Best Top-Down 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 top-down games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free top-down games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Death Rally
Load your guns, start your engines...THE CLASSIC IS BACK! Brought to you from Remedy, renowned developers of Max Payne and Alan Wake, Remedy's Death Rally classic top down racer is back, stronger and more vicious than ever.
Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3
The Startling Developments Detective Agency springs into action as On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 begins, set in motion by a call from a mysterious source. The ever escalating perils on the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will season our tender heroes to their very core!
Bang Bang Racing
Be one step ahead of your competitors, finding shortcuts, repairing your car in the pit lane, and dominating your opponents from the top-down view.
Dynamite Jack
A brave space marine, armed with only bombs and a flashlight, must escape the Anathema Mines!
Warp
Warp™ is a strategic stealth-action puzzler where gamers play as Zero, a loveable yet lethal, little orange alien with a big score to settle. Abducted by a villainous General from his home world and taken to an underwater research facility, Zero must plan his ultimate escape by relying on his arsenal of special abilities.
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
An Action RPG driven by fast-paced combat and paired with an intricate puzzle-filled world.
iBomber Defense Pacific
iBomber moves to the Pacific as you fight a whole new enemy across the Pacific rim to regain freedom.
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!
Renegade Ops
Blast your way through enemy lines to defeat Inferno, a madman intent on global domination. Destruction just got awesome.
The Binding of Isaac
Now 20% More Evil with the Free Halloween update!
Nuclear Dawn
Explore war-torn post-apocalyptic landscapes and take fight against enemies using various weapons in this FPS/RTS hybrid.
Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries
Space Pirates and Zombies
Explore a randomly generated Galaxy populated with factions, enemies, missions, and items providing you with a unique experience each time you play.
Dungeons of Dredmor
Test your luck and cunning in this exciting RPG as you craft, cast, and pillage your way through Lord Dredmor's Dungeons.
Breath of Death VII
Resurrect the classic era of RPGs with the retro parody RPG, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning. Join Dem the Skeleton Knight, Sara the ghost historian, Lita the vampire techie, and Erik the zombie prince as they explore an undead world in search of the secrets of the past. Laugh! Cry! Laugh some more!
Frozen Synapse
Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!
HOARD
YOU ARE THE DRAGON in this award-winning arcade strategy game. Burn villages, collect gold, and level up your dragon while playing 10 minute matches in single player or up to 4 player co-op and competitive modes. Over 30 levels and multiple game modes ensure you'll be burning for a long time!
Revenge of the Titans
The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!
Atom Zombie Smasher
The zombie apocalypse is upon us and it's up to you to evacuate everyone before they fall prey to the undead. Conduct massive rescue operations with a helping hand from snipers, artillery crews, orbital bombardments, and more.
Alien Breed 3: Descent
Experience the final explosive chapter in the Alien Breed series and uncover the horrifying truth surrounding the existence of the Breed. Launch discount good thru Nov. 24 10am PST.Most played top-down games on Steam
Take a look at the top top-down games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Nordhold
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla? Nordhold is a rogue-lite, tower defense and city builder game developed by StunForge and published by StunForge and HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 1,566 reviews of which 1,422 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played top-down game, thanks to its 1,671 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
1,422
144
1,671
players
2. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014". Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical, top-down and real-time with pause game developed and published by KillHouse Games. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 10,488 reviews of which 10,037 were positive and 451 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 957 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among top-down games based on player count.
9.3
10,037
451
957
players
3. Dark Deity 2
Verroa is a peaceful continent on the brink of war as the Asverellian Empire seeks to expand - at your homeland’s expense. Command unlikely heroes, fight challenging turn-based battles, and watch hardship forge iron into steel. Dark Deity is back, bigger and better than before! Dark Deity 2 is a turn-based strategy, strategy rpg and anime game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io and Smilegate. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 851 reviews of which 813 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 399 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among top-down games based on player count.
