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
The Citadel
The Citadel is a brutal first person shooter, and a love letter to classic games such as Marathon, Doom and Wolfenstein 3d. Descend into the depths of a dark citadel, and fight through 6 Episodes and 30 levels of action packed with 6 challenging bosses. Go forth, Martyr.
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!
Jets'n'Guns 2
Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.
Retrograde Arena
Retrograde Arena is a multiplayer twin stick shooter where bullets don’t kill. Use weapons, physics, and your Drone to push, pull, and blast your foes into deadly surroundings in this skill-based shooter action title that redefines physics-based action.
Jet Lancer
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
BE-A Walker
Take control of a huge mech on an alien planet! Shoot and trample the natives, avenge your brother, or forgive his killers? Join the rebels to restore peace on the exotic planet of Eldorado.
Super Bit Blaster XL
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Arrest of a stone Buddha
Hitman is searching for an answer in France 70-s.
Maiden and Spell
Maiden & Spell is a magical girl battle game, set in a cutesy fantasy world. Select from one of eight young ladies to battle 1 on 1 with a friend, or fight your way through a series of bosses and learn the secrets of The Kingdom of Stars.
Ether Loop
Ether Loop is a hardcore fast-paced bullet hell with roguelike elements. Descend the unforgiving depths of a mysterious world, encounter challenges, discover dynamic environments and fight ruthless creatures while unveiling the secrets of Ether Loop.
天降锦鲤 ~ My Lucky Koi
Its`A humorous Daily story——A friendship story between a hard worker and a Koi leprechaun.——This is a Chinese short visual novel with single ending.
Spooky Station
Welcome to Spooky Station! Prepare to be amazed and bewildered by our enigmas and puzzles, afraid of our deadly enemies and extremely challenging bosses. Tons of exciting stories and distinct fictional worlds await for you in this mysterious pack!
Beat Hazard 2
Experience your music collection as 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.
Valfaris
Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.
Touhou Blooming Chaos
Touhou Blooming Chaos is a shooting game, Reimu Hakurei and Marisa, fighting enemies with barrages and spell cards. Unlike general shooting games, the operation is more flexible and there are more areas to explore. A gorgeous game experience is irresistible!
Desert Of The Dead
You are a mysterious wanderer traveling through the wilderness of the wild west. In cities and towns, people began to disappear, as in many cities the population became infected with a virus which turns people into zombies, and it is rumored that people from the government are behind this.
Shark Attack Deathmatch 2
Combat in Shark Attack Deathmatch 2 is savage, gritty, and brutal. Players hunt each other down in various game modes with the constant threat of terrifying sharks joining in on the bloodshed. Tear divers apart as you take on the role as the ocean's top apex predator, The Great White.
Touhou Fantasia / 东方梦想曲
This is a fan-made Touhou shmup with one single stage, similar to the extra stage of official Touhou games. This game has an auto dodging system, which gives you a choice to ignore all the danmaku and only focus on the story.
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!
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.
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.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 15th 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 407 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,106
1,007
407
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 276 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
276
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 212 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
212
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 136 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
136
players
5. 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. With 132 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,165
305
132
players
6. 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 2,760 reviews of which 2,672 were positive and 88 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 123 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
2,672
88
123
players
7. 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 hack and slash, bullet hell and difficult game developed and published by The Game Bakers. Released on July 05th 2016 has received 12,043 reviews of which 10,965 were positive and 1,078 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.9
10,965
1,078
81
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
69
players
9. 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 1,118 reviews of which 1,027 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.7
1,027
91
57
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 1,531 reviews of which 1,080 were positive and 451 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
1,080
451
56
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 15th 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. 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 #5 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.1
689
249
-90%
15.60€
1.56€
6. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 403 reviews of which 373 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.6
373
30
-86%
33.50€
4.69€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
354
49
-86%
19.14€
2.68€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
662
109
-86%
9.71€
1.36€
9. 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 518 reviews of which 421 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 #9 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.7
421
97
-86%
4.99€
0.69€
10. Shooting Stars!
This game is the answer to one of the most important questions in life: “I can haz lazer kitty?“ Yes you can! Shooting Stars! is a action, indie and shoot 'em up game developed by Bloodirony and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 19th 2016 has received 938 reviews of which 773 were positive and 165 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.8
773
165
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
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 15th 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 407 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
407
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 276, 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
276
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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 132, this shoot 'em up game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
3,165
305
132
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 1,531 reviews of which 1,080 were positive and 451 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
1,080
451
56
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
11
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
10
players
7. 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 1,459 reviews of which 1,407 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.1
1,407
52
3
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.9
1,636
118
3
players
9. Echoes+
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max! Echoes+ is a free to play, action and indie game developed by Binary Zoo and published by . Released on January 15th 2015 has received 860 reviews of which 793 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.7
793
67
3
players
10. WOWOWOW KORONE BOX
A hololive fangame featuring Inugami Korone of hololive GAMERS! Collect as many Korone Boxes as possible while contending with an endless onslaught of enemies and bosses using whatever weapons you happen to pick up! WOWOWOW KORONE BOX is a action, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed by tian nya and published by holo Indie. Released on April 12th 2024 has received 653 reviews of which 599 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.6
599
54
3
players