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
Onset
Onset is an open world Lua scripting sandbox without predefined goals. Choose from hundreds of Lua functions from our Developer Wiki to create your own scripts and gamemodes. Onset is a perfect starting point for beginners interested in learning how to program.
Necesse
Build, quest, and conquer across an infinite procedurally generated world. Play alone or with friends as you establish a settlement and explore deep dungeons, fight monsters and bosses, mine rare ores, craft magical equipment, recruit specialists for your colony, and more!
Feel The Snow
Choose one of the characters and start your journey. The game has many interesting things in store: building, crafting, puzzles, bosses, mystery, laughs, quests etc.
The Sapling
The Sapling is a short simulation game where you design your own plants and animals, and put them in a world together. Or you turn on random mutations, and see what evolution does to your ecosystem!
Day of Dragons
Day of Dragons is an online creature survival game set in a large, beautiful, sandbox open world with multiple biomes and distinct creatures. Rule the world as one of several dragon species, or play as an elemental.
The Political Process
Explore a dynamic world of politics in this turn-based, political simulator. Create a character, run for political office, write legislation, balance budgets, and more as you move up the political hierarchy.
Plutocracy
The business simulator Plutocracy gives you the chance to become wealthy and powerful to take control over the world. Where policy, laws, officials and people are only the chess pieces how do you play your game?
Farmer's Dynasty
Live – Build – Farm: Enjoy a unique mix of farming, constructing and life simulation that takes you to the countryside and holds plenty of challenging gameplay in stock!
The Legend of Bum-Bo
A puzzle based deck building rogue-like prequel to The Binding of Isaac... Made of cardboard!
Master Of Pottery
Master of Pottery is a pottery-themed creation + simulation game. Make pottery, open exhibitions, complete orders, train apprentices, run your own showroom and start a relaxing pottery journey.
AUDICA: Rhythm Shooter
AUDICA™ is a VR “rhythm shooter” that combines Harmonix’s award-winning music gameplay with precision shooting mechanics and a 33-song soundtrack, all set in a mesmerizing cosmic arena.
Citadel: Forged with Fire
This massive online sandbox RPG features elements of magic, spellcasting, building, exploring and crafting. As a newly minted apprentice of the magic arts, you will set off to the dangerous world of Ignus. Tame mighty beasts, forge alliances, explore uncharted territories or fight for dominance!
They Can't Stop All Of Us
D.A.B. Your foes in co-op & PvP battles. (D)efend bases with weapons and skill. (A)ttack with clever AI armies. (B)uild amazingly creative defenses.
Synth Riders
Let the music move you in Synth Riders, a dance-action VR rhythm game with custom song support and a thriving multiplayer community!
Fisher Online
Fisher Online - online wild fishing simulator. Forget about licenses and catch rates. Choose bait or lures and catch fish in Europe and Russia.
Tokyo Warfare Turbo
Fast paced arcade tank battles in Japan locations
Rise to Ruins
A brutal godlike village sim that melds the god game, management, and tower defense genres! Fight off hoards of monsters at night, and expand your village in the day time. Inspired by games like Black and White, Rimworld, and Dwarf Fortress but not quite like any of them.
Gensokyo Night Festival
Gensokyo Night Festival is a 2D action-exploration game set in the world of Gensokyo.Join Suika Ibuki as she wreaks havoc throughout Gensokyo against the backdrop of the festival held at Hakurei Shrine.
Deuterium Wars
Deuterium Wars is a rapid 2D shooter. Create your own aircraft and plunge into heated battle with other players. What awaits you: an extensive role-playing system, craft, trading, and much more on a single server for all platforms.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 4,514 reviews of which 3,711 were positive and 803 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 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.
8.0
3,711
803
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 9,676 reviews of which 8,846 were positive and 830 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
8,846
830
-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 1,228 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 576 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.6
973
255
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