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
9 Years of Shadows
Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Tactical Assault VR
Tactical Assault VR is an intense tactical shooter where you use real-world CQB (Close Quarters Battles) tactics to stack up, breach doors and eliminate threats. Play solo or join an online co-op special forces unit in missions around the world.
Nienix: Cosmic Warfare
Search for the legendary lost artifact Nienix through galaxies in conflict! An open world space action RPG adventure that can be played both alone and together!
Apewar
Apewar is an online tactical and action FPS/TPS monkey war game adapted from real life. Build your monkey team and fight against your enemies. By playing in a coordinated way, you can have fun and win with a good strategy. Monkeys are strong together!
Deflector
Deflector is a top down action rogue-lite set in a deadly microcosm. Dive deep into hostile worlds teeming with viruses. Strike down increasingly challenging enemies with your weapons and their own deflected projectiles. Live, die, grow stronger and become powerful enough to reach the Source!
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
The final summer, the final secret... Ryza's final adventure is about to begin!
Resident Evil 4
Survival is just the beginning. Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors, tracks the president's kidnapped daughter to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals.
METAL DOGS
Set in a world after the destruction of humankind, the harsh battle of the combat dog "Pochi" begins. Explore dungeons that change every time you enter, get a wide variety of weapons, and power up your dog! Hunt the evil "WANTED"! Enjoy exhilarating battles casually in this shooting action game.
Have a Nice Death
Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike where you play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls - and his vacation plans. In order to restore order, you'll have to grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who's boss.
Deceive Inc.
Go undercover as the world’s greatest spies in this tense multiplayer game of subterfuge. Disguise as anyone, deploy an arsenal of high-tech gadgets or neutralize the competition. As long as you extract with the objective, no trick is too dirty when you work for DECEIVE INC.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution
Hunted by the seemingly unstoppable Axeman and facing off against the Tower’s latest push for total dominance, discover what connects these new threats together before it’s too late. New faces, places, weapons and gear all await you on your journey to a final showdown for the city's fate.
Ghosts of Tabor
Ghosts of Tabor is VRs only FPS PVP and PVE survival game where you will use your wits, skills and resources to survive. Inspired by games such as Escape from Tarkov and DayZ, featuring different scenarios from scavenging to looting and crafting. Will you survive long enough to make it out alive?
Mortal Sin
Mortal Sin is a chaotic, blood-soaked roguelike where skill is power—and overconfidence is death. Carve through procedurally generated nightmares with brutal melee and flashy, satisfying combos.
Crafty Survivors
All heroes got corrupted! Unlock a diverse cast of crafty professionals, use their unique skills, create your own builds and defend your home by eliminating hordes of monsters. Gather materials, rebuild your village and craft your way to the origin of this malignous curse!
Spin Rhythm XD
Enter the Rhythm Dimension. A homage to classic arcade rhythm games (Guitar Hero, DDR), with a modern aesthetic and soundtrack. Match colours and beats, spin, tap, flick and flow through the juiciest beats in the universe. Supports multiple control styles including MIDI DJ gear on Steam!
Vernal Edge
Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator – in space, with survival horror and RPG elements. Steer your submarine, complete missions, fight monsters, fix leaks, operate machinery, man the guns and craft items, and stay alert: danger in Barotrauma doesn’t announce itself!
Bleak Faith: Forsaken
Explore the last remnants of civilization in this vast, unforgiving, and interconnected world. Learn what is left of its history. Discover pockets of natural life in the perpetually expanding Omnistructure. Lose yourself in a journey unlike any other. Find your purpose in the world.
Munchkin Digital
Kill the monsters & grab the loot in the classic card game!
Halls of Torment: Prelude
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive?
Clash: Artifacts of Chaos
Hunted by mercenaries of an enemy with untold power, the fighter Pseudo and the creature under his protection begin a perilous quest to the edges of strange lands.
Boneraiser Minions
Amass an army of undead to fight endless waves of heroes intent to end your boneraising ways! In this gothic auto-battler rogue-lite Survivor-like, use the bones of slain heroes to raise your minions, collect relics and spells, and unlock meta upgrades, all to survive King Gigald's crusade!
Sea of Craft
Hello! Captain! “Sea Of Craft” is a sandbox ocean-building game with realistic physics simulation. In “Sea of Craft”, you can build your exclusive ship with hundreds of materials, and explore intriguing stages on planet Beella as well as adventures of wonders in the great ocean!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 18th 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 8,706,045 reviews of which 7,555,742 were positive and 1,150,303 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 792,637 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,555,742
1,150,303
792,637
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 45,961 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
45,961
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 620,575 reviews of which 540,595 were positive and 79,980 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 40,268 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
8.6
540,595
79,980
40,268
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 38,602 reviews of which 24,147 were positive and 14,455 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 28,926 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
6.2
24,147
14,455
28,926
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 26,271 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
26,271
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 21,032 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
21,032
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 12,815 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
12,815
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 12,646 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
12,646
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 8,249 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
8,249
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 249,036 reviews of which 242,642 were positive and 6,394 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 7,992 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
9.6
242,642
6,394
7,992
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 18th 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 1,314 reviews of which 891 were positive and 423 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
423
-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 1,114 reviews of which 1,048 were positive and 66 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
1,048
66
-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 21,618 reviews of which 20,623 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
20,623
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 7,436 reviews of which 6,913 were positive and 523 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
6,913
523
-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 18th 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 8,706,045 reviews of which 7,555,742 were positive and 1,150,303 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 792,637 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,555,742
1,150,303
792,637
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 620,575 reviews of which 540,595 were positive and 79,980 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 40,268, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.6
540,595
79,980
40,268
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 7,714, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
7.2
24,577
8,891
7,714
players
4. 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 battle royale game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 6,278 reviews of which 5,048 were positive and 1,230 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,694 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,048
1,230
4,694
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 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 4,634 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,145
8,843
4,634
players
6. 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 145,674 reviews of which 112,392 were positive and 33,282 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,281 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,392
33,282
4,281
players
7. 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 3,811 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,066
782
3,811
players
8. 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 147,455 reviews of which 115,984 were positive and 31,471 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
115,984
31,471
3,108
players
9. 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 3,081 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
71,704
13,637
3,081
players
10. SMITE®
Join 40+ million players in SMITE, the Battleground of the Gods! Wield Thor’s hammer, turn your foes to stone as Medusa, or flex your divine power as one of 100+ other mythological icons. Become a God and play FREE today! SMITE® is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed by Titan Forge Games and published by Hi-Rez Studios. Released on September 08th 2015 has received 119,765 reviews of which 94,354 were positive and 25,411 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,161 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
94,354
25,411
2,161
players