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
AI War: Fleet Command
"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...
Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor
Delve into Dark Legends Lurking in the Shadow of an Old English Mansion!
Nancy Drew®: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
Catch this train — it’s your ticket to solving a century-old mystery!
Risen
Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast™
The Legacy of Star Wars Dark Forces™ and Star Wars® Jedi Knight lives on in the intense first-person action of Jedi Outcast.
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy™
Forge your weapon and follow the path of the Jedi Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is the latest installment of the highly acclaimed Jedi Knight series. Take on the role of a new student eager to learn the ways of the Force from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.
STAR WARS™ Dark Forces (Classic, 1995)
Behind a veil of secrecy the evil Empire is creating a doomsday army - one that, if finished, will become the final cog in the Empire's arsenal of terror and domination. Your Mission? Join the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, infiltrate the Empire.
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight - Mysteries of the Sith™
It is five years after Kyle's victory over the seven dark Jedi. Invading Imperial forces advance upon a quiet Rebel outpost, interrupting Kyle's training of a brave new Jedi, Mara Jade. First introduced in Timothy Zahn's award-winning Star Wars novel, Heir to the Empire, Mara Jade blends her past experiences as a one time smuggler and...
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II picks up where the award-winning Dark Forces™ game left off...with even more features and firepower in dazzling 3D graphics. As Kyle Katarn, you must acquire a lightsaber and learn the ways of the Force to become a Jedi Knight.
Zuma's Revenge!
An irresistible force has taken our fearless frog to an island where the puzzle-action of Zuma has evolved in amazing ways… but evil spirits and tenacious tiki bosses rule the land! Survive by firing stone spheres to destroy the deadly stream of balls. Conquer over 60 levels!
STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™
It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side?
Majesty Gold HD
The High Definition edition of Majesty Gold contains main game, the Northern Expansion Pack as well as 2 new quests and several other graphics and gameplay updates.Majesty is a Real-time strategy game with indirect control – your heroes have a will of their own!
Prince of Persia®: The Sands of Time
Amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, there is a legend spun in an ancient tongue. It speaks of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. Drawn to the dark powers of a magic dagger, a young Prince is led to unleash a deadly evil upon a beautiful kingdom.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory®
The year is 2008. Citywide blackouts ... stock exchange sabotage ... electronic hijacking of national defense systems ... this is information warfare. To prevent these attacks, operatives must infiltrate deep into hostile territory and aggressively collect critical intelligence, closer than ever to enemy soldiers.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones™
The Prince of Persia, a seasoned warrior, returns from the Island of Time to Babylon with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war and the kingdom turned against him.
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™
Enter the dark underworld of Prince of Persia Warrior Within, the sword-slashing sequel to the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time™. Hunted by Dahaka, an immortal incarnation of Fate seeking divine retribution, the Prince embarks upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death.
Time Gentlemen, Please! and Ben There, Dan That! Special Edition Double Pack
Ben There, Dan That! and Time Gentlemen, Please! are a couple of rip-roaring point-and-click adventure games . With tongue firmly in cheek, sit back, relax, and put your mind to work solving puzzles, and reading some very funny dialogue. It's like a book, only good!
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is the acclaimed real-time strategy game that focuses on combat instead of resource gathering. The only two resources you'll need to worry about are mana and souls. Need more units? Capture the souls of your enemy. Cast spells of awesome power.
Kingpin — Life of Crime
Kingpin is a tale of revenge. Take control of a street gang and order your recruits to attack, defend or even do a little safe-cracking to pick up some needed cash. Use that cash to buy nastier weapons and take down your punk enemies in this intense first-person shooter. Being the Kingpin is half attitude and all action.
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
Tactical Squad-Based Combat comes to the Fallout® Universe! You are the wretched refuse. You may be born from dirt, but we will forge you into steel. You will learn to bend; if not you, will you break. In these dark times, the Brotherhood - your Brotherhood - is all that stands between the rekindled flame of civilization and the howling,...
Red Faction
JOIN THE REVOLUTION! Lured to Mars by the Ultor Corporation's promise of a better life, thousands have come to seek their fortune and work for the massive mining company. But all is not as it seems. A deadly plague is sweeping through the barracks, and miners suffer daily abuse at the hands of the Ultor guards.
Tropico Reloaded
TROPICO RELOADED is the ultimate game compilation for hobby-dictators and those dreaming of their own Caribbean island. Tropico combines real-time strategy and simulation elements with a healthy dose of political intrigue and Caribbean flair to create a unique and critically acclaimed game experience.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 20th 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 249,196 reviews of which 242,805 were positive and 6,391 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 11,730 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
242,805
6,391
11,730
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 4,964 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
4,964
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 101,162 reviews of which 96,896 were positive and 4,266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 3,191 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among classic games based on player count.
9.4
96,896
4,266
3,191
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 242,104 reviews of which 236,300 were positive and 5,804 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 2,032 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played classic games.
9.7
236,300
5,804
2,032
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 22,492 reviews of which 17,844 were positive and 4,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,848 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played classic games.
7.8
17,844
4,648
1,848
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 7,156 reviews of which 6,418 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,645 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played classic games.
8.7
6,418
738
1,645
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 35,157 reviews of which 32,750 were positive and 2,407 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,050 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
32,750
2,407
1,050
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 32,744 reviews of which 29,692 were positive and 3,052 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 927 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played classic games.
8.9
29,692
3,052
927
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 880 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
880
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 15,324 reviews of which 14,345 were positive and 979 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 731 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
14,345
979
731
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 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted classic games.
1. Homeworld Remastered Collection
Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation. Homeworld Remastered Collection is a space, strategy and rts game developed by Gearbox Software and Aspyr (Mac) and published by Aspyr (Mac) and Gearbox Publishing. Released on February 25th 2015 has received 13,513 reviews of which 11,942 were positive and 1,571 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for classic category.
8.6
11,942
1,571
-94%
33.33€
2.00€
2. 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 2,902 reviews of which 2,582 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in classic games.
8.5
2,582
320
-93%
32.86€
2.30€
3. 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 5,770 reviews of which 5,503 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in classic games.
9.2
5,503
267
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
4. XIII - Classic
You are the victim of a conspiracy! The FBI, CIA and a group of murderers are chasing you. XIII… This strange tattoo and the key of a safe are your only clues to survive and claim your innocence! It's time to gear up and eliminate your ennemies! XIII - Classic is a action, fps and classic game developed by Ubisoft Paris Studio and published by Microids. Released on June 11th 2020 has received 2,343 reviews of which 2,097 were positive and 246 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
2,097
246
-90%
13.20€
1.32€
5. 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 4,140 reviews of which 3,428 were positive and 712 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.0
3,428
712
-90%
8.99€
0.89€
6. 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 4,174 reviews of which 3,002 were positive and 1,172 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.0
3,002
1,172
-90%
7.99€
0.79€
7. 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 10,028 reviews of which 9,443 were positive and 585 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for classic games.
9.1
9,443
585
-88%
14.75€
1.77€
8. 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 2,865 reviews of which 2,636 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 #8 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.8
2,636
229
-88%
14.42€
1.73€
9. Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games. Mega Man Legacy Collection is a platformer, retro and classic game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 24th 2015 has received 4,758 reviews of which 4,083 were positive and 675 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
4,083
675
-88%
14.92€
1.79€
10. 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 582 reviews of which 507 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
507
75
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
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 20th 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 4,066 reviews of which 2,992 were positive and 1,074 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
2,992
1,074
31
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
14
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
11
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
1
players