Games like Waves on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Waves are available at the bottom of the page.
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Insect Swarm
The insect swarm is a swarm consists of millions of alien insects, and you, as the only survival on this barren planet, will have to fight against them dauntlessly. Good luck!
Cygnus Enterprises
Action RPG Shooter with Base Management elements, featuring AI NPCs. Take charge of an abandoned outpost, explore a lush alien planet, battle fierce creatures, gather resources, and upgrade your base as you develop your character and bring dozens of distinct weapons to bear.
SATAZIUS
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
QP Shooting - Dangerous!!
QP Shooting - Dangerous!! is a bullet hell type shoot’em’up starring the pudding-loving dog girl QP seen in 100% Orange Juice. Nothing can stand between QP and her pudding - not even difficulty options to reduce the experienced gamer to tears!
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Super Bit Blaster XL
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Heavy Weapon Deluxe
It's shoot-'em-up arcade action at its best! Use an incredible assortment of heavy artillery to blast away enemy tanks and planes, and fight your way to victory. What are you waiting for? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get into the action!
BLUE REVOLVER
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.
R-Type Final 2
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Whisker Squadron: Survivor
A smooth roguelite shooter from the creators of RACE THE SUN, featuring a voiced cast of feline pilots in a dramatic showdown against corporate-powered robots called The Swarm. Features a 3-act campaign with branching paths, epic bosses, and a wide arsenal of pilots, ships, and weapons.
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.
LUFTRAUSERS
The skies will be set aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Select from over 125 combinations of weapons, bodies, and propulsion systems and take to the skies to battle enemy fighter planes, battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Ex-Zodiac
A fast-paced low-poly 3D rail shooter heavily inspired by classics of the early 90's. Join protagonist Kyuu as she fights to free the worlds of the Sanzaru Star System, overrun by the intergalactic terrorist organization known as Zodiac.
#KILLALLZOMBIES
#KILLALLZOMBIES is an insane twin-stick zombie shooter with Twitch streaming interactions, where you survive hordes of zombies on a dynamically changing arena and spectators may affect gameplay via special Twitch chat commands.
Shotgun Witch
Only armed with a double barrel shotgun, go through waves of hell spawns to get your book back! A bullet hell arena shooter!
Super Killer Hornet: Resurrection
'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.
Phoenix Force
Phoenix Force is a shoot 'em up about a group of phoenixes that fight big and strong mythological creatures in over 100 levels. It takes the boss battle as the foundation for every level, creating engaging and challenging fast battles that will require your best strategies and reflexes.
DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
东方栖霞园 ~ Blue devil in the Belvedere.
Mysterious red eyes popped up in forest, the shrine was raided by unknown vermin, ominous black magic diffused everywhere, while the scarlet devil had been awaiting for opportunity... Is it an magic outbreak, or a conspiracy? Now, set out on a journey to the truth and unravel the enigmas!
SWARMRIDERS
SWARMRIDERS is a FREE "endless runner"+"twin stick shooter" ARCADE mashup. A "machine gun swarm surfing minigame" made as a bonus content for the UBERMOSH community.
Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Most played games like Waves on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Waves that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Similarity 57% Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,229 reviews of which 2,192 were positive and 1,037 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Waves, thanks to its 359 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,192
1,037
359
players
2. Rogue: Genesia
Similarity 44% Walk upon a new world and slay foes endangering it. Rogue : Genesia is an action rogue-lite game, where you fight relentless hordes consisting of hundreds and thousands of monsters, make your build, break the balance, defeat bosses and save one of the many worlds. Rogue: Genesia is a action roguelike, bullet hell and rogue-lite game developed by Ouadi Huard and published by Ouadi Huard and Gamersky Games. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 7,568 reviews of which 6,899 were positive and 669 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 329 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Waves based on player count.
8.8
6,899
669
329
players
3. Nova Drift
Similarity 47% Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void. Nova Drift is a action roguelike, arena shooter and bullet hell game developed by Chimeric and published by Pixeljam. Released on August 12th 2024 has received 13,985 reviews of which 13,393 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 175 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Waves based on player count.
