Best 1980s 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 1980s games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free 1980s games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Pampas & Selene: The Maze of Demons
Join Pampas and Selene as they overcome monsters, demons, and the Dark Priest with the help of the gods themselves! Explore this co-opvania 8-bit platformer alone or with a friend. This retro game is a loving tribute to an MSX2 masterpiece from the creator of UnEpic, Ghost 1.0, and UnMetal.
MULLET MADJACK
MULLET MADJACK is a HIGH-OCTANE-ACTION SHOOTER that put you directly inside a CLASSIC ANIME. Pick your favorite weapon and reach the last floor; Beat your best time or try again. Haste makes waste… OF YOUR ENEMIES!
Retrowave World
Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, chrome robot women, speeding 80s supercars... Welcome to Retrowave World!
Puppet Master: The Game
This free-to-play online multiplayer game celebrates the series' 30-year legacy. Revisit iconic locations, select from a large roster of playable characters from the movies, and play a variety of online multiplayer game modes, each inspired by the Puppet’s many adventures.
Staffer Reborn
Staffer Reborn is a game of supernatural abilities and logical deduction set in 1960s America. It tells the story of a man trapped in a cycle of death and resurrection caused by his supernatural ability and the investigator who was recruited to help.
Aurora Hills: Chapter 1
Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 is the first part in series of point and click puzzle adventure games. Follow the journey of Ethan Hill, a park ranger tasked with investigating strange disappearances from the region to uncover the mystery of Aurora Hills!
Motorbike Evolution 2024
The first-ever true MMO motorbike racing game is here! Play with up to 39 friends!
Contra: Operation Galuga
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam
YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a recording of a training protocol. By answering questions and resisting jumpscares, can you beat the Entity Exam?
The Great Rebellion
The Great Rebellion is a cyberpunk 2D sidescrolling run'n'gun roguelite using mouse/twinstick-shooter controls. It features randomly generated levels, multiple difficulty modes (including optional permadeath), a dynamic soundtrack and an upgradeable player character.
Shipwrecked 64
A recovered copy of a lost game from the late 1990s about a Beaver named Bucky and his friends trying to escape from an island they crashed upon.![[Chilla's Art] Jisatsu | 自撮](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2716110/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] Jisatsu | 自撮
Jisatsu | 自撮 is a Japanese found footage mockumentary horror game.
Hollow Cocoon
"Trapped in a cocoon, the silkworm weaves her final dream." Hollow Cocoon is a first-person horror adventure game set in 1980s Japan. Immerse yourself in meticulously recreated environments as you venture into the depths of unspeakable horrors that await you.
Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy.
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.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Ecto Edition
This is an asymmetrical game of hide and seek. In true form to IllFonic’s past titles, this title is a 4v1 setup where players will either play as part of a team of new Ghostbusters or a singular Ghost.
Fading Afternoon
Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.
90 Minute Fever - Online Football (Soccer) Manager
90 Minute Fever is an online football management game that offers extremely challenging gameplay where you get to compete against others from all over the world!
WrestleQuest
TAG TEAM WITH DESTINY! Pro wrestling and RPG fantasy collide in the ultimate pixel powered adventure. “Macho Man” Randy Savage and tons of other icons offer guidance as you powerbomb your way to glory beyond the ring. This hero’s journey ain’t just an epic quest, it’s WRESTLEQUEST!
Moving Out 2
Moving Out is back and wackier than ever, and now with ONLINE PLAY! Return to Packmore and use your moving skills across brand new dimensions and some old favourites. Help rebuild Smooth Moves and become an all-star F.A.R.T. (Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technician)!
Venba
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss.Most played 1980s games on Steam
Take a look at the top 1980s games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon
Far Cry® 3: Blood Dragon is THE Kick-Ass Cyber Shooter.Welcome to an 80’s vision of the future. The year is 2007 and you are Sargent Rex Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando. Your mission: get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world. Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon is a fps, 1980s and comedy game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on May 01st 2013 has received 17,584 reviews of which 15,446 were positive and 2,138 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
15,446
2,138
37
players
2. Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer! Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll is a visual novel, anime and 1980s game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on August 04th 2022 has received 6,839 reviews of which 5,484 were positive and 1,355 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.8
5,484
1,355
28
players
3. Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,472 reviews of which 10,797 were positive and 675 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.2
10,797
675
19
players
4. Retrowave
Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, '80s supercars speeding down an endless highway... Welcome to the world of Retrowave! Retrowave is a racing, 1980s and indie game developed and published by RewindApp. Released on May 06th 2022 has received 15,187 reviews of which 14,506 were positive and 681 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.3
14,506
681
8
players
5. Computer Tycoon
Computer Tycoon is a fairly complex Business Grand Strategy game about Computer Evolution. Start in the 70s, invent until 2034, create the best computer systems, upgrade your infrastructure, lead a team, and alter computer history! It is time to "Think Different" Computer Tycoon is a early access, retro and funny game developed and published by Progorion. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 967 reviews of which 825 were positive and 142 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.1
825
142
6
players
6. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 405 reviews of which 375 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
375
30
4
players
7. Nitro Kid
Synthwave roguelike deckbuilder set in the neon 80's. Pick your agent. Build your deck. Hit card combos and fight through the floors of INFINITY tower. Featuring 30+ fresh Synthwave tracks by LudoWic, Tonebox and Jules Reves. Nitro Kid is a indie, roguelike deckbuilder and isometric game developed by Wildboy Studios and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 18th 2022 has received 478 reviews of which 424 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.3
424
54
4
players
8. Razortron 2000
RAZORTRON 2000 is a retro top-down endless racing game. Try to beat your highscore, unlock new cars and climb your way to the top of the leaderboards on this love letter to coin eater arcade machines era! Razortron 2000 is a casual, racing and indie game developed and published by NukGames. Released on October 12th 2016 has received 2,009 reviews of which 1,713 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.2
1,713
296
4
players
9. Castle Break
Breakout game + physics + shooting + building. Use your mouse like in air hockey to kick enemy bombs back into the evil Black Castle! Destroy enemy towers rockets and lasers. Build your base to protect your little dudes - you need them to win Castle Break is a action, arcade and 1980s game developed and published by Pauloondra. Released on February 19th 2019 has received 593 reviews of which 508 were positive and 85 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.1
508
85
4
players
10. I am not a Monster: First Contact
Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures. I am not a Monster: First Contact is a turn-based tactics, strategy and sci-fi game developed by Cheerdealers and published by Alawar. Released on September 27th 2018 has received 1,255 reviews of which 965 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.4
965
290
3
players
Best deals on 1980s games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of 1980s games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 1980s games.
1. Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,472 reviews of which 10,797 were positive and 675 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 1980s category.
9.2
10,797
675
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
2. Razortron 2000
RAZORTRON 2000 is a retro top-down endless racing game. Try to beat your highscore, unlock new cars and climb your way to the top of the leaderboards on this love letter to coin eater arcade machines era! Razortron 2000 is a casual, racing and indie game developed and published by NukGames. Released on October 12th 2016 has received 2,009 reviews of which 1,713 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 1980s games.
8.2
1,713
296
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
3. I am not a Monster: First Contact
Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures. I am not a Monster: First Contact is a turn-based tactics, strategy and sci-fi game developed by Cheerdealers and published by Alawar. Released on September 27th 2018 has received 1,255 reviews of which 965 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 1980s games.
7.4
965
290
-90%
10.79€
1.07€
4. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 405 reviews of which 375 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.6
375
30
-86%
33.50€
4.69€
5. Castle Break
Breakout game + physics + shooting + building. Use your mouse like in air hockey to kick enemy bombs back into the evil Black Castle! Destroy enemy towers rockets and lasers. Build your base to protect your little dudes - you need them to win Castle Break is a action, arcade and 1980s game developed and published by Pauloondra. Released on February 19th 2019 has received 593 reviews of which 508 were positive and 85 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.1
508
85
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
6. Crossing Souls
California, 1986: A group of friends discover a mysterious pink stone that allows travel between two realms. This gang will live the summer of their lives in an adventure that will get them involved in a government conspiracy. Control five kids with special skills while fighting and solving puzzles. Crossing Souls is a pixel graphics, adventure and 1980s game developed by Fourattic and published by Devolver Digital. Released on February 13th 2018 has received 1,477 reviews of which 1,167 were positive and 310 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.6
1,167
310
-85%
14.53€
2.18€
7. Gold Rush! Classic
Gold Rush! takes you back to the year 1849, when gold was discovered in California. It was certainly one of the most exciting times in American history. Gold Rush! includes the three routes tens of thousands took to the gold regions. Become Jerrod Wilson and experience each trek as you travel from New York to California. Gold Rush! Classic is a adventure, action and pixel graphics game developed by The Software Farm, Sunlight Games and Sierra Entertainment and published by Sunlight Games. Released on July 25th 2014 has received 405 reviews of which 292 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
6.9
292
113
-67%
3.03€
1.00€
8. Nitro Kid
Synthwave roguelike deckbuilder set in the neon 80's. Pick your agent. Build your deck. Hit card combos and fight through the floors of INFINITY tower. Featuring 30+ fresh Synthwave tracks by LudoWic, Tonebox and Jules Reves. Nitro Kid is a indie, roguelike deckbuilder and isometric game developed by Wildboy Studios and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 18th 2022 has received 478 reviews of which 424 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.3
424
54
-66%
19.41€
6.60€
9. Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer! Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll is a visual novel, anime and 1980s game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on August 04th 2022 has received 6,839 reviews of which 5,484 were positive and 1,355 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 23% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.8
5,484
1,355
-23%
9.74€
7.50€
Free 1980s games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play 1980s games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play 1980s games.
1. The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam
YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a recording of a training protocol. By answering questions and resisting jumpscares, can you beat the Entity Exam? The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam is a horror, action and text-based game developed by Jeremy Fischer and published by Jflyer Games. Released on February 05th 2024 has received 443 reviews of which 398 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free 1980s games on Steam.
8.4
398
45
1
players
2. Mega Serval
Serval's friends are in danger and it's up to her to save the day! Progress through 12 action-packed platforming stages in this "Kemono Friends Project" derivative work! Mega Serval is a action, singleplayer and adventure game developed and published by Syaxamaphone. Released on November 30th 2022 has received 314 reviews of which 309 were positive and 5 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free 1980s games on Steam.
9.0
309
5