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
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Bendy and the Ink Machine® is the first person puzzle action horror game that will forever ruin your childhood love of cartoons.
Slice, Dice & Rice
Slice Dice & Rice is an indie fighting game with no health bars. Inspired by Bushido Blade, it revolves around the idea of finding an opening in opponents defense and ending the round with a single, clean hit.
Scanner Sombre
Scanner Sombre is a 3d horror cave exploration game where darkness is your greatest foe. Illuminate the unseen with your LIDAR scanner, revealing the eerie beauty and peril of the abyss. From the creators of Prison Architect, this immersive adventure uses light and shadow for a haunting experience.
I Expect You To Die
Test your problem-solving skills in this virtual reality escape-the-room puzzle game. Play as a secret agent armed with telekinetic abilities on a mission to stop Zoraxis, an evil corporation with plans for world domination.
DRAGON QUEST HEROES™ II
DRAGON QUEST HEROES II is a hack-and-slash Action RPG that sends you on a new adventure to restore order to a once peaceful world filled with monsters and battles of epic proportions. Up to 4 players can play in cooperative multiplayer to defeat an unknown threat looming over the Seven Realms!
Interkosmos
Interkosmos is an arcady astronaut adventure in VR. Brace yourself for a rush of hectic gameplay to challenge your inner cosmonaut, and a fun story full of twists and Cold War absurdities.
BlazBlue Centralfiction
Combining a 2D fighting game with a visual novel, the BlazBlue series continues on with massive fan support! The latest installation, BlazBlue: Centralfiction, serves as the ending to the Azure Saga, revealing the hidden truth of the world!
Immortal Redneck
Immortal Redneck is a FPS set in Egypt with rogue-lite elements. Frantic gameplay, twitch controls and an arcade-style feel meet randomly generated dungeons, a complete skill tree, permanent death and 9 classes with different traits.
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3
Go behind enemy lines with the ultimate modern military shooter. Play as an American sniper dropped in Georgia, near Russian border. Choose your own path to accomplish your missions across an unforgiving open world.
Outlast 2
Outlast 2 introduces you to Sullivan Knoth and his followers, who left our wicked world behind to give birth to Temple Gate, a town, deep in the wilderness and hidden from civilization. Knoth and his flock are preparing for the tribulations of the end of times and you’re right in the thick of it.
VR Dungeon Knight
VR Dungeon Knight is a dungeon crawler with random level generation and Online Co-op. Explore, fight monsters, loot dungeons, level up, unlock classes and become the ultimate Dungeon Knight!
NEKO-NIN exHeart
Japan. From time immemorial, there are those who possess superhuman abilities. These beings who looked like a cross between man and beast are called Demi-Humans. They acted as Ninja and served those in power.
Orbt XL
Defy gravity in Orbt XL! A fast-paced, addictive, 'just-one-more-round' arcade score chaser. Stay in orbit, dodge obstacles, and rack up points, the closer you are to the black hole, the higher your score! Easy to learn, tough to master, and perfect for quick play sessions while waiting in queue.
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on PC. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics, new achievements and all of the DLC created for the landmark real-time strategy game.
Flinthook
Live the life of space captain Flinthook! Armed with your mighty hookshot, your uncanny slow-motion powers and your trusty blasma pistol, plunder and fight your way through an infinite variety of randomly-assembled spaceships for treasure, loot and fame!
The Disney Afternoon Collection
Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption
Inhabiting the World of Darkness, you must face a series of brutal confrontations with your nemesis Vukodlak, a powerful vampire lord.
SWAT 3: Tactical Game of the Year Edition
Uncompromised duty, honor and valor.
Voodoo Vince: Remastered
The classic character platformer is back after 13 years and newly remastered! Help Vince run, jump and fight his way through cemeteries, swamps and an evil carnival as he seeks to save his creator Madam Charmaine from the clutches of Kosmo The Inscrutable.
Containment Initiative
Containment Initiative is a local co-op VR shooter which can be played by two people on the same PC. Kill zombies alone in VR or have a friend cover you by using the mouse and keyboard. Features include realistic weapon reloading as well as a variety of unlockable guns, upgrades, and loot to find.
Mr. Shifty
Teleport, shift through bullets, and master lightning-fast takedowns in an all new kind of action game from tinyBuild and Team Shifty!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 11th 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 872,411 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,597,400
1,160,255
872,411
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 48,337 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
48,337
players
3. 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. While seeing 42,737 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
6.5
30,139
15,824
42,737
players
4. 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. With 42,612 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
542,752
80,187
42,612
players
5. Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading. Path of Exile 2 is a action rpg, hack and slash and rpg game developed and published by Grinding Gear Games. Released on December 06th 2024 has received 165,186 reviews of which 116,578 were positive and 48,608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. With 39,791 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7
116,578
48,608
39,791
players
6. 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 27,763 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
756,115
234,442
27,763
players
7. 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 662,794 reviews of which 594,045 were positive and 68,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 22,020 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
594,045
68,749
22,020
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 28,327 reviews of which 21,348 were positive and 6,979 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 15,365 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
7.4
21,348
6,979
15,365
players
9. 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 15,073 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
9.3
290,168
20,377
15,073
players
10. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 282,451 reviews of which 255,357 were positive and 27,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 11,877 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
9.0
255,357
27,094
11,877
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 11th 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. Figment
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost. Figment is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Bedtime Digital Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 5,244 reviews of which 4,577 were positive and 667 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
4,577
667
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 11th 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 872,411 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
872,411
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 42,612, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
542,752
80,187
42,612
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 8,597 reviews of which 7,706 were positive and 891 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 9,079, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,706
891
9,079
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 8,138 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
8,138
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 5,132 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
5,132
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 4,789 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
4,789
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 4,459 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
4,459
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 4,277 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
4,277
players
9. 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 4,010 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
72,110
13,803
4,010
players
10. 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 8,035 reviews of which 7,235 were positive and 800 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,919 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,235
800
3,919
players