Best Classic 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 classic games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free classic games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection
The game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. In The Sims 2, you direct your Sims over a lifetime. Give them a long existence or leave their lives in shambles. Guide their characteristics from one generation to the next.
The Sims™ Legacy Collection
The original game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. Create a neighborhood of Sims and guide their lives through careers and romance — or create chaos with open-ended gameplay that lets you shape their destinies.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. takes the gameplay of Virtua Fighter 5 and raises it to new levels! Rollback Netcode support, gorgeous 4K visuals and additional content make it the best version of this legendary game ever.
Battle Realms: Zen Edition
Return of the Classic, now remastered! Battle Realms is a fantasy RTS inspired by the stories told in martial- arts movies and oriental mythology. Develop your peasants into a highly trained and deadly efficient clan of warriors who are ready to die with your name on their lips.
Red Dead Redemption
Experience the story of former outlaw John Marston as he tracks down the last remaining members of the notorious Van der Linde Gang in the PC debut of the critically acclaimed predecessor to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Backyard Baseball '97
Rediscover the joy of the original Backyard Baseball 1997, now updated for modern systems! Build your roster from among the iconic Backyard Kids, aim for those home runs, and various game modes. Relive the magic of this classic baseball game!
SILENT HILL 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
The legendary crossover hits are back! The action-packed lineup consisting of seven unique titles, is full of heavy hitters like X-MEN VS. STREET FIGHTER, and MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 2 New Age of Heroes. The collection also includes the rare beat 'em up game, THE PUNISHER.
STAR WARS™: Bounty Hunter™
Bring In Your Bounty, Dead or Alive
Tomba! Special Edition
In Tomba! Special Edition, leap, bite, and throw your way across stunning 2.5D landscapes in this vastly-enhanced update to a platforming classic!
KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-
KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- is an HD remastered collection of 6 unforgettable KINGDOM HEARTS experiences. Take up your Keyblade to save the Disney worlds from darkness.
SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
The Saboteur™
This open-world action thriller takes you through the seedy streets of Paris as you seek to undermine the German authority and lead a rebellion. Fight across rooftops and through dangerous alleys, and operate a wide variety of vehicles as you navigate your terrain.
Dungeon Keeper™ 2
Bad guys have all the fun. Discover your dark side as you build an evil underground kingdom and defend it against the forces of good.
Dungeon Keeper Gold™
Build your dungeon & protect it with a labyrinth of dark corridors, a web of deadly traps, an arsenal of powerful spells, and an army of bloodthirsty demons
STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster
The evil Empire is currently creating a doomsday army behind a veil of secrecy. However, they are no match for the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division. Your mission is to infiltrate the Empire and put an end to their plans for terror and domination.
WRATH: Aeon of Ruin
Blast, slice and shred through your enemies in this hardcore FPS inspired by the icons of the '90s, powered by the legendary Quake-1 Tech. Taking place in a realm left to rot, take up arms, unearth long-forgotten secrets and hunt down the Guardians of the Old World.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection.
Ballance
In this 2004 classic originally released by Atari games, you will navigate 12 sky-high courses. Each course is fraught with different obstacles that will block your path, slide your marble off course, or blow them right into the bottomless void below.
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered
Finish the hunt in this epic finale to the Turok Trilogy. Pick up immediately after the events of Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, with dual protagonists Joseph and Danielle Fireseed, of the Turok family tree, as they battle the titular antagonist Oblivion and its followers, the Flesh Eaters.
METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version
The first 3D title in the METAL GEAR series pioneering a new level of stealth action with live action footage, cinematic cut scenes, and innovative gameplay.
METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version
The fourth game in the METAL GEAR series: set over two incidents in 2007 and 2009, featuring Solid Snake and Raiden, introducing new stealth gameplay features.
Purple Place - Classic Games
Welcome to "Purple Place - Classic Games" a fun-filled game where you'll embark on three exciting adventures like good old times! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of creativity and challenge.
