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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TrackMania Nations Forever A free game in the truest sense of the word, TrackMania Nations Forever lets you drive at mind-blowing speeds on fun and spectacular tracks in solo and multiplayer modes.TrackMania Nations Forever offers a new "Forever" version of the Stadium environment, a solid solo mode and 65 brand new, progressively challenging tracks.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 16 Apr 2008
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 - the sequel to the award-winning next-generation first-person shooter - returns to Sin City. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America's sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 16 Apr 2008
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six makes its next-generation hardware debut in the most dramatic installment of the renowned first-person shooter franchise to date. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in 'Sin City' threatens to take world terrorism to new, uncontrollable heights.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 09 Apr 2008
Assassin's Creed™: Director's Cut Edition Assassin's Creed™ is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that redefines the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin's Creed merges technology, game design, theme and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of...

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 09 Apr 2008
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell® Enter the world of cinematic stealth action with Splinter Cell, the game that propelled the genre to cult status. You are Sam Fisher, an elite covert agent in the NSA's top-secret division: Third Echelon.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 01 Apr 2008
Far Cry® A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.

Price -70% 2.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 01 Apr 2008
Act of War: Direct Action Tomorrow's War Is NOW Ripped from today's headlines, Act of War: Direct Action™ is a frightening tale of suspense, international intrigue and geopolitical military conflict. This real-time strategy experience puts you squarely in control of counterterrorist forces and delivers a first look at tomorrow's war.

Price -74% 0.80€
Rating 8.4
Release 12 Mar 2008
Death to Spies Smersh is Russian for "Death to Spies" and was the name of a set of counterintelligence agencies formed in the Soviet Army during World War II. Their mission was to secure the rear of the active Red Army by arresting traitors, deserters, spies and criminal cells.

Price -21% 3.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 12 Mar 2008
Act of War: High Treason The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed game Act of War: Direct Action picks up where the techno-thriller left off. On the eve of the U.S. Presidential elections, simultaneous terrorist attacks hit both candidates. Clues point to corrupt elements within the U.S.

Price -70% 0.90€
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Mar 2008
Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ is an open-world First Person Shooter set on the frontlines of tomorrow. In a world ravaged by a global energy crisis, environmental decay, and economic depression, players assume the role of an elite soldier in the Western Coalition Army on an epic crusade against the Red Star Alliance to control the last of...

Price 9.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 29 Feb 2008
Overlord™: Raising Hell How evil can you get? Discover how corruptible you are in Overlord, the twisted fantasy action adventure where you can be evil (or really evil). In the game's seriously warped fantasy world, players will become the Overlord and get first-hand experience of how absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Price 8.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 28 Feb 2008
Darkstar One Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.

Price -89% 1.02€
Rating 7.8
Release 13 Feb 2008
Manhunt You awake to the sound of your own panicked breath. In Manhunt, you must run, hide and fight to survive. If you can stay alive long enough, you may find out who did this to you. This is a brutal blood sport.

Price -75% 2.50€
Rating 6.9
Release 04 Jan 2008
Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® (2007) The new action-thriller from the award-winning team at Infinity Ward, the creators of the Call of Duty® series, delivers the most intense and cinematic action experience ever. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare arms gamers with an arsenal of advanced and powerful modern day firepower and transports them to the most treacherous hotspots...

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 12 Nov 2007
Call of Juarez Call of Juarez is an epic adventure western themed FPS game. The player alternately assumes the roles of two distinct, antagonistic characters: a sneaking fugitive Billy and his hunter the reverend Ray.

Price -95% 0.54€
Rating 7.8
Release 08 Nov 2007
Painkiller Overdose The critically-acclaimed and award-winning FPS franchise is back! Packed with tons of fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled single player and multiplayer action, Painkiller Overdose brings with it 6 innovative new demonic weapons, mind-bending physics, lightning-player maps, over 40 demented and sickly-twisted monsters from Hell and gigantic end...

Price -75% 1.25€
Rating 6.9
Release 30 Oct 2007
Overlord™ Prepare to be tempted, mesmerized and thrilled, become the Overlord, how corrupt you become depends on how you handle any given situation. Your actions impact the game world. With incredible power at your disposal and a team of evil minded minions to do your evil bidding, how will you resist the temptation to be incredibly despotic?

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 26 Oct 2007
Team Fortress 2 Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 10 Oct 2007
Portal Portal™ is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.

Price -18% 8.04€
Rating 9.7
Release 10 Oct 2007
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts The next chapter in the #1 rated RTS franchise thrusts players into a hellish war torn landscape to command two battle-hardened armies in relentless campaigns for honor and country. Players lead the tenacious British 2nd Army during the heroic World War II liberation of Caen, France, and command the German Panzer Elite as they struggle...

Price -88% 2.34€
Rating 8.7
Release 24 Sep 2007
Peggle Extreme Peggle Extreme delivers fast-paced puzzle action that combines elements of pinball and pachinko to create a truly unique game experience. Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun, now exclusively themed with art and sounds from Half-Life: Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 11 Sep 2007
BioShock™ BioShock is a shooter unlike any you've ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You'll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you'll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you.

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 21 Aug 2007
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War in one glorious package. Play the genre-defining classic real time strategy game in all its blood-soaked glory, including four complete campaigns and nine full-fledged factions.

Price 13.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 07 Aug 2007
Quake III Arena The greatest warriors of all time and space have been summoned to battle for the amusement of an ancient alien race. Wield a variety of guns and power-ups as you fight for glory against ruthless combatants in this fast-paced single-player and multiplayer FPS.

Price -55% 6.89€
Rating 9.2
Release 03 Aug 2007

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.