Best Shoot 'Em Up 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 shoot 'em up games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free shoot 'em up games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
NOT A HERO
Professional assassin turned amateur campaign manager Steve is charged with cleaning up the city by an anthropomorphic rabbit and mayoral candidate from the future named BunnyLord.
SWARMRIDERS
SWARMRIDERS is a FREE "endless runner"+"twin stick shooter" ARCADE mashup. A "machine gun swarm surfing minigame" made as a bonus content for the UBERMOSH community.
Mad Bullets
Mad Bullets, the wackiest shooter is here to put your reflexes and laughing muscles to an intensive test. You can forget about boring stories, complicated controls and irritating tutorials, and jump right into a mind blowing, high-speed action.
Captain Forever Remix
Can you create the raddest spaceship? Captain Forever Remix is the spaceship builder roguelike. Voyage across the Solar System and blast apart randomly-generated enemies for spare parts. This is an officially-licensed re-imagining of the indie classic Captain Forever.
Survive in Space
The game is spread over 50 different levels, and Sasaki must fight through them all to redeem his people. The game features five powerful bosses that you will encounter at the end of each sector – every nine levels. Each boss is a skill puzzle of his own, with shifting mechanics and environments that will keep you on your toes.
Space Codex
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Star Saviors
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Gun Rocket
If you are not prepared for a challenge - turn back now. Gun Rocket is a 2D physics puzzler that is not for the feint of heart or the stiff of fingers. In search of adventure, you have been caught by holes in space and time. Can you escape?
State of Anarchy
Simplistic top-down shooter that will put a smile on your face. Fulfill your inner sociopath as you mow down enemies with guns and cars alike, in a bid to pull off the world's largest heist!
Rogue Stormers
An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players.
ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
Pang Adventures
The Pang series is a beloved collection of arcade video games from the early 90s. Guide two brothers on a quest around the world to save humankind from a massive alien invasion!
Spaceport Hope
A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.
METAL SLUG 2
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
A grande bagunça espacial - The big space mess
Hello everyone! Welcome to the craziest adventure of your lives! The fearless Waldisglédson will face creatures from space and find allies on his journey!
Project Starship
Project Starship is an arcade bullet-hell with random mechanics. No match will ever be the same. Who will you be? Garret or Gwen? Will you save the world from the mighty cthulhu?
1993 Space Machine
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
SAMOLIOTIK
SAMOLIOTIK is a stylish shoot-em-up with different enemies, bosses, colour palettes, power-ups, set in different eras. In this game you will fight Adolf Gutler,The Illuminati, and other creatures.
Out There Somewhere
You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.
Deathsmiles
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Chicken Invaders 2
Just when you thought it was safe to eat chicken again, the chickens have returned with an organized invasion to take over the entire solar system! Journey to each planet and fight your way through to save the world (again)!
Asteroid Bounty Hunter
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.Most played shoot 'em up games on Steam
Take a look at the top shoot 'em up games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 18th 2025.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,113 reviews of which 2,106 were positive and 1,007 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played shoot 'em up game, thanks to its 350 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,106
1,007
350
players
2. Sven Co-op
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team. Sven Co-op is a co-op, fps and online co-op game developed and published by Sven Co-op team. Released on January 22nd 2016 has received 31,168 reviews of which 29,172 were positive and 1,996 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 282 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
9.2
29,172
1,996
282
players
3. 20 Minutes Till Dawn
20 Minutes Till Dawn is a survival roguelite where endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark. Craft an array of overpowering builds and eradicate waves of Lovecraftian nightmares. Will you be able to survive the night? 20 Minutes Till Dawn is a action roguelike, bullet hell and survival game developed by flanne and published by flanne and Erabit. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 27,514 reviews of which 25,196 were positive and 2,318 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 127 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
9.0
25,196
2,318
127
players
4. Star of Providence
Star of Providence is a top down action shooter with procedurally generated elements. Explore a large, abandoned facility in search of incredible power, fighting dangerous foes and gaining new weapons and upgrades as you progress. Star of Providence is a rogue-lite, bullet hell and action roguelike game developed by Team D-13 and published by Team D-13 and Bigmode. Released on June 07th 2017 has received 2,791 reviews of which 2,702 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 118 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
