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
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..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 22nd 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 9,218 reviews of which 7,817 were positive and 1,401 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 32,850 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
7,817
1,401
32,850
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 67,909 reviews of which 47,703 were positive and 20,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. While seeing 12,768 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
47,703
20,206
12,768
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 1,436 reviews of which 1,180 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. While seeing 5,669 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
7.9
1,180
256
5,669
players
4. 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 2,704 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
14,477
2,052
2,704
players
5. 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 dating sim game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 19,025 reviews of which 18,628 were positive and 397 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,485 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
9.5
18,628
397
2,485
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 23,340 reviews of which 21,628 were positive and 1,712 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
21,628
1,712
2,106
players
7. 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 1,016 reviews of which 990 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,893 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
9.2
990
26
1,893
players
8. 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 2,780 reviews of which 2,288 were positive and 492 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,664 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
2,288
492
1,664
players
9. 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 multiplayer game developed by CampFire Studio and published by Qooland Games. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 14,366 reviews of which 11,570 were positive and 2,796 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,607 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,570
2,796
1,607
players
10. 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 4,073 reviews of which 3,630 were positive and 443 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,518 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
3,630
443
1,518
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 22nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted early access games.
1. Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2
Are you a fishing fanatic? With Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 you can prove it! Here's a fishing simulator with six picturesque locations where you'll catch more than 60 species of fish, including the giant tiger shark. Grab your rod, adventure awaits! Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 is a early access, fishing and simulation game developed by Silent Bear Studio and SHINING GAMES and published by Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on August 22nd 2022 has received 1,661 reviews of which 1,154 were positive and 507 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 90% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for early access category.
6.7
1,154
507
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
2. Army Troop
Army Troop is an old-school PvP World War 2 online first-person shooter. Reminding you of the good old days World War games. Army Troop is a early access, action and indie game developed and published by Amonga99. Released on September 16th 2023 has received 312 reviews of which 272 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
8.1
272
40
-89%
9.75€
1.07€
3. 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 1,844 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 228 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 88% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
8.4
1,616
228
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
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 9,676 reviews of which 8,846 were positive and 830 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
8,846
830
-83%
2.89€
0.49€
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. Low Magic Age
Adventure and fight in a medieval fantasy open world! Build heroic characters with various abilities, travel through villages, cities, or perilous dungeons. Strategic turn-based combat system and advanced character building - Fog of war, charging and flanking, and more in the fast-paced Arena mode. Low Magic Age is a early access, dungeons & dragons and turn-based combat game developed and published by Low Magic Studios. Released on January 10th 2017 has received 3,154 reviews of which 2,816 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.6
2,816
338
-76%
14.54€
3.49€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
648
161
-75%
3.29€
0.82€
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 4,334 reviews of which 3,369 were positive and 965 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
3,369
965
-73%
19.93€
5.38€
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 2,378 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 #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.1
1,750
628
-73%
24.19€
6.53€
10. Eve of Souls: Static Pod
[The pod will break soon. Will she survive the nightmare or find the truth?] Eve of Souls: Static Pod is a rpg, adventure and indie game developed by LighTea Fish Studio and published by SakuraGame. Released on June 04th 2019 has received 501 reviews of which 477 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.8
477
24
-70%
2.99€
0.89€
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 22nd 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 67,909 reviews of which 47,703 were positive and 20,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 12,768 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
47,703
20,206
12,768
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 2,704, 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
2,704
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 1,683 reviews of which 1,566 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 919, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,566
117
919
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 876 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
876
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 1,228 reviews of which 973 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 496 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.6
973
255
496
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 8,918 reviews of which 6,407 were positive and 2,511 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 495 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
6,407
2,511
495
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 460 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
460
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 358 reviews of which 340 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 321 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
340
18
321
players
9. 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 604 reviews of which 456 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 242 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.2
456
148
242
players
10. 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 224 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.3
28,231
10,042
224
players