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
Cyber Hook
Speed through a gorgeous retrowave world using parkour skills and a grappling hook to scale and ride walls in this fast-paced, 3D platformer. Blast enemies, manipulate time and abuse physics to avoid falling to your death.
Interstate Drifter 1999
Drift between the states, collect bits, beat rivals and get a high score.
1980
Welcome to the 1980s! This is a city which just started to develop, and you're in charge of this small urban village. How will the city's future be tied to this place? Manage your land, construct new buildings, explore the stories, and find out the ultimate fate of this urban village!
Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town
A letter from 10 years ago, an intricate web of lies to unravel and a mystery to solve. Explore an unconventional town of pirates, dive into the past, collect items and look for clues to help Willy find out what happened to his father...
Panzer Paladin
Hop in the Paladin power armor, seize melee weapons from the demonic invaders and give them a taste of their own medicine!
Space Simulation Toolkit
Physics sandbox game that uses a graphics card as a supercomputer. Change the laws of physics, design mechanisms, create A-Life worlds and inhabit them with living beings, experiment with evolution and AI.
A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986
A Summer's End is a visual novel set in 1980s Hong Kong. It tells of a love story between two women. Lush and vibrant visuals, the game features over 400 unique hand-drawn artwork inspired by Asian cinema and 1980s anime.
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!
Mainframe Defenders
MAINFRAME DEFENDERS - Turn-based tactics centered around gear and unit customization. It offers simple combat, high replayability, and tons of loot. Items don't just provide stats boost, but also offer distinct mechanics that can be combined into powerful builds.
Drift Of The Hill
In DOTH you will have to master the art of drifting in the mountain passes!
Black Future '88
Black Future ’88 is a Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter. Vertically climb an always evolving procedural tower to reach the top and kill its insane owner…before your heart explodes. Shoot, slash, dash and upgrade yourself to survive the endless waves of Homicidal AI, Traps & Colossal Wardens.
Knights And Bikes
Saddle up for a bike-riding, frisbee-throwing, goose-petting, friendship-building, treasure-hunting, story-driven adventure for 1 or 2 players!
198X
Part 1 of arcade epic 198X. A coming-of-age story told through multiple games and genres. Experience the thrill of shooting, driving, jumping, fighting and role-playing in 5 full-blown arcade stages – combined with cinematic pixel-art storytelling.
Duck Season PC
An experimental first person narrative sending you back to Summer 1988 and you have a one day rental of Duck Season. Dive into the mystery and work through the hidden secrets spilling out of the cursed cartridge. The full hit VR game playable on your traditional flat screen!
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
American Fugitive
FREE UPDATE; STATE OF EMERGENCY, OUT NOW! Framed for your father’s murder, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to unveil the real culprit. Tackle thrilling missions for the criminal underworld - just don’t let the cops track you down!
Neon Boost
Neon Boost is a frenetic First Person Platformer based on mechanics like Rocket-Jump or Wall-Run. Run across 3 different worlds to get the best times!
Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Konami's Castlevania Anniversary Collection traces the origins of the historic vampire franchise. Included is a unique eBook with details provided by developers, artists and others inspired by the Castlevania legacy which sheds a fresh light into the world of Castlevania.
Micro Mages
Micro Mages is a platformer developed for the original 8-bit NES console. Now on Steam! ROM included. Play solo or with up to 4 players simultaneously. Compete over score or cooperate to overcome challenging levels.
Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Generation Zero®
Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter where you wage guerilla warfare against lethal mechanical enemies. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish Cold War era, take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op.
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
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 June 16th 2025.
1. 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 2,045 reviews of which 1,744 were positive and 301 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.2
1,744
301
47
players
2. 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 11,584 reviews of which 10,897 were positive and 687 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.1
10,897
687
35
players
3. 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 17,734 reviews of which 15,566 were positive and 2,168 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.6
15,566
2,168
35
players
4. 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 6,873 reviews of which 5,504 were positive and 1,369 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.8
5,504
1,369
25
players
5. 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 484 reviews of which 430 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 1980s games.
