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
Serious Sam 2 Serious Sam 2 is a shot of adrenaline to the hearts of first-person shooter fans across the world. This is serious!

Price -78% 2.16€
Rating 8.7
Release 31 Jan 2012
Fortune Summoners A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 30 Jan 2012
Insane 2 Features traditional time trial mode and 9 other game modes, including the popular “Capture the flag”, “Gate hunt” and “Pathfinder”.

Price -94% 0.83€
Rating 7.9
Release 24 Jan 2012
Unstoppable Gorg Defend the solar system from fearsome aliens by sending satellites into orbit in revolutionary tower defense action!

Price -91% 0.89€
Rating 7.4
Release 19 Jan 2012
Dustforce DX Take control of a nimble janitor to rid the world of dust and debris.

Price -89% 1.08€
Rating 8.4
Release 17 Jan 2012
Evochron Mercenary The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. Your spacecraft awaits and your adventure begins in the Sapphire star system.

Price 14.79€
Rating 7.3
Release 16 Jan 2012
Fable - The Lost Chapters Each person you aid, each flower you crush, and each creature you slay will change this world forever. Fable: Who will you be?

Price 8.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 19 Dec 2011
SATAZIUS The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...

Price -88% 0.76€
Rating 7.8
Release 16 Dec 2011
Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon Thousands of giant insects and aliens once again ravage the earth, and only the Earth Defense Force can stop them.

Price -34% 6.68€
Rating 8.3
Release 14 Dec 2011
Demigod Set in a magical world where gods walk among mortals, Demigod blends action, strategy and role-playing elements into a thrilling new experience.

Price -92% 0.84€
Rating 7.2
Release 14 Dec 2011
EverQuest II EverQuest® II is the epitome of massively multiplayer gaming - the ultimate blend of deep features, heritage, and community.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 07 Dec 2011
APB Reloaded The world’s first and premier Action MMO Third Person Shooter allows you to choose between two sides of the law. Play as Enforcer or Criminal, customize your gear for the task at hand and hit the streets and play how you want in a city filled with more action this side of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 06 Dec 2011
Assassin's Creed® Revelations Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary mentor Altair, on a dangerous journey of discovery and revelation.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 30 Nov 2011
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome 82 remastered levels from the original and 43 brand new ones that are twice as fast!

Price -96% 0.48€
Rating 7.1
Release 23 Nov 2011
Serious Sam 3: BFE Serious Sam 3: BFE is a prequel to the original indie fast action FPS and Game of the Year sensation - Serious Sam: The First Encounter!

Price -90% 2.92€
Rating 8.7
Release 22 Nov 2011
Cave Story+ Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Price -57% 6.52€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 Nov 2011
SkyDrift Get closer than ever before to the world of adrenaline pumping sky-racing where flyboys can test and master their flying and combat skills against the deadliest opponents! Admire amazingly detailed terrains. Unlock state-of-the-art planes and personalize them with unique racing skins.

Price -95% 0.50€
Rating 8.4
Release 21 Nov 2011
Saints Row: The Third Get ready for the most out-landish gameplay scenarios ever seen as the Third Street Saints take on the Syndicate!

Price -90% 1.09€
Rating 9.4
Release 17 Nov 2011
Waves Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 16 Nov 2011
Batman: Arkham City Get Batman: Arkham City and all DLC for one low price with the release of the GOTY Edition!

Price 282.91€
Rating 9.4
Release 15 Nov 2011
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim EPIC FANTASY REBORN The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.

Price -69% 4.76€
Rating 9.4
Release 10 Nov 2011
L.A. Noire In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department.

Price -70% 5.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 08 Nov 2011
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 (2011) The best-selling first-person action series of all-time returns with an epic sequel to the multiple GOTY award winner Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2

Price -50% 19.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 07 Nov 2011
Sonic Generations Collection Celebrate 20 years of Sonic in an all new adventure that delivers a definitive experience to Sonic fans new and old!

Price 31.54€
Rating 9.2
Release 03 Nov 2011

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.