Best Early Access 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 early access games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free early access games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity.
Medieval Blacksmith
Medieval Blacksmith is a blacksmithing simulation set in a magical medieval world. Play as a blacksmith with no past, craft legendary weapons from daggers to spears, and forge your path to becoming the world’s greatest. Dive into a story filled with adventure and endless creative possibilities!
Viscerafest
Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels.
Bureau of Contacts
"Bureau of Contacts" - ghost-hunting game for 1-4 players, in which you'll encounter 2 enemies at once - location itself and the ghosts with most human-like intelligence ever. So...look around and watch what you say!
Wild Assault
Wild Assault is an anthro-themed tactical shooter built with Unreal Engine 5, featuring large-scale battlefield gameplay centered around Valiant abilities. Work closely with your team, harness your instincts, and charge into battle to secure victory.
Aviassembly
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.
PLATiNA :: LAB
A new rhythm game featuring innovative characters inspired by databases! Join the research of PLATiNA :: LAB to uncover the secrets of the locked data world as a special 'Decoder' with unique abilities.
Hollywood Animal
Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises.
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days
Texas, 1980. Walton City has fallen to a zombie outbreak. Lead a band of desperate survivors from refuge to refuge by scavenging, crafting, and fighting in a relentless struggle for survival. Plan wisely, stick together, and — above all — keep moving if you want to make it out alive.
Asgard's Fall — Viking Survivors
Embark on an epic saga in Asgard's Fall, a norse Survivors-like Roguelite. Fight your way through hordes of creatures and let the gods feel your relentless wrath. How will your saga unfold?
STORROR Parkour Pro
Escape Reality. The ultimate multiplayer parkour experience. Escape, race, and explore the streets and rooftops of London’s Isle of Dogs. Join team STORROR to save your estate, or challenge your friends to test their skills. STORROR Parkour Pro is complete control and freedom of movement.
inZOI
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation.
Mini Royale
Brace yourself for an action-packed shooter experience in Mini Royale! Battle as green army toy soldiers in a massive kids' bedroom, fighting for survival in modes like Battle Royale, Deathmatch, and more—where only the strongest players or teams claim victory.
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad
A story-driven action-adventure RPG, bringing the world of Westeros to life with remarkable detail and never-before seen scale
Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms
"Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player RPG where you shape the Three Kingdoms era. Choose to be a ruler, a loyal advisor, or a cunning mercenary. Marry, build homes, or train in martial arts. Restore peace through diplomacy or conquer with mighty armies.
Onward
Onward is the most immersive tactical VR shooter. Join your squad for a wide variety of competitive PvP, co-op PvE, and solo game modes, including intense multiplayer battles or 4-player co-op missions. Realistic weaponry and combat mechanics will push your survival and combat skills to their limit
欺神弄鬼
Tricks of Gods and Ghosts is a female-oriented pixel rpg game set in a hollow female background. In the game, you will play the role of Zhen Wu Si's Tiqi to move freely in the Jianghu and the imperial court. The sea of bureaucracy is full of changes. The fate of the world is yours to decide.
Schedule I
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more.
Drive Beyond Horizons
Rev up your engines and venture into the unknown with Drive Beyond Horizons! Conquer dynamic landscapes, customize your ride, and unearth hidden treasures. Get ready for heart-pounding challenges and endless excitement. Your adventure starts now !
Psycho Patrol R
FPS/mecha hybrid europolice sim with emphasis on interacting with NPCs and different gameplay systems.
Wreckfest 2
Ready for mayhem? Wreckfest is back, offering the best in full-contact racing with unrivaled destruction! Witness head-to-head battles as you tear apart rival vehicles bit by bit. Powered by the enhanced physics engine, developed by the creators of Wreckfest & FlatOut!
Most played early access games on Steam
Take a look at the top early access games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Dark and Darker is a early access, dungeon crawler and multiplayer game developed and published by IRONMACE. Released on June 07th 2024 has received 67,142 reviews of which 47,248 were positive and 19,894 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 13,199 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.0
47,248
19,894
13,199
players
2. Dinkum
G'Day there! Get ready to start a new fair Dinkum life. Explore an island inspired by the wild Australian outback, featuring tropical eucalyptus forests, scorching deserts, and cool billabongs. Dinkum is a early access, open world survival craft and agriculture game developed by James Bendon and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on July 14th 2022 has received 23,129 reviews of which 21,434 were positive and 1,695 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 6,553 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.