2,702
89
118
players
5. Nova Drift
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void. Nova Drift is a action roguelike, arena shooter and bullet hell game developed by Chimeric and published by Pixeljam. Released on August 12th 2024 has received 13,803 reviews of which 13,217 were positive and 586 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
13,217
586
106
players
6. The Braves
Demolish hordes of enemies and survive against all odds! Unlock different characters, find powerful skill combinations and embark on an exciting journey through the variety of very different worlds in this cute but unforgiving roguelike game! The Braves is a action roguelike, arena shooter and roguelite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,533 reviews of which 1,079 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.8
1,079
454
54
players
7. Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,470 reviews of which 3,165 were positive and 305 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,165
305
50
players
8. Dead Estate
Cornered with nowhere else to turn, can you escape the monster-filled mansion? Dead Estate is a gory, fast-paced, challenging roguelike shooter with a heavy emphasis on horror. Dead Estate is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and horror game developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 5,694 reviews of which 5,403 were positive and 291 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
5,403
291
46
players
9. Furi
The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game. Furi is a bullet hell, hack and slash and difficult game developed and published by The Game Bakers. Released on July 05th 2016 has received 12,114 reviews of which 11,021 were positive and 1,093 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.9
11,021
1,093
44
players
10. Voidigo
A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void. Voidigo is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and rogue-like game developed and published by semiwork. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 4,193 reviews of which 4,050 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
4,050
143
39
players
Best deals on shoot 'em up games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of shoot 'em up games available on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted shoot 'em up games.
1. Gungrave G.O.R.E
Gungrave G.O.R.E is a stylish third-person action shooter by South-Korean Studio IGGYMOB in which you take on the role of Grave, a gunslinger of resurrection and badass anti-hero of your dreams, mowing down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Gungrave G.O.R.E is a action, action-adventure and 3d game developed by IGGYMOB Co. and Ltd and published by Prime Matter. Released on November 22nd 2022 has received 783 reviews of which 551 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for shoot 'em up category.
6.8
551
232
-96%
56.00€
2.24€
2. Rogue Stormers
An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players. Rogue Stormers is a action roguelike, side scroller and shoot 'em up game developed by Black Forest Games and published by Black Forest Games and HandyGames. Released on April 21st 2016 has received 984 reviews of which 676 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
6.6
676
308
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. OTXO
Enter an inexplicable, abstract mansion to rescue a loved one in this fast-paced, brutal, and dark roguelite filled with precise but savage gunplay and time-bending slow motion. Face your inner demons and unveil the secrets of the Mansion. OTXO is a action roguelike, top-down shooter and violent game developed by Lateralis Heavy Industries and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on April 20th 2023 has received 3,312 reviews of which 3,081 were positive and 231 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
8.9
3,081
231
-91%
12.56€
1.13€
4. Beat Hazard
Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music. Beat Hazard is a rhythm, music-based procedural generation and twin stick shooter game developed and published by Cold Beam Games. Released on April 15th 2010 has received 7,362 reviews of which 6,968 were positive and 394 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
9.2
6,968
394
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
5. Planes, Bullets and Vodka
Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games. Planes, Bullets and Vodka is a casual, action and shoot 'em up game developed and published by NukGames. Released on December 13th 2016 has received 1,961 reviews of which 1,665 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
1,665
296
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
6. Cyberhunt
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era! Cyberhunt is a indie, action and casual game developed and published by NukGames. Released on May 19th 2017 has received 1,914 reviews of which 1,596 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8
1,596
318
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
7. Polygoneer
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge? Polygoneer is a indie, casual and action game developed and published by NukGames. Released on August 24th 2017 has received 1,653 reviews of which 1,312 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.6
1,312
341
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
