Discounted Side Scroller 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 side scroller games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free side scroller games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Abyss Odyssey
From indie Chilean developer ACE Team comes a new side-scrolling action adventure game featuring a complex fighting engine in procedurally generated levels that destines its three warriors to battle a different abyss each time! Choose your hero and also learn to possess your enemies in the abyss…
Whispering Willows
Interact with the spirits of the dead, solve the puzzles of the mysterious mansion and help Elena find her missing father in the horror/adventure puzzle game: Whispering Willows.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Enemy Mind
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
The Fall
Take the role of ARID, the artificial intelligence within a high-tech combat suit. The Fall is a unique combination of adventure-game puzzle solving and side-scroller action, all set within a dark and atmospheric story. Get ready for a disturbing journey as you explore the world of The Fall.
Monochroma
Monochroma is a cinematic puzzle platformer. It’s a game about being a kid, growing up with a little brother that needs your help, facing obstacles and solving unique puzzles in a dystopian 1950's setting.
Child of Light
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
One Way Heroics
Across all dimensions, the only constant is Darkness! A procedurally generated RPG-roguelike journey across the multiverse! In One Way Heroics, you take on the role of an intrepid adventurer who must travel across the land and face the Demon Lord before a mysterious darkness engulfs everything.
Double Dragon: Neon
BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian!
Deadly 30
Can you survive the horror? … a retro-style survival horror game developed by the two-man indie team of Gonzossm and Iggy Zuk. Survive 30 days and nights in a zombie-infested world by recruiting companions, upgrading weaponry and fortifying your position.
Oozi: Earth Adventure
Oozi: Earth Adventure is a classic 2D platformer with old school gameplay - no puzzles, no punishment, just 100% pure classic platforming fun! Its most prominent features are HD visuals and beautiful hand-drawn art, but despite its visual style, it’s a good fit for all kinds of gamers!
Final Exam
Jump into the frenzied action and the whacky humor of a pure 2.5D side-scroller! While they were going to their old high school for what was supposed to be the party of their life, four long-time friends end up in a ghost town full of monstrous creatures.
Nihilumbra
Discover the beautiful world of Nihilumbra and join Born on his adventure to find himself whilst trying to escape from his inevitable curse. Born was created from the absolute nothingness: The Void. But somehow he separates himself from the black emptiness and appears in the world.
Megabyte Punch
Megabyte Punch is a fighting/beat ‘em up game in which you build your own fighter! As you travel through different environments, you battle other creatures to get their parts. Parts have their own powers and bonuses, like gun arms for a shoot ability or powerful hips for a devastating pelvic thrust attack.
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord is a blistering platformer with morphing worlds, featuring seven brand new levels, a new boss and new gripping tracks from Chris Hülsbeck and Machinae Supremacy! Dash through tricky levels and transform the whole world at will in this fast-paced platformer.
DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Guacamelee! Gold Edition is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians
Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles.
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara brings reworkings of two of Capcom’s classic arcade hits - Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara – together in one definitive digital package.
Sacred Citadel
Sharpen your axe, string your bow, brew your potions! Ancaria needs heroes like you. Grab your friends to join the resistance!The once peaceful land of Ancaria is in grave danger. The evil Ashen empire has enslaved its population and is using the orc-like Grimmoc to wipe out the Seraphim, who swore to protect it.
La-Mulana
LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.
Thomas Was Alone
Guide a group of rectangles through a series of obstacles, using their different skills together to get to the end of each environment.Most played side scroller games on Steam
Take a look at the top side scroller games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. MapleStory
Join over 260 million players worldwide in MapleStory, the world’s biggest 2D MMORPG adventure! Play now for free. MapleStory is a mmorpg, 2d platformer and character customization game developed by Nexon Korea Corporation and published by Nexon America Inc.. Released on August 09th 2012 has received 13,963 reviews of which 8,720 were positive and 5,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played side scroller game, thanks to its 7,310 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.2
8,720
5,243
7,310
players
2. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is a metroidvania, exploration and 2d platformer game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. Released on August 08th 2024 has received 3,583 reviews of which 3,070 were positive and 513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 284 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among side scroller games based on player count.
