Best PvE 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 pve games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free pve games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Champions Online
Grab your cape and defend Millennium City in this comic book-style action MMORPG! Design your hero and costume from thousands of costume pieces, face super-villains like Dr. Destroyer, and create your own unique nemesis.
EVE Online
EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded
This is the unique alloy of arcade action and RPG elements which combines well-established world of classical games and unmatched dynamics of the first part.
Shadowgrounds
Shadowgrounds breathes fresh air into the action genre with explosive combat sequences, an innovative weapon upgrade system, and an intriguing storyline. The adrenaline-pumping, top-down gameplay and audiovisual fireworks set the scene for this new action experience which also includes single computer (split keyboard or joystick) co-op...
Darwinia
Darwinia blends real-time strategy, action, and puzzles with a unique gesture-based control system. Save the Darwinians, battle viruses, and restore order in a retro-inspired digital world. Winner of multiple prestigious awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF 2006.Most played pve games on Steam
Take a look at the top pve games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 24th 2025.
1. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 988,383 reviews of which 753,774 were positive and 234,609 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played pve game, thanks to its 34,479 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.6
753,774
234,609
34,479
players
2. MIR4
MIR4 is a free-to-play open world K-fantasy MMORPG that can be cross-played on both PC and mobile devices. MIR4 is full of action and features numerous large scale clan PVP battles. Join now and become a legend. MIR4 is a pve, mmorpg and pvp game developed by Wemade Next and published by Wemade. Released on August 25th 2021 has received 14,488 reviews of which 9,452 were positive and 5,036 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 14,003 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among pve games based on player count.
6.4
9,452
5,036
14,003
players
3. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring badass space Dwarves, 100% destructible environments, procedurally-generated caves, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Deep Rock Galactic is a dwarf, co-op and pve game developed by Ghost Ship Games and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on May 13th 2020 has received 339,425 reviews of which 330,134 were positive and 9,291 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 9,932 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among pve games based on player count.
9.6
330,134
9,291
9,932
players
4. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,061 reviews of which 15,209 were positive and 8,852 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 4,289 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played pve games.
6.3
15,209
8,852
4,289
players
5. The Forever Winter
The Forever Winter is a tactical shooter where you and your squad must loot the dead to survive under the shadow of terrifying and gargantuan war machines locked in a never-ending conflict. Millions of deaths later the war continues with our latest April update! The Forever Winter is a early access, extraction shooter and pve game developed and published by Fun Dog Studios. Released on September 24th 2024 has received 18,231 reviews of which 13,222 were positive and 5,009 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 1,133 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played pve games.
7.1
13,222
5,009
1,133
players
6. Pax Dei
Welcome to a vast, social sandbox MMO inspired by the legends of the medieval era. Here, myths are real, ghosts exist, and magic is unquestioned. Join thousands of players as you explore the land, build your home, forge your reputation, and craft your own stories. What world will you make? Pax Dei is a pve, sandbox and mmorpg game developed by Mainframe Industries and published by Mainframe Industries and New Tales. Released on June 18th 2024 has received 5,859 reviews of which 4,082 were positive and 1,777 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 747 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played pve games.
6.8
4,082
1,777
747
players
7. Gems of War - Puzzle RPG
Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat! Gems of War - Puzzle RPG is a free to play, match 3 and puzzle game developed by Infinity Plus 2 and published by 505 Games. Released on November 20th 2014 has received 8,790 reviews of which 7,067 were positive and 1,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 715 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played pve games.
7.8
7,067
1,723
715
players
8. Counter-Strike Nexon
Counter-Strike Nexon is a Free to Play MMOFPS offering competitive PvP and PvE action including content from the original Counter-Strike and all new game modes, map creation function, weapons, and hordes of Zombies! Counter-Strike Nexon is a free to play, fps and zombies game developed by Valve and NEXON and published by NEXON. Released on October 07th 2014 has received 42,600 reviews of which 28,314 were positive and 14,286 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 509 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played pve games.
6.6
28,314
14,286
509
players
9. Orcs Must Die! 3
Slice, burn, toss, zap, grind and gib massive hordes of repugnant orcs in this long-awaited successor to the award-winning Orcs Must Die! series. Orcs Must Die! 3 is a tower defense, co-op and strategy game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on July 23rd 2021 has received 13,995 reviews of which 11,981 were positive and 2,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 403 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played pve games.