9.1
21,434
1,695
6,553
players
3. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG! Fields of Mistria is a early access, farming sim and rpg game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 18,827 reviews of which 18,437 were positive and 390 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 3,277 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
9.6
18,437
390
3,277
players
4. Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days
Texas, 1980. Walton City has fallen to a zombie outbreak. Lead a band of desperate survivors from refuge to refuge by scavenging, crafting, and fighting in a relentless struggle for survival. Plan wisely, stick together, and — above all — keep moving if you want to make it out alive. Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a early access, survival and zombies game developed by PikPok and published by PikPok and Boltray Games. Released on April 09th 2025 has received 1,587 reviews of which 1,216 were positive and 371 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 3,264 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
7.4
1,216
371
3,264
players
5. Soulmask
Escaping a deadly sacrificial ritual, you find an ancient mystical mask on your journey. This mask holds potent knowledge, changing the world you knew. Face the harsh challenges of nature, survive, rally followers, and build your own tribe. Explore and unveil the truths behind the enigmatic mask. Soulmask is a early access, survival and open world survival craft game developed by CampFire Studio and published by Qooland Games. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 14,280 reviews of which 11,497 were positive and 2,783 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 3,178 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,497
2,783
3,178
players
6. Backpack Battles
A PvP inventory management auto battler! Buy and craft powerful items, then carefully arrange them in your backpack. Backpack Battles is a early access, auto battler and inventory management game developed by PlayWithFurcifer and published by PlayWithFurcifer and IndieArk. Released on March 08th 2024 has received 14,376 reviews of which 13,057 were positive and 1,319 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,817 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
8.9
13,057
1,319
2,817
players
7. Elin
Successor to the roguelike RPG "Elona". Adventure, survival, crafting, home-building, myths passed down, and stories of humans and Elea spun. What scars will you leave on the land of Ylva? Elin is a early access, character customization and open world game developed and published by Lafrontier. Released on November 01st 2024 has received 6,253 reviews of which 5,874 were positive and 379 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,705 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
5,874
379
2,705
players
8. Lost Castle 2
"Lost Castle 2" is a 2D Beat'em up Rogue-Lite game. Explore abundant treasures and items to enhance yourself, master various weapons to showcase your skills, and challenge powerful monsters to demonstrate your strength. A new adventure is calling for treasure hunters! Lost Castle 2 is a early access, multiplayer and singleplayer game developed and published by Hunter Studio. Released on July 24th 2024 has received 7,720 reviews of which 6,000 were positive and 1,720 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 2,540 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
7.6
6,000
1,720
2,540
players
9. Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game. Sky: Children of the Light is a early access, cozy and mmorpg game developed and published by thatgamecompany. Released on April 10th 2024 has received 16,405 reviews of which 14,364 were positive and 2,041 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,416 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
14,364
2,041
2,416
players
10. Drive Beyond Horizons
Rev up your engines and venture into the unknown with Drive Beyond Horizons! Conquer dynamic landscapes, customize your ride, and unearth hidden treasures. Get ready for heart-pounding challenges and endless excitement. Your adventure starts now ! Drive Beyond Horizons is a early access, adventure and action game developed by Drive Beyond Horizons and published by Tacty Studio and Santor Games. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 1,105 reviews of which 916 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 2,274 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
916
189
2,274
players
Best deals on early access games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of early access games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted early access games.
1. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator
Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is a first-person, 3d and realistic game developed by Chicken Launcher and published by Awaken Realms. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,835 reviews of which 1,609 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for early access category.
8.4
1,609
226
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
2. Stowaway
An 10 player online social deduction game inspired by games like Among Us & Town of Salem, where the stowaway is tasked with killing the crew before they reach land! Stowaway is a early access, multiplayer and social deduction game developed and published by Sandstorm Studios Inc.. Released on November 06th 2020 has received 566 reviews of which 427 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
7.2
427
139
-84%
3.99€
0.63€
3. Soulslinger: Envoy of Death
You are a gunslinger in limbo, involved in a gritty war against "The Cartel", a ruthless organization harvesting souls to break free of the shackles of the afterlife. Grow stronger with each new run, gather the essence of lost souls to take on the biggest threats in this rogue-lite FPS! Soulslinger: Envoy of Death is a early access, western and rogue-lite game developed by Elder Games and published by Headup. Released on December 14th 2023 has received 402 reviews of which 291 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
6.9
291
111
-84%
18.06€
2.89€
4. Seen
A lonely kid desperately tries to escape his dark world. Seen is a early access, indie and dark game developed and published by Seen Games. Released on June 20th 2019 has received 9,664 reviews of which 8,832 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.9
8,832
832
-83%
2.89€
0.49€
5. PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science? PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is a early access, turn-based tactics and political sim game developed by tomeapp and published by PLAYISM. Released on September 09th 2016 has received 308 reviews of which 217 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.7
217
91
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
6. Viscerafest
Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels. Viscerafest is a early access, shooter and boomer shooter game developed by Acid Man Games and Fire Plant Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on April 14th 2025 has received 525 reviews of which 463 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.2
463
62
-79%
20.29€
4.26€
7. Due Process
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round. Due Process is a early access, adventure and 3d game developed and published by Giant Enemy Crab. Released on November 03rd 2020 has received 8,013 reviews of which 6,543 were positive and 1,470 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
6,543
1,470
-78%
9.68€
2.13€
8. PropHunter
PropHunter - a fresh representative of the genre of hide and seek on the net! The players are divided into two teams - one team is hiding by taking the form and properties of objects, the second team is seek to find for impostors among props. The team that eliminates its rivals wins! PropHunter is a early access, multiplayer and arcade game developed and published by Alone Fox Games. Released on August 06th 2021 has received 804 reviews of which 645 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
645
159
-75%
3.29€
0.82€
9. Occupy Mars: The Game
Survive and colonize Mars in a highly technical, open-world sandbox game. Build and upgrade your base, discover new regions, conduct mining operations, retrieve water, generate oxygen, grow crops, and fix broken parts. Occupy Mars: The Game is a early access, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by ▲ Pyramid Games. Released on May 10th 2023 has received 2,368 reviews of which 1,741 were positive and 627 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.1
1,741
627
-73%
24.19€
6.53€
10. Hidden Deep
Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below… Hidden Deep is a early access, shooter and physics game developed by Cogwheel Software and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 24th 2022 has received 4,321 reviews of which 3,357 were positive and 964 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
3,357
964
-72%
19.64€
5.50€
Free early access games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play early access games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play early access games.
1. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Dark and Darker is a early access, dungeon crawler and multiplayer game developed and published by IRONMACE. Released on June 07th 2024 has received 67,142 reviews of which 47,248 were positive and 19,894 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 13,199 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free early access games on Steam.
7.0
47,248
19,894
13,199
players
2. Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game. Sky: Children of the Light is a early access, cozy and mmorpg game developed and published by thatgamecompany. Released on April 10th 2024 has received 16,405 reviews of which 14,364 were positive and 2,041 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,416, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
14,364
2,041
2,416
players
3. Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense
Endless idle tower defense game full of deep strategy and combat mechanics. Unlock and upgrade dozens of epic fantasy heroes to defeat an infinite swarm of enemy monsters. Strategize hero positions, synergies, and skills for an effective defense, then sit back and let the auto-battler do its thing! Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense is a early access, strategy and tower defense game developed and published by Swell Games LLC. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 589 reviews of which 486 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 923, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
7.8
486
103
923
players
4. SAO Utils 2: Progressive
SAO Utils 2 provides you a fresh-new customizable Full-Dive 3D app launcher with varieties of themes, desktop widgets and powerful utilities. SAO Utils 2: Progressive is a utilities, software and anime game developed by Joshua Chen and published by Studio GPBeta. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 1,680 reviews of which 1,563 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 865 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,563
117
865
players
5. Brighter Shores
Brighter Shores is an all new adventure from award winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower. It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner. Brighter Shores is a early access, mmorpg and rpg game developed and published by Fen Research Ltd. Released on November 06th 2024 has received 8,894 reviews of which 6,414 were positive and 2,480 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 555 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.1
6,414
2,480
555
players
6. Book of Yog Idle RPG
The Book of Yog is a 3D idle RPG game presented with a Cel-Shading art style. You can rally heroes, develop the kingdom and explore the secrets of a lost world. Dozens of heroes, hundreds of skills, thousands of loot for you to combine freely. Come to embark on a journey to build the strongest team! Book of Yog Idle RPG is a early access and massively multiplayer game developed and published by 元气工作室. Released on July 29th 2022 has received 7,046 reviews of which 4,482 were positive and 2,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 548 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
6.3
4,482
2,564
548
players
7. Quake Champions
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion. Quake Champions is a arena shooter, hero shooter and early access game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on August 18th 2022 has received 38,258 reviews of which 28,224 were positive and 10,034 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 492 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.3
28,224
10,034
492
players
8. Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is a physics-based multiplayer game where you play an arcade style match of hockey. No shoot button, no puck glue, no RNG. It’s up to you and your team to take control of the puck, pass, shoot, outplay your opponents. Play with your friends or team up with other Slapshot players! Slapshot: Rebound is a early access, sports and arcade game developed and published by Oddshot Games. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 8,613 reviews of which 7,247 were positive and 1,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 454 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
454
players
9. BAPBAP
Join BAPBAP, the Roguelike Party game where no two matches are ever the same. Round up your homies, pick a character, and build a giga-unfair build that'll make them hate you - then do it all over again! BAPBAP is a early access, pvp and deckbuilding game developed and published by BAP HQ. Released on March 12th 2025 has received 1,108 reviews of which 870 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 440 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.5
870
238
440
players
10. Warudo
Warudo is the flexible & personalized 3D VTubing software you have always wanted. Built-in face & hand tracking, custom 3D assets, Twitch/YouTube integration, blueprint system, C# plugins, and so much more. Warudo is a animation & modeling, video production and early access game developed and published by Hakuya Labs. Released on July 14th 2023 has received 352 reviews of which 334 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 327 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
334
18
327
players