Best Action 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 action games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free action games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Evil Genome 光明重影
3D metroidvania game Evil Genome is coming! Heroine Lachesis will lead you to explore the vast wasteland world, experience different battles as well as develop your own character!
Operation Warcade VR
Relive the experience of playing the classic war arcade in a totally amazing way, thanks to virtual reality and the innovative immersion system that will make it possible for you to travel inside the video game.
Arcade Mayhem Juanito
Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
At Thors Military Academy, Erebonia’s best learn everything from the art of war to liberal arts. First year Rean Schwarzer learns he’s been selected to join the controversial Class VII, and they’ll need to deal with more than just class warfare--they’ll need to safeguard their country from chaos.
Slime Rancher
Slime Rancher is the tale of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the ‘Far, Far Range’ where she tries her hand at making a living wrangling slimes.
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.
The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.
The Ranger: Lost Tribe
The story happens on the mainland of Roland. As a ranger, you have witnessed a series of anomalies recently: the blood moon, mad animals... Now the elder chief of NaBaer expects you to suppress the mobs who plundered their tribe. Perhaps you can find some clues in the tribe seized by the mobs.
Secret World Legends
Secret World Legends is a story-driven, shared-world action RPG that plunges players into a shadowy war against the supernatural, where ancient myths and legends cross over into the modern day.
The Red Stare
Become a secret agent in the 1950s and observe your neighbours to find the communist spy!
Sundered®: Eldritch Edition
Sundered is a chaotic hand-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!
Immortal Planet
Immortal Planet is an action RPG with challenging combat that rewards patience and punishes recklessness. Explore the crumbling remains of a society of immortals trapped in endless cycles of rebirth. Fight your way to discover the planet's mystery and escape its curse.
Sky Knights
Prove your skills as a pilot in this action-packed multiplayer dogfighting game. Take part in 4 vs 4 battles and outmaneuver opponents, master a variety of jets and weapons, support allied ground troops, and land on the runway. Only a well-orchestrated team of pilots can bring down the enemy bases.
Solstice Chronicles: MIA
In this 2-player twin-stick shooter, use a friendly drone for a game-changing abilities. Survive waves, upgrade, and uncover the mystery in this cooperative, action-packed experience.
GravNewton
Challenge all your skill and quick thinking ability in this precision platform game, where you are a bitrom who controller over gravity called Newton, who is trying to escape from a deformed creature that relentlessly follows him in subspace.
Fate/EXTELLA
In the digital realm of SE.RA.PH, the Holy Grail War is over, but the land’s new ruler faces challenges and threats from all sides. The servants now find themselves drawing up tense and unlikely alliances, preparing for a conflict that may tear SE.RA.PH apart...or destroy it entirely.
Pyre
Pyre is a party-based RPG from the creators of Bastion and Transistor. Lead your band of exiles to freedom through a series of mystical competitions in the Campaign, or challenge a friend to a fast-paced ritual showdown in the head-to-head Versus Mode.
Airmen
Airmen is a first person ship building and battling game featuring airships, landships and watercraft. Crew your ship solo or alongside friends on dangerous expeditions into the archipelago to complete contracts, collect resources, and upgrade your ships.
Behold the Kickmen
BEHOLD THE KICKMEN is a football game made by someone who has no understanding of, or interest in, what is affectionately known as "The Wonderful Game". Start at the bottom of the Big Boring Football Spreadsheet and grind your way up to become the best at the football anyone's ever seen.
Just Cause™ 3: Multiplayer Mod
Just Cause 3 Multiplayer mod is a free fan-created project bringing an explosive and highly-customizable multiplayer.
Ultrawings
Ultrawings is an aerial-themed, open-world flight game where you use your virtual hands to fly multiple aircraft to complete a variety of missions across a beautiful, island-themed world!
