Best Minimalist 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 minimalist games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free minimalist games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Hexcells Plus
Hexcells Plus is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux.
NaissanceE
NaissanceE is an obscure and magical first person exploration game, a philosophical trip and an artistic experience. The adventure takes place in a primitive mysterious structure and the game mainly consists to explore and feel the deep and strong ambiance of this atemporal world.
Little Racers STREET
Little Racers STREET fuses the fun-oriented simplicity of top-down racing games with the excitement of street racing, and the results couldn't be better!
Soundodger+
Dodge the music and dance through a mesmerizing ballet of choreographed bullets, each synced to music from over a dozen international artists. Push your creativity and skills with the fully-featured Level Editor and never run out of things to dodge.
Kairo
Enter the lost world of Kairo. Explore vast abandoned monuments. Bring strange and ancient machinery back to life. Slowly uncover the true purpose of Kairo and fulfil a great destiny.Kairo is an atmospheric 3D exploration and puzzle solving game.
Antichamber
Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.
Super Hexagon
Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.
Thomas Was Alone
Guide a group of rectangles through a series of obstacles, using their different skills together to get to the end of each environment.
iBomber Defense Pacific
iBomber moves to the Pacific as you fight a whole new enemy across the Pacific rim to regain freedom.
PixelJunk™ Eden
Swing, climb, and jump your way through massive “gardens” of vibrant other-worldly plant-life in this truly organic platformer.
BIT.TRIP RUNNER
Experience the rhythmic thrill of BIT.TRIP RUNNER! With its retro charm, simple controls, and award-winning visuals, this classic sets the standard for rhythm gaming. Don't miss the game that started it all in the acclaimed runner series.
BIT.TRIP BEAT
From gameplay to visuals to music and imagination, BIT.TRIP BEAT is inspired by classic games in every way. Get sucked into a whole new world of sight and sound as you juggle beats and ride the vibe in this modern look at the beginning of it all. BIT.
Hacker Evolution
Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop...
Osmos
Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.Most played minimalist games on Steam
Take a look at the top minimalist games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played minimalist game, thanks to its 1,102 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
6,244
819
1,102
players
2. Thronefall
A minimalist game about building and defending your little kingdom. Thronefall is a tower defense, strategy and city builder game developed and published by GrizzlyGames. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 20,155 reviews of which 19,481 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 259 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among minimalist games based on player count.
9.4
19,481
674
259
players
3. Hexcells Infinite
Hexcells Infinite is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux. Hexcells Infinite is a puzzle, casual and indie game developed and published by Matthew Brown. Released on September 01st 2014 has received 4,403 reviews of which 4,276 were positive and 127 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 205 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among minimalist games based on player count.
9.3
4,276
127
205
players
4. ESCAPE FROM BOYKISSER
ESCAPE FROM BOYKISSER is a psychological horror game that immerses the player in the sterile rooms of BACKROOMS. ESCAPE FROM BOYKISSER is a psychological horror, realistic and surreal game developed and published by akhsotoen. Released on February 10th 2024 has received 993 reviews of which 782 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 140 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played minimalist games.
7.5
782
211
140
players
5. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 772 reviews of which 603 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played minimalist games.
7.4
603
169
93
players
6. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving? Mini Metro is a strategy, puzzle and minimalist game developed and published by Dinosaur Polo Club. Released on November 06th 2015 has received 15,557 reviews of which 14,960 were positive and 597 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.4
14,960
597
87
players
7. 14 Minesweeper Variants
Minesweeper but the rules are changing. 14 Minesweeper Variants is a puzzle, logic and minimalist game developed by Alith Games and Artless Games and published by Artless Games. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 1,213 reviews of which 1,177 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.2
1,177
36
81
players
8. SKALD: Against the Black Priory
SKALD:Against the Black Priory is a retro-style party-based RPG set in a grim-dark fantasy world of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian horror. Take a chance and roll the dice as you embark on a compelling story filled with deadly creatures, branching story and tactical, turn-based combat SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a strategy, singleplayer and minimalist game developed by High North Studios AS and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 2,843 reviews of which 2,680 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.0
2,680
163
81
players
9. Kingdom: New Lands
Kingdom: New Lands builds upon the award-winning gameplay and mystery of Kingdom by introducing an abundance of new content to the IGF-nominated title while maintaining the simplicity and depth that legions of monarchs have come to experience and enjoy. Kingdom: New Lands is a tower defense, survival and base-building game developed by Noio and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 09th 2016 has received 11,665 reviews of which 10,032 were positive and 1,633 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played minimalist games.
8.4
10,032
1,633
75
players
10. Factory Town Idle
An entire town builder experience packed into a living spreadsheet. Build housing, assign workers, then craft and sell a huge variety of items to level up your town and expand your civilization across the world! Factory Town Idle is a casual, idler and minimalist game developed and published by Erik Asmussen. Released on January 08th 2024 has received 1,067 reviews of which 974 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played minimalist games.
8.6
974
93
54
players
Best deals on minimalist games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of minimalist 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 minimalist games.
1. ABRISS - build to destroy
ABRISS is an atmospheric physics-destruction building game.Build structures from parts to let them crash into your targets. Unlock new parts, destroy more, witness entropy at its worst in digital-brutalist cityscapes. Build to destroy. ABRISS - build to destroy is a minimalist, logic and puzzle game developed by Randwerk and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 05th 2023 has received 487 reviews of which 416 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for minimalist category.
8.0
416
71
-88%
14.75€
1.77€
2. 140
140 is a challenging minimalistic platformer with abstract colorful graphics. Rhythmic awareness is required to overcome obstacles controlled by an energetic, yet melancholic electronic soundtrack. 140 is a platformer, indie and rhythm game developed and published by Carlsen Games. Released on October 16th 2013 has received 4,585 reviews of which 4,240 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 80% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in minimalist games.
