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
TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements.
Angel at Dusk
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Ballance
In this 2004 classic originally released by Atari games, you will navigate 12 sky-high courses. Each course is fraught with different obstacles that will block your path, slide your marble off course, or blow them right into the bottomless void below.
Merry XMerge
Merry XMerge is a good board game for all ages this Christmas. Put together Christmas cakes and candies to make them more attractive. Merry Christmas.
Fairytale Fables
Dive into a fantastical autobattler where fairytales and legends collide! Choose your hero and assemble your team of characters, items and treasures to outwit opponents in strategic battles where positioning matters. Will you be the last one standing in this enchanted PvP arena?
Railroader
You and your fellow railroaders are the lifeblood of your railroad, just like it is the lifeblood of the communities it serves. Switch cars at industries. Keep people moving while running local passenger trains. Run trains with a purpose in transition era Appalachia – in Railroader!
UNDYING - "KINGDOM"
As Anling’s zombie infection sets in, her days are numbered. The struggle to survive is made ever more paramount as she must ensure her son Cody stays alive. She must teach him how to survive in this new world at any cost…
Age of Advent
Welcome to the Age of Advent! Play four minigames based on the members of hololive -Advent-! Save the Moai with Bijou, make a soup with Nerissa, try not to crash with FUWAMOCO, and avoid the gaze of Shiori!
Apocalypse Party
Apocalypse Party is a 3D top-down action Roguelike game. In this game, you will embark on a new mission to traverse through the Middle Ages and gradually master abilities, and arm yourself to become the strongest survivor through numerous choices.
Time Walker: Dark World
Time Walker Dark World is a roguelike auto-battler with strategic combat. Players will need to adjust their formations, plan their resources, acquire loot, and upgrade skills to defeat formidable enemies and vicious bosses.
Retro Commander
Retro Commander is a post-apocalyptic real-time strategy wargame (RTS).
Anode Heart
A semi-open world, monster tamer RPG, set in a digital, futuristic environment, with fast-paced combat, a card minigame and focus on exploration.
Below the Stone
Below the Stone is an extraction roguelike about dwarves on the quest for the deepest depths. A place where each and every descent will lead to new adventures -- and where only the most determined dwarves with many lost lives will be rewarded by the hidden world lying below the stone.
Lizard Survivors: Battle for Hyperborea
They have launched an active invasion on our lands in late September this year, so let us break free of the slavic hand that held us by our balls for many ages! Rally all of our reptile militia, we will end this all together! LIZARDS, WE WILL NEVER BE SLAVES BUT WE WILL BE CONQUERORS!
Skybreakers
Skybreakers is an action roguelike thriller. Choose from various characters, arm yourself with a vast array of weapons, and create your own unique build by combining artifacts, random talents, abilities, and bonds. Plunge into exhilarating combat and use unique abilities to defeat the evil.
Samawa Idle
Unleash the power of specialized towers to annihilate hordes of monsters in this idle game with roguelike elements. Collect gold, level up your towers, face powerful bosses, and refine your strategy with an evolving skill tree.
Dream Town Island
A town sim where you raise generations of residents. Unlock new stores and facilities, help your residents find love, or cash in on the stock market!
Super Woden GP 2
Super Woden GP 2 is a love letter to the world of motor sports, offering a unique experience. Arcade-style isometric racing meets unrivaled campaign depth and a huge variety of vehicles to buy, sell and unlock.
Gatekeeper: Infinity
Prologue version of the game Gatekeeper. Gatekeeper: Infinity is a fast-paced rogue-lite shooter where you'll search for the stolen Heart of the Universe and battle machine enemies! Play solo or join forces with friends in co-op mode.
Of Blades & Tails
A turn-based RPG that is action-oriented but rewards a thoughtful approach. Explore a fantastic land populated by different animal tribes. Follow the main story or hunt for treasures in ancient ruins and mysterious dungeons. Develop your character and gain powerful equipment.
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!
Mob Factory
Mob factory is an tower defense and automation game for the lazy adventurer. Smelt down enemy loot into turrets & factories to automate an ever expanding dungeon from the comfort of your tower.
Survivors of the Dawn
A roguelite horde-survival bullet heaven with QUINTILLIONS of bullets over QUINTILLIONS of hordes. Mix weapons with items, modify, control chaos at terminals and break through tightening waves.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 1,801 reviews of which 1,425 were positive and 376 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
1,425
376
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 630 reviews of which 518 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
518
112
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
3. APE OUT
APE OUT is a wildly intense and colorfully stylized smash ‘em up about primal escape, rhythmic violence, and frenetic jazz. APE OUT is a violent, indie and top-down game developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 3,472 reviews of which 3,292 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in top-down games.
9.1
3,292
180
-86%
14.86€
2.08€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.4
1,479
199
-84%
14.88€
2.38€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.3
327
94
-83%
24.00€
4.08€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.4
2,619
377
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.1
2,133
407
-71%
1.99€
0.57€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.1
1,289
236
-60%
9.75€
3.90€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.2
320
101
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
10. 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 2,814 were positive and 283 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.7
2,814
283
-50%
9.99€
4.99€
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 379 reviews of which 256 were positive and 123 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
256
123