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
Silence of the Siren
A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.
Ravenswatch
Fallen heroes of old folk tales and legends: you are on the verge of a crucial battle against the Nightmare invading and corrupting your world. A roguelike action game from the creators of Curse of the Dead Gods©, playable solo or in online co-op.
Breachway
Explore the galaxy in this deckbuilding, sci-fi roguelike where ship upgrades and crew management are key to your survival. Optimize resource generation, engage in intense turn-based battles, and take on ever-growing threats as you seek out The Signal.
The Forever Winter
The Forever Winter is a tactical shooter where you and your squad must loot the dead to survive under the shadow of terrifying and gargantuan war machines locked in a never-ending conflict. Millions of deaths later the war continues with our latest April update!
Project Castaway
Project Castaway is a survival crafting title set in the Pacific Ocean. Live the life of a stranded castaway, with only yourself - and the island's inhabitants - for company! Sail the ocean, hunt, explore unique islands and gather resources as you fight for survival.
The Spell Brigade
Survivors-like with ONLINE CO-OP for 1-4 players. Team up with your wizard friends to slay hordes of dark creatures. Complete team-based objectives, unlock new upgrades and create overpowered spell synergies. Friend nor foe is safe in this friendly fire bullet hell!
Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024
"Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024" is a comprehensive simulation game that combines the management of both an internet cafe and a supermarket. Step into the role of a shop owner, apply your business acumen, and expand your empire step by step.
Drill Core
Corporate greed meets strategic planet-mining in Drill Core! Drill to the heart of planets while managing workers, researching cutting-edge tech, and fortifying against alien attacks. Will you prioritize efficiency and risk your workers' safety, or focus on defense for survival?
Endzone 2
Endzone 2 is a post-apocalyptic survival colony builder, where you embark to secure humanity's survival after a cataclysmic disaster. Discover and repopulate the last habitable grounds, while the survival of your people hinges on your wits, foresight, and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Inn Tycoon
Welcome to Inn Tycoon! Build, design, and manage your dream inn. Serve delightful meals, offer various services, and hire a stellar staff. Create a top-notch hospitality empire and become the ultimate Inn Tycoon!
Toy Shire
Are you prepared for a thrilling toy army tower defense adventure? Welcome to the Toy Shire! Battle diverse foes in various locations, defend your family, and repel foes from your area. Save the world by strengthening your defense with toy towers!
shapez 2
Dive into a factory-building game with the focus on just that – building huge space factories! Construct sprawling multi-level factories and satisfying production lines without limits. Tackle increasingly complex automation challenges at your own pace – you won’t have to worry about enemies.
Nova Drift
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Mini Settlers
Mini Settlers is a minimalistic city builder! Settle islands, construct cities, and design efficient logistic networks to fulfill your buildings' needs and fuel population growth to adventure into new worlds.
Norland
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Yaoling: Mythical Journey
Yaoling: Mythical Journey is a creature collecting Eastern fantasy RPG featuring an world filled with rich stories and unique Yaolings. Tasked to uncover a mysterious evil, you embark on a journey with your Yaolings, forming new friendships, engage in intense battles, and face countless challenges!
City Bus Manager
Build your own bus depot from scratch and create your personal bus routes in City Bus Manager. Play in your own hometown or any famous city in the world with real map data. Buy buses, maintain them, take care of your staff and lead your bus company to become the #1 in town!
Clothing Store Simulator
Are you ready to shape fashion world? Make a brand deal, order products, fill the aisles, dress the mannequins and start selling. Dresses, shirts, coats, pants, nightwear, underwear, shoes and more are waiting for you.
Bodycam
Bodycam is the first ultra-realistic multiplayer, first-person shooter game made using the latest technologies of the next-gen game engine Unreal Engine 5. Get ready to dive into fast-paced Bodycam actions, where every bullet counts and every choice can decide over the victory or loss of your team.
ContractVille
Plan, design, build, and decorate your dream house in an open-world. Smash walls, sketch your layout, then build and decorate every inch—inside and garden. In an open world, tackle each renovation solo or with up to 4 friends. Pick up that hammer and start creating - Your dream house is waiting!
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.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 23rd 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, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 12,115 reviews of which 10,295 were positive and 1,820 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 23,231 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
10,295
1,820
23,231
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 11,134 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
11,134
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 4,726 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
4,726
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 2,481 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
2,481
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 2,094 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
2,094
players
6. Dinkum
Dinkum is a survival life simulation game set on an island inspired by the rugged Australian outback. Farm, hunt, mine, fish, and forage to gather resources, expand your town, and discover what makes Dinkum so special—either solo or with friends. Dinkum is a early access, open world survival craft and agriculture game developed by James Bendon and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on April 22nd 2025 has received 23,399 reviews of which 21,684 were positive and 1,715 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,876 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
21,684
1,715
1,876
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 1,817 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
1,817
players
8. 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 1,464 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,570
2,796
1,464
players
9. Motor Town: Behind The Wheel
Enjoy realistic driving in the open world. Relaxing cargo deliveries or driving buses and taxis will give you enough money to buy new cars and parts. You can test your driving skills at the race track. It's all about pure driving pleasure! Motor Town: Behind The Wheel is a early access, open world and driving game developed and published by P3 Games. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 5,584 reviews of which 5,255 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,444 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
5,255
329
1,444
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 1,358 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
1,358
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 23rd 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 314 reviews of which 273 were positive and 41 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
8.0
273
41
-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 23rd 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 11,134 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
11,134
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 2,481, 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
2,481
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 942, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,566
117
942
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 887 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
887
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 8,918 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 489 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
6,407
2,511
489
players
6. 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 436 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.6
973
255
436
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 356 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
356
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 354 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
354
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 205 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
205
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 192 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
192
players