Best Old School 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 old school games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free old school games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
METAL SLUG X
“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
Super Win the Game
Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!!
Gauntlet™ Slayer Edition
The classic Gauntlet 4-player co-op action gameplay returns in a completely new experience! Battle the endless hordes of foes as you and your friends fight for treasure and glory via both local and online co-op multiplayer. Invade the Darkness!
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
From the producer of the original Fallout comes Wasteland 2. With over 80 hours of gameplay, deck out your Ranger squad with devastating weaponry, test the limits of your strategy skills, and bring justice to the Wasteland! The choices are yours…but so are the consequences.
Quake Live
Experience the most exciting and fast-paced FPS gameplay while competing with players from around the world in over 100 arenas, a dozen game modes, and with persistent career stats tracking, in this online features-focused successor to Quake III Arena.
Reprisal Universe
Reprisal Universe places you in charge of the very elements themselves. Raise and lower land to expand your tribes, harness the power of fire and water. Explore the hidden mysteries of the Universe and gather your people together once again.
Risen 3 - Titan Lords
The world has been abandoned by its gods and is scarred from the rampage of the Titans. Humanity is struggling to regain strength. You, however, have more pressing concerns: your own life has been shattered and you must set off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness spreading throughout the world.
Contraption Maker
The spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine from its original designer and programmer. Play 100s of puzzles. Build and share elaborate contraptions with an huge variety of parts and critters.
Z
“Z”, the classic Real Time Strategy Game by the Bitmap Brothers. Fans of this classic strategy title are in for a real treat. Everything is in here from the terrific comedy cut scenes to the frantic game play making this is the definitive version of Z.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Lifeless Planet Premier Edition
PREMIER EDITION - While seeking life on a distant planet, an astronaut discovers an abandoned Russian town. He suspects his mission is a hoax until a mysterious young woman saves him from a strange and deadly phenomenon...
Enemy Mind
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Splatter - Zombiecalypse Now
You like top-down-shooter with a film-noir singleplayer campaign, challenging fights against zombies and monsters, gory splatter effects and destructible level environments? Fight your way through an apocalyptic city in the single player story mode, and test your skills in the survival mode.
Final Fantasy III (3D Remake)
FINAL FANTASY® III, one of the best-loved games from the epic RPG series, available on Steam.
World of Guns: Gun Disassembly
World of Guns: Gun Disassembly lets you delve into the inner workings of guns from the largest gears to the smallest screws
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein®: The New Order reignites the series that created the first-person shooter genre. Wolfenstein offers a deep game narrative packed with action, adventure and first-person combat.
You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
Oknytt
Oknytt is an old school point-and-click adventure game where the player takes the role of a small, seemingly insignificant creature, leading it through a dark world filled with beings and areas inspired by Swedish folklore, in search of a place to belong.
Hard Truck Apocalypse / Ex Machina
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland of diesel and dust, bandits and mobsters rule the last remaining cities, controlling all vital trade routes and destroying any hope of a return to a lawful world.
Summoner
Summoners have toppled empires and challenged gods. They are venerated as saviours and feared as destroyers. With rings crafted by the ancient Khosani, the gifted can call forth demons, dragons, and elementals, but only the strongest can control the forces they unleash.
Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi
It is a misty evening in the year of our lord 1912. The Pattersons, a poor but proud aristocratic family of the British nobility, and some of their closest friends, arrive at the castle Malachi residence of a wealthy Romanian Count.
METAL SLUG 3
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!Most played old school games on Steam
Take a look at the top old school games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a action-adventure, female protagonist and action game developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics and published by Aspyr. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 6,660 reviews of which 5,977 were positive and 683 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played old school game, thanks to its 290 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
5,977
683
290
players
2. Friends vs Friends
A frantic, online PvP shooter that combines combat and deck building. Choose a character, customize your card-based loadout, and get ready for the fights of your life! Friends vs Friends is a card game, action and old school game developed by Brainwash Gang and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 30th 2023 has received 13,029 reviews of which 10,836 were positive and 2,193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 255 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among old school games based on player count.
8.1
10,836
2,193
255
players
3. FlyKnight
Explore, fight, loot and fish! Solo or in co-op mode in this Old School First Person Dungeon Crawler. Earn your knighthood as you oppose the evil witch Lunamoth and stop her curse which prevents everyone from growing wings. FlyKnight is a dungeon crawler, first-person and souls-like game developed and published by Wabbaboy. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 7,142 reviews of which 6,902 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 251 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among old school games based on player count.