8.3
3,070
513
284
players
3. ASTLIBRA Revision
Confront time and fate in the 2D action RPG, Astlibra Revision. Explore meticulously crafted worlds, fight brutal boss battles, and upgrade your skills to take down enemies lurking around every corner. ASTLIBRA Revision is a action rpg, 2d and side scroller game developed by KEIZO and published by WhisperGames. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 26,403 reviews of which 25,267 were positive and 1,136 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 179 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among side scroller games based on player count.
9.4
25,267
1,136
179
players
4. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,101 reviews of which 6,310 were positive and 1,791 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 140 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.6
6,310
1,791
140
players
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a beat 'em up, multiplayer and pixel graphics game developed by Tribute Games Inc. and published by DotEmu and Gamirror Games. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 13,656 reviews of which 12,886 were positive and 770 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,886
770
91
players
6. Kingdom Eighties
Kingdom Eighties is a short story-based standalone expansion set in the Kingdom universe. A rad adventure of micro-strategy and base building in vivid ‘80s neon. Defend your town against the mysterious Greed and discover the secrets of your family lineage! Kingdom Eighties is a exploration, side scroller and action rts game developed by Fury Studios and published by Raw Fury. Released on June 26th 2023 has received 2,869 reviews of which 2,113 were positive and 756 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.2
2,113
756
58
players
7. Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Play more of your favorite arcade hits from yesteryear. Includes SONSON for free! Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a action, arcade and 2d platformer game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 21st 2022 has received 952 reviews of which 648 were positive and 304 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
648
304
43
players
8. 30XX
Jump, shoot, and slash your way through 30XX, the roguelike action platformer you can play with a friend! Explore lush, ever-changing worlds that mix precise platforming with fevered combat. Destroy fearsome Guardians. Master unique Powers. Rediscover the thousand years we've lost. 30XX is a action roguelike, side scroller and 2d platformer game developed and published by Batterystaple Games. Released on August 09th 2023 has received 2,515 reviews of which 2,292 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
2,292
223
41
players
9. Super Mining Mechs
Build your own Super Mining Mech and explore the underground in search of new natural resources. Customize your mech with unlockable parts to dig deeper than ever - by yourself or with up to 7 friends in online co-op multiplayer! So, what are you waiting for? There’s mining to be done! Super Mining Mechs is a online co-op, side scroller and collectathon game developed and published by Delayed Victory. Released on October 25th 2024 has received 570 reviews of which 518 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.5
518
52
34
players
10. Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy
Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy is an indie game developed by GAMEPULSE.Step into the shoes of Cirno, the Hero of Ice, as she embarks on a journey against evil, liberating Gensokyo and saving her dear princess. Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy is a bullet hell, anime and female protagonist game developed and published by GAMEPULSE 游戏脉冲. Released on April 03rd 2024 has received 6,774 reviews of which 6,598 were positive and 176 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.4
6,598
176
33
players
Best deals on side scroller games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of side scroller games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted side scroller games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for side scroller category.
6.6
676
308
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,101 reviews of which 6,310 were positive and 1,791 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in side scroller games.
7.6
6,310
1,791
-93%
25.29€
1.77€
3. Trek to Yomi
As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward. Trek to Yomi is a action, adventure and side scroller game developed by Leonard Menchiari and Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 2,663 reviews of which 1,887 were positive and 776 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in side scroller games.
