Discounted 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
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...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 20th 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 386 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,106
1,007
386
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 31,184 reviews of which 29,189 were positive and 1,995 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 311 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
29,189
1,995
311
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 163 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
163
players
4. 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 133 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
13,217
586
133
players
5. 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 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
2,702
89
106
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,165
305
86
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
5,403
291
59
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
4,050
143
53
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
50
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.8
1,079
454
49
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 20th 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 3,325 reviews of which 3,092 were positive and 233 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
3,092
233
-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 7,367 reviews of which 6,973 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
6,973
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. 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 #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
354
49
-86%
19.14€
2.68€
9. 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 772 reviews of which 662 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 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.
8.1
662
110
-86%
9.71€
1.36€
10. ARMORED KITTEN
Awesome side scroll action about Cute and Deadly Kitten with a double shotgun! ARMORED KITTEN is a shoot 'em up, action and action roguelike game developed and published by Ducat. Released on September 30th 2017 has received 521 reviews of which 424 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 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.
7.7
424
97
-86%
4.99€
0.69€
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 20th 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 386 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
386
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 31,184 reviews of which 29,189 were positive and 1,995 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 311, this shoot 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
29,189
1,995
311
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
3,165
305
86
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.8
1,079
454
49
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
22
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
8
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
7
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.1
1,410
52
3
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.0
562
21
3
players
10. Jigoku Kisetsukan: Sense of the Seasons
Jigoku Kisetsukan is a bullet hell shootergame with anime-style drawings and chip music. Jigoku Kisetsukan: Sense of the Seasons is a bullet hell, free to play and anime game developed and published by Emad. Released on May 12th 2015 has received 1,754 reviews of which 1,636 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.9
1,636
118
3
players