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.

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Two Worlds Epic Edition ... 300 years after Aziraal has been banished, a brother and sister are drawn into the conflict which has flared up between the Orcs and the free world. Kyra, the hero's younger sister, suddenly disappears in mysterious circumstances.«...If my family really belongs to the chosen ones, why then have we always been as poor as church mice?

Price -98% 0.37€
Rating 7.5
Release 30 Apr 2009
X-Blades In X-Blades, the player takes on the role of the enchanting heroine Ayumi, who survives a breathtaking dance of blades through the Hordes of Darkness. The long-haired beautiful anime, with her pistol blades and mind-blowing leaps, whirls and swirls from one fantastic level to the next.

Price -97% 0.49€
Rating 6.0
Release 30 Apr 2009
Zeno Clash Zeno Clash is an action/fighting game set in a punk fantasy world. The game is played from a first person perspective and the combat is generally up close and brutal. Experience a deep storyline set in a fantastic world.

Price -93% 0.70€
Rating 8.3
Release 21 Apr 2009
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Price -71% 5.44€
Rating 8.9
Release 08 Apr 2009
And Yet It Moves And Yet It Moves is a puzzle-platformer, set in a unique world, made of ripped paper. Within the paper-collage you can jump, run and last but certainly not least: rotate the world. Learn how to apply the physical consequences of rotation to master the many tricky situations you may encounter.

Price -91% 0.95€
Rating 6.8
Release 02 Apr 2009
Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death Welcome to Mega-City One, a city of over 400 million people - every one of them a potential criminal. It is the third decade of the 22nd Century, unemployment is widespread, boredom is universal and only the Judges can prevent total anarchy. Empowered to dispense instant justice, they are Judge, Jury and Executioner all in one.

Price -92% 0.69€
Rating 8.3
Release 26 Mar 2009
Dark Sector A third-person Action/Shooter that thrusts players into a sci-fi flavored nightmare scenario set in the post Cold War era.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 24 Mar 2009
Larva Mortus Larva Mortus is a fast-paced hack and slash top-down shooter. As an agent specializing in exorcism, you are tasked to hunt monsters of the supernatural in a dark, ominous, and randomly generated atmosphere full of undead, terrifying and demonic nightmares.

Price -80% 0.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 19 Mar 2009
Caster Dash across Scenic Locations destroying bug like creatures called the Flanx using 6 Unique Attacks that include Massive Terrain Deformation and High Speed Barrages of Energy Blasts!

Price 1.50€
Rating 7.7
Release 19 Mar 2009
The Maw The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe, he'd make the perfect pet.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 09 Mar 2009
Penumbra Overture Penumbra: Overture is a first person survival horror game, emphasizing on survival and problem solving instead of mindless violence and gore.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.7
Release 06 Mar 2009
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.

Price -83% 4.29€
Rating 8.9
Release 04 Mar 2009
Watchmen: The End is Nigh The lines between good and bad have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. The alleys, rooftops and sewers are crawling with criminals and brutal gangs. And now, Underboss — in a daring escape — has broken out of prison and is ruling with vicious darkness.

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 04 Mar 2009
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II in one package. Play the award-winning real-time strategy game in all its glory, including three full campaigns, six multiplayer factions, and a full co-op Last Stand mode with eight unique heroes.

Price 44.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 18 Feb 2009
Driver® Parallel Lines You were the fastest wheelman on the street. You were a legend. You were money. Until they set you up and sent you down. Twenty-eight years inside for someone else's crime. Now you're getting out. Guess what? You got a new job, it's called getting revenge.

Price -75% 2.49€
Rating 8.5
Release 13 Feb 2009
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Assume the role of Special Forces Sgt. Becket as your routine mission quickly turns into a fight for survival against the wrath of Alma Wade. As Alma's terrifying power surges out of control, your squad is forced to battle through an apocalyptic landscape in search of clues for how to destroy her!

Price -95% 0.84€
Rating 8.3
Release 12 Feb 2009
Dystopia Dystopia is a cyberpunk game with tense combat situations in a high-tech world spanned by computer networks. Playing as either Punk mercenaries, or Corporate security forces, the player will fight through the physical world to gain access, via jack-in terminals, to cyberspace.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 06 Feb 2009
Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition Surrounded by enemies and assaulted by terror from all sides, Philip must collect clues and solve vexing puzzles while combating the gnawing psychological terrors that assail his mind and threaten to strip him of his sanity.

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.0
Release 23 Jan 2009
Mirror's Edge™ In a city where information is heavily monitored, couriers called Runners transport sensitive data. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, & you are being hunted. You are a Runner called Faith and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 14 Jan 2009
Dead Space (2008) You are Isaac Clarke, an engineer on the spacecraft USG Ishimura. You're not a warrior. You're not a soldier. You are, however, the last line of defense for the remaining living crew.

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 09 Jan 2009
Saints Row 2 Saints Row 2 brings true freedom to open-world gaming. Players can play as who they want, how they want, and with whomever they want in this sequel to the much acclaimed and tremendously successful Saints Row.

Price -93% 0.79€
Rating 7.4
Release 07 Jan 2009
Rise of the Argonauts As the King of Iolcus, Jason had everything—a prosperous kingdom, the respect of his peers, and a beautiful fiancé. When she was killed on their wedding day, he vowed to do anything to restore her life. Now, in order to accomplish this heroic feat Jason must seek out the Golden Fleece -- and with the help of Greek mythology's greatest...

Price -88% 13.49€
Rating 6.9
Release 07 Jan 2009
Mass Effect (2007) As Commander Shepard, you lead an elite squad on a heroic, action-packed adventure throughout the galaxy.

Price 29.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 19 Dec 2008
SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack Add horror and humor to your universe. Make grotesque beasts or cuddly critters, then watch them do the robot, zombie walk, break dance and more! Includes over 100 new items. 60 New parts 48 New paint options 24 New animations

Price -75% 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Dec 2008

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.