Best 2D 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 2d games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free 2d games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures
"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.
Volgarr the Viking
Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.
Castle of Illusion
Mickey Mouse returns to star in Castle of Illusion, a fantastical reimagining of the Sega Genesis classic.
Game Dev Tycoon
In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.
Rayman® Legends
Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...
The Chaos Engine
Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.
The Dark Eye: Memoria
In Memoria, players travel through different time periods, following two distinct protagonists: Sadja, a southern princess who wants to be a war hero, and Geron, a bird catcher who wants to lift a curse from his girlfriend.
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate
Tikiman the Forest Defender is in trouble. Hordes of monsters are sweeping through his realm, hoping to chow down on his offspring – and it’s up to you to defend them. By placing weapon towers at strategic points around the landscape, you can destroy the invaders and save the little ones.
Electronic Super Joy
Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
--Main Stage Game at Evo 2022!-- The ultimate Skullgirls experience: Featuring 14 hand-animated characters, fully voiced story mode, countless palettes, and unparalleled GGPO-based multiplayer netcode.
Divekick
Divekick is the world’s first two-button fighting game. It distills the essence of the fighting game genre into just two buttons with no d-pad directional movement. Includes two extra playable characters: Fencer from Nidhogg and Johnny Gat from Saints Row!
Hate Plus
Let's spend the next three real-time days together uncovering the mystery of what went horribly wrong on a derelict generation ship, with the help of a spunky/more-than-slightly-traumatized AI sidekick! A sequel to Analogue: A Hate Story that tells a whole new hate story of its own.
Worms Clan Wars
Worms™ Clan Wars is the biggest and best Worms™ game to date - more worms, larger landscapes, more dynamic water, more weapons and more customisation items than ever before.
DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
Hammerwatch
A hack and slash action adventure, set in a fantasy pixel art environment. Play solo or co-op in this adventure from bottom to top of Castle Hammerwatch. Kill hordes of enemies with varied looks and features through four unique environments with traps, hidden secrets and puzzles.
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Guacamelee! Gold Edition is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
Papers, Please
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians
Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles.
Skulls of the Shogun
Enter the Samurai Afterlife and join forces with vibrant ghost-samurai warriors, magical animal monks, and mustachioed samurai generals. It's fast-paced turn-based strategy inspired by Advance Wars, and supercharged with fighting-game flare!
CastleStorm
Welcome to the world of CastleStorm, a super genre mashup of 2D physics destruction mashed with tower defense brawler! CastleStorm was born out of the fond childhood memory of building and destroying LEGO castles.
Ittle Dew
Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.
Toki Tori 2+
Toki Tori 2+ may look cute, but it’s a challenging puzzle adventure game. Whistle and stomp are the only moves you need to solve increasingly complex puzzles, as you go anywhere, anytime on a lush forest island.Most played 2d games on Steam
Take a look at the top 2d games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 02nd 2025.
1. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,753 reviews of which 73,189 were positive and 15,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played 2d game, thanks to its 82,058 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
73,189
15,564
82,058
players
2. Terraria
Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available! Terraria is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed and published by Re-Logic. Released on May 16th 2011 has received 1,399,576 reviews of which 1,364,418 were positive and 35,158 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 27,857 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among 2d games based on player count.
9.7
1,364,418
35,158
27,857
players
3. Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 409,900 reviews of which 397,764 were positive and 12,136 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 7,962 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among 2d games based on player count.
9.6
397,764
12,136
7,962
players
4. Vampire Survivors
Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you. Vampire Survivors is a action roguelike, bullet hell and pixel graphics game developed and published by poncle. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 249,259 reviews of which 245,438 were positive and 3,821 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 3,714 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 2d games.
