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
Tomb Raider II (1997)
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Tomb Raider III (1998)
Thousands of years ago a meteor crashed into Antarctica and the shockwaves of its impact are being felt in the modern age. Lara Croft will follow clues leading to a deadly secret, boldly leaping chasms and blasting monsters that no one has leaped or blasted before. This time she faces a mystery that's from way out of this world.
Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation (1999)
According to Egyptian legend, Horus, son of the light, outwitted the evil God Set and imprisoned him in a secret tomb. Five thousand years later, Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb and unwittingly unleashes the evil God Set, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of his return to plunge mankind into darkness!
Tomb Raider I (1996)
Adventurer Lara Croft has been hired to recover the pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. With her fearless acrobatic style she runs, jumps, swims and climbs her way towards the truth of its origin and powers - leaving only a trail of empty tombs and gun-cartridges in her wake.
Painkiller Hell & Damnation
Evil has returned! Demonic powers are manifesting themselves as a myriad of dark creatures, fighting over the fates of imprisoned souls caught in Purgatory.
Hard Reset Extended Edition
Over-the-top destruction, loads of enemies & a beautifully realized cyberpunk setting. Hard Reset is here to shake up the shooter scene. Try the demo now.
Legend of Grimrock
Use the Dungeon Editor to build entirely new adventures and challenges for other players to solve.
Avernum: Escape From the Pit
Avernum is a land underground, a subterranean nation full of rogues, misfits, and brigands, struggling for survival in the monster-infested darkness. Hunt for glory, treasure, and justice in the underworld. Fight for survival, freedom, and even vengeance in the epic indie cult-classic.
Serious Sam 3: BFE
Serious Sam 3: BFE is a prequel to the original indie fast action FPS and Game of the Year sensation - Serious Sam: The First Encounter!
Avadon: The Black Fortress
Avadon: The Black Fortress is an epic, Indie fantasy role-playing saga. You will serve the keep of Avadon, working as a spy and warrior to fight the enemies of your homeland. As a servant of the Black Fortress, your word is law. Use your power to crush a growing rebellion! (Or join it.)
Cthulhu Saves the World
The lord of insanity, Cthulhu was all set to plunge the world into insanity and destruction when his powers were sealed by a mysterious sorcerer. The only way for him to break the curse is to become a true hero. Save the world to destroy it in an epic parody RPG journey of redemption, romance, and insanity!
Breath of Death VII
Resurrect the classic era of RPGs with the retro parody RPG, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning. Join Dem the Skeleton Knight, Sara the ghost historian, Lita the vampire techie, and Erik the zombie prince as they explore an undead world in search of the secrets of the past. Laugh! Cry! Laugh some more!
Duke Nukem Forever
The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, giant explosions and pure unadulterated fun!
Dungeon Siege
Dungeon Siege® combines the immersive elements of a role-playing game with over-the-top intensity and non-stop action. Dungeon Siege plunges you into a continuous 3D fantasy world where you face off against an army of evil that has been unleashed.
RIFT
Dive into a world of epic adventure! Create your perfect hero thanks to a uniquely customizable class system. Collect, craft, and customize your gear. Go it alone or group up to challenge dungeons, raids, dynamic open-world content, and your fellow players.
SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
Chaser
Mars, 2044. The UN establishes MARSCORP (Martian Security and Economics Committee) under the leadership of Samuel Longwood. In the years that follow, the UN gradually loses control of MARSCORP, mainly due to the non-transparent licence policy of its director.
Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000
Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000 features the Colonial Marine, Alien and Predator Campaigns and the frenetic single-player Skirmish mode from the original title: Alien Versus Predator Gold Edition, which was released to massive acclaim in 2000.
Broken Sword 2 - the Smoking Mirror: Remastered (2010)
‘Broken Sword - The Smoking Mirror: Remastered’ is a stunning update to the multi million-selling original. A mysterious escapade of intrigue and deceit, in which journalist Nico Collard and her adventuring companion George Stobbart must overcome powerful forces from fulfilling their evil ambitions.
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's Game of the Year 2001 and which scored overall of 87% on Metacritic!
STAR WARS™ Dark Forces (Classic, 1995)
Behind a veil of secrecy the evil Empire is creating a doomsday army - one that, if finished, will become the final cog in the Empire's arsenal of terror and domination. Your Mission? Join the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, infiltrate the Empire.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