Best 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
Within the blade
Bloody stealth platformer, about the ninja in which you cut the enemies into pieces.
DARQ: Complete Edition
DARQ tells the story of Lloyd, a boy who finds himself in the middle of a lucid nightmare. Unable to wake up, Lloyd has to face his fears and decipher the meaning of the dream.
Electronic Super Joy 2
Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.
Nice Jumper
Ready to test your reaction?
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.
Songbird Symphony
Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.
Horace
"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!
Summer Catchers
Summer Catchers is an epic story that combines an endless runner with inventory management. Set your goals, complete tasks and stock up on gear to get as far as you can and advance this charming story full of strange and wonderful characters.
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!
My Friend Pedro
My Friend Pedro is a violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana.
Super Neptunia RPG
Neptune, stricken with amnesia, awakes in a mysterious world where 2D reigns supreme. With a little help from her friends, Neptune embark on a journey to regain her memory, save the world, and 3D games as we know it.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!
Blaster Master Zero
Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
Devolver Bootleg
Devolver Bootleg contains eight original rip-offs of Devolver Digital games. Pay money for it now.
Toki
The return of the wacky monkey!Toki sets off on a new adventure! The cult action/platform game originally released on arcade machines in 1989 is back with a super-simian new version, featuring all-new hand-drawn graphics and re-orchestrated music!
DEAD OR SCHOOL
Underground dwelling girl Hisako is aiming for the surface in a zombie infested Tokyo. Hack and slash RPG! Obtain weapons and gear from enemies, and customize your skill tree to create your own unique and powerful a character!
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Neptunia Shooter
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Hell is Other Demons
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Konami's Castlevania Anniversary Collection traces the origins of the historic vampire franchise. Included is a unique eBook with details provided by developers, artists and others inspired by the Castlevania legacy which sheds a fresh light into the world of Castlevania.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 16th 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 6,423 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.2
8,720
5,243
6,423
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 3,525 reviews of which 3,014 were positive and 511 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 188 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
3,014
511
188
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 146 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
146
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 112 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
112
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 Gamera 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
69
players
6. 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 6,621 reviews of which 6,450 were positive and 171 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.4
6,450
171
36
players
7. MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline
Mega Man X DiVE reimagined the world of the Mega Man X series, and now it's getting an offline version! Strengthen your characters and weapons with a variety of powerups to make them all your own. Then test them out in the side-scrolling action of "what-if" worlds in Mega Man X! MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline is a action, 2d and side scroller game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 1,535 reviews of which 1,251 were positive and 284 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,251
284
34
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 2,510 reviews of which 2,288 were positive and 222 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
2,288
222
32
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
648
304
32
players
10. Lost Castle / 失落城堡
Lost Castle is an action RPG beat'em up with roguelike elements and randomized dungeons for up to four players online and local! Lost Castle / 失落城堡 is a 4 player local, action roguelike and beat 'em up game developed by Hunter Studio and published by Neon Doctrine. Released on August 31st 2016 has received 23,480 reviews of which 20,414 were positive and 3,066 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.5
20,414
3,066
31
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 16th 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. Super Time Force Ultra
Super Time Force Ultra is an insane platformer filled with robots and dinosaurs and fun and time travel... sometimes all at the same time! Super Time Force Ultra is a side scroller, time manipulation and bullet hell game developed and published by Capybara Games. Released on August 25th 2014 has received 950 reviews of which 849 were positive and 101 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
849
101
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. 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 1,752 reviews of which 1,537 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 #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.4
1,537
215
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
6. 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 5,073 reviews of which 4,909 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 #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
4,909
164
-89%
18.64€
2.05€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.9
705
36
-88%
14.58€
1.75€
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 627 reviews of which 411 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 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.
6.3
411
216
-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. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
KLONOA is a 3D side-scrolling action game series whose first title was released by Namco in 1997. Set in a unique universe populated by a range of original characters, the game follows the hero, Klonoa, as he sets off on a journey to save the world. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a adventure, side scroller and 2.5d game developed by MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on July 07th 2022 has received 1,921 reviews of which 1,815 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 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.
9.0
1,815
106
-82%
49.28€
8.87€
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 16th 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 6,423 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
6,423
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
8,972
1,353
18
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.5
221
106
12
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
4,800
649
6
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
4
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
4
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 side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
1,407
52
1
players
8. Cave Crawler
Cave Crawler is a short, 2D side-scrolling action platformer. Explore caves filled with interesting enemies and fun platforming challenges. Cave Crawler is a side scroller, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed and published by Evan Youssef. Released on January 23rd 2022 has received 3,054 reviews of which 2,903 were positive and 151 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
2,903
151
1
players
9. Han'yo
After witnessing her village being destroyed and slaughtered by the Oni demon, Hiroko has only one goal: revenge. Join this young samurai in this 2D side-scrolling platformer. Han'yo is a action, side scroller and action-adventure game developed by DigiPen Europe-Bilbao and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on September 24th 2022 has received 334 reviews of which 281 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.8
281
53
1
players
10. Skelethrone: The Prey
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign. Skelethrone: The Prey is a metroidvania, souls-like and dark fantasy game developed by 70`Strike and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 14th 2024 has received 411 reviews of which 316 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.3
316
95
1
players