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
Hammerwatch
A hack and slash action adventure, set in a fantasy pixel art environment. Play solo or co-op in this adventure from bottom to top of Castle Hammerwatch. Kill hordes of enemies with varied looks and features through four unique environments with traps, hidden secrets and puzzles.
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Guacamelee! Gold Edition is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians
Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles.
Divinity: Dragon Commander
You are the Dragon Commander. Your mission it is to reunite a broken empire and become the new emperor. Success depends entirely on your ability to efficiently rule your empire, build invincible armies and lead them to victory.
DCS World Steam Edition
Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World!
Rise of the Triad
Apogee Software and Interceptor Entertainment proudly present the rebirth of the cult-classic first-person shooter, “Rise of the Triad”. Bigger, better and more ludicrous than ever before.
CastleStorm
Welcome to the world of CastleStorm, a super genre mashup of 2D physics destruction mashed with tower defense brawler! CastleStorm was born out of the fond childhood memory of building and destroying LEGO castles.
Teleglitch: Die More Edition
In a cold, dark future dominated by mega-corporations, a small lonely planet on the edge of habitable space is the site of a shadowy research facility specializing in necrotic tissue reactivation. You are a scientist who has suddenly awoken to the realization that you are the lone survivor.
Ittle Dew
Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.
Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Shadow Warrior Classic Redux
The definitive version of the cult classic shooter, Shadow Warrior Classic Redux features remastered visuals and two massive expansion packs. Corporations rule every facet of life in a near-future Japan and employ Shadow Warriors, one-man armies of unparalleled skill, to protect their power and forcefully remove all opposition.
Bleed
Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!
The Apogee Throwback Pack
The Apogee Throwback Pack is a collection of four classic Apogee Software titles all in one kick ass package. Blast your way across the galaxy as British Special Agent Blake Stone in "Aliens of Gold" and "Planet Strike", then take on an ancient evil menace as the H.U.N.T in "Rise of the Triad".
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.
Company of Heroes 2
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.
Fist Puncher
The sinister Milkman holds the city of San Cruces in his nasty criminal grip, and it’s up to legendary black belt neurosurgeon Dr. Karate and the rest of the Fist Puncher team to deliver old-school justice to the lawless streets.
TrackMania² Stadium
TrackMania² Stadium is the return of the popular Stadium environment enjoyed by millions of players with TrackMania Nations Forever. Now part of the ManiaPlanet environment, Stadium allows for improved services around the game, better graphics and a powerful track editor.
Magrunner: Dark Pulse
Magrunner: Dark Pulse is an action-puzzle game in which technology confronts the Cthulhu Mythos, penned by H.P. Lovecraft. Equipped with your Magtech glove, you must harness the ability to magnetically polarize and manipulate objects in the environment to survive and surpass challenging puzzles.
MotoGP™13
2013 Riders, teams and tracks; both simulation and accessible bike handling with scalable aids; photorealistic graphics with TV style interface; ingame voice over by official MotoGP™ commentators; first person elements such as the helmet view and 3D pits to put you in the rider’s shoes.
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara brings reworkings of two of Capcom’s classic arcade hits - Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara – together in one definitive digital package.
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.
Remember Me
Remember Me™ is a 3rd person action adventure where players take on the role of Nilin, a former elite memory hunter with the ability to break into people’s minds and steal or even alter their memories.
Prime World: Defenders
Fight off hordes of monstrous mutants created from a strange cataclysmic event in the new tower defense game, Prime World: Defenders. Join a group of exile treasure hunters who have ventured into the capital of an ancient empire, vast with mystery and danger.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 20th 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 892,439 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
892,439
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 29,612 reviews of which 27,646 were positive and 1,966 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 48,604 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
9.1
27,646
1,966
48,604
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 44,274 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
44,274
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 32,669 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
32,669
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 987,024 reviews of which 752,293 were positive and 234,731 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 30,616 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
752,293
234,731
30,616
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 21,104 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
21,104
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 14,881 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
14,881
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 14,144 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
14,144
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 281,552 reviews of which 254,591 were positive and 26,961 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 11,437 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
9.0
254,591
26,961
11,437
players
10. Counter-Strike
Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role. Counter-Strike is a action, fps and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 01st 2000 has received 249,196 reviews of which 242,805 were positive and 6,391 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 8,669 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
9.6
242,805
6,391
8,669
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 20th 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 22,668 reviews of which 16,799 were positive and 5,869 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
16,799
5,869
-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 2,241 reviews of which 1,782 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
1,782
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 783 reviews of which 551 were positive and 232 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
551
232
-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 20th 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 892,439 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
892,439
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 44,274, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.6
541,215
80,059
44,274
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 33,468 reviews of which 24,577 were positive and 8,891 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 8,413, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
7.2
24,577
8,891
8,413
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 14,591 reviews of which 10,253 were positive and 4,338 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 6,659 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,253
4,338
6,659
players
5. 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 5,043 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,327
1,311
5,043
players
6. 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 23,988 reviews of which 15,145 were positive and 8,843 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,587 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,145
8,843
4,587
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 4,548 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
4,548
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 7,848 reviews of which 7,066 were positive and 782 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,115 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,066
782
4,115
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 3,936 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
3,936
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 3,904 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
3,904
players