG 2
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
FINAL FANTASY IX
Selling over five million copies since its release in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX proudly returns on Steam! Now you can relive the adventures of Zidane and his crew on PC !
Soda Drinker Pro
The world's most advanced soda drinking simulator.
Stories: The Path of Destinies
Stories: The Path of Destinies is an Action RPG, an enchanted storybook filled with madcap fantasy tales, each told by a zippy narrator attuned to the player’s choices and actions.
DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!
Ace of Seafood
In the seas of the distant future, humans have all but disappeared. In your current, newly-awakened state, you are no more than a piece of seafood. However, you have been blessed with the talent for leading your allies into battle. Do whatever it takes to become the Ace of Seafood.Most played action games on Steam
Take a look at the top action games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 23rd 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played action game, thanks to its 567,349 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
567,349
players
2. Crosshair X
Overlay custom crosshairs on every game you play. Choose from thousands of unique crosshairs created by the Crosshair X community or design your own using the designer. Crosshair X is a action, indie and adventure game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 29,953 reviews of which 27,964 were positive and 1,989 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 47,753 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
9.1
27,964
1,989
47,753
players
3. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 34,639 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
8.6
541,215
80,059
34,639
players
4. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a action, open world and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 40,938 reviews of which 26,015 were positive and 14,923 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 25,117 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
6.3
26,015
14,923
25,117
players
5. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 988,383 reviews of which 753,774 were positive and 234,609 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 20,300 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
753,774
234,609
20,300
players
6. PAYDAY 2
PAYDAY 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original PAYDAY crew - Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains - as they descend on Washington DC for an epic crime spree. PAYDAY 2 is a co-op, action and fps game developed by OVERKILL - a Starbreeze Studio. and published by Starbreeze Publishing AB. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 662,674 reviews of which 593,923 were positive and 68,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 11,102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
593,923
68,751
11,102
players
7. Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 27,305 reviews of which 20,433 were positive and 6,872 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 10,345 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
7.4
20,433
6,872
10,345
players
8. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a warhammer 40k, action and third-person shooter game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on September 09th 2024 has received 157,413 reviews of which 130,499 were positive and 26,914 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 8,558 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
8.2
130,499
26,914
8,558
players
9. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 281,762 reviews of which 254,785 were positive and 26,977 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 6,805 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
9.0
254,785
26,977
6,805
players
10. Lords of the Fallen
A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The definitive Version 2.0 out now: features Shared Progression Co-op & Free Friend’s Pass. Lords of the Fallen is a exploration, souls-like and combat game developed and published by CI Games. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 35,685 reviews of which 23,119 were positive and 12,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 6,558 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
6.4
23,119
12,566
6,558
players
Best deals on action games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of action games available on Steam right now, updated on April 23rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted action games.
1. DEPLOYMENT
Deployment is an intense competitive top-down shooter game. Infosoldiers, made of pure information, fight in an endless war between governments and megacorporations to rule over the digital systems that control the world. Deploy your troops from up to five different classes! DEPLOYMENT is a action, racing and multiplayer game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on April 10th 2018 has received 789 reviews of which 636 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for action category.
7.7
636
153
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. The Ascent
The Ascent is a solo and co-op Action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it? The Ascent is a top-down shooter, cyberpunk and rpg game developed by Neon Giant and published by Curve Games. Released on July 29th 2021 has received 22,698 reviews of which 16,817 were positive and 5,881 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in action games.
7.3
16,817
5,881
-97%
34.00€
1.02€
3. We Are The Dwarves
We Are The Dwarves is a real-time tactical adventure where you take control of three Dwarven astronauts and lead them through the hordes of enemies in the depths of their Universe. We Are The Dwarves is a indie, adventure and action game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on February 25th 2016 has received 1,316 reviews of which 891 were positive and 425 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in action games.
6.6
891
425
-97%
43.00€
1.29€
4. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,676 reviews of which 5,405 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for action games.
