Best Competitive 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 competitive games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free competitive games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
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.
Team Fortress Classic
One of the most popular online action games of all time, Team Fortress Classic features over nine character classes -- from Medic to Spy to Demolition Man -- enlisted in a unique style of online team warfare. Each character class possesses unique weapons, items, and abilities, as teams compete online in a variety of game play modes.Most played competitive games on Steam
Take a look at the top competitive games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played competitive game, thanks to its 892,439 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
892,439
players
2. TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals. TEKKEN 7 is a fighting, action and multiplayer game developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 01st 2017 has received 92,320 reviews of which 76,748 were positive and 15,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 633 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among competitive games based on player count.
8.2
76,748
15,572
633
players
3. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,025 reviews of which 26,926 were positive and 5,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 595 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among competitive games based on player count.
8.3
26,926
5,099
595
players
4. SpeedRunners
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play. SpeedRunners is a multiplayer, racing and local multiplayer game developed by DoubleDutch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 19th 2016 has received 36,622 reviews of which 34,408 were positive and 2,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 510 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played competitive games.
9.2
34,408
2,214
510
players
5. Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV. Ultra Street Fighter® IV is a fighting, arcade and competitive game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 07th 2014 has received 15,563 reviews of which 14,028 were positive and 1,535 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 225 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.8
14,028
1,535
225
players
6. Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses. Bloons TD Battles is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 29,075 reviews of which 26,383 were positive and 2,692 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 210 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.9
26,383
2,692
210
players
7. Street Fighter V
Experience the intensity of head-to-head battles with Street Fighter® V! Choose from 16 iconic characters, then battle against friends online or offline with a robust variety of match options. Street Fighter V is a fighting, action and 2d fighter game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 15th 2016 has received 43,573 reviews of which 29,442 were positive and 14,131 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 200 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played competitive games.
6.7
29,442
14,131
200
players
8. Tetris® Effect: Connected
Tetris® Effect: Connected adds an all-new robust multiplayer expansion to the huge variety of addictive and innovative single-player modes that Tetris Effect is known for, with all-new co-op and competitive online and local multiplayer modes! Tetris® Effect: Connected is a puzzle, family friendly and singleplayer game developed by Monstars Inc., Resonair and Stage Games and published by Enhance. Released on August 17th 2021 has received 7,825 reviews of which 7,424 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 153 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played competitive games.
9.2
7,424
401
153
players
9. Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 827 reviews of which 663 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 132 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played competitive games.
7.6
663
164
132
players
10. Soccer Online: Ball 3D
Soccer simulator. Control one player and kick the ball high or low, hard or lightly, curve, dribble and perform tricks. Play online or with bots. Join over a million players who have already played. Buy now and have fun or wishlist for later. Soccer Online: Ball 3D is a sports, football (soccer) and multiplayer game developed and published by Unusualsoft. Released on March 31st 2017 has received 10,008 reviews of which 8,465 were positive and 1,543 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 126 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.2
8,465
1,543
126
players
Best deals on competitive games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of competitive 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 competitive games.
1. SpeedRunners
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play. SpeedRunners is a multiplayer, racing and local multiplayer game developed by DoubleDutch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 19th 2016 has received 36,622 reviews of which 34,408 were positive and 2,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for competitive category.
9.2
34,408
2,214
-88%
14.58€
1.75€
2. DEAD OR ALIVE 6
DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is fast-paced 3D fighting game, produced by Koei Tecmo Games, featuring stunning graphics and multi-tiered stages that create a truly entertaining competitive experience. DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is a 3d fighter, pvp and competitive game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 9,251 reviews of which 6,915 were positive and 2,336 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 85% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in competitive games.
7.3
6,915
2,336
-85%
69.99€
10.49€
3. TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals. TEKKEN 7 is a fighting, action and multiplayer game developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 01st 2017 has received 92,320 reviews of which 76,748 were positive and 15,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in competitive games.
8.2
76,748
15,572
-84%
39.06€
6.25€
4. Garfield Kart
Join Garfield and his friends in the funniest fast and fur-ious game! What character do you want to play with? Garfield, Odie, Jon, Nermal... you choose! Take part in no-holds-barred crazy races. Garfield Kart is a cult classic, combat racing and competitive game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Microids. Released on October 16th 2015 has received 14,047 reviews of which 12,316 were positive and 1,731 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.6
12,316
1,731
-76%
5.04€
1.21€
5. Boreal Blade
Boreal Blade is a team-based melee fighting game with a focus on player vs player combat, combining reactive and tactical gameplay with extraordinary freedom to variate your attacks and develop your unique fighting style. Boreal Blade is a action, swordplay and competitive game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 653 reviews of which 418 were positive and 235 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for competitive games.
6.2
418
235
-75%
4.00€
1.00€
6. Puyo Puyo Champions
Easy to learn, tough to master! Challenge friends and family in local multiplayer or compete globally via online matchmaking. Built for all ages, this puzzle game comes with a surprisingly competitive edge. Puyo Puyo Champions is a puzzle, competitive and casual game developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA. Released on May 06th 2019 has received 838 reviews of which 664 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for competitive games.