9.7
245,438
3,821
3,714
players
5. Clicker Heroes
Ever wondered what one quadrillion damage per second feels like? Wonder no more! Embark on your quest to attain it today! Clicker Heroes is a clicker, idler and casual game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on May 13th 2015 has received 61,205 reviews of which 54,909 were positive and 6,296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,105 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.8
54,909
6,296
2,105
players
6. Goose Goose Duck
Goose Goose Duck is a game of social deduction for up to 16 players. Players are separated into different groups that are each assigned a different objective. Complete your team’s objective to win! Goose Goose Duck is a multiplayer, free to play and online co-op game developed and published by Gaggle Studios and Inc.. Released on October 03rd 2021 has received 71,763 reviews of which 62,221 were positive and 9,542 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,013 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.5
62,221
9,542
2,013
players
7. Transformice
Transformice is an MMO platformer about dozens of mice running to bring back the cheese! Will the almighty Shaman help you or just ruin everything? Millions of levels, hectic physics, skill trees, and more importantly... hats! Transformice is a free to play, multiplayer and massively multiplayer game developed and published by Atelier 801. Released on January 30th 2015 has received 27,552 reviews of which 24,226 were positive and 3,326 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,894 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.6
24,226
3,326
1,894
players
8. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
26 years on, a brand-new entry in the Fatal Fury series is set to arrive on the scene! FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves features a unique art style that stimulates the senses and an innovative REV System that supercharges the excitement. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold… FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is a action, 2d fighter and 2d game developed and published by SNK CORPORATION. Released on April 24th 2025 has received 951 reviews of which 811 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 1,797 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.1
811
140
1,797
players
9. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that you can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel. Godot Engine is a game development, utilities and software game developed and published by Godot Engine. Released on February 23rd 2016 has received 7,561 reviews of which 6,439 were positive and 1,122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 1,019 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.3
6,439
1,122
1,019
players
10. Borderless Gaming
Borderless Gaming: Seamlessly play games in borderless-fullscreen mode for uninterrupted gaming and effortless multitasking. Borderless Gaming is a utilities, software and 2d game developed by AndrewMD5 and published by Codeusa and viorae. Released on July 23rd 2015 has received 3,894 reviews of which 3,268 were positive and 626 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 579 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 2d games.
8.1
3,268
626
579
players
Best deals on 2d games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of 2d games available on Steam right now, updated on May 02nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 2d games.
1. Rogue Lords
A dark fantasy roguelike where you play as the Devil! Lead famous evil geniuses through events and turn-based fights to spread terror and corruption. Create synergies between your disciples, use your evil powers and take revenge on those miserable Demon Hunters. Rogue Lords is a rpg, rogue-like and dark fantasy game developed by Leikir Studio and Cyanide Studio and published by Nacon. Released on September 30th 2021 has received 1,750 reviews of which 1,231 were positive and 519 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 2d category.
6.8
1,231
519
-95%
27.40€
1.37€
2. Narita Boy
Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world! Narita Boy is a action, retro and adventure game developed by Studio Koba and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2021 has received 1,613 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 356 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 2d games.
7.5
1,257
356
-94%
23.83€
1.43€
3. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a platformer, metroidvania and female protagonist game developed and published by WayForward. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 2,827 reviews of which 2,627 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 2d games.
8.9
2,627
200
-91%
20.78€
1.87€
4. McPixel 3
McPixel 3 is a mind-blowing save-the-day adventure that sees the titular wanna-be hero avert one disaster after another at every turn using unconventional yet entertaining methods of mayhem. McPixel 3 is a adventure, pixel graphics and point & click game developed by Sos Sosowski and published by Devolver Digital. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 1,457 reviews of which 1,369 were positive and 88 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 2d games.
8.9
1,369
88
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
5. Worms Reloaded
Ten years on from Worms™ Armageddon and the turn-based comic mayhem continues in Worms™ Reloaded, an all-new edition available for PC through Steam. Worms Reloaded is a strategy, 2d and turn-based game developed and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on August 26th 2010 has received 4,859 reviews of which 4,226 were positive and 633 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 2d games.
8.4
4,226
633
-90%
20.00€
2.00€
6. Semblance
Semblance is an innovative platformer with deformable terrain, set in a beautiful minimalist world. It’s a game that asks, what if you could deform and reshape the world itself? Semblance takes the idea of a ‘platform’ in a platformer and turns it on its head. Semblance is a indie, casual and puzzle-platformer game developed by Nyamakop and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on July 24th 2018 has received 379 reviews of which 324 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 2d games.
8.0
324
55
-89%
10.00€
1.10€
7. Iron Fisticle
A modern take on the classic arcade arena shooter. Taking inspiration from an entire generation of action games, Iron Fisticle builds on classic titles like Gauntlet and Robotron while adding over 100 collectible items, an RPG style upgrade system and local multiplayer. Iron Fisticle is a action, indie and local co-op game developed by Confused Pelican and published by Curve Games. Released on September 16th 2014 has received 491 reviews of which 413 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 2d games.
7.9
413
78
-89%
8.99€
0.98€
8. Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games. Mega Man Legacy Collection is a platformer, retro and classic game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 24th 2015 has received 4,773 reviews of which 4,099 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 2d games.
8.3
4,099
674
-88%
14.92€
1.79€
9. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 405 reviews of which 285 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 2d games.
