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
The Guild 3
The Guild 3 is a fascinating trade and life simulation that takes place during the late Middle Ages. Step into the shoes of a citizen, acquire businesses and mansions, produce goods and trade them, start intrigues in politics and society, love, hate, bribe, fight and live through good and bad times!
Project Warlock II
Adrenaline-pumping gore retro funhouse that’s full of guns, magic, demons, vertical arenas, 3D visuals, 2D sprites, and heavy metal music. Inspired by FPS classics like Quake and Doom 64, Project Warlock II is the explosive boomer shooter sequel you were too shy to ask for.
Love Delivery
A dating simulation game with real stories of a real loser dating beautiful girls!
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Soda Crisis
Soda Crisis is a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter game. You play a mysterious character of unknown origin, equipped with advanced high-tech gears and fierce combating skills - definitely the chosen one for this rescue mission!
The Use of Life
The Use of Life is a multi-ending adventure book style JRPG. The main character’s various attachments change in accordance with the choices the player makes, and the ending changes depending on “the use of life” you choose through your journey.
Tin Can
You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive?
Rogue Legacy 2
Rogue Legacy 2 is what you'd get if you mashed Rogue Legacy and a sequel together. Every time you die, your children will succeed you, and each child is unique. Your daughter might be a Colourblind Archer, and your son could be a Pacifistic Chef. Either way, one of them is getting conscripted.
Prehistoric Kingdom
Take control of limitless power in Prehistoric Kingdom to build, manage and grow the ultimate zoo for extinct animals.
Warpips
Warpips is the ultimate quick to learn but amazingly deep tug-of-war strategy game. Deploy the right composition of soldiers, tanks, helicopters and planes in this tight, streamlined strategy-focused war game. Compose the best army, research the right tech; overwhelm your enemy!
Townsmen VR
Townsmen VR uses the exciting possibilities of virtual reality to further enhance the classic city building game with entirely new gameplay experiences and interactive mechanics. It combines elements of a God-game simulation and a classic building game with the interactive possibilities of VR.
Wobbledogs
A 3D pet simulation where you raise your own personal hive of mutating dogs, physically simulated all the way down to their guts! Wobbledogs is a casual and chill sandbox for players of all ages who want to care for their very own virtual pets in a surprising, unique, and stress-free environment.
Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
SCP: 5K
SCP: 5K is a co-op or singleplayer tactical horror FPS project that puts players in the midst of a conspiracy where the SCP Foundation has turned on humanity. Enjoy Early Access as we continue to work towards a completed full release of the project!
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon
Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!
NEBULOUS: Fleet Command
Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.
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…
Sentimental K
'Sentimental K' is a 3D roguelike action game. Weapons, skills, artifacts, bosses, dungeon layouts are randomly generated each time you play. Make strategic choices to create powerful synergies and enjoy the unexpected and challenging play!
GearCity
Do you find tycoon games too simplistic? GearCity is a complex and in-depth business simulator. It focuses on a realistic economic simulation of the global automobile industry. The game takes several hours to grasp and hundreds of hours to master. Can you succeed where many other CEOs have failed?
Sands of Salzaar
Bringing you to an exotic desert where you’ll recruit, train, and guide your troops into battle against rival cities and factions. Embark on an adventure that’s uniquely yours; Customizable characters, professions, and factions. The land is filled with a variety of hidden secrets.
One Hand Clapping
One Hand Clapping is a vocal 2D platformer. Solve puzzles, by singing or humming into your microphone, and find confidence in the power of your voice as it changes the world around you.
Melvor Idle
Inspired by RuneScape, Melvor Idle takes the core of what makes an adventure game so addictive and strips it down to its purest form! This is a feature-rich, idle/incremental game combining a distinctly familiar feel with a fresh gameplay experience. Maxing 20+ skills has never been more zen.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 16th 2025.
1. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Dark and Darker is a early access, dungeon crawler and multiplayer game developed and published by IRONMACE. Released on June 07th 2024 has received 67,142 reviews of which 47,248 were positive and 19,894 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 11,706 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.0
47,248
19,894
11,706
players
2. 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 2,098 reviews of which 1,661 were positive and 437 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 2,589 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.
7.6
1,661
437
2,589
players
3. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG! Fields of Mistria is a early access, farming sim and rpg game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 18,827 reviews of which 18,437 were positive and 390 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 2,571 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
9.6
18,437
390
2,571
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 2,470 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
2,470
players
5. 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 2,197 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
21,434
1,695
2,197
players
6. 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 3,665 reviews of which 3,259 were positive and 406 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,822 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
3,259
406
1,822
players
7. 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 1,212 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 212 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,765 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
1,000
212
1,765
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 open world survival craft game developed by CampFire Studio and published by Qooland Games. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 14,280 reviews of which 11,497 were positive and 2,783 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,614 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,497
2,783
1,614
players
9. Hollywood Animal
Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises. Hollywood Animal is a early access, simulation and strategy game developed by Weappy Wholesome and published by Weappy Studio. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 1,096 reviews of which 732 were positive and 364 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 1,416 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
6.5
732
364
1,416
players
10. Crab Champions
Claw your way across exotic islands combining fluid movement with fast paced combat to become a Crab Champion in this third person roguelike shooter. Crab Champions is a early access, action roguelike and soundtrack game developed and published by Noisestorm. Released on April 01st 2023 has received 26,097 reviews of which 25,563 were positive and 534 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,341 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
9.6
25,563
534
1,341
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 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted early access games.
1. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator
Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is a first-person, 3d and realistic game developed by Chicken Launcher and published by Awaken Realms. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,835 reviews of which 1,609 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for early access category.
8.4
1,609
226
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
2. Stowaway
An 10 player online social deduction game inspired by games like Among Us & Town of Salem, where the stowaway is tasked with killing the crew before they reach land! Stowaway is a early access, multiplayer and social deduction game developed and published by Sandstorm Studios Inc.. Released on November 06th 2020 has received 566 reviews of which 427 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
7.2
427
139
-84%
3.99€
0.63€
3. Soulslinger: Envoy of Death
You are a gunslinger in limbo, involved in a gritty war against "The Cartel", a ruthless organization harvesting souls to break free of the shackles of the afterlife. Grow stronger with each new run, gather the essence of lost souls to take on the biggest threats in this rogue-lite FPS! Soulslinger: Envoy of Death is a early access, western and rogue-lite game developed by Elder Games and published by Headup. Released on December 14th 2023 has received 402 reviews of which 291 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
6.9
291
111
-84%
18.06€
2.89€
4. Seen
A lonely kid desperately tries to escape his dark world. Seen is a early access, indie and dark game developed and published by Seen Games. Released on June 20th 2019 has received 9,664 reviews of which 8,832 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.9
8,832
832
-83%
2.89€
0.49€
5. PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science? PRINCIPIA: Master of Science is a early access, turn-based tactics and political sim game developed by tomeapp and published by PLAYISM. Released on September 09th 2016 has received 308 reviews of which 217 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.7
217
91
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
6. Viscerafest
Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels. Viscerafest is a early access, shooter and boomer shooter game developed by Acid Man Games and Fire Plant Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on April 14th 2025 has received 525 reviews of which 463 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.2
463
62
-79%
20.29€
4.26€
7. Due Process
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round. Due Process is a early access, adventure and 3d game developed and published by Giant Enemy Crab. Released on November 03rd 2020 has received 8,013 reviews of which 6,543 were positive and 1,470 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
6,543
1,470
-78%
9.68€
2.13€
8. PropHunter
PropHunter - a fresh representative of the genre of hide and seek on the net! The players are divided into two teams - one team is hiding by taking the form and properties of objects, the second team is seek to find for impostors among props. The team that eliminates its rivals wins! PropHunter is a early access, multiplayer and arcade game developed and published by Alone Fox Games. Released on August 06th 2021 has received 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 #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
648
161
-75%
3.29€
0.82€
9. Occupy Mars: The Game
Survive and colonize Mars in a highly technical, open-world sandbox game. Build and upgrade your base, discover new regions, conduct mining operations, retrieve water, generate oxygen, grow crops, and fix broken parts. Occupy Mars: The Game is a early access, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by ▲ Pyramid Games. Released on May 10th 2023 has received 2,368 reviews of which 1,741 were positive and 627 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.1
1,741
627
-73%
24.19€
6.53€
10. Hidden Deep
Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below… Hidden Deep is a early access, shooter and physics game developed by Cogwheel Software and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 24th 2022 has received 4,321 reviews of which 3,357 were positive and 964 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.6
3,357
964
-72%
19.64€
5.50€
Free early access games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play early access games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 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 11,706 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
11,706
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 2,470, 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
2,470
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 912, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,563
117
912
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 589 reviews of which 486 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 896 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
486
103
896
players
5. Brighter Shores
Brighter Shores is an all new adventure from award winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower. It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner. Brighter Shores is a early access, mmorpg and rpg game developed and published by Fen Research Ltd. Released on November 06th 2024 has received 8,894 reviews of which 6,414 were positive and 2,480 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 518 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.1
6,414
2,480
518
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 1,108 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 478 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.5
870
238
478
players
7. 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 366 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
334
18
366
players
8. Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is a physics-based multiplayer game where you play an arcade style match of hockey. No shoot button, no puck glue, no RNG. It’s up to you and your team to take control of the puck, pass, shoot, outplay your opponents. Play with your friends or team up with other Slapshot players! Slapshot: Rebound is a early access, sports and arcade game developed and published by Oddshot Games. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 8,613 reviews of which 7,247 were positive and 1,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 348 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
348
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 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 216 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
457
149
216
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 38,258 reviews of which 28,224 were positive and 10,034 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 176 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
28,224
10,034
176
players