8.3
430
54
11
players
6. 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 15,207 reviews of which 14,516 were positive and 691 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.3
14,516
691
9
players
7. Double Dragon: Neon
BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian! Double Dragon: Neon is a beat 'em up, co-op and great soundtrack game developed by WayForward and Abstraction Games and published by Midnight City and Majesco Entertainment. Released on February 06th 2014 has received 2,477 reviews of which 1,909 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.5
1,909
568
6
players
8. Murder House
A local news team breaks into an abandoned house to chase a salacious ghost story... until a MANIAC chases them! ...VHS era 80's slasher. PS1 style survival horror! Murder House is a horror, 1980s and retro game developed and published by Puppet Combo. Released on October 22nd 2020 has received 2,139 reviews of which 2,049 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 1980s games.
9.1
2,049
90
5
players
9. Indiana Jones® and the Last Crusade™
Europe, 1938: The lost Ark was just a warm-up! Now Adolf Hitler is after the most powerful talisman of all - the Holy Grail. A few brave men stand in his way. Fortunately, one of them is Indiana Jones, and this time he has his dad with him. Indiana Jones® and the Last Crusade™ is a point & click, adventure and classic game developed by LucasArts and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on July 08th 2009 has received 348 reviews of which 273 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 1980s games.
7.4
273
75
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 1,259 reviews of which 967 were positive and 292 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
967
292
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 1980s games.
1. 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 484 reviews of which 430 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 1980s category.
8.3
430
54
-99%
19.50€
0.35€
2. 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 11,584 reviews of which 10,897 were positive and 687 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 1980s games.
9.1
10,897
687
-98%
24.50€
0.52€
3. Neon Drive
Neon Drive is a slick retro-futuristic, '80s inspired arcade game that will make your brain melt. You've been warned.From beautiful cityscapes and ocean roads to exploding enemy spaceships, Neon Drive has it all. Neon Drive is a 1980s, retro and great soundtrack game developed and published by Fraoula. Released on May 12th 2016 has received 2,093 reviews of which 1,748 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 1980s games.
8.0
1,748
345
-94%
9.99€
0.66€
4. Double Dragon: Neon
BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian! Double Dragon: Neon is a beat 'em up, co-op and great soundtrack game developed by WayForward and Abstraction Games and published by Midnight City and Majesco Entertainment. Released on February 06th 2014 has received 2,477 reviews of which 1,909 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.5
1,909
568
-94%
9.75€
0.65€
5. 198X
Part 1 of arcade epic 198X. A coming-of-age story told through multiple games and genres. Experience the thrill of shooting, driving, jumping, fighting and role-playing in 5 full-blown arcade stages – combined with cinematic pixel-art storytelling. 198X is a indie, retro and pixel graphics game developed and published by Hi-Bit Studios. Released on June 20th 2019 has received 2,070 reviews of which 1,574 were positive and 496 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.3
1,574
496
-94%
9.99€
0.67€
6. Saturday Morning RPG
Saturday Morning RPG is an episodic JRPG set in world heavily inspired by 1980s Saturday morning cartoons and pop culture. Saturday Morning RPG is a rpg, indie and turn-based game developed by Mighty Rabbit Studios and published by Critical Depth. Released on January 29th 2014 has received 539 reviews of which 413 were positive and 126 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.3
413
126
-94%
6.99€
0.42€
7. 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 413 reviews of which 382 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
8.6
382
31
-93%
33.99€
2.39€
8. 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 407 reviews of which 293 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
6.8
293
114
-92%
2.99€
0.24€
9. 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 1,259 reviews of which 967 were positive and 292 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
7.4
967
292
-91%
10.79€
1.00€
10. 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 15,207 reviews of which 14,516 were positive and 691 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 1980s games.
9.3
14,516
691
-85%
2.99€
0.46€
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 June 16th 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 455 reviews of which 409 were positive and 46 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
409
46
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 319 reviews of which 314 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
314
5