9.3
6,902
240
251
players
4. Ashen Empires
Ashen Empires is a classic MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Dransik. Dransik has been besieged by the sinister forces of Talazar, preying on mortals. Play with your friends, battle your foes, complete quests, defeat powerful bosses, pursue tradeskills in a player-driven market. Play YOUR way! Ashen Empires is a rpg, mmorpg and old school game developed and published by Iron Will Games and LLC. Released on September 02nd 2022 has received 394 reviews of which 299 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played old school games.
7.2
299
95
86
players
5. UnMetal
UnMetal is a 2D stealth action-adventure that pays homage to the classics with a healthy dose of humor and satire. You play as Jesse Fox, who is definitely NOT an elite commando, under arrest for a crime he didn't commit, and must escape a covert military base using his wits and fists. UnMetal is a 2d, pixel graphics and old school game developed by @unepic_fran and published by Versus Evil . Released on September 28th 2021 has received 2,934 reviews of which 2,745 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played old school games.
9.0
2,745
189
38
players
6. projectM Music Visualizer
Experience psychedelic and mesmerizing visuals by transforming music into equations that render into a limitless array of user-contributed visualizations. projectM Music Visualizer is a colorful, simulation and music game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 383 reviews of which 366 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played old school games.
8.8
366
17
31
players
7. Moonring
A dark-fantasy, turn-based, retro-fusion of classic turn-based RPGs and roguelikes, all presented with a unique neon aesthetic. Moonring is a rpg, retro and medieval game developed and published by Fluttermind and LLC. Released on September 28th 2023 has received 2,046 reviews of which 1,969 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played old school games.
9.2
1,969
77
30
players
8. Munchkin Digital
Kill the monsters & grab the loot in the classic card game! Munchkin Digital is a dragons, funny and old school game developed and published by Dire Wolf. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,285 reviews of which 969 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played old school games.
7.3
969
316
23
players
9. Might & Magic X - Legacy
After a decade, a Might & Magic® RPG is back with both the unique core formula and a new set of improved and fine-tuned features. The best RPG of its class!In the wake of the spectacular events in Might & Magic® Heroes® VI, you will play in a party of four adventurers entangled in intrigue and political machinations unfolding in... Might & Magic X - Legacy is a rpg, turn-based and fantasy game developed and published by Ubisoft. Released on January 23rd 2014 has received 3,267 reviews of which 2,155 were positive and 1,112 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played old school games.
6.5
2,155
1,112
23
players
10. AMID EVIL
A retro FPS for the ages! Once branded a HERETIC. Now YOU have been chosen as our champion! Reclaim our sacred weapons. Take back our ancient lands. If you can stand... AMID EVIL. AMID EVIL is a old school, boomer shooter and arena shooter game developed by Indefatigable and published by New Blood Interactive . Released on June 20th 2019 has received 7,088 reviews of which 6,642 were positive and 446 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played old school games.
9.1
6,642
446
22
players
Best deals on old school games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of old school 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 old school games.
1. Cavern of Dreams
Embark on a magical quest as Fynn the dragon to rescue your unhatched siblings from the mysterious Cavern of Dreams in this N64-style 3D platformer. Gain new abilities, meet unique characters, solve puzzles, and beware of the mysterious villain. Cavern of Dreams is a old school, 3d platformer and cute game developed by Bynine Studio and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on October 19th 2023 has received 1,093 reviews of which 1,027 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 92% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for old school category.
8.9
1,027
66
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
2. Oozi: Earth Adventure
Oozi: Earth Adventure is a classic 2D platformer with old school gameplay - no puzzles, no punishment, just 100% pure classic platforming fun! Its most prominent features are HD visuals and beautiful hand-drawn art, but despite its visual style, it’s a good fit for all kinds of gamers! Oozi: Earth Adventure is a 2d platformer, platformer and old school game developed and published by Awesome Games Studio. Released on December 05th 2013 has received 1,001 reviews of which 863 were positive and 138 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in old school games.
8.2
863
138
-92%
9.75€
0.78€
3. Amanda the Adventurer
Join Amanda and her pal Wooly on a series of adventures as they explore and learn about our wonderful world! With several NEW play-along, laugh-along, learn-along episodes there's always fun to be had! Just make sure to do everything Amanda says or she might get angry. Amanda the Adventurer is a horror, first-person and puzzle game developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP. Released on April 25th 2023 has received 6,224 reviews of which 5,843 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in old school games.
9.1
5,843
381
-89%
9.09€
1.00€
4. Time Loader
Time Loader is a story-driven puzzle-platformer with tiny robots, alternate realities, nostalgic music, and primitive tech from the 90s! Time Loader is a logic, story rich and investigation game developed by Flazm and published by META Publishing. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 469 reviews of which 394 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for old school games.
