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
Fortix 2
Fortix 2 is best described as a reverse turret defense game. As Sir Fortix, the knight, you must conquer castles while dodging tower turrets and evil monsters. Fight your way across the shires of the island Artalom, storming from castle to castle.
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword
The standalone expansion for Mount & Blade! With Fire & Sword builds and expands upon the highly regarded combat system from Mount & Blade: Warband. Firearms have been introduced to the battlefield.
Capsized
Capsized is a fast paced 2D platformer focused on intense action and exploration. As a intrepid space traveler, your ship has crash landed on a mysterious alien planet. You must navigate through the perilous environment and fight off blood-thirsty creatures to save your crewmates and escape with your lives!
Cargo! The Quest for Gravity
Create crazy, yet functional, custom vehicles to solve missions with your own unique style!
Sanctum
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Dino D-Day
Frantic, multiplayer action involving Nazis and dinosaurs! What are you waiting for? This is World War II as it should have been!
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!
Dungeon Siege
Dungeon Siege® combines the immersive elements of a role-playing game with over-the-top intensity and non-stop action. Dungeon Siege plunges you into a continuous 3D fantasy world where you face off against an army of evil that has been unleashed.
HOARD
YOU ARE THE DRAGON in this award-winning arcade strategy game. Burn villages, collect gold, and level up your dragon while playing 10 minute matches in single player or up to 4 player co-op and competitive modes. Over 30 levels and multiple game modes ensure you'll be burning for a long time!
LEGO® Star Wars™ III - The Clone Wars™
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will allow fans to explore endlessly and laugh their way through the Star Wars galaxy in the most humorous, accessible and action-packed LEGO game to date.
Mafia II (Classic)
Vito Scaletta has started to make a name for himself on the streets of Empire Bay as someone who can be trusted to get a job done. Together with his buddy Joe, he is working to prove himself to the Mafia, quickly escalating up the family ladder with crimes of larger reward, status and consequence… the life as a wise guy isn’t quite as...
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition
Aliens are decimating New York City, only you have the technology to survive. Be The Weapon.
Assassin’s Creed® Brotherhood
It’s time to join the Brotherhood.
Post Apocalyptic Mayhem
Battle up to five friends online in this over-the-top vehicular mayhem racer!
Revenge of the Titans
The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!
Total War: SHOGUN 2
Total War: SHOGUN 2 is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming for newcomers and veterans alike.
Atom Zombie Smasher
The zombie apocalypse is upon us and it's up to you to evacuate everyone before they fall prey to the undead. Conduct massive rescue operations with a helping hand from snipers, artillery crews, orbital bombardments, and more.
Sonic Adventure DX
An ancient evil lurking within the Master Emerald has been unleashed from its slumber by the devious Dr. Eggman and is on the verge of becoming the ultimate monster using the 7 Chaos Emeralds. Only Sonic and his friends are heroic enough to put a stop to Dr. Eggman and his evil minions.
RIFT
Dive into a world of epic adventure! Create your perfect hero thanks to a uniquely customizable class system. Collect, craft, and customize your gear. Go it alone or group up to challenge dungeons, raids, dynamic open-world content, and your fellow players.
BIT.TRIP RUNNER
Experience the rhythmic thrill of BIT.TRIP RUNNER! With its retro charm, simple controls, and award-winning visuals, this classic sets the standard for rhythm gaming. Don't miss the game that started it all in the acclaimed runner series.
Men of War: Assault Squad
Men of War: Assault Squad features a completely new cooperative skirmish game mode with access to five different nations (Russia, Germany, USA, Commonwealth and, for the first time ever in the Men of War series, Japan) as well as increased realism and accessibility.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 01st 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 858,664 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,583,945
1,156,849
858,664
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 44,482 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
44,482
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 622,221 reviews of which 542,080 were positive and 80,141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 35,245 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
8.7
542,080
80,141
35,245
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 action, open world 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 26,705 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
6.4
27,885
15,388
26,705
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 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 21,485 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
755,031
234,545
21,485
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 662,726 reviews of which 593,971 were positive and 68,755 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 20,937 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
593,971
68,755
20,937
players
7. 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 27,917 reviews of which 20,990 were positive and 6,927 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 12,872 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
7.4
20,990
6,927
12,872
players
8. 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 281,978 reviews of which 254,964 were positive and 27,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 8,951 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
9.0
254,964
27,014
8,951
players
9. 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. With 8,734 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
7.3
26,418
9,502
8,734
players
10. Monster Hunter: World
Welcome to a new world! In Monster Hunter: World, the latest installment in the series, you can enjoy the ultimate hunting experience, using everything at your disposal to hunt monsters in a new world teeming with surprises and excitement. Monster Hunter: World is a co-op, multiplayer and action game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on August 08th 2018 has received 490,118 reviews of which 431,253 were positive and 58,865 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 8,379 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
8.7
431,253
58,865
8,379
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 01st 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 790 reviews of which 637 were positive and 153 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
637
153
-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 5,708 reviews of which 5,436 were positive and 272 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
5,436
272
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
5. 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 694 reviews of which 572 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 #5 position in the best deals for action games.
7.8
572
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for action games.
7.7
1,796
460
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
7. Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a Horrorpunk Action RPG filled with Lovecraftian horrors and Cronenbergian gore, making it the most gruesome take on the isometric Souls-like genre yet! Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a souls-like, action and adventure game developed by Still Running and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 1,336 reviews of which 986 were positive and 350 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for action games.
7.1
986
350
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
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%
50.50€
2.02€
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 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
9.3
20,644
996
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 01st 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 858,664 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
858,664
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 35,245, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.7
542,080
80,141
35,245
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,734, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
7.3
26,418
9,502
8,734
players
4. 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 4,391 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,566
1,381
4,391
players
5. 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 4,359 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,598
4,482
4,359
players
6. 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 146,077 reviews of which 112,696 were positive and 33,381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,151 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,696
33,381
4,151
players
7. 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 3,740 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,238
8,858
3,740
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 7,938 reviews of which 7,147 were positive and 791 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,305 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,147
791
3,305
players
9. 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 3,228 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,095
31,564
3,228
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 85,666 reviews of which 71,934 were positive and 13,732 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,190 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
71,934
13,732
3,190
players