8. God's Trigger
Slay enemies with speed and precision in an over-the-top show of blood and explosions. Play solo or with others, make split-second decisions, dodge bullets, and use weapons and abilities to inflict violence in the most graphic way possible. God's Trigger is a top-down shooter, action roguelike and hack and slash game developed by ONE MORE LEVEL and published by Techland Publishing. Released on April 18th 2019 has received 938 reviews of which 689 were positive and 249 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.1
689
249
-90%
15.60€
1.56€
9. Go Mecha Ball
Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs. Go Mecha Ball is a shoot 'em up, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Whale Peak Games and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on January 25th 2024 has received 403 reviews of which 354 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
354
49
-86%
19.14€
2.68€
10. Thunder Wolves
When this “wolf pack” strikes, you hear the thunder roll. The Thunder Wolves attack from the air. They are mercenaries, and the best helicopter pilots in the world. Every one of them is ready for action at all times—and ready to fight evil, wherever it lurks. Thunder Wolves is a flight, shoot 'em up and third-person shooter game developed by Most Wanted Entertainment and published by HandyGames. Released on May 15th 2013 has received 771 reviews of which 662 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
662
109
-86%
9.71€
1.36€
Free shoot 'em up games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play shoot 'em up games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play shoot 'em up games.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,113 reviews of which 2,106 were positive and 1,007 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 350 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.6
2,106
1,007
350
players
2. Sven Co-op
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team. Sven Co-op is a co-op, fps and online co-op game developed and published by Sven Co-op team. Released on January 22nd 2016 has received 31,168 reviews of which 29,172 were positive and 1,996 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 282, this shoot 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
29,172
1,996
282
players
3. The Braves
Demolish hordes of enemies and survive against all odds! Unlock different characters, find powerful skill combinations and embark on an exciting journey through the variety of very different worlds in this cute but unforgiving roguelike game! The Braves is a action roguelike, arena shooter and roguelite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,533 reviews of which 1,079 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.8
1,079
454
54
players
4. Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,470 reviews of which 3,165 were positive and 305 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
3,165
305
50
players
5. World of Shooting
A first-person shooting sports sim from the developers of World of Guns. Collect hundreds of realistic firearms and accessories, beat practical shooting and tactical training campaigns, set global high scores, and build your own ranges! World of Shooting is a early access, fps and shoot 'em up game developed and published by Noble Empire Corp.. Released on February 19th 2024 has received 622 reviews of which 489 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.5
489
133
13
players
6. Altitude
Now Available on PC, Mac and Linux! Altitude is a multiplayer, flight and side scroller game developed and published by Nimbly Games. Released on December 04th 2009 has received 1,904 reviews of which 1,751 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
9
players
7. Harbinger
Blast, slide, and tear through waves of monsters in Harbinger's retro-inspired combat, a free boomer shooter bringing '90s combat into the modern era. Fight through waves of enemies in brutal arenas and regroup at the tavern to upgrade your arsenal. Harbinger is a arena shooter, boomer shooter and fps game developed by Dobrx and published by Dobrx and Split Signal. Released on October 03rd 2024 has received 583 reviews of which 562 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.0
562
21
4
players
8. Deadswitch 3
Deadswitch 3 is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons and multiple solo and team-based game modes. Deadswitch 3 is a side scroller, shooter and pvp game developed and published by Wilkin Games. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 2,412 reviews of which 1,789 were positive and 623 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
3
players
9. Gun Devil
GUN DEVIL is an explosive platformer about rescuing your kidnapped hell wife from Satan's child, the Caramelized Dumbass and his Pimp Legion. Gun Devil is a side scroller, hero shooter and 2d platformer game developed and published by Agelvik. Released on August 02nd 2022 has received 1,462 reviews of which 1,410 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.1
1,410
52
1
players
10. Cryptis
Shoot, slice, and shred your way through hordes of the undead in Cryptis, a retro-inspired boomer shooter combining modern visuals with '90s gameplay. Embrace the chaos, slaughter your enemies, and leave nothing left standing! Cryptis is a arena shooter, boomer shooter and fps game developed by Dobrx and published by Dobrx and Split Signal. Released on January 11th 2024 has received 608 reviews of which 586 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.0
586
22
1
players