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
IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946
Il-2 1946 includes all of the original IL-2 series content: IL-2 Sturmovik™: Forgotten Battles, Ace Expansion Pack, Pacific Fighters™ and alternate histry campaigns of year 1946. What was years ago began as a one-aircraft study sim is now an astonishing anthology, with a whopping 229 flyable aircraft and over 300 aircraft total!
Silent Hunter® III
The king of submarine simulations returns with an all-new 3D engine, new crew command features, and more realistic WWII naval action than ever before. The movie-like graphics and simple, tension-filled gameplay make this the perfect game for the realism fanatic and the casual gamer.
Rayman Raving Rabbids™
Hordes of crazed out-of control bunnies have invaded, enslaving Rayman and forcing him to participate in 'gladiator' style trials. Help Rayman win his freedom back by entertaining and outwitting these fury foes. Use the most hilarious fighting moves imaginable.
Cold Fear™
In a ferocious Arctic storm, distress signals are sent from a mysterious Russian whaler. As leading Coast Guard veteran Tom Hansen, you board to investigate and discover unthinkable horrors lurking beneath the ship's bloodstained decks.
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30™
Based on a true story. Set during the famous airdrop before the invasion at Normandy, where Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad of 101st Airborne Paratroopers were scattered over the French countryside.
Heroes of Might & Magic V
Witness the amazing evolution of the genre-defining strategy game as it becomes a next-generation phenomenon, melding classic deep fantasy with next-generation visuals and gameplay. In the renowned Might & Magic universe, demon swarms spread chaos over the land in a relentless assault.
Trackmania United Forever
TrackMania is the most entertaining car racing game ever. Millions of players play it in single or multiplayer modes. TrackMania United Forever is the ultimate TrackMania edition thanks to the numerous additions and innovations it has to offer.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 - the sequel to the award-winning next-generation first-person shooter - returns to Sin City. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America's sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six makes its next-generation hardware debut in the most dramatic installment of the renowned first-person shooter franchise to date. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in 'Sin City' threatens to take world terrorism to new, uncontrollable heights.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®
Infiltrate terrorists' positions, acquire critical intelligence by any means necessary, execute with extreme prejudice, and exit without a trace! You are Sam Fisher, a highly trained secret operative of the NSA's secret arm: Third Echelon.
Death to Spies
Smersh is Russian for "Death to Spies" and was the name of a set of counterintelligence agencies formed in the Soviet Army during World War II. Their mission was to secure the rear of the active Red Army by arresting traitors, deserters, spies and criminal cells.
Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® (2007)
The new action-thriller from the award-winning team at Infinity Ward, the creators of the Call of Duty® series, delivers the most intense and cinematic action experience ever. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare arms gamers with an arsenal of advanced and powerful modern day firepower and transports them to the most treacherous hotspots...
Call of Juarez
Call of Juarez is an epic adventure western themed FPS game. The player alternately assumes the roles of two distinct, antagonistic characters: a sneaking fugitive Billy and his hunter the reverend Ray.
Painkiller Overdose
The critically-acclaimed and award-winning FPS franchise is back! Packed with tons of fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled single player and multiplayer action, Painkiller Overdose brings with it 6 innovative new demonic weapons, mind-bending physics, lightning-player maps, over 40 demented and sickly-twisted monsters from Hell and gigantic end...
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.
Medieval II: Total War™ Kingdoms
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II: Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer.
BioShock™
BioShock is a shooter unlike any you've ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You'll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you'll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition
All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War in one glorious package. Play the genre-defining classic real time strategy game in all its blood-soaked glory, including four complete campaigns and nine full-fledged factions.
Quake III Arena
The greatest warriors of all time and space have been summoned to battle for the amusement of an ancient alien race. Wield a variety of guns and power-ups as you fight for glory against ruthless combatants in this fast-paced single-player and multiplayer FPS.
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders
In a realm corrupted by the evil magic of three brothers known as the Serpent Riders, you are a heretic. As one of the last Sidhe elves, and a capable mage, you embark on a quest for vengeance against those who slaughtered your friends, family, and entire race.
Hexen: Beyond Heretic
While the Sidhe elf Corvus battled the evil forces of D'Sparil, the remaining Serpent Riders were busy corrupting other dimensions. As a Warrior, Mage, or Cleric, you must defend your realm of Cronos from the second Serpent Rider known as Korax.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 7,142 reviews of which 6,404 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
6,404
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 4,130 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 #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.0
3,423
707
-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 4,168 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 #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.0
2,998
1,170
-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