Kingdoms and Castles
Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated.Most played action games on Steam
Take a look at the top action games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 13th 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,757,655 reviews of which 7,597,400 were positive and 1,160,255 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played action game, thanks to its 750,812 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,597,400
1,160,255
750,812
players
2. Crosshair X
Overlay custom crosshairs on every game you play. Choose from thousands of unique crosshairs created by the Crosshair X community or design your own using the designer. Crosshair X is a action, indie and adventure game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 30,565 reviews of which 28,541 were positive and 2,024 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 39,945 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
9.1
28,541
2,024
39,945
players
3. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 622,939 reviews of which 542,752 were positive and 80,187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 37,584 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
8.7
542,752
80,187
37,584
players
4. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a open world, action and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 45,963 reviews of which 30,139 were positive and 15,824 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 34,425 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
6.5
30,139
15,824
34,425
players
5. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 990,557 reviews of which 756,115 were positive and 234,442 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 22,037 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
756,115
234,442
22,037
players
6. PAYDAY 2
PAYDAY 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original PAYDAY crew - Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains - as they descend on Washington DC for an epic crime spree. PAYDAY 2 is a co-op, action and fps game developed by OVERKILL - a Starbreeze Studio. and published by Starbreeze Publishing AB. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 662,874 reviews of which 594,127 were positive and 68,747 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 21,121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
594,127
68,747
21,121
players
7. Risk of Rain 2
Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters – with your friends, or on your own. Combine loot in surprising ways and master each character until you become the havoc you feared upon your first crash landing. Risk of Rain 2 is a third-person shooter, action roguelike and multiplayer game developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 310,545 reviews of which 290,168 were positive and 20,377 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 12,851 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
9.3
290,168
20,377
12,851
players
8. 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. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 29,223 reviews of which 22,099 were positive and 7,124 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 11,243 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
7.5
22,099
7,124
11,243
players
9. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world. Wuthering Waves is a open world, action and anime game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 9,036 reviews of which 8,103 were positive and 933 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 8,279 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
8,103
933
8,279
players
10. Street Fighter™ 6
Here comes Capcom’s newest challenger! Street Fighter™ 6 launches worldwide on June 2nd, 2023 and represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter™ series! Street Fighter 6 spans three distinct game modes, including World Tour, Fighting Ground and Battle Hub. Street Fighter™ 6 is a 2d fighter, fighting and character customization game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on June 01st 2023 has received 55,889 reviews of which 47,637 were positive and 8,252 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 7,362 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
8.4
47,637
8,252
7,362
players
Best deals on action games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of action games available on Steam right now, updated on May 13th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted action games.
1. DEPLOYMENT
Deployment is an intense competitive top-down shooter game. Infosoldiers, made of pure information, fight in an endless war between governments and megacorporations to rule over the digital systems that control the world. Deploy your troops from up to five different classes! DEPLOYMENT is a action, racing and multiplayer game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on April 10th 2018 has received 792 reviews of which 638 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for action category.
7.7
638
154
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. The Ascent
The Ascent is a solo and co-op Action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it? The Ascent is a top-down shooter, cyberpunk and rpg game developed by Neon Giant and published by Curve Games. Released on July 29th 2021 has received 22,797 reviews of which 16,874 were positive and 5,923 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in action games.
7.3
16,874
5,923
-97%
34.00€
1.02€
3. We Are The Dwarves
We Are The Dwarves is a real-time tactical adventure where you take control of three Dwarven astronauts and lead them through the hordes of enemies in the depths of their Universe. We Are The Dwarves is a indie, adventure and action game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on February 25th 2016 has received 1,318 reviews of which 892 were positive and 426 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in action games.
6.6
892
426
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
4. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,732 reviews of which 5,458 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for action games.
9.2
5,458
274
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
5. Figment 2: Creed Valley
Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments. Figment 2: Creed Valley is a soundtrack, exploration and puzzle game developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Bedtime Digital Games and 4Divinity. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,141 reviews of which 1,071 were positive and 70 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 action games.
8.9
1,071
70
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
6. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 695 reviews of which 573 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for action games.
