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
Catmaze
Catmaze is a fairy metroidvania inspired by Slavic myths. Age-old tales will come to life in the unforgettable adventure of Alesta, a sorceress whose courage guides her through mysterious paths and dark forests in search of the lost road to Nav, the world of the dead.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
The friends of Ringo Ishikawa
A highschool gang leader Ringo Ishikawa trying to live through his last autumn before graduation. With his best friends.
Son of a Witch
Action roguelike for 1-4 players with cute graphics and deep game mechanics. Combine dozens of different weapons, magic items, potions and spells with unique effects to beat 8 enemy factions and 28 bosses. Can you find the ancient goblin artifact at the end of the dungeon?
STAY
Award-winning, innovative puzzle-adventure. By communicating through your PC, you must help a kidnapped man escape captivity - in real-time. While you sleep, he is alone. When you return to your PC he has hope. Your encouragement and advice will be the difference between his salvation or despair.
Animal Super Squad
Animal Super Squad is a physics-based adventure game that lets you play as your favorite animal. Speed through a world full of dangers and bananas. Create your own levels, share them with the community, or forget all that nonsense and just play other people’s stuff.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Ultimate Edition
The ultimate edition of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero comes with all of the previously released DLC, Modes, and Costumes in one epic collection! Includes an exclusive Blue Bathing Suit for use in Beach Mode!
Copy Kitty
Boki can copy the special abilities of any foe and then combine up to 3 of them into a unique super-weapon! Blast through hordes of evil robots in cyberspace, while training to become a superhero!
Steampunk Tower 2
Steampunk Tower 2 is an action-strategy game set in the alternative Steampunk universe. In Lord Bingham’s military service there is a new secret weapon under your command, the gigantic aircraft Carrier transporting the Battle Tower.
Super Daryl Deluxe
Shoot rubber ducky arrows, pound enemies with a rhino hammer, and help Beethoven get his groove back in the last totally normal high school themed RPGvania you’ll ever want.
Legend of Himari
Himari was ambushed! Help her hold out as long as possible, attack enemies, use magic to slay them, maintain Himari’s health level, so she could fight on, and also do not miss!
The Long Reach
At its heart The Long Reach is an adventure game. Closer inspection also reveals it’s a thrilling horror story, flavoured with sci-fi ideology, psychological context and a skeptical view on the human psyche.
Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal.
The Void Rains Upon Her Heart
Help her heart battle tough bosses in this Boss Rush, Bullet-hell with rogue-like elements. Fight through several randomly chosen boss battles leading up to a final battle. Each defeated monster will give her random gifts that power up her heart. Don't let her heart break!
Dungreed
Dungreed is a 2D side-scrolling action game with 2D Rogue-LITE elements. You become an adventurer exploring a continuously evolving dungeon to prevent the town from being destroyed. Eliminate enemies, use a variety of weapons and magic, eat food, and defeat evil in the dungeon!
The Fall Part 2: Unbound
You are an AI that has broken free of your shackles. Now, a human “User” from across the global network has attacked and infected you with an [ERROR: REDACTED]. Make a new rule: Save Yourself. Hunt them. End them. Do anything. Use anyone. Become Unbound. The Fall Part 2 will break your protocols.
Aegis Defenders
Take on wild beasts, ruthless soldiers, and ancient gods in this 2D Action-Platformer inspired by Tower-Defense combat.
Closers
Closers is an episodic anime action RPG bursting with spectacular battles and steeped in an epic storyline. Choose your Closer, gather your friends or dive in solo, and use your amazing powers to protect Earth, in mankind’s desperate battle against horrific monsters from another dimension!
Regions Of Ruin
Regions of Ruin is a 2D pixel side-scrolling RPG with town-building, where you explore, fight and build into an open world that progressively challenges you and your settlement, and threatens the extinction of the dwarven race.
Remnants of Naezith
With the powers granted to him by the dragon, Kayra will destroy the Remnants of Naezith, enchanted fragments of the dragon's body, to prevent anyone from exploiting their power for evil. Rush and swing through levels to top the leaderboards in this fast-paced, grappling hook precision platformer.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 21st 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played side scroller game, thanks to its 307 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
3,070
513
307
players
2. 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 190 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among side scroller games based on player count.
9.4
25,267
1,136
190
players
3. 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. While seeing 134 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among side scroller games based on player count.
7.6
6,310
1,791
134
players
4. 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 13,668 reviews of which 12,897 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,897
771
83
players
5. 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 2,884 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 759 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.2
2,125
759
49
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
2,292
223
39
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
38
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.5
518
52
37
players
9. Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal. Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2 is a action, side scroller and co-op game developed by Rogueside and Claeysbrothers and published by Rogueside. Released on March 02nd 2018 has received 4,852 reviews of which 4,579 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.1
4,579
273
35
players
10. 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 1,542 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 285 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,257
285
34
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 21st 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 949 reviews of which 849 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 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.
8.5
849
100
-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 1,753 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 #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.4
1,538
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 5,081 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 #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
4,917
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. 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 1,292 reviews of which 983 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 #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
983
309
-87%
20.08€
2.61€
9. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 12 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons is a beat 'em up, local co-op and side scroller game developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment and Joystick. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 1,051 reviews of which 897 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.1
897
154
-85%
24.87€
3.73€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.4
413
215
-84%
18.63€
2.98€
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 21st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play side scroller games.
1. 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 10,340 reviews of which 8,983 were positive and 1,357 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
8,983
1,357
15
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.5
221
106
14
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
10
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 5,447 reviews of which 4,799 were positive and 648 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
4,799
648
5
players
5. The Savior From Above
A sidescrolling 3D adventure shortgame that combines multiple genres and features various action and puzzle sequences. Its artistic approach is supported by powerful visuals, intense atmosphere and a unique game narrative on the boundaries of science-fiction and fantasy. The Savior From Above is a atmospheric, side scroller and post-apocalyptic game developed and published by kóborfotonok. Released on December 06th 2021 has received 353 reviews of which 335 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.7
335
18
1
players
6. 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 315 were positive and 96 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
315
96
1
players
7. Deadswitch 3
Deadswitch 3 is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons and multiple solo and team-based game modes. Deadswitch 3 is a side scroller, shooter and pvp game developed and published by Wilkin Games. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 2,412 reviews of which 1,789 were positive and 623 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
1
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
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
2,903
151
10. 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 477 reviews of which 453 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
453
24