9.3
13,393
592
175
players
4. Star of Providence
Similarity 42% Star of Providence is a top down action shooter with procedurally generated elements. Explore a large, abandoned facility in search of incredible power, fighting dangerous foes and gaining new weapons and upgrades as you progress. Star of Providence is a rogue-lite, bullet hell and action roguelike game developed by Team D-13 and published by Team D-13 and Bigmode. Released on June 07th 2017 has received 2,877 reviews of which 2,783 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Waves.
9.3
2,783
94
56
players
5. METAL SLUG
Similarity 40% “METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform! METAL SLUG is a action, arcade and 2d game developed by DotEmu and published by SNK CORPORATION. Released on June 25th 2015 has received 4,457 reviews of which 3,983 were positive and 474 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Waves.
8.6
3,983
474
52
players
6. Dead Estate
Similarity 41% Cornered with nowhere else to turn, can you escape the monster-filled mansion? Dead Estate is a gory, fast-paced, challenging roguelike shooter with a heavy emphasis on horror. Dead Estate is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and horror game developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 5,803 reviews of which 5,503 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Waves.
9.2
5,503
300
51
players
7. Chicken Invaders Universe
Similarity 45% A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,490 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Waves.
8.8
3,181
309
51
players
8. Army of Ruin
Similarity 45% Wreak havoc on countless foes with mighty weapons and deadly spells! Enhance your skills and face even greater dangers! Army of Ruin is an auto-shooter where you become the Bullet Hell. Army of Ruin is a action roguelike, bullet hell and exploration game developed and published by Milkstone Studios. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 2,411 reviews of which 2,142 were positive and 269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Waves.
8.5
2,142
269
43
players
9. UBERMOSH Vol.3
Similarity 42% The third volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH. UBERMOSH Vol.3 is a action, indie and arcade game developed and published by Walter Machado. Released on August 15th 2016 has received 308 reviews of which 274 were positive and 34 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Waves.
8.2
274
34
43
players
10. Voidigo
Similarity 45% A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void. Voidigo is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and rogue-like game developed and published by semiwork. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 4,289 reviews of which 4,142 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Waves.
9.3
4,142
147
31
players
Best deals on games like Waves on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Waves available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Waves.
1. Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Similarity 53% Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a action, shoot 'em up and arcade game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on November 21st 2023 has received 358 reviews of which 331 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.45€
2. The Hong Kong Massacre
Similarity 41% Blast your way through the streets of Hong Kong in a fast-paced, top-down shooter. Inspired by classic action movies, The Hong Kong Massacre places you at the center of a hard-boiled revenge story, filled with brutal, cinematic shootouts and vivid underworld locations. The Hong Kong Massacre is a action, bullet time and violent game developed by VRESKI and published by Untold Tales. Released on January 21st 2019 has received 1,671 reviews of which 1,243 were positive and 428 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Waves.
7.2
1,243
428
-98%
19.50€
0.56€
3. Go Mecha Ball
Similarity 67% Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs. Go Mecha Ball is a shoot 'em up, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Whale Peak Games and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on January 25th 2024 has received 409 reviews of which 358 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Waves.
8.1
358
51
-97%
19.49€
0.72€
4. Rogue Stormers
Similarity 47% 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 983 reviews of which 675 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
6.6
675
308
-97%
19.99€
0.66€
5. Crimsonland
Similarity 47% Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes. Crimsonland is a action, shooter and top-down game developed and published by 10tons Ltd. Released on June 11th 2014 has received 3,002 reviews of which 2,778 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.9
2,778
224
-96%
13.79€
0.64€
6. Nex Machina
Similarity 74% Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future. Nex Machina is a twin stick shooter, bullet hell and action game developed and published by Housemarque. Released on June 20th 2017 has received 2,123 reviews of which 1,848 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.3