9.0
813
38
399
players
4. ZERO Sievert
ZERO Sievert is a tense top-down extraction shooter that challenges you to scavenge a procedurally-generated wasteland, loot gear, and explore what’s left of a devastated world. When the odds are stacked against you, you’ll need to do more than just survive... ZERO Sievert is a extraction shooter, survival and post-apocalyptic game developed by CABO Studio and published by Modern Wolf. Released on October 23rd 2024 has received 12,991 reviews of which 11,133 were positive and 1,858 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 282 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.4
11,133
1,858
282
players
5. The Last Plague: Blight
The Last Plague: Blight is an authentic survival experience rooted in realism and immersion. Endure the hazards of a brutal open world and uncover the origins of a mysterious disease. You are humanity’s final hope in ending the Blight The Last Plague: Blight is a early access, open world survival craft and top-down game developed and published by Original Studios. Released on October 03rd 2024 has received 820 reviews of which 744 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 185 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.5
744
76
185
players
6. Ostranauts
Ostranauts is a hardcore noir space-sim. Manage life aboard your ship, and beware the cost of every decision you make. Scavenge and explore the boneyard. Create, build, and customise your ship. Hire a crew to help but remember, nothing is more certain than death and taxes. Ostranauts is a early access, top-down and cyberpunk game developed by Blue Bottle Games and published by Kitfox Games. Released on September 10th 2020 has received 1,792 reviews of which 1,418 were positive and 374 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.6
1,418
374
155
players
7. Darkwood
Darkwood - a new perspective on survival horror. Scavenge and explore a rich, ever-changing free-roam world by day, then hunker down in your hideout and pray for the morning light. Darkwood is a horror, survival horror and top-down game developed and published by Acid Wizard Studio. Released on August 17th 2017 has received 21,300 reviews of which 20,221 were positive and 1,079 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 118 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.3
20,221
1,079
118
players
8. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,514 reviews of which 2,684 were positive and 830 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.4
2,684
830
99
players
9. Unrailed 2: Back on Track
The chaotic co-op railroad construction game is back! Team up with your friends to build a railroad through procedurally generated worlds with new biomes and bosses. Permanently upgrade your character and engine, even create your own levels - just don‘t let your train derail! Unrailed 2: Back on Track is a early access, trains and online co-op game developed by Indoor Astronaut and published by Indoor Astronaut and Kepler Ghost. Released on November 07th 2024 has received 1,214 reviews of which 1,100 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.6
1,100
114
95
players
10. Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game
Vacuum Warrior is a Free to Play incremental idle game. Listen to the crisp crackle of dust and debris entering your vacuum as you vacuum ridiculous amounts of dust. Upgrade your vacuums, idle gains, and robot vacuums, earn achievements, and explore numerous locations in the Vacuum Warrior universe! Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game is a casual, idler and clicker game developed by Benjamin Staugaard and published by Benzoft. Released on June 29th 2023 has received 745 reviews of which 609 were positive and 136 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.7
609
136
80
players
Best deals on top-down games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of top-down games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted top-down games.
1. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,514 reviews of which 2,684 were positive and 830 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 91% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for top-down category.
7.4
2,684
830
-91%
27.78€
2.50€
2. Bang Bang Racing
Be one step ahead of your competitors, finding shortcuts, repairing your car in the pit lane, and dominating your opponents from the top-down view. Bang Bang Racing is a racing, arcade and local multiplayer game developed by Digital Reality Software & Playbox and published by HandyGames. Released on June 08th 2012 has received 629 reviews of which 517 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in top-down games.
7.8
517
112
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
3. Mr. Shifty
Teleport, shift through bullets, and master lightning-fast takedowns in an all new kind of action game from tinyBuild and Team Shifty! Mr. Shifty is a action, indie and adventure game developed by Team Shifty and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 13th 2017 has received 1,678 reviews of which 1,479 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in top-down games.