7.8
573
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
7. Miasma Chronicles
From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’. Miasma Chronicles is a tactical rpg, turn-based strategy and tactical game developed by The Bearded Ladies and published by 505 Games Official. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,264 reviews of which 1,803 were positive and 461 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for action games.
7.7
1,803
461
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
8. Gungrave G.O.R.E
Gungrave G.O.R.E is a stylish third-person action shooter by South-Korean Studio IGGYMOB in which you take on the role of Grave, a gunslinger of resurrection and badass anti-hero of your dreams, mowing down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Gungrave G.O.R.E is a action, action-adventure and 3d game developed by IGGYMOB Co. and Ltd and published by Prime Matter. Released on November 22nd 2022 has received 797 reviews of which 560 were positive and 237 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for action games.
6.8
560
237
-96%
55.50€
2.22€
9. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,494 reviews of which 6,965 were positive and 529 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
9
6,965
529
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
10. Dreamscaper
By night, delve deep into your subconscious and discover powerful artifacts to conquer your nightmares. By day, explore the city of Redhaven and build relationships to unlock the power of your dreams. DREAM. DIE. WAKE. REPEAT. Dreamscaper is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and action game developed by Afterburner Studios and published by Maple Whispering Limited and indie.io. Released on August 05th 2021 has received 3,023 reviews of which 2,666 were positive and 357 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for action games.
8.5
2,666
357
-95%
23.20€
1.16€
Free action games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play action games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 13th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play action games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,757,655 reviews of which 7,597,400 were positive and 1,160,255 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 750,812 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,597,400
1,160,255
750,812
players
2. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 622,939 reviews of which 542,752 were positive and 80,187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 37,584, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
542,752
80,187
37,584
players
3. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world. Wuthering Waves is a open world, action and anime game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 9,036 reviews of which 8,103 were positive and 933 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,279, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
8,103
933
8,279
players
4. FragPunk
FragPunk is a thrilling 5v5 hero shooter where Shard Cards allow you to break the rules of combat and ensure that no two rounds are ever the same. Get ready to unleash your skills! FragPunk is a fps, free to play and hero shooter game developed and published by Bad Guitar Studio. Released on March 06th 2025 has received 36,929 reviews of which 27,130 were positive and 9,799 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 6,718 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.3
27,130
9,799
6,718
players
5. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,143 reviews of which 15,280 were positive and 8,863 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,721 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,280
8,863
4,721
players
6. Blood Strike
Gather your friends and dive into the action-packed Battle Royale, Squad Fight, or Hot Zone like there's no tomorrow! Blood Strike offers a wide range of playable Strikers, each with a unique active and passive ability letting you deploy drones, shield walls and everything in between. Blood Strike is a action, free to play and shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 7,229 reviews of which 5,786 were positive and 1,443 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,313 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,786
1,443
4,313
players
7. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 145,854 reviews of which 112,408 were positive and 33,446 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,801 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,408
33,446
3,801
players
8. World of Tanks Blitz
Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC World of Tanks Blitz is a tanks, free to play and shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 147,793 reviews of which 116,187 were positive and 31,606 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,950 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,187
31,606
2,950
players
9. Crosshair V2
Crosshair V2 is a crosshair overlay technology that improves aim, response time, and hip fire accuracy for gamers. Choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and neon colors to find the crosshair that gives you the greatest advantage in your favorite game. Crosshair V2 is a utilities, shooter and action game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 8,115 reviews of which 7,309 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,828 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,309
806
2,828
players
10. World of Tanks
Jump into the free-to-play team-based shooter with an ever-expanding roster of historical vehicles, stunning graphics, spectacular locales, and orchestral scores. Show your mastery and face other players in thrilling PvP clashes. A unique mix of strategy and action awaits! World of Tanks is a tanks, free to play and action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on April 28th 2021 has received 85,913 reviews of which 72,110 were positive and 13,803 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,553 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
72,110
13,803
2,553
players