7.5
664
174
-70%
9.97€
2.99€
7. Pocket Bravery
Inspired by classic fighting games from the 90's such as Street Fighter, Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters, 'Pocket Bravery' channels the 'Neo Geo Pocket' aesthetic for a modern fighting game with a retro twist! Pocket Bravery is a fighting, competitive and pixel graphics game developed by Statera Studio and published by PQube. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 601 reviews of which 547 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 58% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.5
547
54
-58%
19.93€
8.37€
8. Soccer Online: Ball 3D
Soccer simulator. Control one player and kick the ball high or low, hard or lightly, curve, dribble and perform tricks. Play online or with bots. Join over a million players who have already played. Buy now and have fun or wishlist for later. Soccer Online: Ball 3D is a sports, football (soccer) and multiplayer game developed and published by Unusualsoft. Released on March 31st 2017 has received 10,008 reviews of which 8,465 were positive and 1,543 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 51% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.2
8,465
1,543
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
9. Head Goal: Soccer Online
Play with your friends an online multiplayer soccer game with 100% physics-based gameplay where you control one player. Head Goal: Soccer Online is a football (soccer), volleyball and multiplayer game developed and published by Unusualsoft. Released on August 18th 2017 has received 793 reviews of which 627 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 51% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for competitive games.
7.5
627
166
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
10. Project Sparrow
Project Sparrow is an arena shooter focused on bow and arrow combat, fast-paced movement, and outmanoeuvring your opponent. Fight alongside your teammates in 2v2 and 3v3 or challenge them to a duel. Step into the arena and awaken the archer within. Project Sparrow is a early access, fps and arena shooter game developed and published by Inspire Game Studios. Released on March 11th 2022 has received 1,189 reviews of which 1,055 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.4
1,055
134
-50%
10.79€
5.39€
Free competitive games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play competitive 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 competitive games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 892,439 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free competitive games on Steam.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
892,439
players
2. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,025 reviews of which 26,926 were positive and 5,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 595, this competitive game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
26,926
5,099
595
players
3. Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses. Bloons TD Battles is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 29,075 reviews of which 26,383 were positive and 2,692 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 210, this competitive game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free competitive games on Steam.
8.9
26,383
2,692
210
players
4. Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 827 reviews of which 663 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 132 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free competitive games on Steam.
7.6
663
164
132
players
5. Poker Master
Free chips!Including Texas Hold'em, Slots, Blackjack,Teen Patti and more poker games. Poker Master is a solitaire, card battler and pvp game developed and published by NGIN LIMITED. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 4,269 reviews of which 3,669 were positive and 600 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 119 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
3,669
600
119
players
6. Battlerite
BATTLERITE is an action-packed team arena brawler. Experience the unique combination of top-down shooter meets fast-paced fighting game and challenge friends and foes in a battle of reaction. The Arena awaits! Battlerite is a pvp, multiplayer and moba game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on November 08th 2017 has received 59,369 reviews of which 50,202 were positive and 9,167 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
50,202
9,167
65
players
7. Warlander
Harness the almighty powers of god-like Warriors, Clerics, and Mages, with a unique style that mashes a Medieval-inspired setting, Fantastical items and abilities…and…EVEN POWERFUL ROBOTS! Master siege weapons and cataclysmic spells to control the battlefield and destroy the enemy's core! Warlander is a pvp, moba and hack and slash game developed and published by Toylogic Inc.. Released on January 24th 2023 has received 8,160 reviews of which 4,987 were positive and 3,173 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.0
4,987
3,173
64
players
8. DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
The free version of the final word in fighting entertainment - DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round! DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: Core Fighters is a pvp and 3d fighter game developed by Team NINJA, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD. and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on March 30th 2015 has received 9,951 reviews of which 6,837 were positive and 3,114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.8
6,837
3,114
55
players
9. M.A.R.S.
MARS is a Free-To-Play Third Person Shooter set in an evolving sci-fi world. From the hilarious Headhunter mode, to Huge Mecha vs Mecha battles, to fully customizable loadouts; whether Co-op or PvP, M.A.R.S. has something for everyone. Kill, Die, Repeat. M.A.R.S. is a third-person shooter, pve and pvp game developed by Yingpei Games and published by SubaGames. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 1,083 reviews of which 685 were positive and 398 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.2
685
398
33
players
10. Stormbound
Cards and chess collide in Stormbound. Turn-based tactical gameplay, collecting cards and beautiful 2D Art. Level up your army to conquer the ladder. Stormbound is a turn-based tactics, card battler and trading card game game developed by Paladin Studios and Stormbound Games and published by Stormbound B.V.. Released on May 15th 2018 has received 1,167 reviews of which 816 were positive and 351 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.8
816
351
12
players