Jagged Alliance 3
The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.Most played classic games on Steam
Take a look at the top classic games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played classic game, thanks to its 14,197 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
242,642
6,394
14,197
players
2. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Master Chief’s iconic journey includes six games, built for PC and collected in a single integrated experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan 117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a great soundtrack, fps and classic game developed by 343 Industries, Splash Damage, Ruffian Games, Bungie and Saber Interactive and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on December 03rd 2019 has received 239,857 reviews of which 221,654 were positive and 18,203 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 4,015 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among classic games based on player count.
9.1
221,654
18,203
4,015
players
3. Age of Empires II (Retired)
Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further. Age of Empires II (Retired) is a strategy, rts and medieval game developed by SkyBox Labs, Hidden Path Entertainment, Ensemble Studios and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 09th 2013 has received 101,108 reviews of which 96,842 were positive and 4,266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 3,870 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among classic games based on player count.
9.4
96,842
4,266
3,870
players
4. Half-Life 2
Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat. Half-Life 2 is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 16th 2004 has received 241,625 reviews of which 235,834 were positive and 5,791 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,943 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played classic games.
9.7
235,834
5,791
2,943
players
5. Heroes® of Might & Magic® III - HD Edition
The most popular Heroes® title of all time is back in HD! Fifteen years later, rediscover the epic tale of Queen Catherine Ironfist, as she re-embarks on her critically acclaimed quest to unite her ravaged homeland and re-conquer the kingdom of Erathia. Heroes® of Might & Magic® III - HD Edition is a strategy, turn-based strategy and classic game developed by DotEmu and published by Ubisoft Entertainment. Released on January 28th 2015 has received 22,456 reviews of which 17,811 were positive and 4,645 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,031 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played classic games.
7.8
17,811
4,645
2,031
players
6. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 7,142 reviews of which 6,404 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,828 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played classic games.
8.7
6,404
738
1,828
players
7. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
Age of Mythology is back! Choose your god and take to the battlefield in this classic, upgraded with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition is a strategy, mythology and rts game developed by SkyBox Labs and Ensemble Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on May 08th 2014 has received 35,136 reviews of which 32,730 were positive and 2,406 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,093 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
32,730
2,406
1,093
players
8. Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music. Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Petroglyph and Lemon Sky Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 05th 2020 has received 32,706 reviews of which 29,654 were positive and 3,052 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,084 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played classic games.
8.9
29,654
3,052
1,084
players
9. Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world. Half-Life is a fps, classic and 1990's game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 19th 1998 has received 146,723 reviews of which 141,651 were positive and 5,072 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 980 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played classic games.
9.5
141,651
5,072
980
players
10. Gothic II: Gold Edition
Gothic II: Gold Edition brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the add-on Night of the Raven to your fingertips! Gothic II: Gold Edition is a rpg, classic and open world game developed by Piranha Bytes and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 13th 2010 has received 15,282 reviews of which 14,305 were positive and 977 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 901 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
14,305
977
901
players
Best deals on classic games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of classic games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted classic games.
1. Shenmue I & II
SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again. Shenmue I & II is a adventure, open world and story rich game developed by D3T and published by SEGA. Released on August 21st 2018 has received 2,897 reviews of which 2,580 were positive and 317 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for classic category.
8.6
2,580
317
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
2. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is a point & click, adventure and comedy game developed by LucasArts and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on July 15th 2009 has received 5,766 reviews of which 5,498 were positive and 268 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in classic games.
9.2
5,498
268
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
3. Sacred Gold
A shadow of evil has fallen on the kingdom of Ancaria. It is a time for champions - a time to journey into the perilous world of SACRED. Battle blood-thirsty orcs & lumbering ogres... Destroy undead wizards & rotting mummies... Slay hellish demons & legendary dragons. Sacred Gold is a rpg, open world and hack and slash game developed by Studio II and published by THQ Nordic. Released on July 09th 2008 has received 4,153 reviews of which 3,544 were positive and 609 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in classic games.