8.4
11,981
2,014
403
players
10. Age of Darkness: Final Stand
Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a dark fantasy survival RTS where you must illuminate, build and defend humanity’s last bastion against hordes of Nightmares. Set in the remnants of a kingdom consumed by a deadly fog, you decide. Will you hide in the light? Or take back your world. Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a action rts, tower defense and rts game developed and published by PlaySide. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 9,313 reviews of which 7,165 were positive and 2,148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 375 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played pve games.
7.5
7,165
2,148
375
players
Best deals on pve games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of pve games available on Steam right now, updated on April 24th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted pve games.
1. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, pve and emotional game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,602 reviews of which 7,412 were positive and 1,190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 86% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for pve category.
8.4
7,412
1,190
-86%
12.07€
1.69€
2. SD GUNDAM BATTLE ALLIANCE
SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a multiplayer Gundam action RPG where you can smash foes solo or with friends in thrilling mechanized combat. Acquire new mobile suits, power them up, and take them into battle in various missions! SD GUNDAM BATTLE ALLIANCE is a mechs, action rpg and robots game developed by Artdink and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on August 24th 2022 has received 5,813 reviews of which 3,661 were positive and 2,152 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 82% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in pve games.
6.2
3,661
2,152
-82%
50.78€
9.14€
3. Orcs Must Die! 3
Slice, burn, toss, zap, grind and gib massive hordes of repugnant orcs in this long-awaited successor to the award-winning Orcs Must Die! series. Orcs Must Die! 3 is a tower defense, co-op and strategy game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on July 23rd 2021 has received 13,995 reviews of which 11,981 were positive and 2,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 81% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in pve games.
8.4
11,981
2,014
-81%
24.95€
4.74€
4. Tribes of Midgard
A vibrant blend of survival and action RPG for 1-10 players! Craft legendary items, grow your home base and embark on an epic journey through procedural realms to face towering creatures hel-bent on unleashing Ragnarök. Valhalla can wait, Einherjar! Tribes of Midgard is a open world survival craft, online co-op and multiplayer game developed by Norsfell and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 22,347 reviews of which 17,111 were positive and 5,236 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for pve games.
7.5
17,111
5,236
-80%
19.95€
3.99€
5. GLADIABOTS - AI Combat Arena
Assemble your robot squad, construct their AI and send them in the battle arena to see your strategy play out. Iterate, improve and repeat until you outsmart all your opponents and friends online. GLADIABOTS - AI Combat Arena is a strategy, artificial intelligence and competitive game developed by GFX47 and published by GFX47 and WhisperGames. Released on May 22nd 2019 has received 864 reviews of which 771 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.4
771
93
-75%
14.79€
3.69€
6. Age of Darkness: Final Stand
Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a dark fantasy survival RTS where you must illuminate, build and defend humanity’s last bastion against hordes of Nightmares. Set in the remnants of a kingdom consumed by a deadly fog, you decide. Will you hide in the light? Or take back your world. Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a action rts, tower defense and rts game developed and published by PlaySide. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 9,313 reviews of which 7,165 were positive and 2,148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for pve games.
7.5
7,165
2,148
-60%
27.33€
10.93€
7. Inkbound
A turn-based tactical roguelike from the creators of Monster Train. Play solo or co-op, create powerful builds, and save the Atheneum. Inkbound is a tactical rpg, turn-based tactics and rogue-lite game developed and published by Shiny Shoe. Released on April 09th 2024 has received 3,645 reviews of which 3,192 were positive and 453 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 58% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.4
3,192
453
-58%
28.86€
12.12€
8. Hellbreach: Vegas
Hellbreach: Vegas is a Wave-based First-Person Shooter for 1-4 players, made with passion by a one man dev team! Set your loadout, kill, and earn cash. Take a spin on the various slot machines and level up to improve your survival chances. Are you ready to try your luck? Hellbreach: Vegas is a online co-op, indie and fps game developed by Infinity Ape Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on August 14th 2024 has received 528 reviews of which 396 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 56% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for pve games.
7.1
396
132
-56%
14.95€
6.58€
9. Guidus Zero
Guidus Zero is a real-time grid-based action roguelike game. Explore the sinkhole known as the "Scar" to search for spirits and treasure chests, and defeat the corrupted enemies and bosses as you strive to reach the deepest floor of the Scar, where the source of chaos awaits. Guidus Zero is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and pixel graphics game developed by IZZLE and published by Com2us Holdings. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 323 reviews of which 233 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 45% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for pve games.
