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
Drums Rock
Drums Rock is an arcade drums game for VR, follow the rhythm of rock with your drums and smash the demons. Live a unique campaign: with different levels, challenges, songs and worlds. Drums Rock is an ideal game to feel like a rock hero, while destroying hordes of demons to the rhythm of rock!
Army of Ruin
Wreak havoc on countless foes with mighty weapons and deadly spells! Enhance your skills and face even greater dangers! Army of Ruin is an auto-shooter where you become the Bullet Hell.
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?
Wee Tanks!
Explosions. Tanks. Bosses. And more explosions. Crazy fun with your friends. Hundreds of maps. Boom.
Crimson Dawn
Crimson Dawn is a roguelite horde survival game with RPG elements. Recruit mercenaries and survive 5 stages by fighting the hordes of evil. Unlock more characters and weapons with unique abilities. Carve your path to stop the hordes of evil once and for all!
POOSTALL Royale
APRIL FOOLS 2023ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Don't let the title fool you, this isn't a battle royale game. Maybe this isn't even a game at all... well, just download now and figure it out!
Bloodhound: First day in hell
Crush the cult of Astaroth and vanquish her hellspawn, make them squeal and hide where they came from. Enjoy a Fresh Look & Old Fun in this arcade horror FPS game inspired by the legends of the 90s.
Crafty Survivors
All heroes got corrupted! Unlock a diverse cast of crafty professionals, use their unique skills, create your own builds and defend your home by eliminating hordes of monsters. Gather materials, rebuild your village and craft your way to the origin of this malignous curse!
Patch Quest
In a labyrinth surrounded by vicious monsters, Explorers must rely on their Lasso to survive! Capture and tame ANY monster to leap, glide, surf, tunnel and websling through a treacherous, patchwork maze. This roguelike/metroidvania seems cute, but it’s a deceptively difficult bullet-hell challenge!
DR LIVESEY ROM AND DEATH EDITION
DR LIVESEY: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, gentlemen, from now on, rom and death means the same thing for you.
Death in the Water 2
Dodge and carve your way through swarms of terrifying sea creatures controlled by Death, a vicious giant mind-controlling Kraken that haunts your every move. Scavenge for hidden treasure to unlock weapons, and upgrades to help you in your fight for survival. Every dive reveals a new nightmare.
GRANDMA
Join the battle to save earth from aliens and robots. Choose to play on the side of humans or aliens in battle. 1. Play alongside up to 50 online players 2. Choose various levels 3. Play in various modes such a s capture the king, rush, team deathmatch, conquest.
The Crackpet Show
The Crackpet Show is an action-packed rogue-lite shoot’em-up about mutated animals that fight in a bizarre TV show, crushing their opponents with a variety of weapons. Choose your beastie, gear ‘em up, and go kill your enemies in the name of fame and sweet sponsorship deals!
Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions.
Gunlocked
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
The Knight Witch
The Knight Witch is a metroidvania adventure game with fast-paced, shoot 'em up combat set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Cast devastating card-based spells, forge close bonds, and make moral choices all in your quest to save your home and discover who's behind the War Golem invasion.
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.
Crysis 3 Remastered
Experience the single-player experience from the iconic first-person shooter, Crysis 3, optimized to take advantage of today's hardware in Crysis 3 Remastered.
Crysis 2 Remastered
Relive the legendary single-player campaign from the classic first-person shooter, Crysis 2, optimized for today's hardware in Crysis 2 Remastered.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 21st 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 394 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,106
1,007
394
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 316 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
316
players
3. 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. While seeing 160 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
9.3
13,217
586
160
players
4. 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. With 131 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.0
25,196
2,318
131
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 116 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
116
players
6. Talented
Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented? Talented is a action roguelike, pixel graphics and rogue-lite game developed and published by TurtleFox Games. Released on December 20th 2024 has received 1,126 reviews of which 1,034 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.7
1,034
92
56
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.8
1,079
454
55
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
52
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,165
305
51
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.9
11,021
1,093
48
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 21st 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 21st 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 394 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
394
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 316, 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
316
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
55
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
51
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 626 reviews of which 491 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.4
491
135
11
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
10
players
7. 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish
Set off on a journey to an autumnal paradise in this bountiful Touhou vertical Bullethell Shmup fan game made by overseas fans! 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish is a singleplayer, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed and published by Dream Compass. Released on August 03rd 2020 has received 381 reviews of which 369 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.9
369
12
2
players
8. Shooty Skies
The creators of Crossy Road present Shooty Skies! Shoot, dodge, duck, goose and weave. Take to the skies! Shooty Skies is a free to play, action and indie game developed by and published by Mighty games. Released on March 06th 2018 has received 1,423 reviews of which 1,305 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.7
1,305
118
2
players
9. TeraBlaster
TeraBlaster is a top-down arcade shooter micro-game which draws heavy inspiration from Geometry Wars. Duke it out with hordes of enemies on randomly generated levels, trigger massive explosions, and die a truly glorious death. TeraBlaster is a indie, action and casual game developed by Black Shell Games and published by . Released on July 10th 2015 has received 1,035 reviews of which 722 were positive and 313 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.7
722
313
2
players
10. Ruzh Delta Z
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot. Ruzh Delta Z is a action, indie and casual game developed by Pribuni and published by . Released on May 11th 2015 has received 508 reviews of which 314 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6
314
194
2
players