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
Drill Core
Corporate greed meets strategic planet-mining in Drill Core! Drill to the heart of planets while managing workers, researching cutting-edge tech, and fortifying against alien attacks. Will you prioritize efficiency and risk your workers' safety, or focus on defense for survival?
Towerborne
The Belfry stands as a beacon of hope and safety amongst the ruins of humanity and the City of Numbers, with monsters lurking right outside the tower’s walls. You are an Ace, born anew from the spirit realm with the skills, the grit, and the determination to protect the people of the Belfry.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Party Dash
A colorful cast of pixel-art Umamusume are all in line and ready to compete in the Slapdash Grand Prix, a school festival featuring four zany events! Which team will run, shoot, and eat their way to gold and glory?
Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn
After 34 years in the shadows, prepare to see this legendary action adventure in a new light! Looking and playing better than ever before, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is Tengo Project’s remake of a cult classic, that the fans have been waiting for.
Snezhinka:Sentinel Girls2
A fast-paced shooter with simple controls. Enhance your character by purchasing cards and hold the line against waves of hostile mechs as an employee of a private military company.
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.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit
Survive five nights of terror in this chilling adventure game. Travel between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threat relentlessly pursuing you. Move swiftly and stay hidden, and you may just survive. But be careful—it's not just your own life that’s on the line this time.
Kitsune Tails
Run, jump, and dash across a land inspired by Japanese mythology and untangle the love triangle between three young women on a journey of self discovery. Explore the complicated relationships between kitsune and humans through classic platforming action.
Thank Goodness You're Here!
Thank Goodness You're Here! is an absurd comedy slapformer set in the bizarre Northern English town of Barnsworth. As a traveling salesman, take the time to see the sights and meet the locals, who are very eager to give you a series of increasingly odd jobs…
DEVIATOR
Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.
Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune
This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Flow gracefully through a colorful, hand-drawn 2.5D action platformer inspired by Japanese folklore. Engage in acrobatic aerial combat, unlock powerful mystical abilities, and explore an interconnected world of myth as you seek to unravel the mysteries of your origin.
Until Then
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
TRADESMAN: Deal to Dealer
Travel. Buy. Sell. Protect. Fight. Do Quests.
Creepy Tale: Some Other Place
Creepy Tale is a mysterious adventure rich in riddles and eerie atmosphere. An autumn morning promised a quiet fishing trip, but events took Martin to "some other place." Find the way home, uncover loads of secrets, and save everyone that you can.
The Rogue Prince of Persia
Sprint on the walls with a unique 2D movement, flowing seamlessly into fast-paced acrobatic combat as you tear through an army invading your capital city, in this action-platformer roguelite installment in the Prince of Persia series.
With My Past
"How should I face my past in my ever-changing life? "Collaborating with the shadow of the past to unravel allegorical puzzles, confront inner struggles, and explore the path of self-growth.
Virtua Unlimited Project
Virtua Unlimited Project is a 2D pixel-art style ACT game featuring VTuber characters. With classical platformer gameplay, challenging combat, and retro game feelings, VUP presents you a surreal, virtual world in which you will play as Aizawa Kana to venture and seek the truth beneath.
Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU
Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.
Akatori: Сhapter One
Join young Mako as she ventures into a wild world of exploration and finds a mysterious bird companion. Navigate through two distinct realms with your staff and face off against an ancient sentinel in this prologue to the action-packed metroidvania Akatori.
Withering Rooms
Withering Rooms is a challenging 2.5D horror RPG set in a procedurally generated Victorian mansion that changes each night. Explore Mostyn House to collect the perfect items for your build and face a huge cast of overgrown undead, invisible ghosts, devious witches, and more.
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.
Holo X Break
Fight your way through endless waves of holoX's minions! Gear up with all sorts of equipment and items in this action packed beat-em-up to reach the 5 bosses of hololive's "holoX", and put a stop to their plans!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 15th 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 7,941 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.2
8,720
5,243
7,941
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 26,344 reviews of which 25,210 were positive and 1,134 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 598 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
25,210
1,134
598
players
3. 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. While seeing 420 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
6,450
171
420
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 8,024 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 1,771 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 361 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.6
6,253
1,771
361
players
5. 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. With 323 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.5
20,414
3,066
323
players
6. 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. With 257 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.3
3,014
511
257
players
7. 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. With 155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,886
770
155
players
8. 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 4,824 reviews of which 4,552 were positive and 272 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 101 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.1
4,552
272
101
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.2
2,113
756
68
players
10. Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune
This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes. Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune is a metroidvania, female protagonist and side scroller game developed and published by IceSitruuna. Released on July 26th 2024 has received 1,656 reviews of which 1,403 were positive and 253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.1
1,403
253
54
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 15th 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 8,024 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 1,771 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
6,253
1,771
-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 726 reviews of which 692 were positive and 34 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
692
34
-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 1,290 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 #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
981
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 84% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.1
897
154
-84%
25.31€
4.05€
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 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 #10 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.3
411
216
-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 15th 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 7,941 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
7,941
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. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,789
623
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 5,449 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
7
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
8,972
1,353
7
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
1,407
52
3
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
2
players
8. 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 349 reviews of which 331 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.7
331
18
2
players
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
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