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
Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death
Welcome to Mega-City One, a city of over 400 million people - every one of them a potential criminal. It is the third decade of the 22nd Century, unemployment is widespread, boredom is universal and only the Judges can prevent total anarchy. Empowered to dispense instant justice, they are Judge, Jury and Executioner all in one.
Penumbra Overture
Penumbra: Overture is a first person survival horror game, emphasizing on survival and problem solving instead of mindless violence and gore.
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.
Driver® Parallel Lines
You were the fastest wheelman on the street. You were a legend. You were money. Until they set you up and sent you down. Twenty-eight years inside for someone else's crime. Now you're getting out. Guess what? You got a new job, it's called getting revenge.
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Assume the role of Special Forces Sgt. Becket as your routine mission quickly turns into a fight for survival against the wrath of Alma Wade. As Alma's terrifying power surges out of control, your squad is forced to battle through an apocalyptic landscape in search of clues for how to destroy her!
Knights of Honor
As King, it is your duty to lead your people in their struggle to raise your kingdom from its humble beginnings to a position of power and prestige. War, diplomacy and a burgeoning economy are the means by which you increase your power and expand your influence.
Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition
Surrounded by enemies and assaulted by terror from all sides, Philip must collect clues and solve vexing puzzles while combating the gnawing psychological terrors that assail his mind and threaten to strip him of his sanity.
Tomb Raider: Underworld
Tomb Raider: Underworld represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of...
Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty is back, redefining war like you've never experienced before. Building on the Call of Duty 4®: Modern Warfare engine, Call of Duty: World at War immerses players into the most gritty and chaotic WWII combat ever experienced.
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Bully tells the story of mischievous 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he goes through the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence. Beat the jocks at dodge ball, play pranks on the preppies, save the nerds, kiss the girl and navigate the social hierarchy in the worst school around.
Peggle™ Nights
Join the Peggle Masters on a dreamtime adventure of alter egos and peg-tastic action. Stay up late to aim, shoot and clear orange pegs, and bask in Extreme Fever glory under the silver moon.
World of Goo
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood™
With its unprecedented combination of authenticity, compelling story and squad-based action, the Brothers in Arms franchise has established itself as a benchmark for military action games, receiving the highest average review scores of any console WWII game to date (www.gamerankings.com).
LEGO® Batman™: The Videogame
When all the villains in Arkham Asylum team up and break loose, only the dynamic duo is bold enough to take them on to save Gotham City. The fun of LEGO, the drama of Batman and the uniqueness of the combination makes for a comical and exciting adventure in LEGO Batman: The Videogame.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® 3 Gold
Raven Shield:Command an elite multinational squad of special operatives against hidden terrorist forces. In Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield, the third installment to the wildly popular Rainbow Six series, Team Rainbow faces the hidden global forces of a new and secretive foe.
The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut
Become The Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, a legendary monster slayer caught in a web of intrigue woven by forces vying for control of the world. Make difficult decisions and live with the consequences in a game that will immerse you in an extraordinary tale like no other.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky – standalone prequel for the acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, which tells you story about the Clear Sky group, that want to research the Zone and understand it better.
X-COM: UFO Defense
You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.
X-COM: Apocalypse
There's something evil in the city tonight... Earth has been ravaged by human excess, petty conflict and alien invasion. The world's population has been herded into huge cities, the first of which was Mega Primus. 2084: A Utopia shattered, social collapse and civil unrest reigns in Mega Primus. Fiendish aliens terrorize the city.
Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus®
Abe's peaceful retirement was shattered when visited by a vision from the Mudokon Spirit Guides. Abe™ learned the Magog Cartel was mining Necrum, the sacred Mudokon city of the dead, to collect bones to make super-addictive SoulStorm Brew.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee®
Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire.
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Collector's Edition
Ready for the aggressive, adrenaline-filled ride that leaves you breathless? FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Collector's Edition is all about destructive action. With carnage modes like the Deathmatch derby, Carnage Race and Head-on races are pure wreck-filled, adrenaline-pumping rides of maximum mayhem.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon®
Eastern Europe, 2008. War has broken out on the borders of Russia and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. That's when the call goes out for the Ghostsan elite handful of specially trained Green Berets, armed with the latest technology and trained to use the deadliest weapons.
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.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 19th 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 9,229 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
242,642
6,394
9,229
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 4,535 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
4,535
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 2,922 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
2,922
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 1,757 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
1,757
players
5. 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 1,671 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played classic games.
8.7
6,418
738
1,671
players
6. 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 1,537 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played classic games.
7.8
17,844
4,648
1,537
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 1,094 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
1,094
players
8. 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 830 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played classic games.
9.5
141,651
5,072
830
players
9. 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 824 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played classic games.
8.9
29,692
3,052
824
players
10. Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features! Rise of Nations: Extended Edition is a strategy, rts and classic game developed by SkyBox Labs and Big Huge Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on June 12th 2014 has received 14,610 reviews of which 13,834 were positive and 776 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 659 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
9.2
13,834
776
659
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 19th 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 19th 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