6.7
285
120
-88%
19.17€
2.30€
10. Ugly
Unravel the dark secrets hidden throughout this stirring puzzle platformer about a tormented nobleman confronting the traumas of his past. Use an innovative mirror mechanic to solve challenging puzzle rooms and defeat towering bosses as you strive to piece together the ugly truth. Ugly is a 2d platformer, puzzle-platformer and puzzle game developed by Team Ugly and published by Graffiti Games. Released on September 13th 2023 has received 486 reviews of which 465 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 2d games.
8.9
465
21
-87%
19.62€
2.55€
Free 2d games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play 2d games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 02nd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play 2d games.
1. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,753 reviews of which 73,189 were positive and 15,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 82,058 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free 2d games on Steam.
8.1
73,189
15,564
82,058
players
2. Clicker Heroes
Ever wondered what one quadrillion damage per second feels like? Wonder no more! Embark on your quest to attain it today! Clicker Heroes is a clicker, idler and casual game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on May 13th 2015 has received 61,205 reviews of which 54,909 were positive and 6,296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,105, this 2d game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free 2d games on Steam.
8.8
54,909
6,296
2,105
players
3. Goose Goose Duck
Goose Goose Duck is a game of social deduction for up to 16 players. Players are separated into different groups that are each assigned a different objective. Complete your team’s objective to win! Goose Goose Duck is a multiplayer, free to play and online co-op game developed and published by Gaggle Studios and Inc.. Released on October 03rd 2021 has received 71,763 reviews of which 62,221 were positive and 9,542 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,013, this 2d game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free 2d games on Steam.
8.5
62,221
9,542
2,013
players
4. Transformice
Transformice is an MMO platformer about dozens of mice running to bring back the cheese! Will the almighty Shaman help you or just ruin everything? Millions of levels, hectic physics, skill trees, and more importantly... hats! Transformice is a free to play, multiplayer and massively multiplayer game developed and published by Atelier 801. Released on January 30th 2015 has received 27,552 reviews of which 24,226 were positive and 3,326 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,894 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free 2d games on Steam.
8.6
24,226
3,326
1,894
players
5. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that you can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel. Godot Engine is a game development, utilities and software game developed and published by Godot Engine. Released on February 23rd 2016 has received 7,561 reviews of which 6,439 were positive and 1,122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,019 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free 2d games on Steam.
8.3
6,439
1,122
1,019
players
6. Grim Clicker
Grim Clicker is an IDLE/RPG clicker where you will find your own strategy to explore the lost worlds. Inspired by games such as Diablo, Grim Dawn, Dark Souls, etc., the game features a complex character development, many unique items, active and passive playstyle. Grim Clicker is a clicker, idler and free to play game developed by EvilCharm Games and published by EvilCharm Games and Aleksandr Golovkin. Released on January 30th 2024 has received 2,772 reviews of which 2,186 were positive and 586 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 169 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free 2d games on Steam.
7.6
2,186
586
169
players
7. GraalOnline Era
Era is a modern 2D action MMO RPG. Purchase weapons and work with a gang to compete in activities such as special events, base capturing and PvP battles in the Spar Complex, or start your own gang and chart your own path! GraalOnline Era is a rpg, battle royale and shooter game developed by GraalOnline and published by Toonslab. Released on February 16th 2024 has received 576 reviews of which 409 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 151 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free 2d games on Steam.
6.8
409
167
151
players
8. The Powder Toy
The Powder Toy is a classic physics sandbox game, which simulates air pressure and velocity, heat, gravity and a countless number of interactions between different substances The Powder Toy is a simulation, sandbox and 2d game developed and published by The Powder Toy Team. Released on June 14th 2024 has received 1,775 reviews of which 1,750 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free 2d games on Steam.
9.4
1,750
25
110
players
9. Awesomenauts - the 2D moba
Use your power, show your might! Play this Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game for FREE now! AWESOMENAUTS combines 2D platforming with team-based strategy and hero based action. Whether you are a new recruit or an intergalactic legend, play AWESOMENAUTS! Awesomenauts - the 2D moba is a moba, multiplayer and 2d game developed by Ronimo Games and published by Atari. Released on August 01st 2012 has received 26,719 reviews of which 22,609 were positive and 4,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free 2d games on Steam.
8.3
22,609
4,110
92
players
10. Soda Dungeon
Pop the top on some legendary action with Soda Dungeon, the fresh and fizzy hit mobile RPG adventure, now available on your desktop! Manage your team as you raid the local dungeons, upgrade your tavern, and attract new party members. Gold, legendary items, and more await you. Soda Dungeon is a free to play, rpg and pixel graphics game developed by AN Productions and Poxpower and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on February 06th 2017 has received 6,151 reviews of which 5,802 were positive and 349 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free 2d games on Steam.
9.1
5,802
349
74
players