6.9
1,887
776
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
4. Blazing Chrome
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,753 reviews of which 1,538 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.4
1,538
215
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
5. The Pedestrian
I can see the signs in my sleep now, always guiding me closer. Will this really work? Have we almost achieved the impossible? The Pedestrian is a puzzle, puzzle-platformer and logic game developed and published by Skookum Arts. Released on January 29th 2020 has received 5,081 reviews of which 4,917 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
4,917
164
-89%
18.64€
2.05€
6. Lost Words: Beyond the Page
An atmospheric narrative adventure written by Rhianna Pratchett. Set between the pages of a diary and a fantasy story where you run on words and use them to interact with the world around you. Lost Words: Beyond the Page is a side scroller, puzzle-platformer and 2d platformer game developed by Sketchbook Games and Fourth State and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 06th 2021 has received 741 reviews of which 705 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.9
705
36
-88%
14.58€
1.75€
7. Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers. Contra Anniversary Collection is a action, side scroller and retro game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on June 11th 2019 has received 1,290 reviews of which 981 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
981
309
-87%
20.08€
2.61€
8. Sine Mora EX
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode. Sine Mora EX is a side scroller, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed by Digital Reality, Grasshopper Manufacture and Gyroscope Games and published by HandyGames. Released on August 08th 2017 has received 628 reviews of which 413 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.4
413
215
-84%
18.63€
2.98€
9. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a side scroller, difficult and platformer game developed by Black Forest Games and published by Black Forest Games and HandyGames. Released on October 22nd 2012 has received 1,889 reviews of which 1,467 were positive and 422 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.5
1,467
422
-83%
15.29€
2.60€
10. My Memory of Us
My Memory of Us is a moving fairy tale about friendship and hope in the darkest moments of our times. Enter a hand-crafted, gorgeously animated 2D world full of adventure, exploration, stealth and puzzles. Meet the kids brought up in different worlds and help them survive during times of occupation. My Memory of Us is a relaxing, action and world war ii game developed by Juggler Games and published by IMGN.PRO. Released on October 09th 2018 has received 868 reviews of which 802 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 82% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.7
802
66
-82%
15.33€
2.76€
Free side scroller games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play side scroller games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play side scroller games.
1. MapleStory
Join over 260 million players worldwide in MapleStory, the world’s biggest 2D MMORPG adventure! Play now for free. MapleStory is a mmorpg, 2d platformer and character customization game developed by Nexon Korea Corporation and published by Nexon America Inc.. Released on August 09th 2012 has received 13,963 reviews of which 8,720 were positive and 5,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 7,310 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free side scroller games on Steam.
6.2
8,720
5,243
7,310
players
2. Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Play more of your favorite arcade hits from yesteryear. Includes SONSON for free! Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a action, arcade and 2d platformer game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 21st 2022 has received 952 reviews of which 648 were positive and 304 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.6
648
304
43
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
15
players
4. Deepest Sword
Venture deep into the Cavern of Longing in this short-yet-challenging physics platformer. Plunge your sword deep into the dragon's heart! How deep is your resolve? Deepest Sword is a pixel graphics, 2d platformer and side scroller game developed and published by Cosmic Adventure Squad. Released on June 09th 2021 has received 10,325 reviews of which 8,972 were positive and 1,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
8,972
1,353
10
players
5. Soul Guardians
Soul Guardians is a 2D cross-scroll action RPG game. Hired as a mercenary of the Empire, the protagonist goes on a journey to stop the conspiracy of the Dark Forces Undertaker. Raising unique characters, collecting and combining chain arts to enjoy your own hot action! Soul Guardians is a rpg, action rpg and 2d platformer game developed and published by PICTOLOGI. Released on February 21st 2023 has received 327 reviews of which 221 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.5
221
106
9
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 side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
7
players
7. Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat
Battle other 2D stickfigures online while jumping around like a lunatic and getting blown up into smithereens. With over 70 weapons, Boring Man is the most chaotic and hilarious 2D online shooter on the internet. Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat is a side scroller, pixel graphics and shooter game developed and published by Spasman Games. Released on February 20th 2015 has received 5,449 reviews of which 4,800 were positive and 649 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
4,800
649
5
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 side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
1,410
52
3
players
9. Breadsticks
A speed-based platformer with throwable platforms! Travel through the dangers in the woods as a fox boy to join afternoon tea with Mr. Bear. Breadsticks is a side scroller, 2d platformer and action game developed by Cosmic Dad and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 478 reviews of which 454 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
454
24
1
players
10. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami — Dojo
Dive into a world that mixes Sci-Fi and ancient tradition. Slash through robots with a trusty katana, use hi-tech implants to navigate the surroundings, dodge enemy attacks, and land devastating finishers. Reclaim the past following the way of the Japanese samurai in the fantastic period of New Edo. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami — Dojo is a post-apocalyptic, side scroller and sci-fi game developed by Troglobytes Games and published by 101XP. Released on December 16th 2021 has received 512 reviews of which 446 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.1
446
66
1
players