1,848
275
-96%
19.99€
0.90€
7. RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry!
Similarity 61% This 360-degree shooter/platformer hybrid lets you choreograph a ‘dance of destruction’ in insanely spectacular battles and set-pieces. RIVE feels like the explosive games of yore, pumping megapixels in true 21st century style. RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is a action, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Two Tribes and published by Two Tribes Publishing. Released on September 13th 2016 has received 999 reviews of which 841 were positive and 158 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.0
841
158
-96%
14.79€
0.62€
8. Neon Chrome
Similarity 43% A masterful combination of top-down shooter and endless replayability with procedural levels. Blast your way through walls & enemies with guns and cybernetic abilities. Install perks from cyber chambers and upgrade your character stats after each death. Can you stop the Overseer? Neon Chrome is a cyberpunk, twin stick shooter and action roguelike game developed and published by 10tons Ltd. Released on April 28th 2016 has received 1,155 reviews of which 1,055 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.6
1,055
100
-95%
14.79€
0.80€
9. Army of Ruin
Similarity 45% Wreak havoc on countless foes with mighty weapons and deadly spells! Enhance your skills and face even greater dangers! Army of Ruin is an auto-shooter where you become the Bullet Hell. Army of Ruin is a action roguelike, bullet hell and exploration game developed and published by Milkstone Studios. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 2,411 reviews of which 2,142 were positive and 269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.5
2,142
269
-95%
7.99€
0.47€
10. Super Time Force Ultra
Similarity 44% 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 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Waves.
8.4
849
101
-95%
12.49€
0.66€
Free games like Waves on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Waves you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Waves.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Similarity 57% Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,229 reviews of which 2,192 were positive and 1,037 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 359 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Waves.
6.6
2,192
1,037
359
players
2. Chicken Invaders Universe
Similarity 45% A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,490 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.8
3,181
309
51
players
3. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1
Similarity 44% 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 1,678 reviews of which 1,640 were positive and 38 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 games like Waves.
9.3
1,640
38
6
players
4. WOWOWOW KORONE BOX
Similarity 70% A hololive fangame featuring Inugami Korone of hololive GAMERS! Collect as many Korone Boxes as possible while contending with an endless onslaught of enemies and bosses using whatever weapons you happen to pick up! WOWOWOW KORONE BOX is a action, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed by tian nya and published by holo Indie. Released on April 12th 2024 has received 674 reviews of which 618 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.6
618
56
4
players
5. Echoes+
Similarity 42% Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max! Echoes+ is a free to play, action and indie game developed by Binary Zoo and published by . Released on January 15th 2015 has received 858 reviews of which 791 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.7
791
67
1
players
6. Shotgun Witch
Similarity 50% Only armed with a double barrel shotgun, go through waves of hell spawns to get your book back! A bullet hell arena shooter! Shotgun Witch is a arena shooter, bullet hell and top-down shooter game developed by Asephy, Dementori and Jchoco and published by Asephy. Released on October 24th 2020 has received 1,049 reviews of which 1,016 were positive and 33 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 games like Waves.
9.1
1,016
33
7. 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish
Similarity 59% Set off on a journey to an autumnal paradise in this bountiful Touhou vertical Bullethell Shmup fan game made by overseas fans! 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish is a singleplayer, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed and published by Dream Compass. Released on August 03rd 2020 has received 386 reviews of which 373 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.9
373
13
8. Jigoku Kisetsukan: Sense of the Seasons
Similarity 40% Jigoku Kisetsukan is a bullet hell shootergame with anime-style drawings and chip music. Jigoku Kisetsukan: Sense of the Seasons is a bullet hell, free to play and anime game developed and published by Emad. Released on May 12th 2015 has received 1,757 reviews of which 1,638 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.9
1,638
119
9. Retrograde Arena
Similarity 72% Retrograde Arena is a multiplayer twin stick shooter where bullets don’t kill. Use weapons, physics, and your Drone to push, pull, and blast your foes into deadly surroundings in this skill-based shooter action title that redefines physics-based action. Retrograde Arena is a bullet hell, twin stick shooter and shoot 'em up game developed by Freemergency and published by Neon Doctrine. Released on May 28th 2020 has received 515 reviews of which 485 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.7
485
30
10. Tiny Toy Tanks
Similarity 40% In Tiny Toy Tanks you are in control of a small blue tank. Your Goal is to destroy all the opposing tanks in 40+ hand crafted levels. Opposing tanks have different AI with different strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, every level has many other mechanics like TNT, Magnets and more. Tiny Toy Tanks is a action, casual and strategy game developed and published by Retro Gears. Released on November 20th 2020 has received 378 reviews of which 353 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Waves.
8.6
353
25