Best Retro 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 retro games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free retro games are available at the bottom of the page.
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We created this unique single player game with a combination of Tower Defence and Roguelike. Come and create your maze, build your turret, defeat the invaders, and save the world!
Songbird Symphony
Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.
Horace
"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!
Blazing Chrome
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Dungeon Of Dragon Knight
Dungeon of Dragon Knight is a retro dungeon crawler RPG in modern visual design. Pointed by a mysterious witch, your party will descend into a dungeon with traps and monsters in search of the evil Dragon Knight and his treasure weapon. Or, are you fooled by the witch?
Marble Skies
Marble Skies is a fast paced 3D-platformer where you control your marble through various levels and try to get the best time for each one. Complete all the levels in your own time, or challenge your friends to get on top of the leaderboards!
198X
Part 1 of arcade epic 198X. A coming-of-age story told through multiple games and genres. Experience the thrill of shooting, driving, jumping, fighting and role-playing in 5 full-blown arcade stages – combined with cinematic pixel-art storytelling.
SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL / サムライスピリッツ零スペシャル
SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL, which was the last game made for SNK’s NEOGEO back in 2004, finally makes its way onto Steam. It features everything fans expect from a fighting game such as training mode, online matches, etc.
Blaster Master Zero
Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
Devolver Bootleg
Devolver Bootleg contains eight original rip-offs of Devolver Digital games. Pay money for it now.
Toki
The return of the wacky monkey!Toki sets off on a new adventure! The cult action/platform game originally released on arcade machines in 1989 is back with a super-simian new version, featuring all-new hand-drawn graphics and re-orchestrated music!
Quake II RTX
Quake II RTX is a cutting-edge, ray-traced reimagining of id software’s old school classic, by NVIDIA’s Lightspeed Studios. Global lighting effects, including realistic reflections, refraction, shadows, ambient occlusion and global illumination are a result of the path-traced simulation of light.
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Rescue HQ - The Tycoon
Build up your headquarters from scratch and design your own masterpiece. In Rescue HQ you build, organize and manage a joint station for firefighters, police and ambulance. Manage your resources wisely and master challenging emergencies to keep your city safe! Are you up to the challenge?
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface.
Neptunia Shooter
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Hell is Other Demons
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Disney's Hercules
Become a true hero in a battle of mythic proportions.Most played retro games on Steam
Take a look at the top retro games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world. ENA: Dream BBQ is a surreal, adventure and singleplayer game developed by ENA Team and published by Joel G. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 16,386 reviews of which 16,199 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played retro game, thanks to its 2,131 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
16,199
187
2,131
players
2. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,847 reviews of which 7,039 were positive and 808 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 620 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among retro games based on player count.
8.7
7,039
808
620
players
3. Mouthwashing
The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching. Mouthwashing is a psychological horror, story rich and horror game developed by Wrong Organ and published by CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 28,378 reviews of which 27,341 were positive and 1,037 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 279 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among retro games based on player count.
9.4
27,341
1,037
279
players
4. UFO 50
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design. UFO 50 is a indie, pixel graphics and action game developed and published by Mossmouth. Released on September 18th 2024 has received 6,050 reviews of which 5,793 were positive and 257 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 266 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played retro games.
9.2
5,793
257
266
players
5. Lunacid
Cast into the Great Well, unwanted by the world above. You delve the dark in search of the Old One, your last salvation. Lunacid is a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by Shadow Tower and King’s Field. Lunacid is a dungeon crawler, dark fantasy and first-person game developed by KIRA LLC and published by KIRA LLC and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on October 30th 2023 has received 8,540 reviews of which 7,770 were positive and 770 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 189 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played retro games.
8.8
7,770
770
189
players
6. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Load up your Boltgun and unleash the awesome Space Marine arsenal to blast your way through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood in a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, frenetic gameplay and the stylish visuals of 90’s retro shooters. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a boomer shooter, fps and warhammer 40k game developed by Auroch Digital and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 14,599 reviews of which 13,288 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 142 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played retro games.
8.9
13,288
1,311
142
players
7. Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay. Sonic Mania is a great soundtrack, 2d and platformer game developed by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games and published by SEGA. Released on August 29th 2017 has received 25,863 reviews of which 24,238 were positive and 1,625 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 116 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played retro games.
9.2
24,238
1,625
116
players
8. Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered
Escape Baldi's schoolhouse again in this new remastered version of Baldi's Basics Classic! Use stealth and strategy to collect all 7 notebooks and win! Featuring three games in one, gameplay improvements, a more authentic art style, accessibility improvements, and brand new ways to play! Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered is a horror, stealth and retro game developed by Basically Games and published by Basically Games and LLC. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 11,634 reviews of which 10,775 were positive and 859 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played retro games.
9.0
10,775
859
96
players
9. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,055 reviews of which 1,429 were positive and 626 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played retro games.
6.8
1,429
626
91
players
10. Mega Man X Legacy Collection
Mega Man X Legacy Collection includes the legendary 16-bit titles and the series’ exciting foray into the 32-bit era: Mega Man X, Mega Man X2, Mega Man X3, and Mega Man X4. Test your skills in the new X Challenge mode, which pits players against two deadly bosses at once. Mega Man X Legacy Collection is a action, platformer and classic game developed and published by CAPCOM CO. and LTD. Released on July 24th 2018 has received 4,123 reviews of which 3,190 were positive and 933 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played retro games.