9.2
5,405
271
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
5. Figment 2: Creed Valley
Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments. Figment 2: Creed Valley is a soundtrack, exploration and puzzle game developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Bedtime Digital Games and 4Divinity. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,057 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for action games.
8.9
1,057
67
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
6. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 692 reviews of which 570 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for action games.
7.8
570
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
7. Miasma Chronicles
From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’. Miasma Chronicles is a tactical rpg, turn-based strategy and tactical game developed by The Bearded Ladies and published by 505 Games Official. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,247 reviews of which 1,788 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for action games.
7.7
1,788
459
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
8. Gungrave G.O.R.E
Gungrave G.O.R.E is a stylish third-person action shooter by South-Korean Studio IGGYMOB in which you take on the role of Grave, a gunslinger of resurrection and badass anti-hero of your dreams, mowing down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Gungrave G.O.R.E is a action, action-adventure and 3d game developed by IGGYMOB Co. and Ltd and published by Prime Matter. Released on November 22nd 2022 has received 787 reviews of which 554 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for action games.
6.8
554
233
-96%
56.00€
2.24€
9. Trine 2: Complete Story
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op. Trine 2: Complete Story is a puzzle-platformer, platformer and adventure game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on June 06th 2013 has received 21,624 reviews of which 20,629 were positive and 995 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
9.3
20,629
995
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
10. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,455 reviews of which 6,930 were positive and 525 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for action games.
9
6,930
525
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
Free action games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play action games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 23rd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play action games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 567,349 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
567,349
players
2. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 34,639, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.6
541,215
80,059
34,639
players
3. FragPunk
FragPunk is a thrilling 5v5 hero shooter where Shard Cards allow you to break the rules of combat and ensure that no two rounds are ever the same. Get ready to unleash your skills! FragPunk is a fps, free to play and hero shooter game developed and published by Bad Guitar Studio. Released on March 06th 2025 has received 34,755 reviews of which 25,500 were positive and 9,255 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 6,068, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
7.2
25,500
9,255
6,068
players
4. Torchlight: Infinite
The fate of Ember Technology is in your hands. With abounding hero build possibilities, dive into an epic journey with endless loot, adrenaline-pumping fights & new seasonal contents. Torchlight: Infinite is a rpg, hack and slash and loot game developed and published by XD. Released on May 09th 2023 has received 14,806 reviews of which 10,413 were positive and 4,393 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 5,267 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,413
4,393
5,267
players
5. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,061 reviews of which 15,209 were positive and 8,852 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,289 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,209
8,852
4,289
players
6. Blood Strike
Gather your friends and dive into the action-packed Battle Royale, Squad Fight, or Hot Zone like there's no tomorrow! Blood Strike offers a wide range of playable Strikers, each with a unique active and passive ability letting you deploy drones, shield walls and everything in between. Blood Strike is a action, free to play and shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 6,638 reviews of which 5,327 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,170 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,327
1,311
4,170
players
7. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and co-op game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 145,891 reviews of which 112,550 were positive and 33,341 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,740 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,550
33,341
3,740
players
8. Crosshair V2
Crosshair V2 is a crosshair overlay technology that improves aim, response time, and hip fire accuracy for gamers. Choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and neon colors to find the crosshair that gives you the greatest advantage in your favorite game. Crosshair V2 is a utilities, shooter and action game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 7,938 reviews of which 7,147 were positive and 791 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,268 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,147
791
3,268
players
9. World of Tanks Blitz
Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC World of Tanks Blitz is a tanks, free to play and shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 147,572 reviews of which 116,050 were positive and 31,522 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,831 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,050
31,522
2,831
players
10. World of Tanks
Jump into the free-to-play team-based shooter with an ever-expanding roster of historical vehicles, stunning graphics, spectacular locales, and orchestral scores. Show your mastery and face other players in thrilling PvP clashes. A unique mix of strategy and action awaits! World of Tanks is a tanks, free to play and action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on April 28th 2021 has received 85,341 reviews of which 71,704 were positive and 13,637 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,630 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
71,704
13,637
2,630
players