8.3
3,544
609
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
4. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Enter the realm of a retired assassin, forced back into action by treason. You may be a hired killer but you still have a sense of loyalty and justice. Visit the dark recesses of a world corrupted by crime, greed, degradation and dishonor. And a past that catches up with you. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is a stealth, action and third person game developed and published by Io-Interactive A/S. Released on March 15th 2007 has received 4,130 reviews of which 3,423 were positive and 707 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.0
3,423
707
-90%
8.99€
0.89€
5. Hitman: Codename 47
As the enigmatic Hitman, you must use stealth and tactical problem solving to enter, execute and exit your assignment with minimum attention and maximum effectiveness. For a price, you have access to the most devious devices, but how you use them will determine if you retire as a millionaire or get permanently retired. Hitman: Codename 47 is a stealth, action and classic game developed and published by IO Interactive A/S. Released on March 15th 2007 has received 4,168 reviews of which 2,998 were positive and 1,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.0
2,998
1,170
-90%
7.99€
0.79€
6. Worms Armageddon
Those intrepid invertebrates return with a vengeance in the much-loved Worms™ Armageddon. It’s a whole new can of worms! It’s hilarious fun that you can enjoy on your own or with all your friends. Worms Armageddon is a strategy, multiplayer and classic game developed and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on March 19th 2013 has received 10,013 reviews of which 9,430 were positive and 583 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
9.1
9,430
583
-89%
15.55€
1.71€
7. Full Throttle Remastered
Originally released by LucasArts in 1995, Full Throttle is a classic graphic adventure game from industry legend Tim Schafer, telling the story of Ben Throttle; butt-kicking leader of biker gang the Polecats, who gets caught up in a tale of Motorcycles, Mayhem and Murder. Full Throttle Remastered is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed by Double Fine Productions and Shiny Shoe and published by Double Fine Productions. Released on April 18th 2017 has received 2,862 reviews of which 2,633 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.8
2,633
229
-88%
14.42€
1.73€
8. Imperium Galactica II
Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors. Imperium Galactica II is a strategy, space and 4x game developed by Digital Reality and Gyroscope Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 19th 2017 has received 580 reviews of which 506 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
506
74
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
9. Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour
Frag like it’s 1996 – this time with even more asses to kick! Join the world’s greatest action hero in Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour as he saves Earth once again, kicking alien ass and saving babes across the globe along the way. Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour is a fps, classic and action game developed by Nerve Software, Gearbox Software and LLC and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on October 11th 2016 has received 5,571 reviews of which 4,709 were positive and 862 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
4,709
862
-87%
20.38€
2.65€
10. Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers. Contra Anniversary Collection is a action, side scroller and retro game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on June 11th 2019 has received 1,290 reviews of which 981 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.3
981
309
-87%
20.08€
2.61€
Free classic games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play classic games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play classic games.
1. Pinball Arcade
Pinball Arcade by FarSight Studios features exact recreations of the all-time greatest pinball tables from Stern Pinball® and Gottlieb® together in one game. Every flipper, bumper, sound effect, and display pixel has been painstakingly emulated in astonishing detail. Pinball Arcade is a pinball, free to play and simulation game developed and published by FarSight Studios. Released on November 04th 2013 has received 4,064 reviews of which 2,991 were positive and 1,073 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
7.2
2,991
1,073
15
players
2. Peggle Extreme
Peggle Extreme delivers fast-paced puzzle action that combines elements of pinball and pachinko to create a truly unique game experience. Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun, now exclusively themed with art and sounds from Half-Life: Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. Peggle Extreme is a casual, free to play and puzzle game developed by PopCap Games and Inc. and published by Electronic Arts. Released on September 11th 2007 has received 2,355 reviews of which 2,226 were positive and 129 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
9.0
2,226
129
11
players
3. Death Rally (Classic)
You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death. Death Rally (Classic) is a racing, retro and top-down game developed by Remedy and published by 3D Realms (Apogee Software). Released on May 05th 2014 has received 746 reviews of which 679 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
8.5
679
67
3
players
4. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997) is a fps, classic and free to play game developed by 3D Realms and published by Devolver Digital. It has received 1,471 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
8.8
1,366
105