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
Jade Empire™: Special Edition Step into the role of an aspiring martial-arts master and follow the path of the open palm or the closed fist.

Price 14.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 27 Feb 2007
FlatOut Ram through pile-ups and smash through your windshield as you push racing to the edge! FlatOut™ delivers more heart-stopping thrills than any sane driver can handle!

Price -94% 0.48€
Rating 8.9
Release 02 Feb 2007
Painkiller: Black Edition Painkiller Black Edition includes the expansion pack Battle Out of Hell, featuring 10 additional single-player levels and many new villains.

Price -85% 1.57€
Rating 8.5
Release 24 Jan 2007
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-winning The Longest Journey, considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made.

Price -79% 4.29€
Rating 8.0
Release 12 Jan 2007
FlatOut 2 Experience the drive of your life as you throw yourself around on and off the track causing fences to shatter, tyre walls explode, water tanks and barrels fly across the track into other cars.

Price -95% 0.58€
Rating 9.4
Release 21 Dec 2006
Garry's Mod Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play.

Price 9.99€
Rating 9.6
Release 29 Nov 2006
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.

Price 24.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 15 Nov 2006
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic Discover a new breed of Action-RPG game powered by an enhanced version of the Source™ Engine by Valve. Set in the Might & Magic® universe, players will experience ferocious combat in a dark and immersive fantasy environment. Swords, Stealth, Sorcery. Choose your way to kill.

Price -75% 1.24€
Rating 8.9
Release 25 Oct 2006
Call of Duty: United Offensive Award-winning developer Gray Matter Interactive follows up on the success of Infinity Ward's Call of Duty™ - winner of over 80 Game of the Year and 50 Editors' Choice awards worldwide - with Call of Duty™: United Offensive™.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 13 Oct 2006
Call of Duty® 2 Call of Duty® 2 redefines the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle as seen through the eyes of ordinary soldiers fighting together in epic WWII conflicts. The sequel to 2003's Call of Duty, winner of over 80 Game of the Year awards, Call of Duty 2 offers more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before, thanks to...

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 13 Oct 2006
Call of Duty® (2003) Call of Duty® delivers the gritty realism and cinematic intensity of World War II's epic battlefield moments like never before.

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 13 Oct 2006
GUN™ When life robs Colton White of all that matters, the only thing left he can trust is his GUN. From award-winning developer, Neversoft, and accomplished screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (The Mask of Zorro, The Doors), GUN follows Colton on his quest for discovery as he seeks to exact vengeful justice on those who have wronged him.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 13 Oct 2006
Psychonauts A Psychic Odyssey Through the Minds of Misfits, Monsters, and Madmen. This classic action/adventure platformer from acclaimed developers Double Fine Productions follows the story of a young psychic named Razputin.

Price -92% 0.82€
Rating 9.3
Release 11 Oct 2006
Advent Rising A common legend pervades the galaxy-that of a powerful, highly intelligent ancient race that will one day deliver the universe. They are known as Humans. The Advent of Humanity Begins...

Price -92% 0.86€
Rating 7.4
Release 14 Sep 2006
Company of Heroes Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.

Price -84% 3.09€
Rating 9.2
Release 11 Sep 2006
Insaniquarium Deluxe The craziest aquarium game ever! Tend to your fish, keep them happy and they'll reward you with coins and jewels. Buy tank upgrades or egg parts which hatch different in-tank pets. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 30 Aug 2006
Heavy Weapon Deluxe It's shoot-'em-up arcade action at its best! Use an incredible assortment of heavy artillery to blast away enemy tanks and planes, and fight your way to victory. What are you waiting for? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get into the action!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 30 Aug 2006
Feeding Frenzy 2 Deluxe The feeding frenzy begins again! Swim and swerve through underwater worlds, chow down on smaller fish, and chomp your way to ocean supremacy. But watch out: boatloads of pesky predators are looking to make lunch out of you.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 30 Aug 2006
Zuma Deluxe Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 30 Aug 2006
X3: Reunion X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.

Price -90% 0.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 21 Jul 2006
X2: The Threat X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.

Price -85% 0.74€
Rating 7.8
Release 21 Jul 2006
The Ship: Murder Party The Ship is a murder mystery multiplayer.

Price -83% 1.75€
Rating 8.3
Release 11 Jul 2006
SiN Episodes: Emergence You are John Blade, commander of HardCorps, an elite security force dedicated to protecting the people of Freeport City. Four years have passed since your first battle with Elexis Sinclaire, a beautiful, brilliant, and ruthless scientist who is out to remake humanity according to her own twisted vision.

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.5
Release 10 May 2006
Shadowgrounds Shadowgrounds breathes fresh air into the action genre with explosive combat sequences, an innovative weapon upgrade system, and an intriguing storyline. The adrenaline-pumping, top-down gameplay and audiovisual fireworks set the scene for this new action experience which also includes single computer (split keyboard or joystick) co-op...

Price -85% 0.74€
Rating 7.8
Release 08 May 2006

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.