Discounted 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
Death Trash
Death Trash features a post-apocalyptic world where cosmic horrors long for humanity but meet punks with shotguns. It combines old-school role-playing, modern action gameplay and player freedom. Create your own character and explore a handcrafted world.
Stellar Warfare
Space RTS with base building and ship customization. Personal passion project. More than 200 available ships, weapons and modules to design your fleet with. Contains a small campaign, several single and multiplayer game modes and a coop game mode. Also contains Wave defense!
Blightbound
Blightbound is a multiplayer dungeon crawler that tasks three heroes to venture down from their mountain refuge to face the abominations of the Blight - a mysterious and corrupting fog that enshrouds the land.
The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time
The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time is a sandboxy physics game for 1-8 players, with everything from sneaky heists to hilarous stupidity to baking pizzas. With continuous updates, plenty of maps, and hundreds of items, clothes and quests, it has something for everyone.
Touhou Blooming Chaos 2
Touhou Blooming Chaos 2 is an brand new rogue shooter where you control a character of a varied cast to explore an all randomized labyrinth. Enjoy the excessive fun of reaping enemies and character training. With balanced difficulty, you can always find your place as either beginner or veteran!
Tennis Elbow 4
Created by and for tennis fans, Tennis Elbow 4 is the sequel of TE2013, and offers a tennis simulation with an easy and intuitive learning curve, but with exceptional gameplay depth.
Going Medieval
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.
Geometry Arena
A free-form arena-shooter Roguelite with heavy emphasis on building an overpowered character! You play as a little shape that shoots other shapes! Strengthen your character by mixing and matching mods and upgrades, and experiment with a limitless rune upgrade system!
Endzone - A World Apart
Endzone is a post-apocalyptic survival city builder, where you start a new civilization with a group of people after an ecological disaster. Build them a new home and ensure their survival in a shattered world, threatened by constant radiation, toxic rain, sandstorms and droughts.
Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure
BBR2: Island Adventure is a mayhem-filled kart-racer with an emphasis on split screen fun and game rule customization. Customize and save your own zany race rules for epic contests with up to 8 local players.
Breathedge
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.
NEKO ARENA
Join our Neko Girls in an epic Arena fight on their secret cute island in the middle of the ocean.
Dyson Sphere Program
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
SPACERIFT: Arcanum System
At the sunset of human life on planet Earth, you are a military pilot controlling a space ship, and you find yourself at the very epicenter of the battle in the solar system. You are forced to retreat into the unknown, distant Arcanum system through hyper-jumping.
The Conquest of Go
Learn and play Go, the classic board game that has been played for thousands of years, and compete in the race to conquer the most land in the in-game world, or compete online against opponents around the real world.
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.
Car Trader Simulator
Do you know how to profit from trading cars while maintaining a good reputation? Car Trader Simulator lets you play the role of an American car dealer. Your goal is to get rich. How you do it depends entirely on you.
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.
Until You Fall
Fantasy and synthwave collide in this physically active VR sword fighting game. Grow stronger as you battle through an awesome neon environment and strike down magic-infused monstrosities in this hack-and-slash roguelite. Fight. Fall. Rise Again.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 19th 2025.
1. RuneScape: Dragonwilds
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a early access, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 5,183 reviews of which 4,334 were positive and 849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 47,839 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
4,334
849
47,839
players
2. 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. While seeing 13,505 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.
7.0
47,248
19,894
13,505
players
3. 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 1,300 reviews of which 1,065 were positive and 235 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 3,667 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
7.8
1,065
235
3,667
players
4. 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. With 2,505 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
9.6
18,437
390
2,505
players
5. Aviassembly
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world. Aviassembly is a early access, flight and building game developed and published by Jelle Booij. Released on April 11th 2025 has received 646 reviews of which 629 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,366 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
629
17
2,366
players
6. 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. With 2,346 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
21,434
1,695
2,346
players
7. 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 2,492 reviews of which 2,019 were positive and 473 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,330 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
7.8
2,019
473
2,330
players
8. 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 16,529 reviews of which 14,477 were positive and 2,052 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,260 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
14,477
2,052
2,260
players
9. 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. Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms is a early access, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Free Wing. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 3,779 reviews of which 3,354 were positive and 425 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,056 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
3,354
425
2,056
players
10. XSOverlay
XSOverlay is a Desktop Overlay application for OpenVR. It aims to be as intuitive as possible, minimalist and out of the way, but fully functional. XSOverlay conforms to your needs, and will adjust itself as such! XSOverlay is a utilities, vr and early access game developed and published by Xiexe. Released on March 03rd 2020 has received 1,412 reviews of which 1,207 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,972 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
8.2
1,207
205
1,972
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 19th 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. 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. Thanks to its incredible 83% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
8.9
8,832
832
-83%
2.89€
0.49€
4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.7
217
91
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
5. 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 8,089 reviews of which 6,612 were positive and 1,477 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
6,612
1,477
-78%
9.68€
2.13€
6. 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 809 reviews of which 648 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
648
161
-75%
3.29€
0.82€
7. 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 2,378 reviews of which 1,750 were positive and 628 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.1
1,750
628
-73%
24.19€
6.53€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
3,357
964
-72%
19.64€
5.50€
9. Frozen Flame
A challenging exploration and survival adventure, set in the dying world of Dragons. Only those who harness the power of Frozen Flame have the means to survive the harsh conditions of the realm and able to muster the strength to cleanse it for good. Frozen Flame is a early access, open world survival craft and online co-op game developed by Dreamside Interactive and published by Ravenage Games and 2P Games. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 2,853 reviews of which 1,895 were positive and 958 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.5
1,895
958
-72%
29.82€
8.35€
10. Quasimorph
Take on a role of a hardened PMC fighter in a dark turn-based extraction RPG. Engage in unforgiving combat, manage your ship and pile up the bodies of your clones to unravel the dark mystery behind threat to all life. Quasimorph is a early access, extraction shooter and simulation game developed by Magnum Scriptum and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 4,091 reviews of which 3,360 were positive and 731 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
3,360
731
-67%
20.09€
6.63€
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 19th 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 13,505 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
13,505
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 16,529 reviews of which 14,477 were positive and 2,052 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 2,260, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
14,477
2,052
2,260
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 960, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,563
117
960
players
4. 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 601 reviews of which 494 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 882 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.8
494
107
882
players
5. 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 576 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.5
870
238
576
players
6. 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 472 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.1
6,414
2,480
472
players
7. 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 451 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
451
players
8. 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 378 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
334
18
378
players
9. 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 38,273 reviews of which 28,231 were positive and 10,042 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 286 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.3
28,231
10,042
286
players
10. CivIdle
CivIdle is an idle/incremental game that allows you to lead your own civilization through thousands of years from ancient times to the modern era. Expand your territory, explore a vast tech tree, build various wonders, and trade with global players: empire must grow and numbers must go up! CivIdle is a early access, idler and base building game developed and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on February 16th 2024 has received 606 reviews of which 457 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 239 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.2
457
149
239
players