7.5
3,190
933
84
players
Best deals on retro games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of retro games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted retro games.
1. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,436 reviews of which 6,913 were positive and 523 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for retro category.
9
6,913
523
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
2. Last Call BBS
Boot up your Z5 Powerlance and dial into Last Call BBS, the last game from Zachtronics! The Barkeep’s loaded up his retro computer with a full set of puzzle games for you to download and play. No need to worry about copy protection, they’re all fully cracked and ready to enjoy! Last Call BBS is a puzzle, retro and automation game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on August 03rd 2022 has received 1,378 reviews of which 1,275 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in retro games.
8.8
1,275
103
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Narita Boy
Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world! Narita Boy is a action, retro and adventure game developed by Studio Koba and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2021 has received 1,603 reviews of which 1,250 were positive and 353 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in retro games.
7.5
1,250
353
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
4. Blazing Chrome
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,752 reviews of which 1,537 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.4
1,537
215
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
5. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove!
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! is a mash-up of the very best features of the classic console games with a ton of fresh improvements! Explore Earth as funky aliens from planet Funkotron trying to find your missing ship pieces to get back home in this casual co-op roguelike. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! is a adventure, indie and casual game developed and published by HumaNature Studios. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 1,086 reviews of which 957 were positive and 129 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.4
957
129
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
6. Old School Musical
What has 50 amazing chiptune tracks, a loony story mode, 32 different chicken types to fight, and takes you on a tour of all your favorite retro games? It's Old School Musical! Tib and Rob are the heroes of a wacky adventure that will teach them where all of the bugs in our favorite games come from. Old School Musical is a indie, action and adventure game developed by La Moutarde and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 13th 2018 has received 897 reviews of which 826 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.7
826
71
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
7. The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk
The flute nose dynasty has been watching over Asposia for centuries on end. In secret, they fill the roly-poly world with light and life. Emil, a trader for odds and ends, has led all the Asposians astray, making them believe that the dynasty is in cahoots with dark forces. The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk is a adventure, point & click and retro game developed by Studio Fizbin and published by Headup. Released on October 20th 2017 has received 476 reviews of which 426 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.3
426
50
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
8. Dread Templar
Dread Templar is a fast-paced hardcore old-school FPS, combining classic 90s shooter and modern FPS elements. Unlock and combine dozens of weapon upgrades and skills, embrace the Dread Force and obliterate hordes of fiendish enemies. Become the scariest thing in hell and get your revenge! Dread Templar is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by T19 Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 1,484 reviews of which 1,241 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.0
1,241
243
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
9. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin
Blast, slice and shred through your enemies in this hardcore FPS inspired by the icons of the '90s, powered by the legendary Quake-1 Tech. Taking place in a realm left to rot, take up arms, unearth long-forgotten secrets and hunt down the Guardians of the Old World. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin is a action, boomer shooter and fps game developed by KillPixel Games and Slipgate Ironworks and published by 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 27th 2024 has received 2,582 reviews of which 1,918 were positive and 664 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for retro games.
7.2
1,918
664
-90%
25.50€
2.55€
10. River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Stars Special~
This is the River City sports challenge! The Rule is simple, be the # 1 in 4 events by all means. That's it! Hitting and kicking? Of course! Wooden swords dumbbells and even bombs are available to use. The great sports challenge where anything's possible has just begun!!! River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Stars Special~ is a sports, action and retro game developed by Arc System Works and published by H2 Interactive Co. and Ltd.. Released on December 17th 2015 has received 854 reviews of which 579 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for retro games.
6.6
579
275
-89%
20.09€
2.21€
Free retro games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play retro games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play retro games.
1. ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world. ENA: Dream BBQ is a surreal, adventure and singleplayer game developed by ENA Team and published by Joel G. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 16,386 reviews of which 16,199 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,131 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free retro games on Steam.
9.6
16,199
187
2,131
players
2. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,847 reviews of which 7,039 were positive and 808 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 620, this retro game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free retro games on Steam.
8.7
7,039
808
620
players
3. Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered
Escape Baldi's schoolhouse again in this new remastered version of Baldi's Basics Classic! Use stealth and strategy to collect all 7 notebooks and win! Featuring three games in one, gameplay improvements, a more authentic art style, accessibility improvements, and brand new ways to play! Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered is a horror, stealth and retro game developed by Basically Games and published by Basically Games and LLC. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 11,634 reviews of which 10,775 were positive and 859 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
10,775
859
96
players
4. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,055 reviews of which 1,429 were positive and 626 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
6.8
1,429
626
91
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.2
1,969
77
20
players
6. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,662 reviews of which 1,589 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.1
1,589
73
14
players
7. You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,668 reviews of which 5,267 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
5,267
401
5
players
8. Tanks: The Crusades
A top-down shooter with tanks that have various assorted abilities, with support for multiplayer and a level editor. Tanks: The Crusades is a tanks, arcade and strategy game developed and published by Aehmttw (Matei Budiu). Released on June 24th 2021 has received 692 reviews of which 652 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.8
652
40
5
players
9. Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s). Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt is a indie, female protagonist and free to play game developed by Ludosity and Remar Games and published by Ludosity. Released on January 01st 2016 has received 2,862 reviews of which 2,799 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.3
2,799
63
4
players
10. Halls of Torment: Prelude
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive? Halls of Torment: Prelude is a bullet hell, dark fantasy and retro game developed and published by Chasing Carrots. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,358 reviews of which 1,267 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.8
1,267
91
4
players