7.9
394
75
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
5. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a action-adventure, female protagonist and action game developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics and published by Aspyr. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 6,660 reviews of which 5,977 were positive and 683 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for old school games.
8.7
5,977
683
-84%
29.06€
4.65€
6. Friends vs Friends
A frantic, online PvP shooter that combines combat and deck building. Choose a character, customize your card-based loadout, and get ready for the fights of your life! Friends vs Friends is a card game, action and old school game developed by Brainwash Gang and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 30th 2023 has received 13,029 reviews of which 10,836 were positive and 2,193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for old school games.
8.1
10,836
2,193
-79%
10.00€
2.10€
7. Mortal Glory
Mortal Glory is a fantasy-themed tactical roguelike game about recruiting a team of gladiators and pitting them against brutal competition in a blood-soaked tournament. Train your gladiators, find a legendary sword, learn ancient spells, recruit a celebrity, cheat - do whatever it takes to bring glory to your name! Mortal Glory is a turn-based tactics, rogue-like and old school game developed and published by Redbeak Games. Released on January 29th 2020 has received 568 reviews of which 493 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for old school games.
8.1
493
75
-75%
7.99€
1.99€
8. Ion Fury
3D Realms, creators of Duke Nukem 3D, Prey, and Max Payne, are excited to team up with Voidpoint to bring back the legendary Build Engine, famously known for classic first-person shooters like Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, and Blood. Ion Fury is the real deal! Ion Fury is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Voidpoint and LLC and published by 3D Realms. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 7,679 reviews of which 6,989 were positive and 690 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 69% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for old school games.
8.8
6,989
690
-69%
25.10€
7.78€
9. Praetorians - HD Remaster
Relive the celebrated real-time strategy classic Praetorians, re-imagined in high definition. Praetorians is set amidst the political machinations of an emerging Roman Empire. Praetorians - HD Remaster is a strategy, rts and old school game developed by Torus Games and Pyro Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on January 24th 2020 has received 974 reviews of which 891 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 68% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for old school games.
8.6
891
83
-68%
20.19€
6.46€
10. Munchkin Digital
Kill the monsters & grab the loot in the classic card game! Munchkin Digital is a dragons, funny and old school game developed and published by Dire Wolf. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,285 reviews of which 969 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 63% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for old school games.
7.3
969
316
-63%
12.43€
4.60€
Free old school games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play old school 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 old school games.
1. Ashen Empires
Ashen Empires is a classic MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Dransik. Dransik has been besieged by the sinister forces of Talazar, preying on mortals. Play with your friends, battle your foes, complete quests, defeat powerful bosses, pursue tradeskills in a player-driven market. Play YOUR way! Ashen Empires is a rpg, mmorpg and old school game developed and published by Iron Will Games and LLC. Released on September 02nd 2022 has received 394 reviews of which 299 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free old school games on Steam.
7.2
299
95
86
players
2. projectM Music Visualizer
Experience psychedelic and mesmerizing visuals by transforming music into equations that render into a limitless array of user-contributed visualizations. projectM Music Visualizer is a colorful, simulation and music game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 383 reviews of which 366 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free old school games on Steam.
8.8
366
17
31
players
3. Moonring
A dark-fantasy, turn-based, retro-fusion of classic turn-based RPGs and roguelikes, all presented with a unique neon aesthetic. Moonring is a rpg, retro and medieval game developed and published by Fluttermind and LLC. Released on September 28th 2023 has received 2,046 reviews of which 1,969 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free old school games on Steam.
9.2
1,969
77
30
players
4. AQtion
Get ready for intense, skill-based FPS action with AQtion! Featuring the best of Action Quake 2, enjoy fast-paced combat, realistic weapons, and thrilling multiplayer battles. Dominate the arena now on Steam! AQtion is a free to play, old school and action game developed by AQ2World Team, TNG Team and A-Team (Akimbo) and published by AQ2World Team. Released on June 01st 2022 has received 414 reviews of which 328 were positive and 86 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free old school games on Steam.
7.5
328
86
8
players
5. Slay Together: Fantasy MMORPG
Join thousands of players in Slay Together, an action-packed MMORPG! Engage in thrilling battles, delve into dungeons with friends, and master diverse crafts like forging, woodworking, tailoring, and more! Slay Together: Fantasy MMORPG is a fantasy, character customization and co-op game developed and published by Owl Tribe Entertainment. Released on January 31st 2019 has received 527 reviews of which 361 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free old school games on Steam.
6.6
361
166