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
Bread & Fred
Grab your best bud for help in this new co-op challenge to help two adorable penguins, Bread and Fred, reach the top of the snowy summit. Time your jumps, cling to walls and swing across gaps to see how far you can make it before you tumble all the way back down the mountain.
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.
Deepening Fire
Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle
Teslagrad 2
Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crash lands in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North. Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family.
Lone Fungus
A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!
Wall World
Explore the mysterious Wall World on your giant robospider: mine for valuable resources, upgrade your equipment to fight off hordes of monsters, and discover exotic biomes in-between attacks. Will you be able to survive and learn the secrets of the Wall World?
9 Years of Shadows
Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance
As punishment for her transgressions, Ingrid is sent to hell. As she struggles through the darkness that hungers to consume her heart, she makes her way toward redemption. Her fate is in your hands.
Stickman Trenches
Stickman Trenches is a Real Time Strategy game in which you need to manage your men and weapons and build up your defenses in the brutal trenches of Stick World War 1.
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge
In order to save their school after it turns into a massive demonic castle, two "Demon Hunter" sisters slash and shoot their way through this 2D action adventure. Players can swap between control of both characters on the fly, each with entirely different skillsets.
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!
Elderand
Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.
Your Only Move Is HUSTLE
Master your technique, execute flashy combos, and outsmart opponents across the world, frame-by-frame. Slow down the clock to fine-tune your fighting style in this innovative, turn-based combat simulator. Pulverize your friends and choreograph spectacular fight scenes. No training mode required.
The Multi-Medium
The Multi-Medium is a visually unique 2D puzzle platform adventure in which you play as an interdimensional explorer lost in the multiverse. Travel to diverse worlds, each drawn or painted by hand in a different medium and style, in search of your place in the cosmos.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.
Glimmer in Mirror
Glimmer in Mirror is a 2D story-rich action shooting game. Play as Shiro in a collapsed world, to meet various unique NPCs and monsters, and gradually uncover the truth of the world through a gripping story.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World™: The Game – Complete Edition
Rediscover the beloved 2D arcade-style beat 'em up inspired by the iconic comic and movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World!
Burnhouse Lane
Burnhouse Lane tells a story of Angie Weather, a one foot in the grave agency nurse attempting to complete five impossible tasks in order to win her life back. Solve puzzles, make friends and enemies, run, hide and fight in this dark adventure that'll take you on a trip to another world and back...
GOODBYE WORLD
"GOODBYE WORLD" is a narrative adventure game. Play through 12 stages of a puzzle platformer while following the two protagonists through 13 chapters of their story.
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.
HerrAnwalt: Lawyers Legacy
You’re a Lawyer who tries to save students from a crazy headmaster. You need to survive a variety of school lessons and fight the different teachers
Ghost Song
On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef
From the developers of the Guns, Gore and Cannoli franchise comes a new 2D run & gun platformer: Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & TEEF! Spearhead an Ork invasion, destroy the hive city and kill your warboss! ‘Ere we go!
Terror of Hemasaurus
A retro city smash 'em up with satisfying destruction physics. Play as a Giant Monster unleashing terror upon mankind in this modern arcade experience with the action turned up to eleven.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