8.4
1,479
199
-84%
14.88€
2.38€
4. Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
Ikonei Island is yours to discover! Explore and gather resources. Farm the land, craft tools and gear, and build your base or a cozy home. Befriend magical creatures and fight monsters with your friends or solo! Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is a exploration, relaxing and simulation game developed by Snowcastle Games and published by Jetpack Collective and The Iterative Collective. Released on November 09th 2023 has received 421 reviews of which 327 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.3
327
94
-83%
24.00€
4.08€
5. Redeemer: Enhanced Edition
REDEEMER is a intense Brawler where you will punch, hack and blast your way through enemies using fists, hammers, fire arms and even the environment. Redeemer: Enhanced Edition is a action, top-down and beat 'em up game developed by Sobaka Studio and published by ESDigital Games. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 2,996 reviews of which 2,619 were positive and 377 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.4
2,619
377
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
6. I, Zombie
Quite a different zombie game - this time YOU are the zombie! Command your infested comrades, fight your way to freedom and let the zombie kind dominate the world! Oh, and you're able to create your own scenarios! I, Zombie is a stealth, top-down and puzzle game developed and published by Awesome Games Studio. Released on December 08th 2014 has received 2,540 reviews of which 2,133 were positive and 407 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 71% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.1
2,133
407
-71%
1.99€
0.57€
7. Anodyne
In this unique Zelda-lite game, explore and fight your way through surreal and creepy, nature, urban and abstract themed areas in the human Young's subconscious, evoked by a 16-bit-era visual style and a moody, dream-like soundtrack. Anodyne is a atmospheric, surreal and action-adventure game developed by Melos Han-Tani and Marina Kittaka and published by Analgesic Productions. Released on March 22nd 2013 has received 1,525 reviews of which 1,289 were positive and 236 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.1
1,289
236
-60%
9.75€
3.90€
8. Weable
Weable is a neon world where you have to undergo complex and dynamic levels.Weable - in the game you have to reach the goal - the end of the level.Passing the levels, the difficulty will increase, creating a variety of interesting challenges Weable is a action, indie and casual game developed by SPECTRUM GAMES and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on August 22nd 2017 has received 421 reviews of which 320 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 51% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.2
320
101
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
9. Space Pirates and Zombies
Explore a randomly generated Galaxy populated with factions, enemies, missions, and items providing you with a unique experience each time you play. Space Pirates and Zombies is a space, action and indie game developed and published by MinMax Games Ltd.. Released on August 15th 2011 has received 3,097 reviews of which 2,815 were positive and 282 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.7
2,815
282
-50%
9.99€
4.99€
10. Dark Deity 2
Verroa is a peaceful continent on the brink of war as the Asverellian Empire seeks to expand - at your homeland’s expense. Command unlikely heroes, fight challenging turn-based battles, and watch hardship forge iron into steel. Dark Deity is back, bigger and better than before! Dark Deity 2 is a turn-based strategy, strategy rpg and anime game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io and Smilegate. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 851 reviews of which 813 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a 46% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for top-down games.
9.0
813
38
-46%
23.13€
12.49€
Free top-down games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play top-down games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play top-down games.
1. Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game
Vacuum Warrior is a Free to Play incremental idle game. Listen to the crisp crackle of dust and debris entering your vacuum as you vacuum ridiculous amounts of dust. Upgrade your vacuums, idle gains, and robot vacuums, earn achievements, and explore numerous locations in the Vacuum Warrior universe! Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game is a casual, idler and clicker game developed by Benjamin Staugaard and published by Benzoft. Released on June 29th 2023 has received 745 reviews of which 609 were positive and 136 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
7.7
609
136
80
players
2. Death Rally (Classic)
You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death. Death Rally (Classic) is a racing, retro and top-down game developed by Remedy and published by 3D Realms (Apogee Software). Released on May 05th 2014 has received 746 reviews of which 679 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.5
679
67
11
players
3. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1
A top down twin stick zombie slaying shooter that you are sure to play again and again! I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 is a zombies, twin stick shooter and top-down shooter game developed by Ska Studios and OMNIViOLET and published by Ska Studios. Released on November 11th 2021 has received 1,645 reviews of which 1,610 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
9.3
1,610
35
2
players
4. THE NORMAL THING
THE NORMAL THING is a story about a dog who lost his memory. Sunless forests, strange gardens, weird inhabitants... Start a little journey to retrieve your memory. THE NORMAL THING is a 2d, adventure and puzzle game developed and published by Orata Studio. Released on December 10th 2020 has received 480 reviews of which 457 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.8
457
23
5. TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements. TEST TEST TEST is a puzzle, 2d and cute game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 854 reviews of which 785 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
785
69
6. Prologue: Fish idle 2
Dive into the most fun idle fishing arcade game! Manage your Fish Kingdoms with automated fishing, upgrade your boat and gear, invest in passive income, and outsmart the market. Become the ultimate fish tycoon! Prologue: Fish idle 2 is a casual, adventure and point & click game developed and published by MulticastGames. Released on August 02nd 2024 has received 377 reviews of which 255 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
6.5
255
122