6.8
233
90
-45%
14.78€
8.13€
10. Risk of Rain Returns
Carefully designed, beautifully remastered, and loaded with new ways to play—Risk of Rain is back and better than ever! Dive into the iconic roguelike full of unique loot combinations, enhanced with new Survivors, overhauled multiplayer, fan favorite content from Risk of Rain 2, and more! Risk of Rain Returns is a action roguelike, online co-op and multiplayer game developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on November 08th 2023 has received 27,695 reviews of which 25,004 were positive and 2,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 40% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.8
25,004
2,691
-40%
14.98€
8.99€
Free pve games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play pve games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 24th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play pve games.
1. MIR4
MIR4 is a free-to-play open world K-fantasy MMORPG that can be cross-played on both PC and mobile devices. MIR4 is full of action and features numerous large scale clan PVP battles. Join now and become a legend. MIR4 is a pve, mmorpg and pvp game developed by Wemade Next and published by Wemade. Released on August 25th 2021 has received 14,488 reviews of which 9,452 were positive and 5,036 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 14,003 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free pve games on Steam.
6.4
9,452
5,036
14,003
players
2. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,061 reviews of which 15,209 were positive and 8,852 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,289, this pve game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free pve games on Steam.
6.3
15,209
8,852
4,289
players
3. Gems of War - Puzzle RPG
Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat! Gems of War - Puzzle RPG is a free to play, match 3 and puzzle game developed by Infinity Plus 2 and published by 505 Games. Released on November 20th 2014 has received 8,790 reviews of which 7,067 were positive and 1,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 715, this pve game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free pve games on Steam.
7.8
7,067
1,723
715
players
4. Counter-Strike Nexon
Counter-Strike Nexon is a Free to Play MMOFPS offering competitive PvP and PvE action including content from the original Counter-Strike and all new game modes, map creation function, weapons, and hordes of Zombies! Counter-Strike Nexon is a free to play, fps and zombies game developed by Valve and NEXON and published by NEXON. Released on October 07th 2014 has received 42,600 reviews of which 28,314 were positive and 14,286 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 509 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
6.6
28,314
14,286
509
players
5. Minion Masters
An addictive fast-paced hybrid of Card games & Tower-Defense. Play 1v1 - or bring a friend for 2v2 - and engage in epic online multiplayer battles full of innovative strategy and awesome plays! Collect 200+ cards with unique mechanics, all free! Minion Masters is a pve, trading card game and stylized game developed and published by BetaDwarf. Released on May 24th 2019 has received 64,830 reviews of which 58,049 were positive and 6,781 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 369 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.8
58,049
6,781
369
players
6. Idle Skilling
Idle Skilling is the ultimate Idle Game with years of content! Meant to be played for 5-10 minutes a day, you gradually unlock new skills like mining, fishing, pet breeding, crusading, potion-making, lab-research, construction, and more! With new updates coming, you'll never run out of stuff to do! Idle Skilling is a free to play, idler and simulation game developed and published by Lavaflame2. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 2,181 reviews of which 1,559 were positive and 622 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 271 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
6.9
1,559
622
271
players
7. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,603 reviews of which 3,287 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 268 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.8
3,287
316
268
players
8. Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop
Co-operative top-down shooter game available for free. An epic bug hunt featuring a unique blend of co-op play and squad-level tactics. Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is a twin stick shooter, pve and top-down shooter game developed and published by Reactive Drop Team. Released on April 20th 2017 has received 22,494 reviews of which 21,351 were positive and 1,143 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 260 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
9.3
21,351
1,143
260
players
9. AdventureQuest 3D
The Void King is raising an army in secret. Death has chosen you as his champion to bring him down. Adventure & quest alongside your friends in this bizarre cross-platform MMORPG from the creators of the original, and comically-redundantly named... AdventureQuest! Weekly releases! AdventureQuest 3D is a mmorpg, exploration and hack and slash game developed and published by Artix Entertainment and LLC. Released on October 28th 2022 has received 9,244 reviews of which 7,555 were positive and 1,689 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 250 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.0
7,555
1,689
250
players
10. Fistful of Frags
Multiplayer based, first person enabled, action packed and skill demanding shooter set in the Wild West times. A unique combination of non stop action and slow but powerful weaponry. Fistful of Frags is a pvp, arena shooter and fps game developed and published by Fistful of Frags Team. Released on May 09th 2014 has received 36,192 reviews of which 33,061 were positive and 3,131 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free pve games on Steam.
9.0
33,061
3,131
88
players