8.9
4,240
345
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
3. Kingdom: New Lands
Kingdom: New Lands builds upon the award-winning gameplay and mystery of Kingdom by introducing an abundance of new content to the IGF-nominated title while maintaining the simplicity and depth that legions of monarchs have come to experience and enjoy. Kingdom: New Lands is a tower defense, survival and base-building game developed by Noio and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 09th 2016 has received 11,665 reviews of which 10,032 were positive and 1,633 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 80% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in minimalist games.
8.4
10,032
1,633
-80%
14.99€
2.99€
4. THOTH
THOTH is a challenging twin-stick shooter you can conquer alone or cooperatively with a friend. Each stage is handcrafted to test coordination and puzzle-solving skills. Colorful minimalist graphics combine with an intense unnerving soundtrack, making for an exciting mix of art and arcade. THOTH is a action, indie and twin stick shooter game developed by Carlsen Games and published by Double Fine Presents. Released on October 07th 2016 has received 498 reviews of which 417 were positive and 81 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
7.9
417
81
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
5. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.6
6,244
819
-75%
19.99€
4.99€
6. Burly Men at Sea
A branching folktale misadventure about a trio of large, bearded fishermen. Shape a custom tale that begins again where it ends, through waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore. Burly Men at Sea is a adventure, casual and indie game developed and published by Brain&Brain. Released on September 29th 2016 has received 483 reviews of which 304 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 68% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
6.1
304
179
-68%
9.63€
3.08€
7. Geometry Arena
A free-form arena-shooter Roguelite with heavy emphasis on building an overpowered character! You play as a little shape that shoots other shapes! Strengthen your character by mixing and matching mods and upgrades, and experiment with a limitless rune upgrade system! Geometry Arena is a rogue-lite, bullet hell and minimalist game developed and published by 011 Games. Released on June 01st 2021 has received 2,382 reviews of which 2,299 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 64% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
9.2
2,299
83
-64%
5.89€
2.12€
8. Scalak
Fulfilling puzzle game. Scalak is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Hamster On Coke Games. Released on May 22nd 2018 has received 998 reviews of which 973 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
9.2
973
25
-50%
2.99€
1.49€
9. Zenge
Relaxing puzzle game, telling the story of Eon through gorgeous art and music. Zenge is a puzzle, indie and casual game developed and published by Hamster On Coke Games. Released on April 12th 2016 has received 3,043 reviews of which 2,895 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
9.1
2,895
148
-50%
1.99€
0.99€
10. PUSH
Can you push all the buttons? PUSH is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Maciej Targoni and Hamster On Coke Games. Released on October 18th 2017 has received 676 reviews of which 589 were positive and 87 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.2
589
87
-50%
1.99€
0.99€
Free minimalist games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play minimalist 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 minimalist games.
1. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 772 reviews of which 603 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
7.4
603
169
93
players
2. Hamster
Hamster is an idle clicker Game in which you click a Hamster to make him shiver. Each click has a random chance to make him shake a little more, or a little less. Can you make him go crazy? Hamster is a casual, clicker and idler game developed and published by Hamster Games. Released on June 28th 2024 has received 392 reviews of which 301 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
7.2
301
91
14
players
3. Slider
Slide chunks of the world to solve puzzles and help others. Control an ever-growing set of tiles and mechanics. Explore nine unique areas, unravel the mysteries of the universe, and reconnect the world -- one slider at a time. Slider is a puzzle, adventure and logic game developed and published by boomo. Released on July 24th 2024 has received 320 reviews of which 312 were positive and 8 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.9
312
8
5
players
4. Home Wind
Home Wind is a minimalist, relaxing and cozy city builder about creating large settlements based on proximity tactics. All for free! Home Wind is a city builder, minimalist and strategy game developed and published by Adi Zhavo. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 804 reviews of which 726 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.5
726
78
3
players
5. RYB
RYB is a logic puzzle game that plays like a combination of sudoku and minesweeper. RYB is a indie, puzzle and free to play game developed and published by FLEB. Released on November 17th 2016 has received 418 reviews of which 379 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.4
379
39
2
players
6. Word Game: Episode 0
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win! Word Game: Episode 0 is a minimalist, indie and pixel graphics game developed and published by Team9. Released on January 14th 2021 has received 4,533 reviews of which 4,477 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
9.5
4,477
56
7. Micro Platformer
A minimalistic platformer with a 1x1 tileset. No enemies, no bullets, no lasers. Just sheer platforming. Micro Platformer is a precision platformer, difficult and minimalist game developed and published by Daveyyy. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 1,702 reviews of which 1,646 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
9.2
1,646
56
8. Press Any Key
Just press any key. Press Any Key is a free to play, casual and clicker game developed and published by LostVolBytes. Released on April 17th 2024 has received 346 reviews of which 334 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.9
334
12
9. Space Between Worlds
Did you ever pay attention to the importance of space? Space Between Worlds is a short puzzle game that expresses the concept of proximity and lets the player interpret the context and arc of the story. Space Between Worlds is a free to play, casual and indie game developed by 4H StudioLab and published by 4H StudioLab and GrabTheGames. Released on July 30th 2018 has received 473 reviews of which 451 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.8
451
22
10. 5050
Each time you press the button, it will either double or lose all the points you’ve put in. How much will you risk? 5050 is a arcade, gambling and casual game developed by and published by Follow The Fun. Released on August 20th 2023 has received 323 reviews of which 284 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.1
284
39