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 Fall
Freedom Fall is a diabolical down-scrolling platformer set in a prison tower so tall it touches the clouds. Presented with hand painted art, its old school vibe mixes with fast-paced free falling action and a story with both dark wit and heart.
3089 -- Futuristic Action RPG
3089 is a futuristic, procedurally generated, open-world action role-playing game. All terrain, enemies, weapons, items, quests & more are uniquely generated. Will you obey your creator, the Overlord, or find your own path?
METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE
Developed by Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory with an all-new action experience. The game seamlessly melds pure action and epic story-telling that surrounds Raiden – a child soldier transformed into a half-human, half-cyborg ninja who...
Deadly 30
Can you survive the horror? … a retro-style survival horror game developed by the two-man indie team of Gonzossm and Iggy Zuk. Survive 30 days and nights in a zombie-infested world by recruiting companions, upgrading weaponry and fortifying your position.
Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense
Get ready for an epic journey to defend your kingdom against hordes of orcs, trolls, evil wizards and other nasty fiends using a vast arsenal of towers and spells at your command!Fight on forests, mountains and wastelands, customizing your defensive strategy with different tower upgrades and specializations!
Gunman Clive
In the year of 18XX, the west is overrun by thugs and outlaws. A group of bandits have kidnapped Mayor Johnsons daughter and are spreading havok across the land. Only Gunman Clive can bring order to the west and save the girl!Jump and shoot your way across 16 diverse and challenging levels and fight massive bosses.
Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
The Walking Dead: Season Two
The Walking Dead: Season Two continues the story of Clementine, a young girl orphaned by the undead apocalypse. Left to fend for herself, she has been forced to learn how to survive in a world gone mad.
Just Cause 2: Multiplayer Mod
JC2-MP is a project to bring multiplayer to Just Cause 2 in all of its magnificent glory. Imagine the chaos of normal Just Cause 2, then extending it out to dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of players.
Teslagrad
A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.
Stick it to The Man!
Hard hat tester, Ray, has a bizarre accident and wakes up with a giant pink spaghetti arm sticking out of his brain! With his awesome new powers he can read minds and change the world with stickers but he’s on the run for a crime he didn’t commit. Can you help Ray out of this sticky situation?
Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
Play as Trane, a "toy" graffiti artist with the street smarts, athletic prowess and vision to become an "All City King" - the most reputable of all graffiti artists. Along your quest, uncover the mayor's deep, dark secret and use your fighting talents and high-wire graffiti to expose the city's leader as a corrupt...
Viscera Cleanup Detail: Santa's Rampage
Tragedy! Santa; the toy giving folk-hero, and purveyor of fine Christmas goods, has had enough. Endless requests from greedy children wanting more and more every year, tax increases, pressure from elf unions, bills, reindeer!
FATE
Play (or Re-play) This Classic Dungeon Crawler!During the golden days of action RPGs, FATE was a powerhouse, winning runner-up for PC Magazine’s Role-Playing Game of the year. Popular enough to spawn 3 sequels, this was one of the premier dungeon crawlers of its time.
Not The Robots
You are a robot in an office building. You have to eat furniture and not get caught. A mysterious story unfolds.Not The Robots is this year’s most exciting Roguelike Stealth Furniture Eating Simulator. It’s a game with random levels, permadeath, and the goal of eating furniture - which is also your stealth cover.
OMSI 2: Steam Edition
Off to the next round! Experience a new omnibus simulator with OMSI 2 and start discovering Spandau while driving the omnibus. OMSI 2 is the successor of the well-known and awarded omnibus simulator "OMSI - The Bus Simulator".
Tiny Brains
"Tiny Brains" is a cooperative action puzzler that follows four super-powered lab animals in their attempt to escape a mad scientist's experiments. In this joyously chaotic multiplayer game, the four "Tiny Brains" must combine their unique physics-based powers to navigate through a trick-ridden maze.
Samurai GUNN
Samurai GUNN is a lightning-fast Bushido brawler for two to four players. Each samurai is armed with a sword and gunn, with only 3 bullets to a life. Strategy and quick reflexes are the key to deflecting bullets and sending your opponents’ heads rolling.
Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge
Pick your faction, Monster, strategy, and find out who gets to become King of the Undead!
Race The Sun
You are a solar-powered craft. The sun is your death timer. Hurtle towards the sunset at breakneck speed in a futile race against time. Delay the inevitable by catching speed boosts which reverse the setting sun - if only for a moment. Don't crash, stay in the light, and don't slow down!
Nimble Quest
Nimble Quest! Lead a conga line of heroes to glory against hordes of enemies across an endless number of stages. How many enemies can you defeat? Steer your unstoppable (seriously, you can’t stop) party as they cut a path of destruction through levels filled with different enemies and power-ups.
Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe
After jumping through a wormhole and landing onto this forsaken planet far from home, you are standing in front of a huge interstellar Casino where everyone plays air hockey for a living! Plug your Oculus Rift DK (or not!) and master the finest Shufflepucking techniques!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 07th 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 8,740,794 reviews of which 7,583,945 were positive and 1,156,849 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 750,096 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,583,945
1,156,849
750,096
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 41,404 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
41,404
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 38,665 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
38,665
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 622,221 reviews of which 542,080 were positive and 80,141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 33,149 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
542,080
80,141
33,149
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 43,273 reviews of which 27,885 were positive and 15,388 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 24,442 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
6.4
27,885
15,388
24,442
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 21,650 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
21,650
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 18,937 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
18,937
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 12,428 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
12,428
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 12,032 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
12,032
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 7,292 reviews of which 6,530 were positive and 762 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 9,268 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
6,530
762
9,268
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 07th 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 1,317 reviews of which 892 were positive and 425 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
425
-97%
43.00€
1.29€
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. Trine 2: Complete Story
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op. Trine 2: Complete Story is a puzzle-platformer, platformer and adventure game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on June 06th 2013 has received 21,640 reviews of which 20,644 were positive and 996 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
9.3
20,644
996
-80%
19.99€
3.99€
10. 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 7,473 reviews of which 6,947 were positive and 526 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for action games.
9
6,947
526
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
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 07th 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 8,740,794 reviews of which 7,583,945 were positive and 1,156,849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 750,096 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,583,945
1,156,849
750,096
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 622,221 reviews of which 542,080 were positive and 80,141 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 33,149, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
542,080
80,141
33,149
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 7,292 reviews of which 6,530 were positive and 762 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 9,268, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
6,530
762
9,268
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 35,920 reviews of which 26,418 were positive and 9,502 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 7,438 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.3
26,418
9,502
7,438
players
5. 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 battle royale game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 6,947 reviews of which 5,566 were positive and 1,381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,220 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,566
1,381
4,220
players
6. 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 24,096 reviews of which 15,238 were positive and 8,858 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,059 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,238
8,858
4,059
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 3,636 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
3,636
players
8. 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 3,336 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,598
4,482
3,336
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 8,035 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 3,093 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,235
800
3,093
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 147,659 reviews of which 116,095 were positive and 31,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,908 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,095
31,564
2,908
players