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, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Action games on Steam.

Filters & Lists
Vindictus Enter a dark and sinister world where you must battle for survival. With gratifying real-time combat, epic monsters, and glorious visuals, this isn't just another MMO... This is VINDICTUS!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.6
Release 22 Jun 2012
LEGO® Batman™ 2: DC Super Heroes Legends Unite! The Dynamic Duo of Batman and Robin join other famous super heroes from the DC Universe including Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to save Gotham City from destruction at the hands of the notorious villains Lex Luthor and the Joker.

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 22 Jun 2012
Tiny and Big: Grandpa's Leftovers You are Tiny, a nerdy inventor, who tries to reclaim his most beloved possession - Grandpa's underpants!

Price -96% 0.49€
Rating 8.8
Release 19 Jun 2012
Adventures of Shuggy Shuggy has just inherited a castle full of goblins, ghouls, zombies, and robots. Help him clear out over 100 rooms to make his new home liveable again!

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 13 Jun 2012
Rune Classic Experience an exciting single player storyline where you thwart Loki and his minions from bringing Ragnarok to Midgard.

Price -94% 0.65€
Rating 8.5
Release 13 Jun 2012
Game of Thrones Experience an amazing adventure in one of the most fascinating universes! Amidst conspiracy and betrayal, try to survive the orchestrated machinations around the Iron Throne.

Price 14.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 07 Jun 2012
The Lord of the Rings Online™ Join the world’s greatest fellowship of players in the award-winning online re-creation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 06 Jun 2012
Max Payne 3 No longer a New York City cop, Max Payne moves to São Paulo to protect a wealthy family in an effort to finally escape his troubled past. This complete edition of Max Payne 3 includes the complete original game and all previously released downloadable content.

Price -19% 16.39€
Rating 8.5
Release 31 May 2012
Ys Origin The perfect mix of action, exploration and story with screen-filling bosses, unique platforming elements, and innovative puzzles.

Price -95% 0.80€
Rating 8.9
Release 31 May 2012
Conflict Desert Storm™ Take charge of the most feared special operations forces in the world: the elite British SAS or the US Delta Force squads. You're the best trained, best equipped and best organised. The area that has been assigned to you is yours for the taking. Seek, locate and destroy enemy targets and personnel.

Price -86% 0.97€
Rating 6.8
Release 28 May 2012
Alan Wake's American Nightmare A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode!

Price -84% 1.41€
Rating 7.1
Release 22 May 2012
Thief™ II: The Metal Age The ultimate thief is back! Tread softly as you make your way through 15 new complex, non-linear levels full of loot to steal and guards to outsmart. Improved enemy AI, new gadgets and a riveting story will draw you into the world of Thief™ II: The Metal Age, a place of powerful new technologies, fanatical religions and corruption.

Price -86% 0.97€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 May 2012
Thief™ Gold Stalk your prey on the quest for stolen goods with your blackjack, sword, and an assortment of unique arrows. Steal for money and uncover the hidden agendas of your allies and enemies as you play through an unravelling story of deception and revenge.

Price -86% 0.97€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 May 2012
Alien Shooter 2 Conscription The Great War has begun! The world population capable of functioning is mobilized to serve in the army and the outcome depends on you!

Price -78% 2.21€
Rating 7.7
Release 18 May 2012
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode II The Sonic 4 Saga continues in Episode II with the return of a beloved side kick and fan-favorite villains! Following the events of Episode I, Metal Sonic has returned to form an alliance with Dr. Eggman! To face this new evil, Sonic will have to call upon an old friend to help him save the day!

Price -92% 0.89€
Rating 7.2
Release 14 May 2012
Offspring Fling! Offspring Fling is a game about a poor forest creature that has misplaced all of her children.

Price -93% 0.42€
Rating 7.8
Release 11 May 2012
Dynamite Jack A brave space marine, armed with only bombs and a flashlight, must escape the Anathema Mines!

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 10 May 2012
Port Royale 3 The Caribbean, in the turbulent 17th Century. The mighty kingdoms of Spain, England, France and the Netherlands fight over the colonies. And there you are, a young sea captain whose only goal is to become the most powerful man in the New World.

Price -94% 0.96€
Rating 7.1
Release 04 May 2012
Aliens: Colonial Marines Collection You & your friends are the deadliest killers in the galaxy – the US Colonial Marines. It’s up to you to not just survive, but wipe out the Xeno infestation.

Price 29.99€
Rating 6.0
Release 01 May 2012
Toy Soldiers Command your TOY SOLDIERS in epic, action-packed battles.

Price -43% 5.13€
Rating 8.5
Release 27 Apr 2012
Risen 2: Dark Waters Set several years after the end of Risen, raging titans have devastated the world and pushed humanity to the brink of existence. Subsequently, monstrous creatures have risen from the watery depths of the sea and their attacks have brought all seafaring to a grinding halt.

Price -94% 0.62€
Rating 7.8
Release 26 Apr 2012
Binary Domain Set in futuristic Tokyo, take control of the robotic community before they control everything!

Price -91% 1.43€
Rating 8.3
Release 26 Apr 2012
The Walking Dead A five-part adventure horror series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series.

Price -94% 1.03€
Rating 9.6
Release 24 Apr 2012
Noitu Love 2: Devolution A century after the legendary boy Noitu Love saved the world from the evil Darns, they rise again, but in a chaos of time-bending mayhem!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 23 Apr 2012

Action games are a cornerstone genre in the gaming world, cherished for their compelling gameplay that often involves intense combat, quick reactions, and strategic decision-making under pressure. These titles challenge players' reflexes and problem-solving abilities, making them a favorite pastime for both casual and hardcore gamers. On platforms like Steam, action games boast a massive following, thanks to their wide array of styles and creative design.

What Makes a Great Action Game?

Combat Mechanics
Deep and dynamic combat systems that offer a variety of approaches and satisfying feedback for every action taken. Look for games that introduce new weapons, abilities, or enemies as you progress through the adventure.
Pacing and Adrenaline
A well-managed game flow that balances moments of exploration or narration with intense combat sequences, keeping the player constantly engaged and excited.
Freedom of Movement
Fluid and responsive controls that allow players to move agilely, dodge attacks, and strategically position themselves, which is crucial in fast-paced combat situations.

Discover the Vast World of Action Games

Are you searching for the best action games? Here you'll find a curated collection spanning from fast-paced first-person shooters (FPS) and adrenaline-pumping hack and slash titles, to engaging action RPGs with compelling stories and online multiplayer action games that let you challenge friends or foes worldwide. Whether you prefer tactical action, breathtaking combat, or expansive exploratory adventures, our selection is constantly updated to offer you the most exciting new action titles and must-play classics.

What are the best platformer games for beginners?

If you're looking for beginner-friendly action games that ease you into the genre without overwhelming you, consider starting with titles that offer clear objectives, forgiving mechanics, and gradual difficulty spikes. Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales offer intuitive combat and traversal, allowing you to feel powerful quickly. Horizon Zero Dawn™ Remastered also features accessible combat systems with clear enemy weaknesses and excellent tutorials.

Shared Adventures Await!

Multiplayer platformer games are all about creating unforgettable shared adventures. Experience the thrill of cooperating to overcome tricky obstacles and timing jumps perfectly alongside a buddy in local co-op gems like Cuphead or Rayman® Legends. Or, if you prefer connecting remotely, dive into unique online multiplayer experiences where teamwork is key, such as the delightful cooperative challenges of It Takes Two or the frantic, chaotic races of Party Animals.