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
Bastion Discover the secrets of the Calamity, a surreal catastrophe that shattered the world to pieces.

Price -87% 2.05€
Rating 9.4
Release 16 Aug 2011
Space Pirates and Zombies Explore a randomly generated Galaxy populated with factions, enemies, missions, and items providing you with a unique experience each time you play.

Price -89% 1.18€
Rating 8.7
Release 15 Aug 2011
EDGE EDGE, the award winning retro-styled platform game has been extended! Now with over 40 brand new levels, additional music and all-new races against the notorious Dark Cube!

Price -90% 0.72€
Rating 8.8
Release 11 Aug 2011
ARMA: Cold War Assault Bohemia Interactive's debut game published by Codemasters as Operation Flashpoint in 2001, became genre-defining combat military simulation and the No. 1 bestselling PC game around the world and has won many international awards, including “Game of The Year” and “Best Action Game”. Over 2 million copies have been sold since its release.

Price -80% 0.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 08 Aug 2011
Quake 4 As part of the elite Rhino Squad, you must spearhead Earth’s military invasion of a hostile alien homeworld. But, in this desperate war for humanity’s survival against an unrelenting enemy, you may discover that the only way to defeat them...is to become one of them.

Price -80% 3.10€
Rating 8.4
Release 04 Aug 2011
LIMBO Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Price -90% 0.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 02 Aug 2011
Chantelise - A Tale of Two Sisters A whimsical Action-RPG brought to you from the creators of the renowned Recettear ~ An Item Shop's Tale. Purchase before August 5th and save!

Price 7.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 29 Jul 2011
E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy In a dark Cyberpunk world, you (and up to 3 friends) wage war against the all-powerful Federation in this Source-powered FPS/RPG.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.2
Release 29 Jul 2011
Air Conflicts: Secret Wars Soar through the unfriendly skies in Air Conflicts: Secret Wars - an arcade flight simulation set in World War I and II era. Buy before July 21st and save!

Price -88% 0.75€
Rating 6.6
Release 15 Jul 2011
Cthulhu Saves the World The lord of insanity, Cthulhu was all set to plunge the world into insanity and destruction when his powers were sealed by a mysterious sorcerer. The only way for him to break the curse is to become a true hero. Save the world to destroy it in an epic parody RPG journey of redemption, romance, and insanity!

Price -79% 0.63€
Rating 8.8
Release 13 Jul 2011
ARMA: Gold Edition ARMA: Gold is pack of ARMA: Armed Assault and an expansion pack ARMA: Queen's Gambit. ARMA is a first person tactical military shooter with large elements of realism and simulation. This game features a blend of large-scale military conflict spread over large areas alongside the more closed quarters battle.

Price -80% 1.59€
Rating 7.3
Release 13 Jul 2011
Puzzle Agent 2 Agent Nelson Tethers just solved his biggest case yet. So why isn't he satisfied? Venture back to eerie Scoggins, Minnesota to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all!

Price -85% 0.73€
Rating 8.2
Release 30 Jun 2011
F.E.A.R. 3 F.E.A.R. 3 delivers all the hallmarks that define the F.E.A.R. brand: terrifying paranormal experience, frenetic combat and a dramatic storyline.

Price -98% 0.40€
Rating 7.0
Release 21 Jun 2011
Alice: Madness Returns Alice: Madness Returns is a third-person, single-player, action adventure platformer. Visit the grim reality of Victorian London and travel to the beautiful yet ghastly Wonderland to uncover the root of Alice's madness.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 17 Jun 2011
Champions Online Grab your cape and defend Millennium City in this comic book-style action MMORPG! Design your hero and costume from thousands of costume pieces, face super-villains like Dr. Destroyer, and create your own unique nemesis.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.0
Release 14 Jun 2011
Global Agenda: Free Agent 2155. From the ashes of the devastating Third Great War rose the Commonwealth, an oppressive world government determined to control the entire planet. The few remaining independent factions retaliate the only way they can, with elite teams of special operatives trained in advanced warfare tactics and equipped with high-tech weaponry.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 14 Jun 2011
Spiral Knights Join the ranks of the Spiral Knights. Stranded on an alien world, you must explore the ever-changing Clockworks beneath its surface.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 14 Jun 2011
Duke Nukem Forever The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, giant explosions and pure unadulterated fun!

Price -97% 0.60€
Rating 6.8
Release 09 Jun 2011
Jamestown Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Price -54% 3.82€
Rating 9.0
Release 08 Jun 2011
Red Faction®: Armageddon™ Red Faction: Armageddon Path to War includes 4 new missions, 2 unlockable items and 10 new achievements!

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 06 Jun 2011
Hunted: The Demon’s Forge™ It will take the combined efforts of two great warriors to explore menacing dungeons, overgrown ruins, and downtrodden towns … and discover the secrets of the Demon’s Forge.

Price -70% 1.49€
Rating 7.2
Release 02 Jun 2011
Hamilton's Great Adventure All new DLC, Retro Fever, Now Available!

Price -99% 0.18€
Rating 6.7
Release 31 May 2011
Portal 2 - The Final Hours Portal 2 draws from the award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a cult following. For more information on Portal 2 click here.

Price 1.59€
Rating 7.2
Release 17 May 2011
Terraria Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available!

Price -47% 5.17€
Rating 9.7
Release 16 May 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.