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
Freedom Planet
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
Of Guards And Thieves
Of Guards and Thieves is a multiplayer stealth game in which high-powered guards face off against fast and elusive thieves in a contest of wits. Outsmarting the enemy and shooting your way through to the goal are equally valid strategies. Simple rules, emergent gameplay and high replayability.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight is a local-multiplayer stealth party game. Blend into the crowd of AI characters and eliminate the other players before they eliminate you!
Abyss Odyssey
From indie Chilean developer ACE Team comes a new side-scrolling action adventure game featuring a complex fighting engine in procedurally generated levels that destines its three warriors to battle a different abyss each time! Choose your hero and also learn to possess your enemies in the abyss…
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!
Wild Warfare
Wild Warfare is a F2P, multiplayer FPS made for players that enjoy fun and/or being a bear. It's a mix of crazy game modes, balanced classes, simple controls and intense matches. Its got vehicle combat, because why not? You can even be a bunny that clubs people with a wrench, lucky you.
Super Panda Adventures
In Super Panda Adventures, you play as the brave panda-knight Fu, who is about to finish his training to become the new guardian of the Princess. At the same day of the big celebration party, some uninvited Robots show up to conquer the planet and take the Princess away in their Space Ships!
Black Ice
Hack greedy megacorps to help as many people as you can in a high-agility cyberpunk looter/shooter RPG. Explore vast cyberspace vistas and outmaneuver AIs to customize your loadout with an arsenal of weapon combos. Think Borderlands meets Tron. Play solo or online co-op with up to 10 people!
Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius
As Captain Kayto Shields, embark on a galactic voyage of heroism and survival. With his home world destroyed and his nation conquered, the inexperienced Captain Shields, and his newly minted vessel, the Sunrider, are left as the only hope against a galactic evil intent on subjugating all sentient life.
MouseCraft
Ever wondered what a cross between Tetris and Lemmings would look like? Well, wonder no more, 'cause... MouseCraft is here! MouseCraft is an A to B puzzle game where players help Schrödinger, the crazy cat scientist, in completing his mysterious, mice-powered invention.
Claire
Claire is alone, lost, and hunted. The world has quickly becomes shrouded in darkness with unseen threats stalking Claire from the shadows. Aided by her dog and armed only with a flashlight, Claire must conquer her fear and find her comatose mother. However, there are others lost in the darkness seeking salvation.
Z
“Z”, the classic Real Time Strategy Game by the Bitmap Brothers. Fans of this classic strategy title are in for a real treat. Everything is in here from the terrific comedy cut scenes to the frantic game play making this is the definitive version of Z.
Real Boxing™
Real Boxing™ brings you the most exhilarating, no holds barred boxing experience ever seen on Steam. Featuring ultra-realistic motion capture from real boxers, with amazing graphics built using the powerful Unreal Engine, you’ll be sure to feel every hook, jab, and uppercut.
Momodora III
Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 3 is a tactical third-person shooter that combines stealth, gameplay choice and genre-defining ballistics with huge, open levels and the exotic terrain of World War 2 North Africa.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War™ / Soldats Inconnus : Mémoires de la Grande Guerre™
Valiant Hearts : The Great War is the story of 4 crossed destinies and a broken love in a world torn apart. Dive into a 2D animated comic book adventure, mixing exploration, action and puzzles. Lost in the middle of the trenches, play as each of the 4 strangers, relive the War and help a young German soldier find his love.
COH 2 - The Western Front Armies: US Forces
This individual army for COH2 allows you to access all existing COH2 maps in auto-match, and play against all other existing factions in multiplayer. It can also be obtained at a discount by acquiring The Western Front Armies multiplayer standalone, where it is bundled with the OKW army.
A Wizard's Lizard
Conquer the forces of Death in A Wizard’s Lizard, an action RPG for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Explore ever-changing dungeons, filled with powerful weapons and items. Battle back the hordes of evil. Rescue villagers to improve your town and increase your power for your next trek into the dungeon.
Knightmare Tower
Break through ceilings, rescue princesses and escape boiling lava as you slash your way to the top of the Knightmare Tower!
Fancy Skulls
Fancy Skulls is a challenging first person shooter with procedural generation, permadeath and distinct art style. Intense and tactical combat, unique weapon mods and items that change the way you play.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II
In the second part of the unfolding saga that could also be enjoyed independently, you can explore new corners of this unique world and experience the mix of old-school gothic and mad science, with more action, powerful foes and plenty of stunning places to visit.
Space Run
Space Run is a «real-time spaceship construction strategy game». Space Run takes the well-known Tower Defense-style gameplay and twists it, challenging you to manage and protect a spaceship and its cargo against the hazards of deep space!
Battle Group 2
Your battleships are fully loaded with the return of Battle Group. Command the war against advanced pirates with brand new Satellite Strikes and upgrades for your state-of-the-art battleships. As the commanding gunner of this advanced armada, it's imperative you stop a terrifying new foe our world has yet to fathom.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 08th 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 795,803 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,597,400
1,160,255
795,803
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 30,201 reviews of which 28,200 were positive and 2,001 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 41,820 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
9.1
28,200
2,001
41,820
players
3. 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 souls-like 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. While seeing 36,120 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
7
116,578
48,608
36,120
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 31,665 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
31,665
players
5. 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 27,121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
6.5
30,139
15,824
27,121
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 662,794 reviews of which 594,045 were positive and 68,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 22,196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
594,045
68,749
22,196
players
7. 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 989,576 reviews of which 755,031 were positive and 234,545 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 18,456 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
755,031
234,545
18,456
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 12,134 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
12,134
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 309,850 reviews of which 289,560 were positive and 20,290 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 11,129 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
9.3
289,560
20,290
11,129
players
10. 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 7,895 reviews of which 7,074 were positive and 821 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 8,505 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
7,074
821
8,505
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 08th 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 22,742 reviews of which 16,844 were positive and 5,898 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
16,844
5,898
-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 2,256 reviews of which 1,796 were positive and 460 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
1,796
460
-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 792 reviews of which 557 were positive and 235 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
557
235
-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 08th 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 795,803 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
795,803
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 31,665, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
542,752
80,187
31,665
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 7,895 reviews of which 7,074 were positive and 821 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 8,505, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,074
821
8,505
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 7,110 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
7,110
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 6,600 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
6,600
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 3,880 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
3,880
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 3,656 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
3,656
players
8. 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 3,141 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,235
800
3,141
players
9. Torchlight: Infinite
The fate of Ember Technology is in your hands. With abounding hero build possibilities, dive into an epic journey with endless loot, adrenaline-pumping fights & new seasonal contents. Torchlight: Infinite is a rpg, hack and slash and loot game developed and published by XD. Released on May 09th 2023 has received 15,080 reviews of which 10,598 were positive and 4,482 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,011 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,598
4,482
3,011
players
10. 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 2,896 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,187
31,606
2,896
players